Kara-Lyn's Blog

Simple Ways to Bless Your Day:

2006-05-12T16:59:00.000+01:00

* Take joy in the gift of today
* Count your blessings
* Shine in the light of Gods love
* Forgive and Forget
* Grow gracefully
* Seek simplicity
* Obey with a cheerful heart
* Stand and be counted
* Be true to your beliefs
* Encourage those around you
* Invest your time in things that matter
* Keep the faith
* Fill your life with love
* Share God's word
* Be strong in the Lord
* Pursue what is true
* Fuel your faith
* Listen with your heart
* Delight in creation
* Memorize the scriptures
* Celebrate God's promises
* Say your prayers
* Believe in miracles
* Live the life

I'm not sur who wrote this, but I got it on a little card from Ros, so you can ask her! Still I think it's pretty class, even if you did one of those things each day, i'm sure your life would be blessed!

2006-04-09T16:12:00.000+01:00

Hey all,
I dunno if anyone actually reads these things anymore- think everyones converted to bebo, but i dont wana neglect the trusty old blog, gotta keep it updated. I've been getting a few annoying junk emails lately about 'Real weight loss' etc, has anyone else been getting those, cos im feeling victimised here. Ok, a may have put on a bit of weight lately with not being able to be out and about much, but c'mon, I don't need emails about it!Lol!

Ive been listening to a bit of Tim Hughes lately and there's a song called "When the tears fall" that I can really relate to at the mo and I think the words to it are really class. Here's a little snippet:

"When hope is lost, I'll call you Saviour,
When pain surrounds, I'll call you healer,
When silence falls, you'll be the song within my heart....
I will praise you, Jesus praise you,
When the tears fall, still I will sing to you."

I find those words really helpful. When you're feeling low, just knowing that God is there and that he understands and will keep you through it all really makes a difference.

Which Sportscar are you?

2006-03-08T14:04:00.000Z

This quiz is brill, plus it only takes a minute to do, so if, like me, you've always wanted to know what kind of sportscar you are- click here:
http://www.tomorrowland.us/sportscar/
I'm a Mazda RX8 apparently- "You're sporty, yet practical, and you have a style of your own. You like to have fun, and you like to bring friends along for the ride, but when it comes time for everyday chores, you're willing to do your part." Do you agree? Actually, don't answer that!! But do take the quiz, let me know what you got!!

JOY = STRENGTH

2006-03-02T16:40:00.000Z

Something that I read in 'The Word for Today' has kinda stuck in my mind. It talked about joy. Nehemiah 8 v10 says " the joy of the Lord is your strength." If we're joyful it gives us strength, it's absence causes weakness. I dunno about you, but i struggle to be joyful al the time. It's influenced a lot by my circumstances. But i'd love to have real joy. Word for Today says joyfulness is a learned skill. It's a daily decision, that lifts us above our circumstances. When we celebrate each day, we are excercising our ability to see and feel Gods goodness in things we would not have notice before. The first step in pursuing joy is just to begin, now!

Well, it's the beginning of a new month and a new season, so why not a new attitude, I choose to be joyful, then hopefully it'll be infectious!! I realise this 'joyful attitude' mightn't last that long, but im gonna give it a shot, if I fail, i'll try again.
"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalm 118 v24.

Murder Mystery!

2006-02-27T14:20:00.000Z

Well, I have to say I really enjoyed Karens Birthday! The murder mystery was a brilliant idea Ros, and everyone went all out on the costumes, it was great!! And some of the accents were hilarious!! Crikey!! I'm still laughing at them!! All in all a great night! We'll have to do this sorta thing again sometime!

Random new blog!

2006-02-14T16:06:00.000Z

Hey everyone!
Ok, it's actually been too long since i last blogged, cos i couldnt actually remember my password at all, my memory is definately getting worse! So, thought i'd finally got it and posted a nice little blog only to find that i'd actually somehow managed to create an entirely new blog. I dunno how it happened, apparently all you have to do is type in the wrong password and it gives you a new blog site! I did wonder where all my previous blogs had gone and why it had changed colour (Tho i do like their choice of background!) So, you can visit my new blogspot by clicking on this link http://karalynsblog.blogspot.com/ ! In future, i hope to be posting on this blog, but you might wanna check both cos it all depends on which password i remember!!
I'll be in touch soon, hopefully!

