Posted in Blogging, day 22, July, understand, word a day

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 22 – Understand 

Thought I would touch on something that seems to confound some people.  How I can be both a fully committed follower of Christ and still hold strong views of scientific Theories.  
This is how.  God is all powerful.  The Bible is His Word.  Some of the Bible is meant to read at face value and some not.  The Bible is not a scientific text.  
If we look at the history of the Bible we can see that the Creation accounts should probably be read as allegorical.  They appear to borrow elements from more ancient creation accounts (Dobson, 2005) and were a way for people in biblical times to make sense of a world where science as a discipline didn’t exist.  And in many ways, the actual point of the Creation story was to explain why God Created, not how.  Not in the scientific sense.  Therefore, it doesn’t negate the possibility of God using the mechanisms of the world He Created to cause life to expand on the earth.  
The Big Bang Theory (an unfortunate moniker as it wasn’t an explosion in the literal sense) is another one that seems to stump people; however is one that most Christian’s accept now as we all believe that there was a definite beginning (Genesis 1:1).  It’s what was before that beginning which is debated by science, but not by Christians.  For us, God was and is.  
I find it fascinating that when I talk of people who don’t understand where I’m coming from, I get confusion from both believers and non-believers.  I even found myself defending evolution against an atheist…strange,  I guess that just proves there are sceptics of all types.  
There is something else that is often misunderstood about where I’m coming from.  Science and faith are not mutually exclusive.  The pursuit of science in some ways was due to “religious” people being in awe of the natural world and wanting to know how the world works. That’s pure science.  Little children “understand” that. They may not realise, but they are constantly engaging in science.  
In this way, science can’t possibly be contrary to faith.  My belief in God doesn’t mean that I will suspend logic and reality.  Because my faith is a relationship with a person, and that person happens to be Jesus.  You can’t have a relationship with science.  Science is something that you do.

So, in conclusion.  I am happy to debate both sides, for faith and science.  I’ve experienced all the verbal jousting possible when it comes to both.  
I’ve had people tell me I can’t possibly be a Christian because I “believe” in evolution.  And I’ve had people ask me how I can be a Christian even though I’ve studied science and taken it seriously.  Or the flip side.  It’s all part and parcel of who I am.  Some of my views on other articles of faith are also maybe a little different to others, but…hey, I believe in the main doctrines so that’s all that counts, right?  And that I say that Jesus is my Lord and Saviour.
Posted in Blogging, day 21, July, moment, my thoughts, word a day

July Blogging Challenge- Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 21 – Moment

I’ve just arrived at work and decided to take a moment for myself in the prep room.  Sometimes, it’s a good thing to do as the chaos of a day can be overwhelming.  Though, the chaos doesn’t usually happen at the beginning of the day, but apparently I’ve just walked into chaos.  There’s going to be twenty-fiv children in the older kids room today and they have the visit from the nursing home today.  
As a blessing, we only have six in the babies room today, so I’m looking forward to a bit of peace in that regard. But, right now I want to take a moment to consider what will happen tonight at home.   We are going to have our second Connect tonight and I’m praying that God will move as I know He always has done in the past.  
I know it is early days, but I am trusting God to draw people close who we need in our lives and who, perhaps, need us in their lives.  It is a challenge that I am excited to step into.  After the initial disappointment I realised that I have to stop trying to do things off my own back.  God has got us in this as He has had our backs in everything.  I can only bring to the table what I have in my hands and then let God do the rest.
A shorter post today, but, I think I’ve said all that’s needed.  
God bless. 
Posted in Blogging, day 20, Guess, July, Pierre Bouvier, word a day

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 20 – Guess

Guess who I am?

I was born on 9th of May 1979 
I have dark hair and eyes 
I sing in a band
I have a sleeve tattoo 
I have two daughters

Have you guessed?

That’s right.  I am Pierre Charles Bouvier, lead singer of Simple Plan.

Who remembers making up guess who questions?  I did it in primary school, made them up about myself for class.  But, today I want to talk about Mr Bouvier.  
I have Simple Plan on my mind at the moment because they will be in Australia in September.  Just the thought of them being in the same country makes me smile, even if I won’t get to see them perform. But, today I want to focus on the lead vocalist. 
Pierre.  What can I possibly say about him that hasn’t already been said?  
Having met him in person I can say with all honesty that I no longer need to guess what his personality is.  He is a humble man who cares very much for the band and the fans.  He’s got a sense of humour that I totally get and he has an infectious smile.  
His vocals are raw but so good.  I can pick him from anywhere.  
Meeting him the first time will forever be a favourite memory.  
And I think he’s an awesome father.  At least from what he’s shared on social media. 
Oh, and he’s a dog lover after my own heart.  I still remember when he first got Delilah. 

