New Year 2006

2005 In review:

Last Years Key Highlights & Achievements:
1) Being a Husband and Father!
2) Visit family in Tasmania and Melbourne
3) Completed two Units towards Masters Degree
4) Successful delivery of Financial System and making Senior Management.
5) Reticulated lawn down.



2005 Best Reading:
Bono, Table Talk (Luther), Strategic Procurement Management, Project Procurement Management, Prince2. Also lots of Blogs.

2005 Key Learning:

Leadership is about engendering Trust and taking responsibility. It’s less about charm, charisma or communication skills. It’s about taking initiative, taking risks and standing up for what is right. Its about speaking the Truth or taking action at critical points in history.

This is what made Jesus - and to a lesser extent Martin Luther, Gandhi, Martin Luther King and JFK genuinely great.

Sometimes Leadership does in fact mean walking alone. Or with the few. Be led by a careful study of the Truth. Be led by your conscience. Lead yourself first.

For the New Year 2006:

1) God: A) Study to better understand "Predestination & Freewill" B) Study to better understand the names of God C) Kids Baptised. D) Commit to Friday nights ‘Kids Club’ with M - if it goes ahead.
2) Family: A) Commit to having a ‘work-free’ family day each week. B) A holiday for ‘JB’. C) Celebrate ‘Thanksgiving with Family & Friends’ as Family tradition (May).
3) Professional Development: A) Excel in new role to develop team to create a sense of community, excellence, accountability and achievement B) Deliver the First Phase CRM Project by year-end.
4) Fitness: Get back into 32" Boardshorts by Mid-Feb…Again! :-)
5) Home: A) Complete front garden Garden (Fence, Paint Fence, Plants) B) Build a cabinet for TV and C) Finish M’s room.
6) Recreation: Join Scuba2 (Been putting that off too long).
7) Financial: Improve Stewardship A) Develop a Financial Plan. B) Improve Giving under Grace - “Don’t feel guilty – Get responsible.”
8) Relationships: Help organise Boss’ 50th. Resolve/close outstandings.


Character Growth: A) Better frugality: Make own lunches, buy less coffee, drink more water, ride to work with colleagues. B) Be More Thankful.

On High Standards

Been thinking through freewill, predestination, faith and some other stuff.

Funny how things come from all directions to put a picture together…like pieces of a puzzle:

Some lyrics came my way:

“I gave myself to religion...
Became a follower of the Word.
I tried so hard to live up to everything that I heard
Then I found Love...Yeah, I found Love…

Or should I say -
...Love found Me”.

-Chris Falson

Source: http://www.chrisfalson.com/uploaddsl/main.swf

Still haven’t got most of the pieces yet. Maybe I never will.

Christmas 2005

Another Christmas is over.

Enjoyed Fish & Chips on Christmas Eve with good friends.
Woken from a deep slumber at 5:30am by my 7 year old to the words “Santa has been!”..
Went a local Lutheran Church on Christmas Morning – heard a great and relevant sermon on scriptures from Isaiah and John on the birth of the Saviour who cam in both “Grace and Truth”.
Enjoyed marvellous Christmas lunch with my largish family…played Backyard cricket.
My wine collection has now increased by several bottles…hmmm.
Was given a great straw ‘Quiksilver’ hat from my brother - with a brim large enough to cover the South West of this State!
Had the inlaws for Boxing Day for a relaxed lunch and assembled a portable basketball ring for the kids.
Needless to say I have played plenty of basketball.

I have to say – I have not relaxed so much in such a long time.

Back to the grindstone tomorrow.

I trust you enjoyed the break.

Better Days

Some songs just mark the milstones of your life.

Though not a hppay one, this is one for now:

Better Days
-Pete Murray

And I saw it coming
I saw emptiness and tragedy
And I felt like running
So far away
But knew I had to stay
And I know when I'm older
I look back and I still feel the pain
I know I'll be stronger and I know I'll be fine
For the rest of my days

I've seen better days
Put my face in my hands
Get down on my knees and I pray to God
Hope he sees me through till the end

I noticed the smallest things
But I didn't notice the change
It was hot in the morning
Then it turned so cold, twas the end of the day
There was no condensation I just felt like I was in space
I needed my friends there I just turned around
They were gone without a trace.