Muffin mayhem!

2005-12-20T14:06:00.000Z

Well, I dunno about you guys, but I was very excited to see that Callum has published his muffin receipe on blog!! So, of course, being the wonderful cook that i am...not, I thought I may as well give them a go! They looked easy enough to make actually, but then again, this is me. So first of all I discovered we dont actually have a muffin tray, so after pondering for a while how necessary such an item would be, I decided it was probably quite essential, so I nipped down to Jacksons to get one (by the way, do you think i'd get commission for the Jacksons plug?) Then I made sure I had all the correct ingredients (yeah i'd learnt my lesson from last time) and that was me.

Actually, the receipe was pretty straight forward, not too many places where I could go wrong. Although my crumble topping didnt quite work out- it wasn't so much a crumble as huge blobs of mixture, but I figured it would do the job! So just be careful with that if your trying this at home!! Also be careful not to fill the muffin tray too full of mixture, as it tends to overflow, quite a lot!! I also forgot to get muffin cases when I was in Jacksons, but figured I could get away without them, but apparently not! Yeah the muffins are kinda totally stuck to the muffin tray at the moment, can't even scrape them out with a knife, consequently my family will be eating them directly out of the muffin tray with a spoon tonight! But believe me it is so worth it, cos they taste incredible!! Toffee muffins rule- especially when you use thortons toffee!! So i'm definately gonna try them again soon, try and perfect them and actually get them to resemble muffins too, that would be good!

You know I think that maybe subconsciously, I deliberately made these muffins badly, just so I could make more! They really do taste so good!! But be warned, if you're making these at home- they're not as easy to make as they sound, I reckon they require some baking expertise and if you want them to look nice aswell as taste good, then get Callum to make you some. Actually Callum I reckon you should make a video of how to bake the perfect muffins!! What d'ya think?

I decided that as I was baking, I might as well make a banana cake aswell, and this time I put baking soda in it, so it did actually rise, unlike the last time when i ended up with a cake 2cm tall!! So think i'll go sample some of that now!!

2005-12-06T16:42:00.001Z

Hey all!
Well the count down to Christmas has begun, think i'll have to get myself a chocolate advent calender, they seem to be all the rage, although i have to say it's very generous of you alex, allowing us all to share yours! Thanks!! I'm so excited excited about Christmas tho, it's a great time of year, the season of good will and all that! All the Christmassy things are starting now too- christmas parties, christmas dinners (You have to start those early you know, so that your stomach is stretched and ready for a christmas day!) I'm really looking forward to the reach-out social on saturday too!! Fun fun fun!! Though Rosi made a very good point in her blog, remember the reason for the season. I think as christians, its important for us to make sure Christ is at the centre of all we do!!

And while i'm stealing points from other people's blogs, I agree with ally, there are a lot of song lyrics, from non-christian artists that you can find Christian meanings in. In fact, I was just chatting to Ros the other day when I felt compelled to share with her the inspiring words of Chumbawumba, "I get knocked down, but i get up again, you're never gonna keep me down." You may laugh, but you can actually derive some sort of Christian meaning out of that- We get knocked down by the stresses and worries of life, but, if you know God, then these thing's are never gonna keep you down, it's only for a short while and then God'll help you up again!!

Hopefully see you all on saturday then for the last Reach Out '05 event! Sob!! Bring on Reach Out '06!! Yee ha!!

Do not tidy!

2005-11-23T15:36:00.000Z

You know i was in a real tidying mood today- it's a rare occurance really, so i decicided to clean the whole kitchen- like cookers and all, dunno why i'm admitting this really, but anyway, i'd the whole place cleaned and just brushed the floor, when my granda comes in, in his dirty farm clothes, decides to have something to eat, crumbs everywhere! And has he never heard of a chopping board? Then he drops a container which smashes on the floor, so i have to clean the place again and then he leaves me more dishes to do!! So whats the motto of this story- don't tidy, it's just not worth the hassle!! I read one of those wee fridge magnet things the other day that said "A tidy house is a sign of a wasted life" Think they have a point there!! But i really shouldn't moan, i'm trying to be in thankful mode at the mo!!

