some of 2009.

Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

"The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—
light! sunbursts of light!
You repopulated the nation,
you expanded its joy.
Oh, they're so glad in your presence!
Festival joy!
The joy of a great celebration,
sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.
...
For a child has been born—for us!
the gift of a son—for us!
He'll take over
the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
Strong God,
Eternal Father,
Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.
He'll rule from the historic David throne
over that promised kingdom.
He'll put that kingdom on a firm footing
and keep it going
With fair dealing and right living,
beginning now and lasting always.
The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies
will do all this."

arvoinen

Kun Yhdysvalloissa piti päättää kuulennon rahoituksesta, senaattiin kutsuttiin kuultavaksi Nasan edustaja.

Joku kysyi: "Mitä hyötyä avaruusohjelmasta on turvallisuutemme kannalta?" Rakettimies vastasi: "Ei ehkä mitään. Mutta se tekee maamme puolustamisen arvoiseksi."

- Tuomas Nevanlinna HS 16.12.09

[:eureka!:]

I've just realised,
that without intentionally doing so,
this tour has been quite a mission trip...

I have painted houses, organised parties, prayed and laughed and cried and preached,
fed hungry kids on streets, listened to lonely people, prayer walked,
worked in a christian café in a council estate, helped with a prayer room in a college,
worshipped, and seen God come through!

Jesus is my travel agent. :)

Stay tuned...

"It's a name for a girl It's also a thought that changed the world"

Grace. It's new every morning.





Here: In Tilehurst (Reading) with the new christmas tree (ain't it pretty!)



And in train somewhere between Aberystwyth and Birmingham.


[So break into story
Take it over
Paint me with colour]

"the Spirit says come"

do you want to look for My fullness?

do you want to make history with Me?

do you want to count for My Kingdom?

do you want to see miracles and stand for justice?

do you want to see reconciliation and people set free?

do you want to see nations transformed by the power of prayer?


the come follow Me,

and I will show you where to go.

it's not the the platform and the spot-lit speaker.

it's not the the conference, the meeting or the camp.


come with Me to the darkest places

come to the hurting, the howling, hollow faces,

come with Me to the addicted, convicted and caught

come with your light, run with your salt,

come to the sorrow; the suicide tree

come to the stable

come follow Me.


~poem by Ian Nicholson, from the book Red Moon Rising (by Pete Greig)

...requiem...

Honestly I think I can say this is the very first time
when I'm blogging with Mozart being sang (live) in the backround. I'm in lovely Wales town called Aberystwyth, spending few delightful days with my adorable younger sister. She is such a joy and smart one too, just got few essays back today weith top results. Apples don't fall far from trees :)

In last few days I have been to two interesting lectures, one about Climate change in the view of international relations: comparing Copenhagen and Versailles agreements and Political Philosophy: Global justice. I quite enjoy studying philosophy and political systems, reasons and causes. Maybe I should go back to uni one day, to see if I#d have what it takes. I wonder if they have anywhere a school that would teach visual and political philosophy. I could easily do cross-subject study. And we went to see amazing, tear-provoking photo exhibition "Disposable people" ...so issue of justice is on the table. I like it, very challenging.

At the moment i'm in a choir practise (hence Mozart) and next we are going to have some sushi for dinner.
Now last chorus they are standing up already, this one I want to concentrate on listening, so bye for now,
be blessed!

x E from Wales
(land of water and hills and sheep)

"...travelling mercies..."

Morning greetings from BR 217! :)

Yesterday, late morning and coffee and almond croissant with a lovely

person whom I admire and look up to!

Last night, amazing fun delicious Thanksgiving meal with

brilliant bunch of people called Transit 09-10,

my first Thanksgiving meal prepared by real american mother.

It's like Christmas would have come early this year...

And who was the King of the jungle again? :D

Day before it was community meal and prayer/worship night...

And for last two days sun has been shining. Thank God.

This morning early wake up to morning prayers, I love

living in a house with a dedicated room for prayer.

Then some football + trampoline, nana tea and hot shower.

