His Megaphone

some thoughts

2008-10-01T17:53:00.002+10:00

So, it's been a while.
A lot has happened.
My baby son was born, Nathan, a joy close to my heart.
He turned 10 weeks old today, and in some ways, it feels like he is growing up so quickly! And yet, he is only 10 weeks old! So much to look forward to.

Currently I am musing on the difficulties of God's sovereignty and suffering. Can God be good and yet cause us to suffer?
After spending time reading some books, and studying the book of Job, I think the answer to that question is yes.
But our culture around us tends to do three things, as far as I have observed.
Deny God
Defy God
Depend on God

It has been interesting to explore these different options, and think through the implications of each position. But there is more work to be done.
Cathy just called, I get to bath Nathan tonight! Looking forward to that.
(From deep to shallow, my thoughts are just like a bath really!)

Like a circling plane

2008-07-10T14:32:00.002+10:00

That's how I would describe these last few days: Like a plane in a holding patter, circling an airport before being given permission to land.

With around 5 days to go before the due date, both Cathy and I are anticipating the arrival of our baby - any day now - any time now!
It really is a nice time.
It will be so nice to put a baby into all the clothes we have, and put him in the car seat ...

Not long now.

Striker No. 7 (Wins 9, Losses 1, Draws 1)

2008-07-02T18:09:00.001+10:00

Strikers 6 - Harbord 1

We played well on the weekend to defeat a competent Harbord team. With several of our players back, we were able to put together a good passing game, and used the width well, whilst controlling the centre and back line.

Although we dropped an early goal, we fought back well to be ahead 2-1 at the break, before the floodgates opened in the second half.

Particularly impressive was our finishing and build up play. Just a few short weeks ago we struggled to win 2-1 against the same team.

A great 4-0 result for the 1pm team as well. Leading by 8 points now...

Euro 2008 Update

2008-06-25T10:24:00.002+10:00

I'm still sad and frustrated about the Netherlands early exit - they are a little bit like the surf at Wetherill st - looks promising but fails to deliver...

Striker No. 7 (Wins 8, Losses 1, Draws 1)

2008-06-25T10:23:00.000+10:00

Strikers 4 - Wakehurst 1

A cold, windy and sunny day brought another win for the Strikers over a solid Wakehurst outfit. Missing a number of key players (again), we nonetheless outplayed the opposition, and were 2-0 ahead by half time, and controlled the second half, with a few more goals.

The competition is closing up, however, we are cementing our first place with regular, consistent wins. With just under half a season to go, we are looking good for the title, however if we wish to control the outcomes of the game, an improved passing game, and a more consistent game in spite of opposition tactics, would be helpful.

For me, the game was a bit tough, as I didn't feel I saw much of the ball on the wing, and the muddy pitch, and the cricket pitch did not help much.

Euro 2008 - Holland!

2008-06-18T13:48:00.002+10:00

I have VERY much enjoyed watching the Euro championships the last week and a half. Great to see the Dutch team performing extremely well, and beyond expectations to take all nine points from the "group of death". They outclassed Italy, France and Romania, and have firmed as favourites for the title.

The only sad thing is that SBS don't have coverage of the quarters and semis! I'll have to find another way to watch the Hollanders dominate the competition!

Lot's to look forward to.

Striker No. 7 (Wins 7, Losses 1, Draws 1)

2008-06-18T13:45:00.003+10:00

A solid win

It really was a great effort from the boys on Saturday, we were down several players yet still managed to come away with the three points, and further extending our lead (to six points) at the top of the table.

Strikers 2 - Harbord 1

So, the scoreline was unflattering, and there were a few tense moments, but overall, our team deserved the three points. I came off with a minor injury about 70minutes into the game.

The Harbord time showed that they were worthy competition, with good skill and technique, and they were good sports as well, which made for a good game in the driving rain!

Striker No. 7 (Wins 6, Losses 1, Draws 1)

2008-06-03T15:45:00.001+10:00

Strikers 2 - Forest Killarney 1

Saturday saw a return to form for our team. The 3pm team picked up an important victory against Forest Killarney, despite missing a regular goal keeper (Rod did a good job filling in), and other key defenders. In doing so we cemented top spot in the competition, and incidentally dented the morale of a good rival.

The victory required good team work, and we excelled in our passing in mid field, and in our defensive efforts in the air.

The only lapse in concentration resulted in a goal against us, but ultimately, it did not alter the result.

I managed to get my first goal for the 3pm team for the year, it went in, which was nice.

