... Living inspired by the beauty of life, one post at a time.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

A blogging expose - join the blog tour today


I recently had the privilege of interviewing Janet Camilleri, the editor of Footprints magazine and today I am hosting a “blog tour”. Never heard of a blog tour? ..... well a blog tour involves “touring” from blog to blog - a great opportunity to relax with a cuppa, visit a new place, get perspective and be inspired for the journey ahead.

Footprints is a magazine aimed at Australian Christian Women. To help Footprints celebrate its 50th issue, the blog tour is touring from Thursday 24th June – Tuesday 6th July. For more information, you can find Janet at www.footprintsaustralia.com. You will also find the blog tour dates at the end of this article.

Here is my interview

1. Please share with us the motto you live by:

Colossians 3:23 probably sums it up pretty well: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. When it comes to writing and speaking, my motto is to inspire, inform and encourage. It doesn’t matter who the audience is, whether Christian or secular, these are my goals.

2. Can you give us any hints about any exciting things your planning for the next few issues?

We have some great stories planned, all with a Christian perspective. For example: what’s a Christian to do about climate change? A school chaplain opens up her life to us, and shares a typical week; and we have an interview with the woman behind the “Faith Insignias” jewellery range. One feature that I’m working on involves chatting with several women to find out just how they think their lives might have turned out if they hadn’t become a follower of Jesus. We are also investigating the possibility of a full colour magazine, and may even be able to have the magazine layout done by a graphic designer for an even more professional look (currently I do all the layout)!

3. What one word sums up a day in the life of “Footprints”?

Hectic! In addition to running “Footprints”, I am a wife and mother, work in an office four days per week, and then there’s the housework, church, family, friends ... it’s a juggling act, but I love what I do!

4. Can you explain the importance of a fully on line presence for your magazine?

I would love to see our online presence grow and improve. I used to look after the website myself but it just got too much. Thankfully we now have a web editor who donates her time to keeping our site current, which is such a blessing. However I don’t see us making the switch from print to becoming online only. You just can’t relax on the couch, and flick through a magazine, if it’s on the computer! Maybe in years to come it will be different, technology is always changing.

5. Where do you see the future of the magazine in 5 years?

When Footprints first started, we just did what we could with what we have: which wasn’t much! We started small and without a huge cash outlay; but I was confident that if God’s hand was indeed upon “Footprints”, He would bless it (and He has!). From tiny acorns, the mighty oak tree grows! Bit by bit God has increased our skills, supplied equipment, brought new people to contribute their gifts and talents to the magazine, opened doors and given us many opportunities.

I know where I’d *LIKE* the magazine to be in five years time – I have big dreams!!!! I long to see Footprints on the shelves at your local newsagent, or even the supermarket! There are so many “new age” and even witchcraft magazines out there, it would be good to see a Christian alternative! I’d love to see our circulation absolutely explode, I just believe so much in what God can do through the pages of Footprints - it should get out to as many people as possible!

Perhaps one day Footprints might even become a bimonthly or even a monthly publication. Our future is in God’s hands … we serve an awesome God who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever think or imagine (Ephesians 3:20)!

6. What is the best piece of advice you have received in your role as editor of footprints?

Last year I was extremely blessed to attend a Christian Editor’s conference in the Philippines , and the key theme was that it is our job as editors to make others (our writers) look good!

7. I am inspired by the resilience of the human spirit against great odds, what inspires you?

I love hearing testimonies of God at work in people’s lives, and about answered prayer – whether at church, in a chat with a friend, or reading a biography or magazine article.

8. Knowing that you are parenting children through the teenage years what advice would you give me as the mother of a 14 year old?

My children are 16 and 13, so actually I am still in the thick of it!!! We have our good days and bad days, just like any family. I’m certainly no expert, but I think the main thing is to develop a great relationship with your children right from when they are small, and keep the communication lines open through the teen years. No matter how shocked you may be by their confidences, don’t show it, and try to remain calm and reasonable!

9. Who are some of the interesting people you have met on this journey?

It’s been kind of cool, I have had the opportunity to meet some “famous” people along the way. But my absolute favourite is meeting Footprints readers – straight away I know we are both passionate about God, and about reading, and Footprints … and often they are writers as well … which means instant bonding!

Probably the award for “most interesting” would have to go to the first time I conducted an interview for a magazine article. My denomination’s national magazine sent me to interview a retired pastor and his wife who were in their 80’s. They were absolute giants in the faith, yet they were so humble. I was so nervous and new at writing and the Christian life in general, yet they were so down-to-earth they really put me at ease. They were genuinely interested in me, to the point where it was hard to tell who was interviewing whom! And then they prayed with me at the end of our meeting. I was blown away – they were so inspiring and a tremendous example. I hope I am that encouraging when I am in my 80’s!

10. Please finish the following sentence - If I could do anything I would......

Quit my job and work on Footprints (editing, writing, speaking at women’s groups) fulltime!