I feel at home, because God lives in this place.

Tonight we are going out with a double-decker bus to reach out

to the youth in this community and have a Thanksgiving street party.

I feel so blessed and something in me would like to say that

let's stay here, let me build my tent in here.

But journey doesn't stop here, it's time to hit the road again tomorrow.

I want to trust that God's (travelling) mercies are new every morning

and if I step out in faith and go where He leads me,

there will be more blessings on the road to come.

Sure I don't want to miss those (and make my companions to miss them

by not being where I should...)

So I am thankful for this day, these blessings

these people

for joy and struggle

I want to walk on with faith and with courage

I want to find my place to be a light in the darkness.

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,”- Hebrews 12:28

essaying about wild.

"‘He’s wild, you know. Not like a tame lion’"

...

"‘Safe?’ said Mr. Beaver; ‘don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you’"

- C.S. Lewis, Narnia: the lion, the witch and the wardrobe

"A woman is a warrior too. But she is meant to be a warrior in a uniquely feminine way."

I'm writing an essay with title "Define "wild" as part of christianity, if there is any?"

and here are some thoughts this far (S, if you are reading this, now you know how i got to final product...)

* defining wild: not under my control, not bound by expectations, ...

* dictionary definitions: uncontrolled or unrestrained, esp. in pursuit of pleasure, random, haphazard,

stormy, inhabited, dishevelled, living or growing in the natural environment; not domesticated or cultivated...

* my thesis is that wild is an essential part of christianity, now just have to find good arguments :)

*Jesus was often wild, He did things outside of common expectations or restrictions, but not to rebel but to redeem, He also stormed sometimes and definitely wasn't domesticated

* Holy Spirit is wild (you can't see Him, you can't control Him)

* Father God is definitely wild, have you ever read Old testament? :)

* trusting wild, following adventure and releasing control is to trust God, trusting His goodness

But what does being wild mean to us in every day life?

What is mature wildness?

How do we allow and cultivate wildness?

i like.

...I like warm places like being under blankets, at mediterranean coast, in sauna, and in front of fire place or in sunshine.

...I like sports like playing football, indoor hockey, aquabics, body combat, dance classes, horse back riding, riding a good bicycle, ultimate frisbee, frisbee golf, pretty much all water sports.

...I like cooking spicy foods and delicious chocolate things. (I'll have to marry someone thin my sister said or they will get fat quickly. Or we have to have lots of friends over, or plenty of children ;)

...I like capturing that exactly perfect moment or detail or feeling or look on person on camera. It's a pleasurable thing.

...I like deep conversations, philosophy, faith, theology, international politics, art, religions. I enjoy practising intellect and quick and witty people. I feel limited when talking or writing on other language than my mother tongue when I can't express myself with all shades, feelings, quirks of thoughts.

...I like sailing. Or the image of sailing, I haven't actually been sailing for years. Even though I have lived by sea most of my life.

...I like big mountains. I have climbed on Swiss Alps to 2980 meters.

...I like many things wild, not too domesticated. Wild thing can still be good, or kind.

...I like lemon beer, asian and mediterranean food. I would like to live in a place that grows avocados, lemons, mangoes, mint, sweet potatoes and other nice things and would have bakeries in street corners so I could bye fresh bread daily. But I could not give up rye bread, i think my system depends on it.

...I like stunts. Not all, but things like jumping down of things with sledge or bike or abseiling.

...I like clothes and fashion and all things pretty.

...I like birthdays and friends and celebrations.

...I am almost one year older again, and still learning about who I am and what I really like. And I feel really blessed, even when there are sometimes days that are bit more challenging.

I found this from paper today:

Murehtija ilmaisee itseään ja nähdyksi ja hyväksytyksi tulemisen tarvettaan murehtimalla. Murehtijan omat tunteet ja tarpeet ovat usein kiellettyjä, ja hän heijastelee ulkomaailmaan toteutumattomia tarpeitaan ja tunteitaan ylihuolehtimalla muista.

"Hänellä ei ole ollut tilaa kasvaa omaksi itsekseen",...