How come it's easier to moan about things than give thanks? Easier to criticise than to encourage! My bible notes reminded me that it's so important to be thankful for all God has given us. Even when things aren't going our way, we have lots to be thankful for- our family, good friends, a lovig heavenly father, our church and the freedom we have to worship .... and the list goes on. I actually decided to write down all the things i was thankful for, and when i actually stopped to think, there was so much to be thankul for, i was amazed!! It really humbles you and fills you with gratitude when you count your blessings, just like that old song says that used to be on the radio nearly every sunday morning: "Count your blessings, count them one by one" Tra la la!! Ok, a gold star for anyone who can tell me who sings that?? I think that might be tricky even for Allison, the queen of general knowledge!! Any ideas??

2005-11-17T15:42:00.000Z

Hey hey hey!
Glad to see lots of you guys have got back to blogging!! I love blogs!! Im also loving bebo at the moment too, so thanks for introducing me to it justy, the quizes are great fun- apparently i know Callum better than Justin, but i reckon i just got better at guessing second time round!! I'd recommend joining if you havn't already and of course you have to take my quiz, i think i emailed it to most of yous!!

Have to say the youth service at R affrey on Sunday night was fab, it was great to see all you guys again!! And yous sure do dress to impress in your suits and skirts and all, yeah next time im gonna have to wear a skirt and a hat- if i can find any! Think us Boardmills folk have got very casual these days!!

Ok, just a quick thought out of "Ending your day right" that i thought was class:
" God wants you to approach life with a childlike faith. He wants you to grow up in your behaviour but remain childlike in your attitude of trust and dependance on Him."

Enfolded in his love

2005-11-04T17:10:00.000Z

Hey all! Haven't seen you all in ages, miss you lot. I hear the MAD weekend was well, mad! Hopefully yous are well recovered by now! I haven't been up to an awful lot lately,i've discovered that being ill really isn't all that fun! But i'm on the mend!

Was reading a poem by Helen Steiner Rice called "Enfolded in His Love":

"The love of God surrounds us,

Like the air we breath around us-

As near as a heartbeat,

As close as a prayer,

And whenever we need Him,

He'll always be there."

I think that's really reassuring, just to know that God is so close, he's always gonna be there when we need him- he's only ever a prayer away!!

Gotta go now, but hopefully see you all soon,

xoxo

I'm back!

2005-10-15T15:26:00.000+01:00

Well, i've not been well over the past week and so haven't had the chance to check out everyone's blogs in a while, but it really doesn't seem i've missed much, no-ones been on in ages. Isn't it crazy how like work and different activities we're at suddenly take over and we hardly have time to think? Thats why I found our little bible study thing last friday so refreshing (Like the plug? Yep, i'm on commission!!). It was great though just to find out whats happening with everyone at the mo, what people are struggling with and to be able to pray for and encourage one another. So thanks to all who came and we should be having another little gathering next Friday evening, right? And anyone else who wants to come along is very welcome! I don't think we really finalised a time or what we're gonna do, we should maybe do that, but i found the prayer and fellowship great anyway, so hopefully we'll keep this up!
Talk to y'all soon,
Kara-Lyn
xoxo

I did it!

2005-10-01T15:04:00.000+01:00

Ok well, i did it- managed to survive a whole week without blog! It just goes to show you, anything is possible! lol! Yeah due to the lack of any computer facilities whatsoever at Daisy Hill, i found myself without blog or msn for a whole week- it was quite a traumatic experience, having no contact with the outside world (well actually i did have a phone so it was ok) but still, it was tough going. Glad to see I haven't missed much though- all's quiet on the blog front at the mo, it seems! Had a good enough week in the end tho! Work was fine, accomodation was a bit of a dive, but u get used to it. Not many people living there- only five of us in the whole block of flats actually, as we discovered one night when the fire alarms went off and we had to evacuate the building- all very exciting and we had 6 firemen out, Karen I know your jealous!! lol! But yep, all in all it was a good first week. Now i'm off to the Royal this week, dunno what it'll be like! But i'll soon see! Thanx guys for all your wee messages and stuff this week tho, it really helped! You's are great! Gotta go, but i'll see y'all soon!
xoxo

Off to Daisy Hill!