Blog Tour Dates:

Thursday 24/6 - thanks to Wendy from On the Edge of Ordinary (http://mmuser.blogspot.com/) for kicking things off. Although currently in Brisbane , Wendy will be moving back to Japan within the next few weeks!
Friday 25/6 – we jump over the border for an interview with Julie south of Sydney at http://worksformehomemaking.wordpress.com/.
Saturday 26/6 – Back up to sunny Queensland , where our host today is Kay from the Gold Coast, at http://heartsoulexchange.blogspot.com/.
Sunday 27/6 – Catch our latest interview with Michelle, also from the Gold Coast http://michelledevans.blogspot.com/.
Monday 28/6 – Moving on almost to Melbourne , with Kathie from Victoria at http://proverbs31-woman.com/.
Tuesday 29/6 – Back up to the southside of Brisbane for a chat with Lil from http://motheringmisadventures.blogspot.com/.
Wednesday 30/6 – Head on over to Brisbane ’s northern outskirts for Corallie’s feature on Footprints at http://buchanan-beeline.blogspot.com/.
Thursday 1/7 – Joni from the Blue Mountains in NSW plays host to the Footprints blog tour today at http://every1matters.wordpress.com/.
Friday 2/7 – Go west dear reader, as we chat with Narelle from Perth at www.momentsformum.com. (Narelle is also our WA state rep).
Saturday 3/7 - Back to the Brissie girls, with the popular www.squigglemum.com for an interview with Cath.
Sunday 4/7 – Still in Brisbane , with Paula at http://paulassharingspot.blogspot.com/.
Monday 5/7 – Heading west – but not quite so far this time! Stopping in with Kelly in Toowoomba at http://beafunmum.com/.
Tuesday 6/7 – And finally, an interview practically in our own backyard with Tabitha in the Redlands at http://tabithabird.blogspot.com/.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Watoto Baby Shower

How cute is this outfit?
Friends and colleagues...being the change.
So many gifts  :)
What a lovely afternoon to celebrate a baby shower for little african babies. Sue Colloty (an amazingly big hearted colleague) held the little gathering at a local Park boasting magnificent coastal views. A gathering of open hearted girls turned up with an assortment of clothing and blankets to be sent to the Colour Sisterhood @ Hillsong for shipping to Watoto.

The current babies home in Kampala, Uganda has had over 72 babies in its care since 2009 and has graduated 49 toddlers to the Watoto Children's Villages. The exciting news is that they are opening two further homes in 2010, one in Gulu, Northern Uganda and a further one just outside Kampala at the current children’s village site at Suubi. In order to fit out these homes they have compiled a list of requirements. What a privilege to be a part of this endeavour.

Read about this endeavour at - Colour Sisterhood Baby Shower

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

End in sight for the longest running conflict on African soil

I am so inspired by the work of 'Invisible Children' and was amazed to see their news today (Via fb) about the surrender of one of the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) spokesman. Check it out at http://blog.invisiblechildren.com/2010/06/lra-spokesman-surrenders/

Invisible Children shot the eye opening film 'Rough Cut' which was filmed in 2003. This film highlighted the plight of the night commuters - children of Northern Uganda seeking refuge and safety at night from the night abductions by the LRA. Through their constant lobbying and presence over the last few years much has now changed for the children of northern Uganda. Most recently the signing into law of the LRA disarmament and recovery action at the White House last month has changed the course of history for this nation and the next generation of Ugandan leaders.....the children. http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/06/01/a-future-greater-security-and-hope-people-central-africa

In recent years peace was seemingly within reach, due to the Juba Peace Talks that took place from June 2006 to March 2008 in Juba, Sudan.The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government of Uganda (GoU) engaged in a series of peace talks in order to end the ongoing war and conflict. These peace talks, supported by special envoys from the United States and other nations from around the world, allowed for the longest period of peace in northern Uganda’s 23-year war history. Sadly at that time peace talks ended without suitable negotiations being entered into by the LRA. It is therefore extremely significant that an LRA spokesman has finally surrendered this week. Hopefully more will now follow. Hope is on the horizon.

http://www.invisiblechildren.com/aboutic

Monday, June 7, 2010

Where did the time go?




















I am currently experiencing a disappointing experience ... my children are growing up. How is it that the years just fly by. I remember thinking as a child how crazy adults were to use this expression, yet I now find myself marvelling at how true this saying really is. The years have indeed flown by and I am constantly amazed to find myself whizzing onto the next parenting adventure. If I shut my eyes I can still remember walking in the door with each of my babies, occasionally I even get to hum their lullabies when they have awoken from a bad dream, all though these days are now few and far between. How crazy that I actually miss a tiny body sneaking into bed and was reminded of this this morning as my eldest crawled into bed with me, a rare treat indeed. I was grateful that it was too cold to get up. The onslaught to get ready was soon on as we rushed around to make lunches, pack bags, etc etc. These days instead of brushing teeth and braiding hair I am trying to locate my missing hair straightner and misplaced makeup. The transition to teenager seems to come with a mandatory messy room procedure, how is this possible from a previously meticulous child? I am also amazed that the perpetual cry of every woman "I have nothing to wear" (which by the way is so not true in light of the fact that piles of clothing lay haphazardly on the bedroom floor) begins soooo young. Ahhh, the joys of parenting a teenage daughter.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

"Journeying the wild and unknown way"

Venturing to places unchartered and new
My heart is the compass, leading me through,
An uncommon spirit is lighting the way
Infinite wisdom is needed today,
My mind is the map - detailed and clear
Courage and faith dispelling the fear,
Journeying onward to this unknown place
Continually singing of justice and grace.

© copyright k.weight 2010

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