In other news, it was excellent to see the 1pm team pick up a huge win against a weaker opponent (5-0).

Both teams are now in good shape for the rest of the season, with the 3pm team looking like the favourites in the competition, and the 1pm team a good chance to make the finals.

Striker No. 7 (Wins 5, Losses 1, Draws 1)

2008-05-27T07:45:00.000+10:00

Strikers 1 - Dee Why 3

A disappointing game. I could blame the pitch, but I won't. We did not play our best, and in fact, nowhere near it. To their credit, Dee Why played a good game, defending their territory well, keeping us pressed in our own half, and clamping down quickly in the centre of the pitch.

Their were a few glimpses of good play: Macca's goal, Trent's penalty save, and I did a good throw in. But we failed to defend cleanly and consistently, we were weak in mid-field, and we didn't put away our few changes up front.

So what to do next?

We need to steel ourselves for the remainder of the season, and remember to work hard in every game, now that the competition is closing in.

I am certain that we can bounce back for our next game against Forest Killarney on Saturday.

P.S. Great to see our reserves pick up a second win on the trot!

God wants to cramp my style?

2008-05-18T11:58:00.003+10:00

Mythbusters Week 3

This week at Mythbusters (ISCF@ Manly High) we are tackling the myth - "Does God want to cramp my style."

A good question, really coming to the heart of the conversion experience, and our understanding of who God is.

Popular opinion

I have had few people say to me in recent months that they don't want to become a Christian, or even consider Christianity at all, because they don't want to change their lifestyle. Essentially they don't want God to cramp their style. I think that is a view that resonates deep within our society. People consider that it is OK for people to be Christian, so long as they want to be a Christian - for it is through the freedom of being what or who we want that we have a fulfilling life. But is this true?

A fulfilling life

And so with the freedom we have, particularly in Australia, to be whoever we want, to do what we want, when we want, we often tend to pursue our life fulfilment in many varied ways. For example, through the pursuit of family, or wealth, career, fame, influence, possessions, friends, love, etc etc. Seeing those different pursuits, as the path to a fulfilling life. But, time after time, those things let us down. Our parents get divorced, that relationship you are in breaks down, the stock market falls, your friends move on, the baby cries constantly, your possessions are robbed from you and so on. And so when these things happen, if it is aligned with your pursuit of happiness in life, the whole thing can come crashing down around you, leaving you wondering is that really what life is all about?

The happy Christian

This may be difficult for people who aren't Christian, to believe - but Christians want to be happy too, it is just they pursue happiness in a different way, and they trust God to give it to them. Jesus said in Jn 10:10 that he had come to give life to the full to those that follow him. And when we take his claims seriously, and his promises seriously, it makes sense that he can deliver. If God made the world, and he made us (2 presuppositions), then surely he would know best both how the world should be run, and how we can life most satisfyingly within the confines of that world? And so Christians pursue God, trusting that he will provide purpose and fulfilment to life now, and into eternity. Your TV can't promise that, your Spouse can't promise that, your Plane ticket can't promise that - so don't be fooled.

Ecclesiastes

There was a man once, the Bible reports who tried to achieve satisfaction in life in many different things, wealth, possessions, women, fame, he was the most powerful man in his time, and one of the wealthiest people in history, and he wrote one of the most depressing books in the Bible - Ecclesiastes, a treatise investigating the worthy-ness of the pursuit of these different goals. He concluded that having had all of these things, that they were meaningless on their own, that they were hollow, and did not bring about any fulfilment to life. He went on to say that it was through God alone that life had any meaning.

So, where is all this going?

The myth that God wants to cramp our style is PLAUSIBLE. In becoming a Christian God may want to do radical surgery on your life, but this is not to make your life worse, harder, or less fulfilling, he actually wants to prepare you for a life of satisfaction, as he gives you the thing that you were made for - himself. We were made for God, and it is through Jesus that we receive the object for which we have been made, and our reason for existence. And once we replace God as the object of our affections, then we can enjoy the good things in life, the way they were meant to be enjoyed, and without the danger of turning them into idols. God redeems all of us, our personalities, our likes and dislikes when we become a Christian, so that we can do a better job of honouring, loving and serving him, and achieve more fulfilment in life, both now, and later.

Striker No. 7 (Wins 5, Losses 0, Draws 1)

2008-05-18T11:51:00.003+10:00

A great weekend Strikers 7 - Beacon Hill 0

Yesterday's game had much to applaud. We were up against 2nd place Beacon Hill, and we were missing several key players, and yet came away with a sweeping victory. We took control with 3 early goals, and didn't drop the ball for the remainder of the game.

