Genealogy Update

I promised updates as they came to hand, so here’s the first in what I hope to be a frequent list of updates.
I was in Central Library on Thursday for a good part of the afternoon, with a mission to find out more of my family line. Prior to this, my lineage became ‘cold’ at my Grandfather (on Dad’s side, the line I am fervently tracing). My aim was to discover who my Great-Grandparents were. After four hours of searching, I came away with what can only be described as a ‘baby-step’ – but it’s still a step nevertheless.
Going through early Electoral rolls, I have found a list of three possibilities of who could be my GG. Although (after some careful out-of-library research) I may have – by process of elimination – discovered who of the three it could be, I can’t help but sit in the chair of “Un-Confirmation”. I would like to confirm beyond all doubt that my Granddad’s Dad is so-and-so, and thus continue my trace of the Sumner family line. And maybe get out  of New Zealand and plow through my ancestor’s homeland.

Watch this space…

Today is a special day for Christianity. Actually, this entire week ("Holy Week" for the more traditional Churches) is special for Christianity. Last Sunday we celebrated with Palm Sunday. This weekend we celebrate what is known as Easter: the atoning death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. But today also holds significance; it is the day that the Lord shared The Last Supper with His disciples. Today (or tonight more to the point) I encourage each of you to celebrate this meal with Him. Invite your home group, invite your friends, invite whoever you want. Get some bread and some wine (or whatever you use in its place) and set up this magnificent table. May we 'break the bread' and 'drink of the cup' as we eat this meal in remembrance of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Μισώ τις δοκιμές

Tomorrow I have not one, but two  tests! The first is a short Greek test, where I get to see if I not only learnt the Greek alphabet (in addition to twenty words), but if I also learnt the Greek grammar (order of words and the like). The second is a bit trickier; my Theological Method  90-minute exam.
I think there are two things on my list of things to do: Study (which I have done, and will do again), and Pray (which I will continuously do). And I’m ready to bet that I’m not the only one in this camp.
Oh well, in any case, I’ve got my hot Chicken soup in hand, and numerous books out in front of me. The fun never ends for a student of the Λόγος.

Peace out!

A Step Forward For Genealogy

Ever since the first few opening weeks of my Spirituality for Ministry class (latter half of last year), I've developed something of a taste for Genealogy. I have conducted numerous internet searches for my forebearers and turned up nothing. The best I can do is get an exhaustive list of migrants to America, which of course doesn't help me. After countless efforts (and failures!) to establish something of a link, last Thursday marked a significant step forward, one in which I aim to build upon.
The image at the top is my Coat of Arms. I got that image after - by accident - stumbling upon a stall at Northlands offering the historical origins of a myriad of last names. Me, being curious and incredibly interested, checked it out, and walked away with an A3-sized 'history of my name', framed. Having gotten a hold of where (and when) my surname originated from, I have at least something to trace back to. I've also been informed by my sister that my Dad holds a wealth of family records, so no doubt I'm going to touch-base with Dad something in the very near future.
After nearly half a year of failures, things are starting to look a tad brighter. Hopefully I can check back with some more info after visiting Dad. But for now, I at least know of my Coat of Arms, as well as its history (and what a history it is as well).

March 31

March 31: The end of the Financial Year.
March 31: The date for the major stocktake of Window Treatments.
March 31: The bane of my existence here on earth.

Yesterday was the day that I loathe the most. There’s something unappealing to going to work and counting virtually everything in stock. And yet myself – and a handful of the W.T. veterans – arrived that morning ready to arm ourselves with stock sheets and pens, ready to do such meticulous counting. Gaaahh! The only part that was enjoyable? The five savouries and two cake pieces I ate during break (generously shouted by the boss, a long-standing tradition on ‘Stocktake Day’).
After completing that task, I returned home to resume another arduous task: my essay for Sermon on the Mount. I’ve made awesome progression (and discovery) through my research phases, and this afternoon I set out to continue turning my many pages of notes into structured essay. And with Tuesday morning as the time I hand it in, I’ve certainly got my work cut out! The real problem is in how to word my rough notes into the essay. Should be interesting…
In other news, the Crusaders took on the Hurricanes last night, and me and a mate overseas had a drink riding on the game (Coke v Lift Plus). When he gets back in a month’s time, I will have to tell him the “good” news that the Hurricane’s got done! He’s a Wellingtonian, you see, and loyal as anything. Almost as much as I am to Canterbury. Oh well, a Coke for me!
As I’ve always said: C’mon you Crusaders!!!