Rather Be Diving...

Its beautiful weather outside. The Ocean is blue and clear. I also have Monday off.

Too bad I'm in here ploughing through a 350 page text book for an exam on Wednesday.

It doesn't feel like Christams.

Place Holders

Things I am grateful for with regard to my faith:

My aunt who gave me my first Bible.
Those who fought and lost their lives to get the scriptures into the hands of the lay man.
A little old Catholic scripture teacher that came to our school and had nicotine stained fingers. That showed me that Christians did not have to be perfect.
A Lutheran Pastors who spent time of a Sunday afternoon showing us how to read and interpret the Bible correctly - thank God.
The Catechism and the Lords Prayer.
My Prayer book - for when I'm stumped and lost for words.
Confirmation classes - even though I made a mockery of them at the time.
Communion.
The Cross.
Stained Glass. Sometimes.
Spirit words that just seem to talk to my heart.

On Excellence

"Excellence is too hard to maintain -
Mediocrity maintains itself" -Mick the de motivational speaker

The Big Chill

Had our 20 Year School reunion last night. Can’t believe how fast 20 years goes.

Although I still see three or four guys on a regular basis, had a great time, with people I had not even spared a thought for in a long period of time.

Quite different from the 10 year reunion – where everyone was showcasing their career.

This time around it was all about children, schools and work-life balance. Many now have opted for a ‘sea-change’ / country life style (not surprising as many were boarders).

Looking back at the photo’s of some of the mature teachers at the time only to realise that we have now exceed the age that they were when they taught us.

One thing is clear; we have become our parents and teachers.

Refresh

Its been a busy time. The pressure has been on at work. Much change happening. But its work that I love.

I've just finished a thesis for this semester towrds my Masters on "Strategic Project Procurement Management"...left it all to the last few weeks - as usual. #1 Rule for a Project Manager - "Thou Shalt Not Procrastinate"...

Sunday mornings - I am now helping out with the kids at the Surf Club. Thirty or so under 8's all wearing orange and white caps. Its all good.

Faith stuff has been a bit dry. Very dry infact.

It's time to blow the dust of my Bible (metaphorically speaking of course) and read through the Gospel of John. Been taking some time out of 'formal Church' to get my head around things - though I really feel a pull towards heading down to the local Anglican for Communion this weekend. The one with the annual fete amd the corny signs that I used to laugh at as I drove past. Funny how perspectives change - oftimes for the better.

Unexpectedly recieved and appreciated the gift of music today from a far away friend. Now that's refreshing.

Success

These are thoughts gate-crashing my mind of late, as posted in the comments of Steve Addisons blog - I just wanted to cath them here.

Why is it so? Why can’t a Church handle success as we define it – affluence, influence or (political) power well? Is it because we have ill-defined the definition of a “successful church”?

The Jews were waiting on a powerful, influential strong messiah when Jesus came – but his ministry was just the opposite…meek, weak, his influence rejected by those in power, humble and lead to his own demise and death.

Could it be that the local congregational Pastor (also layperson) who spend his time visiting nursing homes, counseling, doing funerals and spending time with mourning families, doing scripture lessons in the local school etc – could still be closer to Jesus than the well remunerated mega (or giga) church pastor who is mixing with the politicians and has a television ministry?

I don’t want to sound negative – but these are just questions on my mind. Are we supposed to be successful, or authentic...Upwardly mobile and influential, or downwardly mobile (and incarnational in EC speak).

I’m wondering is the Church that gravitates towards success and the successful – being faithful to its calling?

Are we supposed to 'decline' offers of worldly success as Jesus did in the desert or are we supposed to capitalise on them inorder to have maximum impact? Why is all of Church history stacked against Churches that become 'successful'?.

No need to answer - just thinking it through.