HS 15.11 Pessimismistä voi olla myös hyötyä

I want to learn to be a happier person, deeply satisfied. I know it is in me.

<3's...

...akiannianttianttiannikaalinaarierkkiemmaeevaeevaevalauramariasannasonja...

Thank you for being who you are.

Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for a wonderful day yesterday.

Appreciated.

You encourage, inspire and challenge me!

Let's dream together and see the dreams come true.

Let's see soon again,

in perfect timing.

How He loves us.

And those who couldn't make it, *great big bear hug*

we missed you.

See you at New Year's??? Come and BE there. Just be. Enjoy.

"Why is the Cross such a strong sign?"

...was a question from the Editorial of Helsingin Sanomat, a major newspaper in Finland today.
The power of the Cross has been largely discussed in Finnish media in past couple of days, after The European Court of Human Rights has ruled against the use of crucifixes in classrooms in Italy. It was said the practice violated the right of parents to educate their children as they saw fit, and ran counter to the child's right to freedom of religion.

The case was brought by a Finnish-born Italian mother, Soile Lautsi, who wants to give her children a secular (atheist) education.

Another quote from same Editorial: "Why does a crucifix on the wall of a class room rise such great passion? Lautsi who was complaining about crucifixes justified her perseverance for the matter for her being a confessional atheist. Atheists strong reaction against the image of crucified, stirs and raises respect in the researchers circles : the Cross has still power, a lot more than many believers dare to even think it does.." "Miksi ristiinnaulitun kuva luokan seinällä herättää niin suuria intohimoja? Krusifiksista valituksen tehnyt Lautsi perustelee omaa sitkeyttään asiassa sillä, että hän on tunnustuksellinen ateisti. Uskonnontutkijoiden piirissä ateistin voimakas reaktio ristiinnaulitun kuvaa vastaan herättää kunnioituksensekaista hämmennystä: ristissä on yhä voimaa, paljon enemmän kuin moni uskovainen rohkenee uskoakaan. "

So, what means our freedom to religion? What is the Cross so powerful that it's mere excistance offends people who don't believe in it? In an interview mrs. Lautsi also said that her family believed that you either think or believe. Luckily in my head both intelligent brain and intelligent faith are accepted. :)
But it is good that there are parents who care about their children and what their children are taught.
Oh, and I'm not really bothered if the crucifix is or is not in the class room, I hope that our actions and attitudes speak even louder.

Read the whole Editorial article in Finnish: Uskonnollinen lukutaito on tärkeä tässäkin ajassa

why are Finns so quick?

Top Gear came to find out:

And now, since it snowed, we practise on ice roads.

(Will anyone ever let me drive after this?)

:) Safe travelling people!

Do You?

Another lovely ASBO

from http://asbojesus.wordpress.com/

And I think some places

on my wish list are England,

Sweden, Holland, Helsinki,

Indonesia, Ibiza, Israel,

Australia, New Zealand, Macedonia,

Croatia, France, Seattle, Iceland,

California, Tampere. :)

Lyrics | Natasha Bedingfield Lyrics | If You%27re Gonna Jump Lyrics

inputs and outlets.

In some social situations I just feel such an internal fight going on, between
being introvert and extrovert or if I feel accepted or just not.
It's almost ridiculous. I love to talk to people and then sometimes just
get overly conscious about if I'm actually listening and if I'm talking
too much or little or nonsense or whatever. Phew.
I love parties but I'm not sure if I do them too well.
It's funny coz I think that when I was younger I had such a good
confidence ...what happened?

Shouldn't be blogging anyway at this hour, it's 2.30 am.

I'm longing for life to the full today, I think I 've tasted snippets
but they just made me hungrier but I struggle with justifying things.

I'm thankful for these lovely ladies at are hosting me today,
I think their small community is a real hub and key for lot of things.
May we stay friends and love each other for ever.

Some alphabets in my mind at the moment:
I= Ibiza, Israel, Indonesia, illustrating
E= emails, England, errands, errors
H= happiness, Holland, housing, hosting
P= politics, photography, philosophy, paths

nordic nomad on narrow path...