Oh how time flies and my appreciation for this man as a singer and an all round humble guy? Hasn’t changed one iota.  

Posted in Blogging, day 19, despair, July, word a day

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 19 – Despair

I’m sitting on the train, heading to work and I’ve just finished reading about God’s promise to us that He will send an Advocate to abide in us: His Spirit.  The Holy Spirit.  

In light of this, I know that I do not need to despair for those who are in Christ Jesus.  
However, at the same time it is hard not to mourn for the world. 
There is so much conflict, pain, hurt, in the world right now.  You only have to turn the news on and see.  Terror attacks in Europe, dissent over politics here in Australia.  Politics of fear and ignorance concerning immigrants coming into our country.  Fear of what we do not know.  And sometimes I fear for the next generation.  What are we doing to their world? 
I think we need to start looking to the Scriptures and taking seriously the saying “What Would Jesus Do?”.  It was a big thing when I was growing up.  The WWJD tag.  Perhaps if more of us actually lived it, a difference would we make.  
So.  What would Jesus Do?  
Jesus loves justice.  For all.  He wants us all to repent and turn to Him.  But, there are so many who don’t know Him.  Preaching fire and brimstone is not the answer here though.  Loving others is.  
I’ve already spoken in an earlier blog about what love looks like, but it bears repeating.  Love is a verb, it’s an action that we do.  It is also a feeling, but love is always much deeper than just a feeling and as trite as it sounds, love truly is the only answer to despair.  
Wouldn’t it be amazing that instead of responding to terror attacks with hate and fear that we all took a stand and loved one another.  Showed those who are maligned that we are on their side.  And wouldn’t it be even more amazing if we forgave those who perpetrated those acts of terror and hate.  Not excusing their acts, but understanding where they are coming from and forgiving them for our own souls’ sake.  Hatred festers, but forgiveness heals.  It heals us as much as it heals the other.
Jesus forgave and then told those He graced to go and sin no more.  
We can only do so much, but opening the door for others to know Jesus is a good first step.  
And remember, as it says in the scriptures:  “In this world you will have trouble.  But, take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b 
Posted in Blogging, horses, July, nourish, off topic, word a day

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 18 – Nourish

The word for today is nourish and I really should focus on that.  However, I feel that there isn’t much I can say about the word aside from talking about food and drink and health.  Considering my own health it’s not exactly something I want to talk about right now.  
So, instead I’m going to talk about whatever I want. 
I love how my husband always tries to make me smile when I’m not well or feeling down.  I’m forever grateful for what he says and does in those times.  I don’t enjoy making him worry, though.  And I’m sick of being sick.  I know it’s is just the hazard of the profession I’m in and the fact that when I get colds they tend to linger for a long time.  But, part of me is fed up with it.  I just want to be well.  Winter sucks to be honest.  
I was just thinking that my favourite animal is the horse.  Well, my favourite herbivore is the horse. 
Thowra (The Silver Brumby)
I guess my love of horses have come from the books I’ve read and the movies I’ve watched.  The Silver Brumby, The Black Stallion, Black Beauty, Phar Lap, The Man From Snowy River and the like. 
The Black Stallion
Phar Lap
The Man From Snowy River
The Lipazzaner
Cavalia
Palomino
Clydesdale 
Shire

I don’t think I really need to add any more words to this post.  The pictures speak for themselves.

Posted in blaze, Blogging, day 16, day 17, fire, July, my thoughts, unfold, word a day, Writing

