Me & Mel from the Footprints Team, at our 10 year high school reunion.

Have you ever been to a high school reunion? Loved it? Hated it? Wouldn’t be caught dead at one?!

I’ve had mixed experiences. At my 10 year reunion, it felt a bit cliquey and I didn’t enjoy it that much. The best part was being able to “show off” that I was 6 months pregnant with our first child – somebody loved me enough to marry me and have a baby with me! Plus, there’s nothing like a baby (or in this case, a baby bump!) to break the ice.

At my 20 year reunion on the other hand, I had a blast! Why? Because by that stage we’d all grown up, and it didn’t matter anymore who was popular and who wasn’t. I didn’t want to waste a minute and caught up with so many people … I didn’t worry if we’d been in the same crowd or not at school. Only one girl snobbed me off and looked at me like I’d crawled out from under a rock, but I figure that’s her problem not mine (especially as she was propping up the bar with some of the blokes – says a lot I think!).

There was a bit of a catch-up last year rather than a full scale reunion, as it was 26 years after we graduated, but this time I didn’t feel like going (plus it was an hour’s drive away) … so I didn’t. Maybe next time.

I’m just glad I have good memories of the last one, especially when I hear about those who have already passed away. Makes me realise how precious this gift of life is!

But you know which reunion I’m REALLY looking forward to? That will be the FAMILY REUNION in heaven … being with my Father God … and all my Christian brothers and sisters in perfect harmony … not to mention finding out just who I have been able to influence into the Kingdom of God!

(Thanks to Do I really Wanna Blog?: A Letter To My Old School Classmates which inspired this post!)

Yesterday as I ws praying, I had an epiphany. All this can really all be summed up in one all-encompassing prayer: that my kids will be switched on to Jesus! Because once that happens, the rest will follow – the Bible tells me so!

Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you … (or your children in this case).

 

Footprints Team 2010

One of the highlights on the Footprints’ Team calendar is our annual retreat. In years gone by we have stayed at Coochiemudlo Island, as well as Alexandra Headlands and Coolum on the Sunshine Coast … this weekend just past we stayed in a penthouse suite on beautiful Bribie Island north of Brisbane. (Next year I think we need to go to the Gold Coast for something different!). It’s amazing how affordable it is when you get a group together – I highly recommend getting a bunch of friends together for a girlie weekend!

From our arrival at 6pm Friday until Sunday lunchtime, we enjoyed some great chats, participated in team building workshops, relaxed in the spa, took in the ocean views, went for a beach walk, browsed in some quaint stores, and shared some wonderful meals (thanks to Mel, the Footprints resident chef!).

But perhaps the most important event of the weekend was the very special meeting which we held to vote on becoming an INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION. It’s been on my heart for some time to sort out our financial and legal affairs, and the Team agreed. So we voted, and now just have to lodge the forms to complete our incorporation!

The management committee of our newly incorporated association consists of myself (Janet Camilleri) as President (does this mean I can add “el presidente” to my other illustrious title of “the great and glorious leader”?!); Nicola Saad as our Secretary; and Jenny Kalinowski as Treasurer.

Some may wonder, why incorporate? Apart from the financial and legal reasons already mentioned, we felt that this move would help us to become more accountable; allow for future expansion; and enable us to apply for grants to continue serving God and His girls here in Australia. 

It is truly amazing to look back over the past 12 years and see the way God has brought all this to pass, and we are so very thankful!

Next year our Footprints retreat will be even bigger and better … we are planning and hoping that Kathie (our web editor) from Melbourne, and Narelle (our WA rep) from Perth will also be able to join us.

By the way, if you would like to see the photos from our wonderful weekend, you can view them here (even if you’re not on Facebook). And don’t forget to sign up to became a fan of Footprints while you are there!

First, there was an attack on Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, because as a father he has encouraged his teen daughters to view their virginity as special, and not something to be forsaken lightly. He was accused of being old fashioned, unrealistic, blah blah blah. Well I for one say GOOD ON HIM! Casual sex has physical and psychological consequences. End of story. Any wise parent will make sure that their teenagers are aware of this!

Queensland Family First leading candidate for the senate, Wendy Francis, has also had enough of this sort of comment – I couldn’t agree more with the words in her press release here. (Which reminds me, we are planning to interview Wendy in Footprints #50 (due out in May) so keep an eye out for that!)

The 7pm Project also profiled the Big Day Out, sending the irascible Father Bob to be their reporter on the scene. Interesting choice! Father Bob asked several young people, “What would get you into my church / a church?” to which the most common reply was “MUSIC!” and “Rides!” … not surprising really at a music festival!

Well the good news is people, there are plenty of churches that celebrate God with toe-tapping, bop along, joyful music … it’s not all about bowing and being silent, kneeling and praying … try it and see!

Music and rides … hmmm … sounds a bit like Easterfest in Toowoomba, or any of the many other Easter Festivals presented by churches all over the country. The Redlands Easter Family Festival, in my own hometown, is one of the biggest and best!

Finally, to close with some words of wisdom from Father Bob (love him or hate him, you’ll love this):  “Churches try to hit you over the head. We should go for the HEART.” Ain’t that the truth!

I’m following the example of Michelle’s blog , and Thea’s (the one who started it all!) by sharing a couple of pics of my wedding dress. No digital cameras back then so I have scanned these from our official wedding album. Yes, in May it will be 20 years as you can probably tell from the big shoulders, and the amount of crystals, lace, pearls, beading and other decoration on my gown!