I have been fascinated about light and colour lately.

Today I left work at 3.15 pm and sun had started to set already. At now it's quarter to six and pitch black already. In this north it seems that sun really takes it time to rise and to set. Which means that constantly colours and lightning seems to be changing and it's like watching unique art exhibition that changes daily.

I miss my friends today, they are all over the world. Literally.

I've lived in four different countries, 10 different cities and visited in 29 countries and left behind a trail of people whom I love and consider my friends and family.

I love birthdays and am already looking forward to having mine in 5 weeks. I already bought myself first present :D

I've celebrated my birthday only in 3 different countries, so it is also my birthday wish to have more international birthdays in future. Let's see what happens.

Now, i should plan what I teach today at classes, catch up with my correspondence (sorry everyone) and pack something to wear for the weekend...

x E

cheer up.

I'm feeling both very energetic and really tired today.

It's definitely day of transition today, not only I

travelled through 3 generations, 500 km, 4 cities

and lot of things old and new but also I am sensing

a call to step in a new era. What it shall be, i am not sure

at this point, but aren't most eras named afterwards anyway?

For long time I have thought that my creativity has been

somewhere very hidden, almost invisible like a child that has been

beaten up too often. Also it's been hard to get excited about things.

Or more, even if I have been creative or excited, it's been very

hard to put it in action. Almost impossible and all of it has required

a very "safe place" to come out. It's been a dry season.

I hope that the tide has turned, I miss being not only creative but

also "récipiendaire du temps", effective or achieving things.

Not because I should, not even because I could, but because it's the very essence of me.

Come Creator Spirit.

Some things that inspired me most lately:

* Tančící dům the Dancing house in Prague (architecture)

* String Monkey Media in the UK (web + new media design)

* Jon Bilbrough's latest release (music)

* 24-7 Prayer UK "Creative bank" (web design, prayer, prayer rooms, creativity)

* arrival of two long-waited babies for my bookshelf: The Artist's Way - A course

in Discovering and Recovering Your Creative Self by Julia Cameron

and Can You Hear Me?: Tuning in to the God Who Speaks by brad Jersak (books)

game over.

I really should not be writing about this in this hour, with lack of sleep and some paracetamol for migraine. But i'm off for a week and this one was last one fro my notes... Sorry if my trail of thoughts will be impossible to follow. Some things just are better out than in.

First book recommendation: Joshua Harris - I kissed dating goodbye.
I know lot of people don't really fancy it, or refuse to read it, but I really think that this guy has a point.
Yes I may be disappointed, I may be tired of the game, I may be desperate :) but ...Let me explain.

There are years in my life that I really hope I could re-live with knowledge and experience and self confidence I have now.
Years that I feel I wasted as I lived to please others and not for myself or to please God. (as He would need that,... ;)
Well anyway, one of the best advice my dad gave me, was to "be just friends with boys as long as possible". I wish
now I would have listened better, it would have kept me away from a lot of trouble. I have always got on well with boys, it has been both a great blessing and a curse. With girls it takes often more time to make friends with, I have to first to find a way to overcome my own insecurity and feeling of comparison.
I have some amazing girlfriends though, who are really my sisters, allies of one for all and all for one. But as I said I have got on well with boys and hung out with a lot of them. Kind of like snow white and seven dwarfs :) (not really) And at some earlish point I also discovered woman's ability to manipulate, emotionally blackmail and desire to rule over man. (editors note: that's all wrong, of the habit now :) )
No good. And also I somehow thought that man gives identity, and security, and comfort. (editor's note 2: that's all not right either, off the habit as well,...)

Well, now to spare you from long story, I jump to conclusions here that I have made from experience:
1) romantic love is not THE answer, sometimes, possibly an answer, but despite what hollywood says
2) this is not a GAME, relationships between boys and girls, it is so not a game so please, stop playing and counting score, be friends and play in the same team
3) dating is not really necessary, go and make friends, light casual and good intimate deep fun friendships, go out with people without romantic obligations or intentions (and make it clear to people you go out with), get to know people, develop your character, find out what you think about life and how you want to live it and finally one day marry someone who is your best friend as well.