2005-09-25T17:38:00.000+01:00

Well, as some of you may know I start my dietetics placement tomorrow in Daisy Hill hospital in Newry. It's all a bit daunting, as I don't really know what to expect, but sure at least I know God goes with me. I'm only there for a week to begin with, then i'm at The Royal- equally scary!! Think i'll have a lot of work, so my blogs mightnt be updated quite so regularly now, but ill try my best! My main priority in Newry is gonna be to find a computer that I can use, so that I can keep contact with the outside world, lol!

Oh, better go, it's dinner time. Talk to ya's soon!
xoxo

Sunrise, Shopping and Spiritual Nourishment (A good combination!)

2005-09-23T15:57:00.000+01:00

Hey all!
Well, not wanting to rub it in or anything for all you working folk among us, but i'm just back from a wee shopping trip to Belfast and it was fantastic! So many shops, so little time! I think shopping should actually be classified as a sport, i mean theres all that power walking around and then theres the skill involved in finding the best bargains and fighting the fellow shoppers for your size of top, before the quick sprint to the checkout! Anyway, i managed to get a few bargains, so i'm happy, shopping gives you such a buzz!!

Oh, on a completely different point (yet related to my last blog), i saw the sunrise on wednesday from the train! Yes, thats how early i was up, hope yous are impressed?! And it was so so pretty! Even worth getting up for every once in a while! Although, you've gotta pick a good clear morning, like wednesday, but i'm sure Callum would be able to tell you when its gonna be a good day!! Have to say i've really enjoyed my last week off, before I start placement- scary! You know i've been off that long for summer hols (Nearly 5 months actually- how jammy am I?), but yeah, ive been off that long that I really can't imagine working full-time- it's like an alien concept to me! lol! I reckon itll kill me to start off with!

Before i go, one of the wee footnotes in the Life Application Bible made a class point. It said we get spiritual nourishment not only by what we take in (through bible study, prayer, church etc), but also by what we give out (through doing Gods will, his work). And it's so true, we've gotta have both in our lives, taking in aswell as giving out. One last little quote:
"Faith is a gift that grows as we use it."
Thats me for now, but i'm sure ill talk to you all soon! Have a good weekend!!
xoxo

Open your eyes

2005-09-19T12:29:00.000+01:00

Well done to all of you who got the name of the that film, it was indeed, "Bring it on." Glad to see i'm not the only film junkie! Although judging by Callum and Justins extensive dvd collection from saturday night, i'm clearly not the worst!! By the way karen, I do hope Fred has recovered from the vicious attack on saturday night and hope theres no long-term psychological damage. People just don't seem to realised that cars have feelings too- have they never seen Herbie?!

On a completely different point and at the risk of sounding cheesy, I think that we don't always appreciate creation enough- like have you ever just looked around you at the countryside and just been amazed at all God has made? I was in Newcastle on Saturday, having a picnic beside this waterfall in Donard forest (no slagging please) and it was so beautiful, I think it does you good just to step back for a moment and appreciate the wonders of creation. Little poem:

Open your eyes,

What do you see?

Do you see all creation?

Do you see it's beauty?

If not, then you should

Open your eyes some more,

'Cos it's waiting out there

For you to explore.

Ok, well now it's time for me to go now, get some lunch. Think soup would be good today cos it's freezing in here- yes im still in two fleeces, Colin still hasn't got a heater. Wotcha playin at bro? Get it sorted! lol!

Brrrrr, it's cold in here!

2005-09-16T21:14:00.000+01:00

Has anyone else noticed how chilly it is these days? Maybe it's just me, i dunno. Like i'm sitting in Colin's room on the computer at the mo with 2 hoodies on as well as a top (long-sleeved of course, for extra heat) and im still cold. Although his room is always freezing, in fairness!