There were many good performances, we passed the ball around very well, finished attacking moves with precision, and defended with intent. The Beacon Hill side were a tad unlucky, hitting the posts on a number of occasions, however, considering the score line, it would not have made any significant difference.

I had a better game this week, made a few passes, a few runs, and ran around a bit.

In other news, it was AWESOME to have the 1pm team win as well 4-2! Their first win of the season, and I got to play for some of their game too. A few more wins and their season will be back on track.

Looking forward to next Saturday!

Striker No. 7 (Wins 4, Losses 0, Draws 1)

2008-05-11T16:43:00.002+10:00

Strikers 3 - Manly Allambie 0

So, we had another nice win on the weekend. 3 goals, clean sheet, sounds good? Well sort of. The first two goals came from penalties, (well awarded and taken), and one goal came from open play. However, we probably could have done a bit more to score a few extra goals.

Trent played in goals and had a quiet game, without any key saves to his name (didn't need to do more than collect the balls that went out). Our defence did a good job, as always, but there was an injury to Matt P, sadly, could be out for a couple of weeks.

For me, I had an average game, not too sure why really, partly because the Manly Allambie midfielders did a good job of putting pressure on us (and me), making it difficult to play my normal game, and also partly because I made a few mistakes. I know, I should have put that one away.

Still, there is always next week, we are doing well, but I think we need to kick it up another notch if we are to win the season.

SO, is being good, good enough?

2008-05-08T15:31:00.003+10:00

Next Tuesday is week 2 in our Myth buster Series at the local high school lunch time christian group - and we are investigating the popular myth that "Being good is good enough to get to heaven". I'm looking forward to chatting to the students about this stuff over some pizza!

I think that although this is a popular opinion, less people these days are buying into it, being more interested in spirituality in general, and sure about heaven or God in specificity.

Anyway, my argument is based around two points.

1. We are not good enough at being good

It doesn't seem to matter how hard we try to do the right thing, our past, and our thoughts and actions today all count against us. It's not about how much sin there is in our lives, but rather that there is sin. If sin is present, past or present, that's it we've struck out. Jesus himself teaches us to be perfect as our heavenly father is perfect. I am nowhere near that, which of course leaves me with the age-old problem about what to do with the sin that stands between myself and God.

2. Sometimes, when we think we're good, we miss the point completely.

I really like the story that Jesus says about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. It's basically a story about a religious good guy, and a sinful bad guy. The religious guy thinks he's the bees knees, top bloke, kind, caring and generous, and so he prays and thanks God that he is one of the good guys, and not like this tax collector-bad guy standing nearby. The tax-collector guy (I think), agrees with the religious good guy, and readily admits that he has been pretty bad, and cheated people etc etc, but it's what he does with that understanding that makes all the difference. The sinful bad guy, throws himself at the mercy of God, realising his desperate situation, whereas the religious guys never even realises how desperate his own situation is. And so, The sinful guy goes home at peace with God, justified, while the religious guy remains as self-deluded as ever.

And so the desperate place that we all find ourself in is needing God's forgiveness, which he so readily gives to everyone who would ask for it, which of course accurately reflects his character of love, kindness and justice.

Oh, and don't forget the cost at which that forgiveness came.

The cross of Christ.

Striker No. 7 (Wins 3, Losses 0, Draws 1)

2008-05-04T10:49:00.002+10:00

Yesterday was a very difficult game for us, we were pretty well dominated and outplayed for much of the game, and yet we were well ahead on the scoreboard for most of the game.
The game finished: Strikers 4 - BTH Raiders 3

So, we won, and Gravy got on the scoreboard! I was pretty tired during the game, not sure why, more tired than normal, although, I had played a fair chunk of the previous game.

There are a few things to work on at training, we need to look to dominate more in posession and territory by being first to the ball more, and working on positioning ourselves better to receive the ball from team mates.

This win should put us top of the table, nice.

Ruth's redemption and the people of Israel

2008-04-25T10:34:00.003+10:00

I have been reading through the book of Ruth the last few days as part of the Bible Reading Plan I have been doing and I was struck by a couple of things.

