Hi all, I am sitting at my computer in the wee small hours and have just had a Chamomile Tea in the hopes of being able to go back to sleep. The moon is as bright as a fluorescent lightbulb tonight - our back yard is lit up so brightly it feels like I could get sunburnt just by sitting out there for ten minutes - not going to try though, it's heading for winter here at the moment.

  It has been quite a while since I wrote my first blog ever, which was here (previous entry), and I haven't written another one until now - too busy reading emails all the time. I must unsubscribe from some groups really.

  Our lives have been quite interesting in the last few months, with both myself and my husband looking for new jobs (I chose to leave the ward I was working on and Peter was made redundant), and the purchase of a car or two to keep us mobile. Actually, I managed to write off my old Mitsi two months ago and have been borrowing my brother-in-law's ute until our import arrives into the country.  So, lots of extra expenses and not much coming in to cover it. I have had to go back nursing part time in an effort to make some financial contribution to expenses - God's will, I know. I am sure He wants me to keep up my registration and skills and I would not be working if it weren't for the need to make ends meet. One day - (does one day ever come?) my nursing will be used of God to make a big difference for many, I am certain of this (such big dreams when I was training!), and even now I do hope that I am making a real positive difference for the people I am helping to care for.

  Our homeschool is going well - the workbooks are a welcome respite from thinking up activities to keep the boys out of trouble. Peter is worried that we aren't providing enough "experiences" for Elijah, as he sees other (older) kids at church who can do amazing things like play the piano by ear, or do cartwheels over and over (an ADHD boy). So he keeps wanting to look at sending him back to school. And my sister is so very worried that I am overprotecting him so that he won't be able to cope with "real life" knockbacks and bullying if they happen.

  I think that protecting our minds and bodies and emotions is important, being careful what we see and what situations we allow ourselves into can have a big impact on our spiritual wellbeing - what think you? The other side of the coin is that suffering does produce some very strong character qualities - whether good or not is another matter. But searing our conciences with unwholesome input can make such an impact, and it's difficult to wipe from our memories or feel clean again.

  Anyhow, I must at least try to get another couple of hours sleep so I am not a grumpy, snappy mum tomorrow. 'Night!