Quote For Today

"I keep six honest serving men (They taught me all I knew); Their names are What and Why and When and How and Where and Who."
-Rudyard Kipling, Just So Sories For Little Children

Thought For Day

"Be daring, be different, be impractical; be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary"-Cecil Beaton

This from Marisa.

South Eastern States Tour

Hobart

Normal Blogging will resume shortly (after I have submitted my thesis).

Wrote this some time ago but never posted it!


Just back from visiting family in Tasmania and Melbourne. Both places are beautiful in their own right, but hope to get back and spend a little more time there again in a couple of years.

Highlights
• Salamanca Place / Markets in Historic Hobart (I could live in Hobart):
• Spending some time with Grandparents and family. Ninety-five year old Grandfather-in-law telling us of his plans to tour around Victoria on a Motorcycle.
• Visiting me wife’s Uncle’s renovated beach house in Weymouth Tas ,Walking in Tasmania’s wilderness, eating at some 19th Century Inns, chairlift over Cataract Gorge at Launceston..
• Dinner at Aunts high-rise apartment overlooking Melbourne City of a night time
• Walking along High Street Shops and Café’s of South Yarra, going to Luna Park and Coffee and cake in St Kilda and having Dim Sims at the South Melbourne markets.
• Melbourne’s Botanical Gardens, Shrine of Remembrance and seeing Rembrandt paintings (Dutch Masters) at NGV.

Lessons Learned
• It’s never a good idea to buy a harmonica at the Markets for seven year old son when touring in the car as a family
• Don’t expect too much from cheap serviced apartments in Melbourne. If the brochure lists a swimming pool and a spa—that does not mean that it will actually be in a safe, heated and in useable condition by humans. Frogs perhaps.

The biggest disappointment was cancel plans for Dive of the Kelp forests of Port Arthur due to a persistent chest infection…that one now has to wait for next time.

Fargo Jnr.

Fargo

"Why do Mothers always dress us up in weird stuff?"

Miracles and Random Acts of Kindness

I currently believe that it is potentially a dangerous view to assert that miracles occur because of our radical obedience or actions...this is the sort of thinking that may place Christians back in the 'weird' bucket...and dissapoint many who take radical action - and not be given the miracles they desire.

They will then cry with dissapontment "what is wrong with my faith"...."have I not been faithful enough?".

The working of miracles, I believe is entirely a supernatural act of God...there is nothing "we do" in this!

Yes, when we feel called we can reach out, or go to the elders for prayer and annointing etc., but to link obedience and faithfulness (our works) to God's blessing may well be to return back to the sweet spot of the dodgy Faith Movement / Prosperity doctrine days. I have seen firsthand the dissapointment that this brings - even to radical Christians!

I think the concept of Miracles and healing etc needs to be looked at more broadly....and perhaps we should be looking at the 'miracle' and the wonder of why often times God does not heal!

Christians are to be a reflection of, and witnesss to Christ during both their times of blessing and during times of suffering.

Those "Miraculous Miracles" will occur - but they will be rare by definition....I think we need to look for the "Common Miracles" that occur around us - everyday, in the wonder of life itself!

I do not have the answers...but the thoughts that have are these:

I think we need to start looking at wonder at all of the common miracles around us. The wonder in nature and the Universe, the wonder of man created in God's image...these point to the supernatural and the Wonder of the Creator...

Then I think we have to get much better at rembering to be thankful for this wonder, and everything that God provides for us food, society, family etc...

Then we have to get better at understanding the Father Heart of God, trusting in his infinite wisdom and knowing that ultimately - he wants his very best for us...and that he fully understands and empathasis with humans in our struggles...

in all of this maybe 'We' are to be the agents he works his miracles -helping others through in our words, actions and quiet and discreet prayers!

Then if we are suffering or see suffering to pray for God's help - trusting that through all of this his will is being done, towards progress His Kingdom...regardless of wheteher or not he provides immediate relief...

And then, in all of this just maybe we may actually see the unexpected!