1. Humanity

There is real warmth to the story of the book of Ruth. It begins with a horriffic tragedy, Naomi losing her husband and two sons, making her a widow and putting her in desparate circumstances. Ruth, (A Moabitess, not a Jew), is her daughter -in-law, and makes a decision to stick with her motheri-in-law, even though it severely reduces her opportunity of gaining a new husband. Ruth's care and concern for another in a hopeless situation, to the point of such personal sacrifice, is a poignant aspect of the first few chapters. Ruth becomes a follower of Yahweh, the God of the Jews, and works hard to put food on the table. The story ends well as she captures the heart of Boaz, who redeems her, becoming her new husband.

2. History

The final few verses of the book reminded me of the massive implications of this story for the rest of the Bible, and history itself. Ruth and Boaz have a son together, Obed, who went on to become the father of Jesse, the father of King David, who altered the course of history through his rule over Israel. How unsearchable are the plans of God, that he would use the outcasts and foreigners in the genealogy of King David, and ultimately the Lord Jesus Christ as well.

And so, Ruth is not simply a touching story, with a happy-feel-good ending, but also another key example of the love of God for the world, seen through his plan to redeem the world, and use the world, to bring about his purposes.

Striker No. 7 (Wins 2, Losses 0, Draws 0)

2008-04-13T10:13:00.002+10:00

Game Result
Strikers v Wakerhurst 2-0

To be honest, the score could have (or should have), been higher. We ran circles around the opposition, especially in the second half, with great performances from all the players, seriously, I think everyone played well, we just needed to finish a little better.

I don't think that Wakehurst even had a shot on goal in the second half.

Anyway, I played OK, felt pretty tired towards the end of the second half, made a foul throw, and got pinged, but other than that, things are looking good on the field.

Looking forward to the next game!

Striker No. 7 (Wins 1, Losses 0, Draws 0)

2008-04-12T10:46:00.003+10:00

So, today we are playing our second game of the season, against Wakehurst, who won their first game as well. We won our first game 6-0 in firsts, so that got us off to a good start. Hopefully we can make it two from two this afternoon.

It's fun waking up on Saturday mornings and getting ready for the game. I can never quite work out when to eat lunch on Saturday's though. Eat too early, and I won't be able to because of Breakfast, eat too late, and I'll feel sick during the game. Eat not at all, and I have no energy. What hard decisions we face!

The photo is our strikers team from 2006.

Still Waiting

2008-04-10T14:55:00.002+10:00

Well, we are still waiting for some final results to be released from the Zimbabwean presidential election. For some reason (you can't help but suspect Mugabe), the results have not yet been released - this is against the Zimbabwean constitution. The people, and the opposition party have filed a petition to the High Court for the immediate release of the results, with the judgment scheduled for Monday.
Breathing space for Mugabe perhaps?

Update

2008-04-03T10:51:00.003+11:00

Well, it is still not official, but things are looking more promising that Mugabe may well be standing aside as President.

Let's keep watching.

Where has Zimbabwe gone?

2008-04-02T15:51:00.002+11:00

Last Sunday I was asked to pray at church about matters relating to our world, and so I spent a portion of it praying to God, asking for him to intercede in Zimbabwe.

For those of you who don't know, Zimbabwe is currently suffering significant economic problems, with inflation at over 100,000 % - yes you read that right. Unemployment at over 80%, and huge problems relating to food shortages. Disease ravages that land, and in particular HIV.

The place is falling apart, and in the midst of it I find two biting contrasts, and a note on our self-preoccupation.

1. The Presidential Election

This year, Zimbabwe has real hope for change in government, with Robert Mugabe (28 years of age), clinging to power by a thread, facing a real battle with Morgan Tsvangirai. However, the election has taken place, and there is real concern over whether the vote has been corrupted by the government in charge. The people want change, but many are afraid that their vote will either not count, or that they will face retribution for voting for someone other than Mugabe. Perhaps the saddest thing is that now their lives are so difficult, they would prefer to face the backlash than give in to the wishes of Mugabe.

Votes are currently being counted - fairly, I hope, but in all likelihood a second round of voting will be required.

2. The Pastor

In the midst of these awful times and conditions in Zimbabwe, many of the skilled workers such as doctors, nurses and teachers have fled the country, however I was encouraged to see footage on TV of a pastor who had stayed with his people, to encourage them with the Bible, they are clinging not just to a slim chance of government change, but of a real hope in their Lord Jesus, whom they long to meet. As I consider ministry and full time work, it has been helpful to see that God can use people in different ways, and that the difficulties that plague my life and work are really trivial when compared to what is happening in Zimbabwe. What a good work the pastors are doing in Zimbabwe, restoring hope, and providing people with the real truth about life, death and everything in between.