You might disagree but then it's only that didn't explain it well enough :D

Have a great week, learn to love and respect each other! x

away from vanity fair.

Women are a mystery and half. We are meant to be.
It is the way we are created as God's image. To invite in to the adventure,
to fight for a cause, to explore and to engage.
It is not easy to be a woman, as it's hard to find out what is enough and what is too much.
What it is to be a godly woman. Don't want to give in for the pictures and demands of social, cultural, media's, etc. agenda for women. No thanks for cheap beauty, no thanks for cheap grace.
We are not for sale.

Woman is a picture of the great I AM. I think often woman is most beautiful when she knows who she is.
When I grow up I would love to be a godly woman.
To reflect the beautiful, wild, mysterious,
kind, loving, caring, fierce, lifegiving God.

awaken the dreams ancient Eden...

What a miserably gloomy grey rainy Saturday. The weather almost dragged my mood under the weather,
but then I went for a run in a forest and felt the oxygen and adrenaline kick me back above surface.
I also had a good chat with God (in my thoughts, didn't hear him audibly but more like voice in my thoughts and pictures to my mind's eye)...
I also came back from the Netherlands recently and while running I continued processing some thoughts born while journeying.
Now here, trying to connect the dots.

Finnish phrase goes that "the forest is a church for Finns". As much as I like the forest I never fully got that phrase. I guess church is more about relationships and more sharing life stuff for me nowadays and in the past boring religious obligation. (...to put it with slight exaggeration...) Well maybe I do find forest relaxing, full of beauty, place of quiet and full of treasures of nature. But today, I also realised that it is after all, as forest would remind us of something. A place of state of mind.
Does forest, wild, beauty of creation, awake in us distant memory of the garden of Eden? A place where God came to walk with his people in the coolness of the evening. Place that man was to take care and to rule. Mystery but familiarity in same landscape. Hiding place. Adventure.

In a similar way I think Holland made me sometimes feel that I am only a shadow of something I could or should be. It was interesting thought process to follow. It was both inviting and on the edge of self judgement and comparison. I think in the end the love and blessings around me turned it all to be more inviting and exciting. In a same way that creation waits that one day again, we will be what we where meant to be, and more.

Blessed are those...

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
ps. 84:5

Three days and it's time to fly again.
Fly, not flee. Be still O my soul.

How did you do it?

With my hands tied behind my back, by driving four white horses and singing amazing drace while it rained muffins and moon was getting high from daffodils. It would have not succeeded if the Little Mermaid would not had flied by just when I had to speed through red lights and then I remember to call President Obama, only to tell that I thought his grandson to be had some slight resemblance with pomegranates I sold to my friend Tobias who lives in Bali. While we were listening to Nikki from Dutch Idols to sing "When the spirit of the Lord" president Obama had to go rescue cats from bee hives and he hang up on me. Afterwards me, The Little Mermaid, only by mere luck, quoted C.S. Lewis correctly and won the whole race.

And remember that real life is even more fascinating than any fiction and the most random of it all. That's how.

music to your ears.

Listen to this:

http://www.myspace.com/scnia

If you want to hear

beautiful new music

from talented young artist.

Sonia is a friend of mine

and about to move to Australia

in few weeks.

d.r.e.a.m.s...

... today I missed my friends and family in too many places, yet still longed to travel to new places and get to know more people...

...I did dream today

that one day i would live to know people

who would like to

...host theme parties...

...dance wildly all night...

...pray in the morning at noon and when ever...

...cook and host low budget dinner parties...

...search for rhythms of fast and feast...

...worship and intercede with beats and drums...

...explore art and photography...

...discover jewish culture and customes and festivals...

...read bible and host book clubs...

...travel to macedonia, ibiza and israel...

...study godly woman/manhood

...drink gallons of tea/coffee and have crazy midnight discussions about theology, philosophy, world politics and other random lovely

things...