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 16 – Blaze

So, I missed day 16 as I was in a bit of a mood, yesterday.  And then we went out for a work social night, which was actually exactly what I needed.  Anyway, the word for 16th of July was ‘blaze’.  The first thought that comes to mind when I see the word ‘blaze’ is fire.  
Fire is actually quite an amazing…element?  Well, I can’t really explain fire to be honest.  It is a chemical reaction I think? It’s caused by the combination of chemicals with oxygen in the air and gives off heat, and light.  Blue flame is hotter than orange.  
When humans gained the ability to harness fire…that was when civilisation began, really.  That and agriculture.  But, being able to use fire to cook with, and to clear land for use…that was a big thing.  
I love sitting in front of a fireplace in winter, and enjoying the warmth and also watching the flames leap up and fill a dark room with light.  It’s quite hypnotic…and relaxing.  
When I was at school and we went on camps, we used to do this thing where if the smoke moved toward us, we would say ‘white rabbit’ and it was meant to make it move away.  Half the time it didn’t, but it was fun to just yell out ‘white rabbit’ while sitting in the dark and watching the smoke.  I think the teachers indulged us in this activity, until we were tired and headed to our bivvies.  
Fun times.
I’ve seen another use of the word ‘blaze’ when people say ‘blaze it’.  And maybe I’m getting old, but I really don’t get it.  There’s some connection with 4.20?  And I really don’t know.  Sometimes I wish words just had one meaning and we stuck with that… 
Day 17 – Unfold

Today is the 17th of July, and the word of the day is ‘unfold’.  And, right now I’m attempting to write more of my story The Aviators.  I really want to know how the rest of the story is going to unfold as I began writing it in 2008? I think?  No.  2009.
Wow.  Just.  Wow.  That’s longer than the length of time I took to write Adeline’s Choice (You Don’t Mean Anything).  Granted, I’ve experienced massive breaks between writing.  Lots of writer’s block going on there.  But, I think I know how I’m going to end this.  And, maybe I’ll regret how I’ll end it.  But, I need to finish writing the story because…well, otherwise I never will.  
So, I guess we’ll see.  I’m throwing in the “M” word.  Cliche, perhaps….but, you know.  I’m the master of cliche.  

Posted in Blogging, celebs, charm, day 15, July, my thoughts, word a day

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 15 – Charm

Definition:
Noun the power or quality of delighting, attracting, or fascinating others.
“he was captivated by her youthful charm”
synonyms: attractiveness

We often use the word “charming” to describe behaviour that isn’t.  But, I want to talk about the people who I would have to admit could charm the birds from the sky.   I’m going to permit myself to put on my fan girl hat and tell you a bit about my favourite celebrities.  

Number one, of course, is Pierre Bouvier.  I know he isn’t really a celebrity in the Hollywood sense, but he is well enough known to count.  And I’ve actually met him. 
Pierre is such a humble man.  And yeah, I had a crush on him in a big way.  But, it’s now just because he’s such a beautiful person.  Inside and out.  He’s also a good singer and well, Simple Plan wouldn’t be the same without him.  
The next person I want to mention is M Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold. 
His vocals are raw and hard hitting, but can also be tender and emotional.  And he is a larger than life personality when on stage.  I love that.
Then there are the Madden Brothers – Benji and Joel.  
I love these two.  Seeing them perform their album, Greetings From California, in 2014, was an amazing experience. And I’ve loved their Aussie TV appearances from the NRL Grand Finals to The Voice and even earlier their interviews on Rove Live.  I prefer Benji’s vocals over Joel’s and I’ve almost to the point where I can pick the difference between them.
Next I need to mention Travis Cloke.  My favourite footy player.  He gets bagged so much because of his form, but he’s been a loyal Collingwood player for over ten years.

Finally Alex O’Loughlin.  I have no words really for him.  He’s an Aussie, and I fell in love with his Steve McGarrett on Hawaii Five-0.  Then following from that I’ve watched many of his shows and movies.  He is my McTavish face claim…and well.  My favourite actor he is.  

So charming…

Posted in Blogging, day 14, July, miracles, word a day

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 14 – Miracles

Do you believe in miracles?  I do.  It may seem strange for someone who’s scientifically minded to believe in miracles.  But, the definition of a miracle is something that happens without explanation.  And the fact that the world is governed by scientific law does not negate the possibility of miracles occurring.  God can intervene however He likes.  And he has done, and continues to do so.  
Miracles today may not be so obvious, but I believe they do occur.  Of course, the biggest miracle that ever occurred was when Jesus rose from the grave.  Alive, bodily, arose.  The most amazing and most life changing miracle ever.
But, let’s talk about another kind of miracle.  The more colloquial use of the term.  

Today it was a sheer miracle I didn’t burst into tears at work.  My emotions are all over the place.  I think I’m coming down with another cold, and the kids in the toddler room at the end of the day were frustrating me.  Not intentionally.  They could never actually make me angry, but I honestly just couldn’t…. 