3. The Prime Time News

In the meantime, the prime time news bulletin in Sydney broadcast the 'catastrophic' fire in a building, and a punch up at a pub involving an Olympian was-gonna-be as the so called main stories of the day. In the Meantime where has Zimbabwe gone? And more importantly why is the rest of the world so unconcerned?

God is concerned for the oppressed, the homeless, the poor, the sick, and the needy, and so ought we.

Please pray for Zimbabwe.

Yesterday - Birthday musings

2008-02-29T08:54:00.002+11:00

Yesterday was my birthday, and so thanks to all who came and attempted to surprise me at Kais'n Stubn (if that's how you spell it). Next time you need to park around the corner! But it was great to hang out with friends and eat schnitzel and drink beer that actually tasted good.

Have a brand new coffee grinding machine thing sitting on the bench in the kitchen. I guess I can now make coffee better at home. I am wondering how much it will actually affect my going-out-for-coffee drinking habit - probably not a lot.

25 years old, and things seem to be going OK for me, thanks to God. I am probably around a third of my life completed, so God willing, and going on the averages, I have around 50 years or so left. I aim to make them count for the gospel of Jesus.

In other news, Went surfing yesterday, should have been writing talks, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to get in the water. It was pouring down rain too, kind of felt like there was more water above me, then underneath me. Went again today, it was OK. Time to get some work done now though.

Better make the most of today, it only comes round once every four years.

I like your old stuff better than your new stuff

2008-02-14T10:41:00.003+11:00

Well, sort of anyway.

February always brings about the new routines for the year. So the last couple of weeks have been about preparing for the new groups I am in and getting them off the ground.
I tend to work better when I am in a new routine too, and I actually like the new stuff that lies ahead - looking forward to it.

For this year I will be working at CSR Edmonds on Mondays, and Tuesday morning, and working for St. Faith's the rest of the time, with Saturday as my day off. I tend to think that will work better than the routine from last year. The ISCF group at Manly High will now be on Tuesday luch times to help work around it. So, by next week, it is all up and running again, scripture, iscf, all the youth groups. It's going to be busy, but productive.

In other news, I had a great time at Bible Study last night, we spent some time looking at Luke 18, and we actually learnt stuff, by discussing our thoughts on the passage together. It was encouraging.

coffee this morning

2008-02-08T11:49:00.000+11:00

Had a nice coffee this morning, well two actually. Had one at home, plunger, then went out and met my sis for a coffee at Cafe 5. It was nice to see my new niece again Danni, Katie, my other niece wasn't there which was a shame.

That's a photo of Danni, she is doing fine, apparently, or so Emma says! They don't do very much when they are that little, but I guess when you are three weeks old, just holding your head up is an achievement.

Kidsplus this afternoon, looking forward to meeting the kids again, and hanging out with the leaders, they're all a great bunch again this year, with plenty of enthusiasm to go round. Enthusiasm is contagious, like the flu, except in a good way, so this year should be a fun year.

What is 17 divided by 40?

2008-02-06T09:47:00.000+11:00

Almost half is what it is.

17 weeks now (time to give Cathy some flowers)!

Time does go fast, we are approaching half way in the pregnancy and things are still pretty smooth. Cathy is feeling the baby move around these days, she says it is like a tingling feeling. Now, I don't particularly wish that I could go through pregnancy myself, but that part of it would be pretty special.

We have been getting a few offers of free baby stuff lately, which has been really great, and will definitely come in helpful. Thanks to the people out there who are able and willing to help us out. But still keep praying for us, that's most important.

Babies can be very pre-occupying though, so we will do our best to focus our attention outwards as well as inwards, but it may be hard, especially when July comes around, so please bear with us - but also remind us that the world is much bigger than us!

Free Songs x 5

2008-02-02T15:30:00.000+11:00

Hot day today, summer rain, summer sun, I just hope it cools down enough to let me sleep tonight.

Nice to have an afternoon off though, time to do some reading, listen to music, play some guitar. Just bought Jack Johnson's new album today, sounds pretty good. But I am reminded again that I still like his first album most of all. Got it at Leading Edge- $25, Kmart didn't have it, but then again, they always tend to be three weeks behind everywhere else.

Also, I noticed an ad around the place that said you can get a free 5 song sampler from Brushfire records, but I am having trouble downloading it.