...seek for justice...

...play football (with local kids)...

...get to know people in the neighborhood and learn to love

them...

...search for balance between work and play...

...with me.

notepad.

"Graham Cooke writes that, "When we become a prototype (pioneering church) and the Holy Spirit begins to move in power, we will also come into a different level of warfare." (A Divine Confrontation)."

"True leadership must be for the benefit of the followers, not the enrichment of the leaders.
Robert Townsend – (Up the Organization)"

"The fact that we focus on creating members instead of missionaries grows from our lack of being captured by the heart of God for people."
Reggie McNeal, author of A Work of Heart"

"It's striking that the word Paul uses in Ephesians 4 for "equipping" the saints is the same word used in the gospels for mending a net, or for repairing a wall, or setting a broken limb. "Katartizmos" means to restore or repair so that the original function is restored. (The New Apostles By Len Hjalmarson)

"Larry Crabb, in his recent work, "The Safest Place on Earth," comments that we have a choice: we can be either managers or mystics. Most of us feel somewhat out of place in community: we don't always feel safe and community itself is a mystery. We prefer structures we can understand and control. The problem is, God is less interested in predictability and control than we are! Or, from another perspective, He wants to be the one in control, and He doesn't always tell us in advance what He is up to!"

"But that doesn't mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift.

The text for this is, He climbed the high mountain,

He captured the enemy and seized the booty,
He handed it all out in gifts to the people.
Is it not true that the One who climbed up also climbed down, down to the valley of earth? And the One who climbed down is the One who climbed back up, up to highest heaven. He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ."

(Eph. 4:7-13 MSG)

My concerns today: plans for travelling to holland, apostolic calling, structures, journeys of desire, reasons, ambitions, plans, visions, apples, cold toes, sweden, mysteries, church as family, sukkoth decorations and ending of ramadan, coconut thai chicken.

Recommended reading:
The Vision and the Vow by Pete Greig
So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore
by Wayne Jacobsen & Dave Coleman

signpost please.

today I find myself so tired and bored of floating
and missing the ambition i know i once had
please someone remind me of reason for all this
and let me see light on this path
that seems to lead just in downward circle today.

i hear stories and they sound more like echoes
of all i'm not
and then i think it's more pride talking
but no it's not so much about becoming somebody anymore
but actually living and not just listening
[for lies and truths get confused if they are all theory]

i think i'd need a plan
or something,
just to get excited and moving again.

call me.

pre-order now: "Saints"

"This book presents stories of heroism and adventure, servanthood and humility, building the church through the first millennium. It includes: Introduction; Devotion and service (Polycarp, Father of the Early Church); Contemplation and the monastic tradition (Anthony of the desert); Justice, mission and concern for the poor (Martin of Tours, from soldier to monk); and, Miracles and monasteries. "

About the Author

My friend Scot Bower is a writer, speaker, missionary and member of the 24-7 Prayer movement. He has led a number of mission trips throughout Eastern Europe and is currently a member of a new monastic community in Macedonia. Scot and his family are one of those people who by their own example have encouraged me to pursuit my dreams of living adventurous life of transmodern prayer nomad.

Find the book from amazon

part 3 (the grande finale)

Third and the last one of our prayer house videos,

and by this one our small community is also moving forward

to new adventures.

Bye John, fare well and be blessed on your journeys.

video blog part 2

Just came in my room from early morning/late night prayers in the prayer room,

some of the revelations of tonight:

- It's amazing how God is there, when we just stop and listen and be with Him,

- It's amazing how Jesus is the High King, and yet Servant of all (what kind of King

can actually afford to be the lowest of all, and what do we mean when we singing

"i want to be where you are" -> look at Jesus's ministry, where was He? Wow.

What an upside down inside out kingdom. May your Kingdom truly come Jesus!)

- I want the revolution to begin in my own heart, I can't change or judge anyone else.

God cleanse me to be a vessel of gold, for your use.