And then when they were all gone, nothing had been done cleaning wise.  Well, that’s not true.  

Lots had been done, it just felt like a lot hadn’t been done.  The outside in my area needed to be done.  I think I was just in a bad place.  Everything was done okay.  It’s me that’s not alright.  

Running on 5 hours sleep and coming to the end of that time…. I’m just super moody. And I’m hungry and down and….yes.

This wasn’t meant to turn into a rant about work.  

I LOVE MY JOB.  I’m just tired and unwell and fed up right now.  

So, yeah a miracle I didn’t cry at work tonight.    
Posted in 2016, Blogging, east coast tour, Simple Plan, thoughts

Simple Plan, Australia 2016 – East Coast Tour – My thoughts

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
I wasn’t going to say anything, but I feel I need to.  Simple Plan has been a mainstay in my life for the past 12 (almost) years.  I saw them for the first time in 2005, flew to Brisbane so I could see them.  I was living in Townsville at the time and in those days “big” bands didn’t do the North Queensland city.  Then I moved to Perth, and the boys were meant to come in 2008.  
Now, what happened was that they had booked an 18+ gig and they ended up having to cancel as they didn’t get enough bookings for some reason or other.  The band apologised and promised they would be back.  I personally got upset (and became an A7X fan…) but at the same time I held them to their promise.  And guess what, they kept it.  Five years later, in 2013 as part of their Warped Tour run, they came back to Perth, because Perth wasn’t getting Warped Tour.  
Yes, I saw them again in 2012, once again flying over to Melbourne, and that was absolutely amazing, especially as I met them for the very first time.  
But, the point of my post is this:  it disheartens me to see fans of Simple Plan getting angry at Chuck and/or the band for not scheduling shows in their city/country.  There is only 365 days in a year…and they can’t get everywhere at once.  Also, they need to have breaks so they don’t burn out, and they can also go where there is demand.  Chuck (the band) and management try their hardest to plan the best tours and we as fans need to give them a chance.  And sometimes it’s out of their control.  
Consider the fact that there’s only a certain amount of venues in each city, and then the fact that there may be many other artists and bands touring at around the same time…well, they have to fit their schedule between other events.  

Chuck himself tweeted that they have tried their best and he promises if not this time…there is next time.  We all know that Simple Plan’s tour cycles often go over two or more years…and they often come back.  Take the European Tour as an example.  They’ve toured there twice, already.  

So, in this time period where we are so used to having things instantly…how about we all slow down and remember how to be patient?  The guys love us and love performing for us.  They’ll come see you.  Soon.

To all my fellow Aussie fans.  If you are lucky enough to get to one of their three shows?  

Enjoy and cherish it as a special moment in your life.  Be it your 1st, or you 100th Simple Plan concert.  

Astronaut, out.  


Posted in Blogging, care, Daniel McTavish, day 13, fictional vignette, July, the real McTavish, word a day

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 13 – Care

Going to do another fictional vignette for this word.  Enjoy.  This is Daniel McTavish and his thoughts.  

Thoughts from The Real McTavish

Daniel

Take care of it.  That was always what I promised the boss.  That I’d take care of whatever was necessary.  No job was too hard for me.  Or too easy.  I remember one particular job.  There’d been a betrayal within the family.  A rat.  Rats were exterminated, there was no other recourse for traitors.  
A bullet to the brain was all that was necessary.  And I did it, easily enough.  It was the aftermath that wasn’t so pretty.  Unexpected but I actually felt a hint of guilt.  I brushed it off, though…it wasn’t anything… Or at least that was what I made myself believe back then.  Now in hindsight I know that it was the beginning of the end.  It took a whole year of subterfuge to keep Mickey off my back….and then the hit on the Boss….well…that’s a whole other story…
Suffice to say that the capacity I have to care is a whole lot different these days.  Tyson would tell you – Tyson’s a street kid that I got off the streets – he would tell you that I’m a changed man.  But, I don’t think that’s the entire truth.  I’m still me…except now…well, I have God in my life.  And that explains a lot more than needs to be said.  Though, Mickey doesn’t know.  Colleen made me promise never to contact any of them again…back when we were still together.  She didn’t know….about her father.   Then.  Not until a…well, like I said, that’s a whole other story.  
Anyway… That’s all I have to say…gotta go catch Cath before she leaves.