Here is the link

http://www.brushfirerecords.com.au/register.php

Let me know if you can download it, maybe I am doing something wrong.

Listening to the new album makes me want to go for a surf. I think I might, at least I can cool off some.

Daddy already

2008-01-29T21:04:00.000+11:00

Well, Cathy and I are expecting our first baby, and I already can't wait to meet it. another 24 weeks to go or so though, but it's amazing how quickly you can bond to someone you have never met.
Anyway, you can pray for us, we are new to parenting, and although we are very excited about the whole deal, there will be a lot of things to learn. I might start with learning patience, and how to clean the nice white carpet.
So, our baby is due, at the moment on July 15. I'll be 25, Cathy will be 24, a bit young compared to most parents these days, but that appeals to us. It's fun doing things differently.
If you read this and have name suggestions please feel free to throw them my way, we'd be keen to hear about it. Serious suggestions only please(!).
We had our first ultrasound last week, and everything seems to be going well, thanks to God. Here is a picture for you - and you didn't even need to ask for it!

The study of the Word

2008-01-07T15:18:00.000+11:00

Been reading a short biography of Luther today.
A couple of things captured my attention.

1. Luther struggled for a long time, despairingly to understand the meaning of the words in the Bible. It's a challenge to me as I consider how I regard my study of the Bible. Do I spend as much time agonising over the meaning - or do I go with the first one that comes to my mind.
And look at what Luther discovered in his efforts - justification by faith. A doctrine that so many of us take for granted today. So, there's my challenge now, not to find something theologically novel, but rather to soak myself in the Bible to let it shape me, so that I can better teach it to others.

2. Luther was a man of passion, who was a scholar, who was a preacher. This is an interesting combination. A lot of the time we consider scholars to be dry, boring types - maybe a bit like politicians or IT professionals, but Luther breaks this mould. He is a man of passion, convicted by the truth of the Bible. You can be both - is what I learnt. You can have knowledge, and a passion for the truth, and along with that, a heart to share it with others. Now there were definitely times that Luther's passion probably got the better of him, but there is still much we can learn from him too.

Check you later.

Thoughts on Proverbs 3:11-12

2006-12-24T19:56:00.000+11:00

As you know from previous posts, I have been doing some reading from Proverbs.
Proverbs 3:11-12 says

"My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."

Don't all fathers when they discipline do it for the good of the child? Children learn and grow up in need of discipline. In this way they learn how to be an adult. Discipline is very much an important part of growing up. Now, as an adult, I do not for one moment regret, or resent the discipline that was dished out to me - though it never felt good at the time. I am certain that it was for my benefit, and hindsight helps me to see the wisdom of my parents in their discipline of me.

Proverbs here tells us it is the same with God. God cherishes us as his own children, and disciplines us as those he loves, those he delights in. We are loved by God, and his delight. The discipline is for our own good. We must learn to trust our heavenly Father with our lives, for he holds it in his hands.

Discipline is for our own good. What makes up the discipline of God I am not certain about. Doubtless there is judgment upon the sin in our own lives (to varying degrees), and there is also suffering inflicted upon ourselves because of our own mistakes, and those of others. But the discipline of God is far bigger than any one category. It may be one or all of these things. I need to think about this a bit more, but the principle remains the same, do not resent God for it.
As we mature as Christians, as we are moulded into the likeness of Christ, we should see more and more that the hard times in our lives are the loving discipline of God. It kind of reminds me of that Footprints poem, where God carries us through the hard times of our lives, to aid us, to be with us, because he loves us. We have to be careful not to characterise all hardships as the discipline of God, but don't be foolish and neglect the possibility.

Thank God that he loves us and delights in us to discipline us as sons!

10 days

2006-12-22T22:31:00.000+11:00

Ok, so then end of the year is drawing near now, and it's time to review a little (the same as everyone else I suppose). Work finished this afternoon, for me, and we had our staff Christmas party. This was a nice day for it actually, we were at a nice pub over the water, and the company was paying. Some of the guys got out their guitars and played music for us. There is this old kiwi bloke with us (from New Zealand), and he sings real well. So we just got to hang out and not talk about work, and basically relax a little before Christmas comes upon us.

It was nice to see everyone in this less formal environment.

But anyway, this day marks the beginning of my time off work! 10 days off in a row, I am so relieved all of a sudden! I have been rushing through so much work these last two weeks, and now, quite suddenly, it is over. And I couldn't be more happier.