I'm just about to pop round to rosi's now- we hav been thinkin about the possibility of having some sort of small group bible study type thing on a regular basis, which of course we will be telling yous all about. We're just gonna discuss the master plan now, but watch this space, we'll keep you al informed!! How exciting!!

PS-Does the title of this blog remind anyone of a film? Maybe its just me, I watch too many movies!! Although ally, you might get it right (Ally knows everything), no pressure Al!

Blessed Be Your Name

2005-09-12T17:35:00.000+01:00

Has someone already used this title? It sounds kind familiar, maybe it's just from the song! Well, it's a quality title anyway!

Life's always got it's ups and down, but at the moment my life's kinda rosey (Bit of a pun there that a few of you might pick up on, lol! Sorry!) And i'm just reminded of the song 'Blessed be your name." There's a line in it that says " Blessed be your name when the sun's shining down on me, when the world's all as it should be, blessed be your name." It's funny, cos normally when I think of that song I think about how it's easier to praise God in the good times than the bad, but actually I think quite often I call out to God in the bad times, yet forget to praise him when things are going well for me. I think it's important to do both, just like the song says.

Lately I've been made more aware of the importance of coming to God each day for new strength and encouragement. It's like Ros was saying, you can't just go to church on a Sunday and get enough 'spiritual food' to last you for the week, we need to come to God every day, it's the only way he'll teach us new things and help us to grow closer to him.

Ok, think thats all I have to say for now- oh except i'm starting back at G.B tonight (as an officer, before I get any wise-cracks!) and I have to take the seniors for scripture which i'm a little nervous about, so please pray for that!! Thanks

Oh, also, there's a thing called 'The Element' on this Saturday night at 7.45 at Elkana church in Carryduff. It's kinda like a mini mannafest sort of thing. But Hadden Wilson (old minister of Ballynahinch Baptist) is speaking at it- he's normally very good, and as if that wasn't enough, Wes is doing the praise. Seriously, this guy is an amazing worship leader, so good. So just to let you all know in case you wanna head down to that, a few of us will probably be going! Ok, that's definately me now! Thanks for reading!

Reassurance

2005-09-07T19:56:00.000+01:00

Did you ever read a verse from the bible and think wow, thats class and then completely forget about it? Well apparently I do. On sun night, I was reading Matthew 6 v 34 from the Message
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." I remember reading that verse on Sunday and thinking it was a class verse. Then forgot about it somewhere along the way, but when i came across it again today, it was just exactly what I needed to hear. I found it reassuring to know that God's right there with you and will help you through every challenge you face, so there's no need to worry, cos He'll help you through.

Number One

2005-09-05T17:26:00.000+01:00

I've been learning lately the importance of putting God first in my life, above all else. I think sometimes, its so easy to get caught up in other things and other problems that we lose our focus. Matthew 6 v33 says "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." If God's number one in our lives, then everything else will fall into place. My bible notes last night said "God knows what you need and is well aware of your hearts desires and he will grant them if you will just pursue you purpose by seeking him first." So at the mo i'm trying to put God first in all areas of my life and to do his will. Then, where the will of God leads me, the grace of God will keep me!

A word on prayer

2005-09-03T16:00:00.000+01:00

I've realised over the past week or so the importance of prayer. We should pray about everything because God cares about every aspect of our life and he wants to be part of it. As I was reading through John ch 1 today, the first few verses reminded me that "God created everything there is" (vs3), including us, therefore he knows everything about us and he knows whats best for us. What better reason to trust in him, the one who made you.

Also, our lives should imitate Christ. Jesus spent much of his time in prayer. If Jesus, the Son of God, who is all powerful, saw the need and value of prayer, how much more should we, who are weak.

I dunno about you, fellow bloggers, but i've found that keeping this blog has really made me think more about things, like what God's saying to me and it's really helped me to get more out of my own quiet times. I've found it so helpful and encouraging to read other peoples blogs too, so keep up the good work guys!