Amen. And Good Night! (ps. 91)

video blog part 1

This was one new fun project,

which taught me:

* life is unpredictable

* sound is important

* videoblogging is fun

* i'm not a good editor

* i make a lot of spelling/grammar mistakes in hurry,

forget the articles and write things as they sound

and not as they should be written

* i love discovering community life

* God has blessed me with amazing brothers

* i love exploring Boiler Room values

ps. please watch it in HQ if possible :)

Stay tuned for new episodes!

t-shirt design

Hi again,

this morning I stumbled upon a t-shirt design competition and quickly put together a design to enter. Ten most popular ones get to final and the winner will go to production. Profits of the sales will go to help youth projects.

I'd be happy if you take few seconds to vote my design here's the link: http://www.seppala.fi/s/designkilpailu/?id=38712

You are allowed to give 10 votes daily until 30th of Aug. If you are english speaker, once you get to the site, click my t-shirt design and press "ÄÄNESTÄ TÄTÄ" which is finnish for "vote this". Thank you so much! x E

mondayness.

Nothing quite

shrinks the unlimited freedom

like feeling of loneliness

and fear of failing.

Ei kai mikään

kutista vapautta niinkuin

yksinäisyyden tuntu

ja epäonnistumisen pelko.

friday morning sounds like...

the scent of your hug was left in the sleeve of my coat
hum of your song levitating in the air
crown of clovers lying on the sand

skin feels your departure

like I would not have to stay

just to long for

reunion

I have loved the morning mists
although only rarely, I am awake
before the sun's burning heat
has chased these sensitive creatures away
Perhaps I expect the rain
permission to be here
do nothing

The longer I have been traveling
the faster I make my home
in the unknown hallways,
let down my guard
and I just am,
show me
where I get to rest
carry me over the threshold

invite me
although I don't know much
only to wake up
and make morning coffee
or tea
seek the truth
to love
and to rejoice
that once we arrive
to find no more farewells

---------my finnish original--------------------

halauksesi tuoksu jäi takkini hihaan

hyräilysi leijailemaan ilmaan

apilaseppeleesi hiekalle

ihoni tuntee sinun lähtösi

niin kuin en olisikaan jäänyt tähän

vain odottamaan

jälleennäkemistä

olen rakastanut aamun sumuja

vaikka vain harvoin olen hereillä

ennen kuin auringon polttava paahde

on karkoittanut nuo herkät olennot pois

ehkä odotan sadetta

lupaa olla olemassa

tekemättä mitään

mitä kauemmin olen ollut matkalla

sitä nopeammin teen kotini

vieraiden eteisiin,

lasken puolustukseni

ja olen,

osoita minulle

missä saan levätä

kanna minut kynnyksen yli

kutsu minut mukaasi

vaikken paljoa voi antaa

vain herätä

ja keittää aamukahvit

tai teen

etsiä kanssasi totuutta

rakastaa

ja iloita siitä

että kerran olemme perillä

ei enää jäähyväisiä

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Matt.5:3-12

come to the rescue.

"*****ssa ihminen saatetaan tappaa tuosta vain. Sen takia en voi valita vaihtoehtoa mennä takaisin. En ole saanut koskaan onnea *****ssa. Se ei ole minun maani, se on minulle helvetti. Haluan mahdollisimman kauas uskonnosta ja ******eista."

"In ****, a man can be killed anytime. That is why going back is not an option. I was never able to gain happiness in ****. It is not my own country, it is hell for me. I want as far as possible from religion and the *****ims."

- a boy, 17, asylum seeker in Finland, interviewwed in HS 12.07.2009

Oh Lord.

When will your bride open her hands and welcome these small ones,

who search for a safe place, who search for peace.

Come to the rescue!

You Lord, where a refugee as a baby. You know what it is to flee.

When will your bride welcome these children of yours,

whom you love and for whom you gave your life.

When will she love them as You Father love them.

To reach a hand and give bread,

to wash their tired and dirty feet.

To teach them,

to tell them not about religion

but of everlasting love.

To teach them of freedom in You.

May I open my door today,

please Lord, give me an opportunity to serve.