Sex Talks - by Matt Hosier

I have just finished reading Sex Talks written by Matt Hosier, it's probably the most frank and open christian book on the topic of Sex that I have ever read. I originally bought this book with my 13 year old daughter in mind. My husband, Grant and I have always had the attitude that we want to be the ones that discuss things like puberty and sex with her before other people such as friends and teachers do.
Anyway yesterday this little gem popped through the letter box, it was finished by 10pm last night! As I quickly skimmed over the chapter titles such as "Doing it like mammals on the discovery channel...Or, what is the purpose of sex?" " I kissed a girl and I liked it...Or, what we should think about homosexuality" "Living in a divorce culture...Or, what happens when nothing lasts" "Plumbing and Temples" to name but a few, I had a feeling this book was going to be straight talking and written in plain english, (something I really appreciate)!

The book also includes a questions and answers section. The questions were asked by a load of youth at an event, www.newdaygeneration.org The questions were sent in by text message, and were anonymous. They probably cover alot of the questions that you've always wanted to ask but have never quite plucked up the courage to. They come across as answered honestly and every time point you back to what scripture does or doesn't say.

I enjoyed reading it, I'll let you know what my 13 year old thinks! Seriously though, whether you're single, in a relationship or have teenage kids I think it's one you should consider reading. Just click on the link below to order your copy:)

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/sex-talks/18759436?showPreview





www.newdaygeneration.org

Merry Christmas Everyone!

This is something I never thought I would find myself doing, but due to complete lack of organisation we have not managed to send many Christmas cards this year so I thought I would jot down a few events that have happened to The Van Schalkwyks over the last 12 months.

We cannot quite believe that we've now been in Plymouth for just over 2 years, it's been eventful and not without challenge but we're secure in the knowledge that God called us here so we're in the best possible place that we can be. I think the thing that we all found toughest was missing friends and family, even though they are just an hour up the road it's just not the same!

 Plymouth city itself is probably one of the most underrated cities in the country, it has so much going for it. This is one of our favourite places for coffee.We are blessed to live so close to the sea and the moors and enjoy walking the coast path and kayaking out around Plymouth Sound (you just have to be careful of the submarines!)

We enjoyed a fantastic holiday to Cornwall at Easter, the weather was amazing and the accommodation was lovely too. We stayed in a farmhouse just outside of Hayle and enjoyed train rides along the coast to St Ives, surfing, walking, golfing and lots and lots of Cornish produce.We all really enjoyed the hot tub in the garden, Grant's still trying to convince me that we should get one.

Chloe is growing into a beautiful young lady, she celebrated her 13th birthday in April and is currently in Year 9. She enjoys school and has made some really great friends who now come along to the Friday night youth that the church runs.  History, French and Science are her favourite subjects and ploughs through books like nobodies business. She is also becoming a great little cook and we have enjoyed sampling the delicious food she has made for us and others. She enjoyed camping with the youth at a christian event called Newday back in July. They all decided to travel by National Express to the event which is in Norfolk. After something like a 15 hour bus journey they arrived and spent the week with several thousand other teenagers growing in their understanding and knowledge of God. A painful knee condition that she suffered with and had been seeing the physio at derriford hospital for every other week was healed after she went forward for prayer, Praise God! They also enjoyed water fights, thunder and lightening storms accompanied by copious amounts of rain on one of the days and lack of sleep due to much chatting etc, etc!!

Joel is now 9. He enjoys music, art, sport and cooking. He has drum lessons at school but has taught himself guitar after Grant showed him the basics he plays both in the school orchestra and is also involved in the school choir. As I'm writing this he and Grant are out on a bike ride along the Plym trail, I'm sure they will both come back covered in mud and a little soggy, (its raining here). He is becoming quite a comedian and has us in fits of laughter quite a lot of the time. He still really misses not being able to just pop up to the farm and help Grandad out as much as we used to and is certain he will move back when he's old enough!

Grant and I enjoy our days off on Mondays and have recently enjoyed several walks along the coast path around Wembury, it's offers really stunning views. I have recently started work again, just a couple days a week for a Fair Trade Company www.booenterprise.com and am loving all the new challenges! Grant has enjoyed trips to Portugal and will be off to Zambia for a week or so next year to serve the churches and the team there. Church is growing and we are building some wonderful friendships.

I think I'll leave it there. We send you much love and hope that you enjoy a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year

Worship set list

Some worship leaders find this sort of thing useful, so here it is, Sundays set list!

Give thanks to the Lord (Forever)
Holy, Holy, God Almighty (Holy is your name in all the earth)
To God be the Glory (New version, start on Come to the father through Jesus the Son)
Rescuer (Starting on Chorus, O what a saviour)
Lost in wonder (Starting on Because of Jesus unfailing love)
You alone can rescue (Starting on We lift up our eyes)

Let rip!

Well hello again! It's been a while since I've been on here but I thought it might be fun to share a few thoughts and going's on in the life of moi!

I have recently been looking for some resources for worship leaders and worship teams and have really enjoyed and been encouraged by Worship central's website http://www.worshipcentral.org

One of the posts that I found helpful was this one http://www.worshipcentral.org/blog/worshipcentral/tim-hughes/let-rip

As worship leaders lets be those who read ourselves full,  think ourselves clear, pray ourselves hot and let rip!!

Rejoice, Rejoice Christ is in you

Have you ever had a day when you just cannot get a tune or a song out of your head? It can really drive you nuts at times but this song really got me thinking about a few things. The songs really rather old and I don't know how many of you will remember it and I may have got some of the words a little muddled but it goes something like this.

Rejoice, Rejoice, Christ is in you

The hope of glory in your heart

He lives, He lives, His breath is in you

Arise a mighty army, we arise.

Now is the time for us to march upon the land

Into our hearts He will give the ground we claim

He rides in majesty to lead us into victory

The world shall see that Christ is Lord.

Rejoice, Rejoice, Christ is in you

The hope of glory in your heart

He lives, He lives, His breath is in you

Arise a mighty army we arise.

God is at work in us His purpose to perform

Building a kingdom of power and not of words

Where things impossible by faith shall be made possible

Let’s give the glory to Him now.

Rejoice, Rejoice, Christ is in you

The hope of glory in your heart

He lives, He lives, His breath is in you

Arise a mighty army we arise.

Though we are weak His grace is everything we need

We’re made of clay but His treasure is within

He turns our weaknesses into His opportunities

So that the glory goes to Him.

Rejoice, Rejoice, Christ is in you

The hope of glory in your heart

He lives, He lives, His breath is in you

Arise a mighty army we arise.

I'm sure that many of you know that my family and I are heading off to Plymouth, Devon in the not to distant future. My husband Grant is a church leader and we have really felt God calling us to the city which for me has brought a mixture of emotions which I will be blogging about over the next few weeks, hopefully to encourage you!!!

The line in the song that goes, where things impossible by faith shall be made possible is so true. When we first looked at the possibilities of moving to Plymouth there were several hurdles and obstacles to overcome but we were certain that this was where God wanted us to be so we pushed on and in a very short space of time he we are, house sold, another house purchased, kids schools sorted and the church in Honiton caught up and excited about the move to name but a few. I am sure that in the days to come there will be many situations that we face as a church and as a family that will seem impossible to man but with God will most definately be possible.