Oh, my bible notes today said "You should speak only words of encouragement that will build people up and make them feel better." Perhaps a lesson to all of us, eh Callum? So instead of telling me "You're really old," you could say " You look young for your age." Do you see the difference there?

2005-09-01T14:30:00.000+01:00

Ok, I must warn you before you start, this may be a long blog, cos I have been cut off from blogland for like a whole day. I know, you'll probably say its a good thing, but still it was very traumatic for me! (Ali, as a fellow addict, you'll understand!) So this actually has the potential of being so long that i'm gonna have to use sub-headings!

Hi-jacked!
As some of you will know already, my phoneline's down (and hence, internet connection) cos of the lightning yesterday, supposedly. And we might be cut off for a few days! Although i'm starting to wonder if someone's deliberately trying to cut me off from blogging. Well i hope you have noticed, i'm on.. he he! I won't be defeated, a blogger addict will always find a way!

First days
For all those who started back to school today (Ros, Karen, Callum... is there anyone else?), hope you had a good day and that the kids weren't too scary! If you're stuck i've heard bribing them with sweets works a treat (fruit pastilles especially seem to work well!) Just remember, if you don't have time to check your blogs, and everyone elses, then you're working too hard!! I'm beginning to wonder if blogging could be added to the school syllabus? It's very educational! Think it could be worked in as part of English class very easily!

Ring, ring, ring!
Just so you know Alex, i'm totally blaming you for this. Ever since your doorbell story last night, i've had two people ringing my doorbell today and then running off (ok, i think one of them was my mum, but still). I just don't know what's going on- by the time i got downstairs, there was no-one at the door. Very mysterious!

Bible bit
My bible notes the other day seemed to be speaking right to me. They seemed to describe just how i'd been feeling lately, saying "You don't expect anything good to happen so that you're not dissappointed when it doesn't. You avoid hope to protect yourself being hurt." Now up until the past couple of weeks, that was my attitude, and I guess I didn't even realise just how negative an attitude it was until I read it written down here. But the bible notes went on to say that this negative attitude has a negative impact. We should be positive. Jesus endured tremendous difficulties, yet he remained positive. So i've decided that this is exactly what I should be working at and i'm gonna try to have a more positive attitude in order to have a positive impact on others. I wanna be someone who brightens other peoples days, not someone who drags others down. I know it'll be hard to keep this up, so isn't it just aswell i've got God beside me and I can rely on his strength, not my own!

Sorry this has been so long, but I had a lot to say!

Only if you're bored!

2005-08-29T22:45:00.000+01:00

Well, i told some of my friends i'd put on a link to tickle on my blog, so here it is! For those of you who aren't familiar with tickle, it's a website with loads of different quizes, which are great fun if you've a bit of time to kill! I got totally hooked on them in uni- they got me through manys a computer class! So check out the sites if you've got a mo! Some of the current quizes include: "What's your true colour","What kind of household hero are you?", "What's your Cinderella story?"and "Are you a risk taker?." Maybe there next quiz will be "Do you have irrational fears?", eh Karen? Hope you've been checking how the voting's going on Rosi's site!

Hello and welcome

2005-08-28T21:53:00.000+01:00

I'd just like to extend a very warm welcome to ali bell and alex who have now joined blogland. As an old hand and this now though, i must warn you that it is very addictive and you'll find yourself not only updating your blog all the time, but also checking everyone elses blogs and leaving comments. And the list is getting longer of all the blogs to check, as more and more reach out leaders join the craze! Have to say i'm lovin it tho, everybodys blogs so different too- it's great!

More on joy!

2005-08-28T16:34:00.000+01:00

I was thinking some more about joy and I remembered a book that I read a few years ago called "Be joyful" by Warren Wiersbe ( I'd definately recommend it, so if anyone wants to borrow it, you're more than welcome!) Anyway, it's based on the book of Philippians and what really amazed me when reading it was that Paul wrote this joyful letter to the Philippians when he was in jail, awaiting trial. So clearly, as Wiersbe says " the secret of Christian joy is found in the way the believer thinks- his attitudes. Afterall, outlook determines outcome." It makes sense, doesn't it?

