Gideon meets the Fullers

My (Lizzy writing by the way) family have just spent 3 weeks with us here, and we had a great time together, and took Gideon for his first holidays around NZ.

Here we all are at the top of Conical Hill in Hanmer.


We also went to Nelson and the lovely Milo took everyone out on his boat, (though Gideon and I watched that particular outing from dry land!)


Lucky Gideon got taken for lots of walks in his front pack - which seems to have an amazingly soporific effect on him. Almost without fail he'll fall instantly sound asleep. Here he is after a walk on Uncle Ben

I loved spending time with my brother and sister. Unbeknownst to me, in the past 4 years my brother has turned into a real foodie - and they're both coffee connosseurs now too.

Here we are together in the botanic gardens (between coffees).


All the Fullers were suitably enamoured with Gideon I'm pleased to report, and did a wonderful job of helping us look after him - it's a good thing the other grandparents arrive in a week's time though - I think he got very used to all the cuddles!

Here's a six week old Gideon enjoying all the attention from his Nanny Lorraine.


And because this is actually supposed to be Mothy's blog really, here he is having some tummy time with his son!

2009 Minty1 - Raumati, Kapiti

It's Feb 1st. We're already 1/12 of the way through 2009. And today is the start of 2009 TSCF Minty - the Ministry INTernship Year. From Feb to Nov Minterns, who are recent graduates, are trained and enthused about the grace of Jesus. This year is all about grace - giving things a go and growing in the knowledge and love of Jesus; all within the student context.


The aim is based on Psalm 92:12-15 - that each man and woman may grow gospel convictions that last a lifetime.
Here's a fuller explaination of what we're trying to achieve with Minty.

Minty is very exciting.
It's exciting to see a focus on input into the Minterns rather than a focus on output.
It's exciting to see a focus on grace.
It's exciting to see transformation as Minterns grow in experience of handling the word of God correctly, ala 2 Tim 2:15.
It's exciting to have 3 residential conferences throughout the year, and all in baches by the beach which is a lot of fun.
It's exciting because Minty is discipleship training that is refreshingly different.
It's exciting for me to be part of it. I'm well looking forward to working with and training Nathan here in Lincoln, and all other Minterns nationwide as I care-take Minty throughout NZ whilst my colleague Andy recovers from a cycling accident.

Minty1 conference starts tomorrow, at a bach in Raumati, Kapiti Coast. The Minterns will be nervous, thinking 'just what have I let myself in for?' and I'm nervous in leaving Lizzy & Gideon at home for a week without me. I'm not looking forward to leaving them home alone, nor the 5.30am departure, but I am looking forward to the rest of the week!