I bought my gown second-hand through the Trading Post – after years of trying on gowns at bridal stores just for the fun of it (though always with an “engagement ring” on my left hand LOL), I knew I wanted a mermaid style fishtail gown to show off my slender figure. Alas, 20 years on, I can’t even zip it over my hips let alone any further … but I was probably too skinny then anyway. Twenty years and twenty kilos later … but as I weighed less than 50 kilos (and in fact less than what my 15 year old son weighs) it’s not as bad as it sounds!

Even though fashions have changed considerably, I wouldn’t change a thing. I felt like a fairy princess and would still choose that gown – and the groom too!!! LOL

Feel free to play along and share one of your wedding pics on your blog … or maybe even enter a pic from your own (or a friend’s!) wedding, of you looking glam, into our covergirl comp which closes on 28 February … great prizes up for grabs so check out the previous post for details!

2010 will see the release of the 50th issue of Footprints in May, and we are looking for a FOOTPRINTS COVER GIRL to mark this exciting occasion!

This is not your typical “model” comp – because at Footprints we feature REAL women on our covers – all ages, sizes, shapes and nationalities! What we are looking for is a photo of a woman enjoying life to the full (John 10:10), someone who shines with the love of Jesus (Phil 2:15).

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

• Submit your colour photo as a high resolution jpeg (preferred), or good quality print 10×15cm or larger.
• Send to us with the following details: model AND photographer’s name and address, email and phone numbers, along with a brief explanation (50 words or less) of why you think your photo would make a great Footprints cover.
• Models and photographers must be over 18 as at 28 February 2010.
• By entering, you grant Footprints permission to use your image in the magazine and for promotional purposes.
• Contest open to Australian residents only.
• Footprints Team, immediate family & previous covergirls may not enter.
• Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
• Enter as many times as you like!
• Competition closes midnight 28 February 2010. 

PRIZES

• $80 gift voucher from Light the Dark the Australian Christian party plan—visit their website  at www.lightthedark.com.au to see their great range!
• Pamper Pack including goodies from Mary Kay
• Canvas of your photo from Purdie Photography www.purdiephotography.com
• 3 year subscription to Footprints for you AND a friend!

If you are a budding photographer, this is a FANTASTIC opportunity – your pic on the cover of a national magazine!!!! Or maybe you just have a favourite photo of yourself hanging around – that you think sums up exactly what Footprints is all about. If so, we’d LOVE to see it!

So far we’ve only received ONE entry … so come on Australia, don’t be shy, show us your Footprints smiles!

DISCLAIMER: apologies to any youth leaders out there, I do not mean to offend or criticise with this post. I am sure you are following God and His will for your youth group to the best of your ability. These are just some thoughts I have been having lately, and wanted to express ….

I have often pondered what church youth groups should be like. Should they be a mini-church service with kid-friendly songs and messages? Should they be about serving the community? Or should they just be about giving young people the chance to have some good clean fun?

The youth group I went to was like the first. It worked for me, but could not be further from the mark for my own 15 year old.

I believe all youth groups should have an element of serving the community, to open kids’ eyes to the world around them and the many needs that exist – and how we can all make a difference!

But lately I have been thinking that there is a lot to be said for church youth groups just offering good, clean, fun activities. At work we have been surveying youth about their wants, hopes and needs for our city, and I came across this comment:

“fun youth nights where we do not have to hear about God!”

Can I hear an “Amen”?! It almost feels sacrilegious, but I think I agree! If church youth groups are meeting a need in the community … drug and alcohol free activities for young people … could that be a start instead of the be-all-and-end-all of our evangelistic efforts?

I’ve often heard it said that in third world countries, we need to take care of the people and their material needs before we can offer them the hope we have in Jesus.

So why shouldn’t church youth groups be about meeting this community need? Do we have to bring the “G” word into every youth meeting? Couldn’t it just be about building relationships with young people and their families? Showing them the abundant life we have in Jesus without saying a word (unless they ask)?

And when they see that we are loving and caring people, who have a God who gives us hope and joy, isn’t THAT what should be attracting them to Christ?

Is an outreach really an outreach when we are hitting people over the head with a Bible?

Jesus said that by our LOVE people would know that we are His disciples. There is a time and a place for preaching and evangelism. But is the weekly youth meeting the time to do it? Could it instead be about loving the young people in our community … stirring up a hunger in them, to want what we’ve got?

I have mixed feelings about Christmas these days. My main problem, and I know I’m not alone, is the blatant commercialism and excessive pressure to “spend, spend, spend”. The temptation to prove my love with gifts is overwhelming!

Does anybody else feel like it is just spending for the sake of spending?! Let’s face it, we live in the Lucky Country (even with a global financial crisis), and many of us are blessed to be able to buy whatever we need or even want. It seems such a waste to give and receive presents that will only end up collecting dust, or in a landfill …

My children have never had to go without, unlike my own childhood. But many is the time I have caved into that Christmas pressure and bought them toys and gifts which I *know* they don’t need, and which will be forgotten within days or even hours!

There are so many people in the world who don’t even have access to clean water or food, that it seems greedy and wasteful!

I can’t help feeling that I would rather buy a gift for my loved ones and friends for no particular reason, except that I have seen something that I know they will really enjoy. That to me seems a much better idea than struggling to come up with the “perfect” present on 25 December.

But would I?!

Hope to be posting again here real soon!

Love Janet xxx
Footprints Editor