Another thing that challenged me is that Paul doesn't blame God for his circumstances- instead of writing "Christ has put me in chains", he says "I am in chains for Christ." He sees that Christ has put him there for a purpose. What a great attitude to have. Imagine if we looked upon our circumstances as God-given opportunities to share Christ's love. We should rejoice at what God is going to do, instead of complaining about what God did not do. If we did that, just think how more joyful we'd be!

PS- Went to see the Dukes of Hazzard last night- hilarious! Had me in stitches! I was feeling brave last night too, so i dared to try the new green fanta. Despite its freeky luminous green appearance (looked kinda radioactive), it's actually really nice. Try it if you dare!

Baking fun!

2005-08-27T19:25:00.000+01:00

Well, I was baking yesterday, as you do! Actually mum left a note saying "No bread left, either walk to the garage and get some or bake some." So obviously I went for the second option- much more fun! At this point I should probably point out that it was quick bread, which even I should be able to make no problem- just add water. So I greased 3 wee baking tins, ready to put the mix in and discovered that one of the mixes was actually for scones, so had to do them on a tray instead. I'm left with one too many greased baking tins, so instead of simply washing out the tin, I decided I might as well make use of it, so I decided I would bake a cake.

So, i'm searching through the receipe book looking for a pretty simple cake to bake and I came across one for banana cake. That'll do nicely, I thought and so proceeded to make the cake. How hard can it be ? If I just follow one line of the receipe at a time it'll be fine. So i creamed the margarine with the sugar. Next line "Add eggs", no problem. Next "Add mashed bananas". Hmmn. Now clearly, when making a banana cake, the first thing you'd make sure you had would be bananas, right? Well, apparently not, in my head. I was too busy looking for an easy receipe to worry about silly things like having the right ingredients. Luckily though, my Granda came to the rescue- apparently he has a secret stash of bananas in his bedroom! I didnt stop to ask questions, just continued with my baking. Next line, "Add self- raising flour." Well I couldn't find any actual self-raising flour, but found some sort of flour in a container in the cupboard, and all flour's the same right? So I threw some of that in, mixed it all up, spooned it into the baking tray and placed it in the oven! Easy!

At this stage I thought i'd better check on my bread. Yeah, I kinda forgot the fact that bread rises and so was now stuck to the top of the oven (opps, don't tell mum!) Next, the scones, how are they shaping up? Yeah, so they're burnt and rock hard, no problem, i'll just call them rock cakes instead. As for the banana bread, well it turns out that all flour is not the same and self-raising flour is kind of a key ingredient. So the banana cake ended up about 3cm tall and i had to rename it banana flatbread. But still, it tasted good, though you didn't need to eat too much of it cos it was so dense.

Still this hasn't put me off baking, so if you've any good receipes, i'd be willing to give them a shot. Think I might try a Baked Alaska next! lol!

Kara-Lyn

In Pursuit of Joy

2005-08-26T19:11:00.000+01:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about joy- Why's it so hard to be joyful all the time? Why do i let little things drag me down? I'm convinced that being a joyful christian is a powerful witness- if others see a joy in you, even when things aren't going your way, they're gonna ask why and what an amazing opportunity that is to point them to Christ. So, with that in mind, i'm determined to keep working at this.

This week i've been spending more time in my quiet times with God (and this blog has def helped me think about things more) and i've been more joyful this week. So clearly there's a link there: spending more time with God is the key to being more joyful. So, i'm gonna keep working at this- let me know if you notice the results!!

Not off to a bad start today actually, i bounced out of bed this morning- quite literally! That kinda makes it sound like i was up early, lol! Not at all- maybe thats why i had the energy to bounce?!

Kara-Lyn

PS- A quick "hello" to my Auntie Anne who now reads my blogs!

Amazing potential!

2005-08-25T17:45:00.000+01:00

Firstly, i must say i'm impressed that everyone's managing to keep their blogs updated! Especially the working folks amongst us (Not me, obviously!) Oh and i'd like to say "Welcome back" to Ali Bell, i look forward to hearing all the goss from malawi!! Have to say i found Callum's latest blog thoroughly entertaining, so if you want a quick weather update, check it out- especially those star-gazers amongst you!