The wife and I both get to share four days off together as well. We might go somewhere, though hard to find accommodation at this late stage in the Christmas season, or we might stay at home. Either way, the phone will be off the hook! Time for some R & R.

It will be nice of course to see the family over Christmas, and I am also catching up with some friends here or there, but mostly I am looking forward to the time I will get to spend reading some books, watching the cricket on the tele, and going for swims down at the beach.

It makes me realise how important it is to make sure we take regular time out from the busyness of our day to day lives to rest.

Are you resting enough, or do you feel that life is getting out of control?

Nostalgia and Zombies

2006-12-19T22:17:00.000+11:00

I have been struck lately by moments of nostalgia. Alarming, I know, considering I am only 23. I thought nostalgia and romantic notions of days gone by were for old folk, people who had past their use by date, and hankered for the old days. You can flush them when they often begins sentences with, "I can still remember... when our family used to *sniff* gather round the 'ol gramophone and share stories of the war..."

But nostalgia can hit you hard in unexpected places. Nostalgia is romantic, but it is in the higher meaning of the word that is of import to us. It is a longing for something past, like a game of backyard cricket when you were nine, or the home baked cookies your Mum used to make for you after school.

Nostalgia is a personal experience, unique to the individual, and a tribute to past memories and emotions. For me, feelings of nostalgia are most often associated with music. Is this the case for you?

There are particular songs in my collection, that when I hear them I can clearly recall my emotions at that time of my life when the song meant something for me. There are longings there that words can't describe, but joy is a good place to begin.

Songs like "Zombie Eaters", Faith No More and "Save Tonight", Eagle Eye Cherry and "What I be", Michael Franti and "Scar", Missy Higgins and "on and on and on. They remind me of memories from high school, of books I had to read for year 7 English, of my meeting my wife, and getting engaged, and summer drives, and surf trips with the mates and so on. What a joy it is to be able to reflect on our past experiences, music seems to take me there, and back again. Paradoxically it makes me yearn too for the future, for next year, and the one 10 years ahead.

So, I guess if you're listening to a song over and over, don't get all too flustered about getting over the song. Remember in a few years time the songs you listen to today will remind you of the life you are living now. Will that be a good thing or a bad thing? Either way, it will be nostalgic...

Follow the leader

2006-12-11T20:50:00.000+11:00

I say how easy it is to follow the leader!

But, I warn, be careful whom you follow!

Started reading Proverbs the other day. Nice and slowly. It's the kind of good solid biblical realism that works inside of you. Not all at once, but just ingrains itself over time. The message today, from the first chapter of the book of Proverbs warned of following a bad guy. If you follow the wrong guy, you end up becoming like him. The implicit directive that this is not good should be well heeded. I think at times it is easy to find oneself admiring the wrong people.

Who do you hang out with? How do they influence you?

The caution on spending time with the wrong people is prefaced by the notion that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. There is conceivably here an indication of whom we should be following first, and that is by far the better alternative.

Christmas what?

2006-12-09T18:40:00.000+11:00

So, it's nearly Christmas... the silly season?

You know what I think is silly about it? The fact that every time some politician on tv tries to talk about it they only say these pointless things like "Seasons Greetings" and so on. Is everyone too scared these days to talk about the real meaning of Christmas?

Here in Australia, on Australia day, people become citizens. More so than any other day. It is almost a badge of honour for residents of Australia to become citizens on that day. Why is that? Because the day represents something more than the next one. Why? Because on Australia Day we remember... you guessed it... the settlement of Australia in 1788.

Why do we have a public holiday celebrating the Queen's Birthday? Ummm... is it that hard... it is to remember the Queen - our head of State (whether we like it or not).

Now for some reason ( I will explore that in a moment), Christmas has almost become a taboo topic. No one wants to talk about what it means, only that it is a holiday, a time off work, a time to spend with family, Santa's arrival, ham eating, shopping, watching cricket... yadda yadda yadda. Anything but what it actually means.

So what does it actually mean then? Well Christmas is a time for us to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, some 2000 years ago now. Our dating system itself is based on this event! It is a time for us to reflect on the significance on the event, and how it affects us today. Do not be fooled, friends by the deceptions of our secular society, that is so full of misleading comments and inane remarks. Christmas time is a time to celebrate the past and to hope for the future.

Jesus is not just any baby. Jesus is God incarnate, come to save us from the punishment our actions in this world deserve.

Why not make this Christmas the time to think harder about who this baby is, a baby born in a dirty manger in a backward town, a baby that changed our history forever.