Ok, down to the spiritual stuff. I was tidying my room today (for all of like five minutes) and i came across a little verse that i'd jotted down ages ago, but the words of it really struck me:

"You're writing a Gospel,

A chapter a day,

By the deeds that you do,

And the words that you say,

Men read what you write,

Whether faithful or true,

Just what is the Gospel,

According to you?"

I think we often forget that people are watching us and how we live- you may be the only

sermon someone ever hears! You could read this and think, "Wow, scary", or you could read it and think, "Wow, look at the amazing potential i have to impact people for God."

Kara-Lyn

Ps. Yeah Ros, i do realise that you'll prob have broken into finding nemo mode by now, but i had to write it anyway, lol!

Summer 2005

2005-08-24T19:56:00.000+01:00

D’ya know I was just thinking last night about the camps and things I’ve done over the summer and about how much God’s taught me from each one.

At Carlow camp what really struck me was that for a lot of the teenagers who came along, this was the only chance they got to hear the Gospel all year. They didn’t have youth fellowship, GB, BB, Christian events or even a church that they could go to. For a lot of them, this was all they had and they were so eager to learn more, they’d so many questions in our small group times and were so keen to learn, “How can I live out what I’ve heard?” Amazing. Yet how often do we take all we’ve got for granted? Are we as eager to put what our minister or speaker has said into practise? Imagine if we did.

The ‘Reach Out’ week at our own church was amazing. God was truly at work that week, changing the lives of both kids and leaders. And it was so exciting to see. There was such a sense of unity in the team and I’ve learnt a lot from each one of them. Guys, God has given each of you amazing gifts and talents, which were so evident that week, keep using them for His glory. I loved the praise times too (never thought I’d be singing at a mic, but hey, it’s all good!) and God’s presence was really there.

Junior camp, which I was doing last week in Kilkeel, I found quite challenging and tough at times. I’m not really an up front person and it’s scary doing the missionary lesson and memory verse and all, but I learnt that to totally rely on God, cos it’s only in his strength that I’m able to do any of this. The kids were great though and it was a joy to hear some of them give their testimonies on the last night and hear of how much camp has really helped them. There were two girls in particular that had were so full of joy at knowing Jesus personally and it was so evident in their lives- that just blew me away. Are we as joyful Christians? I don’t think that I am, but I wanna be.

I have links- hooray!

2005-08-24T02:45:00.000+01:00

Hope you all like my new updated blog, with links!!! Yeah had to ask my bro how to do that actually, we cant all be as smart as Karen! lol! Seriously tho, I was very excited to see two fellow reach out leaders have joined the wonderful world of blog- karen and ros. See how I can do links throughout the text now too!! Wonderful! Hopefully you'll all have checked out justy and colins blogs by now! If not, what you waiting for? They're well worth a read!
Kara-Lyn
xo

7:20am- lol!

2005-08-22T23:56:00.000+01:00

Ok, well i seemed to have managed to get my blog up and running. Although it does say that i published it at 7:20am- hilarious! Like i'm ever up at that time! Dunno how i managed to get it to say that, but hey, it makes me look good so i'll not complain!
K-l

Hey Everyone!

2005-08-22T15:20:00.000+01:00

Ok, so i've now managed to join the wonderful world of blog. My bro's been telling me for ages now that i should and i always thought it would be a good idea, but just never got round to it. So finally, here i am. I've been reading justy's blog actually and it's really class, so thats what kinda swayed me. It's actually surprisingly simple to set up- even for me! So if you haven't set one up yet, think about it. I expect ros to have one set up pretty pronto tho, cos she was just agreeing with me what a good it was!

Anyways, something that really spoke to me through my bible notes the other day was that God is never changing. He has the power to change anything else that needs to be changed, but he always remains constant. Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." I just think thats such a great promise to cling to, especially in times when you're unsure about your future and everythings changing. Rest in the promise that God won't change and he'll never leave you.

Thats me for now! Ally- you'll probably be the first one to read this, so you'd better post a comment to me, ill be expecting one! lol

Kara-Lyn