The Bible of course has much to say on this topic, why not check it out, Christmas is a great time to do so. Of course, if you want to hear someone talk about why we celebrate Christmas you should head to a local church on Christmas morning. Everyone else around us seems to conveniently forget the true reason we celebrate, perhaps the relentless drive to consume that seems to cloak most of our materialistic society today is the reason behind it. Then again maybe they just don't like the truth. maybe our politicians might lose a vote or two for actually standing up for something.

Go on guys, say Merry Christmas this year, let's keep it real.

Sand Runner

2006-12-07T23:06:00.000+11:00

The man pushed his unwilling body through the soft sand on the beach. “Is it always this hard?” he muttered to himself, as each step gave way to painful step.

The haze hung heavy over the beach this morning, like a blanket keeping the visibility low, weighing down the air in his lungs. On his right side the little rollers were marching in, battling the shore in their quest for territory. Further down the beach a couple of surfers were chatting as they enjoyed this dawn to themselves.

His calves, now burning up, were tightening up with each extra pace. His speed dropped off to not much more than walking speed, and the water was now splashing around his ankles as he searched for some harder sand. Five minutes and five hundred steps later he reached his marker. Today, he ran without his usual running singlet, and so this morning it doubled as his towel and finish line. The extra pace this morning had its rewards, with time enough for a quick swim; he plunged into the water, and washed the sand and the aches away.

Getting out, he dried himself carelessly with his singlet, and headed for home, a tired grin planted on his face as he laughed to himself, “Is it always this good?” The thought came and went, but he wore the smile to work that morning.

Meanwhile, his footprints left on the beach were slowly sinking away under the incoming tide.

Priorities

2006-12-06T18:54:00.000+11:00

What do you count as important?

What are the things in your life that you would not give up?

These are the things that have been challenging me recently. Have I been placing too much priority on my leisure at the expense of other areas of my life? It’s certainly possible.

Upon reflection, I believe that most of the time, if we have the wrong priorities, we more than likely have to change our perspective on things. What angle are you viewing life from?

So, what do you think about God? Do you think about Him?

God’s priorities for our lives is for us to put Him first, and everything else flows from that. For God is the fountainhead of all things that are good. If we put God first, if we prioritise Him, and recognise Him for who He is and all he has done for us, then are we able to put everything else in the right perspective.

Suddenly, all things are painted in the proper light, the fog of uncertainty begins to clear before our eyes and the river of our lives begins flowing in the direction it ought.

A nice morning

2006-12-05T22:37:00.001+11:00

There was bright sunlight streaming through the window this morning. One of those mornings that is practically screaming for you to skip breakfast, and showers and soak in some rays. Days like this just don't seem meant for working!

I love mornings like this - when the sun is out, the ocean blue, the cicadas humming away, and barely a breeze to ruffle the leaves on the trees. The beach, being a mere two hundred metres away was my destination, I jogged down the road, barefoot and towel in hand, hopping through the traffic on the busy main road (a bit like that old computer game, frogger!). Getting out and enjoying the day before you have to go work is a great way to wake up.

It’s a habit I have only picked up again recently – the morning swim. The water was so smooth this morning, not much of a wave, but just perfect for a quick dip. The beach was also basically empty, this in itself is not all that unusual – thankfully so!

Heading down the sandy slope (they have been filling the beach recently with… more sand), and towards the high tide mark, along with the usual debris of shells and footprints left by long-gone beach walkers was an assortment of blue-bottles. Ah yes, the common herald of summer on the beaches in Sydney, the blue-bottles had made their way to my beach intent on making my swim this morning a rather stinging experience.

The next five minutes were spent pacing the beach up and down to find a clearer spot to swim. No luck there. The water was too tempting, definitely worth the risk, after all, I could just avoid them in the water, so long as I kept my eyes open, right?

Made it out past the tiny breakers as quickly as possible, and then swam a few strokes up and down the beach, before coming heading back in. It was a short swim.

No worries, no problems.

I walked out of the water, my step a little lighter than before. The slight breeze chilled me a little, and I grabbed my towel from the sand, picked up the house keys and turned to head for home.

As I checked out the water one last time I saw again the little blue bottles all lined up along the shore, occasionally being thrown around by the moving water. I’m sure they stopped a few would-be swimmers this morning. Not me though.

The concrete footpath didn’t seem quite so jarring on the jog back.

... still had to go to work :)

Beginning

2006-12-04T23:39:00.001+11:00

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." C.S. Lewis