Flesh & Blood

The pentecostal view of communion has been largely been on of the "rememberance meal"...Catholics and others actually believe that when Jesus himself said "take and eat, this IS my body", the participation in communion means we are consuming the flesh (for Catholics it actually means the literal flesh of Christ in that the wafer changes inside the mouth).

From my readings of early Church, these orthodox views would have certainly have been held by the earliest of Christians, as one of the charges laid on them by their persecutors who conveniently took this all out of context was that they were to be percieved as a sect of flesh eating cannibals!

But the emphasis being on 'This IS my body, given for you, for the forgiveness of sins' is something I find somewhat mystical and entirely special....and when I am at a low point, something I spiritually crave - especially when dispensed from a common cup in a more intimate setting.

There is just something wonderful about the whole thing, when considered in this context, that just cannot be put into words.

On the Quiet

“The more I see the less I know”
-U2, ‘City of Blinding Lights’

I have not written much here for a while, as there has been much that has been on my mind.

Presently, I am taking some time out in order to ‘refresh with my spirituality’ and get my head around a few things.

In the meantime, I have being ‘hanging out’ at some of the older traditional Churches in our city. In their quietness I have been impressed.

Last Sunday, I attend an informal Lutheran Church service with a speaker who works with the poor and marginalized in low socio-economic areas.

This Sunday, I plan to attend a formal ‘Taize’ style worship service at an old Church in the City. Soon, for something different, I also plan to spend a weekend with the Monks at New Norcia on a retreat.

Everyday, on the way to work, I pass an old traditional Church in our city that in my arrogance I had written it off as a ‘has been’.

I would often sneer at the corny quote board on the front wall, however, of late the quotes have been uncannily pertinent to my life situation, that the words have just jumped out at me:

1) “If we say we are without fault then the Truth is not in us”.
2) “Likw Light, Truth always Travels in Straight Lines”.
3) “Forget Others Faults By Remembering Your Own!”...

God knows where we are at. I believe that he communicates his wisdom through the quiet things that confound “the wise”—even corny old Church Quote Boards!.

I have a lot to learn!

Silence

“I see that what I am experiencing is moral ache. That this act comes out of the act of reflection and even silence itself. That this act of reflection is of course, important for finding some temporary grace as a writer. But that grace fully realised, comes from living and not reflecting in isolation”.

-Mark Mordue, “A Dog’s Life” pp 22 The Big Issue, No 235 15.08.05 – 30.08.05

Enough said.

On Bono

“I wish I could live the life of someone you could describe as pious. I couldn’t preach because I couldn’t practice. It’s plain to see that I’m not a good advertisement for God. Artists are selfish people”.
-'Bono on Bono: Converstations with Michka Assayas.

I can relate to that.

Ocean

Trigg Beach, Contacio (2005)

Immortal love, forever full,
Forever flowing free,
Forever shared, forever whole,
A never ebbing sea!

No offering of my own I have,
Nor works my faith to prove;
I can but give the gifts He gave,
And plead His love for love.

I see the wrong that round me lies,
I feel the guilt within;
I hear, with groan and travail-cries,
The world confess its sin.

Yet, in the maddening maze of things,
And tossed by storm and flood,
To one fixed trust my spirit clings;
I know that God is good!

I dimly guess from blessings known
Of greater out of sight,
And, with the chastened Psalmist, own
His judgments too are right.

I know not what the future hath
Of marvel or surprise,
Assured alone that life and death
His mercy underlies

And so beside the silent sea
I wait the muffled oar;
No harm from Him can come to me
On ocean or on shore.

I know not where His islands lift
Their fronded palms in air;
I only know I cannot drift
Beyond His love and care.
(J.G. Whittier, 1867)

(Submitted By 'Halieus' - Much Appreciated)

Serendipity

This post was dumb...and has been deleted.

Ambiguity

My wife has just started her three day working week, and to make things a little easier we have engaged the services of a cleaning lady.

As a consequence my wife has run around the house, with a desperate sense of urgency cleaning everything– just for the cleaning lady!

I think it was Rowlph the piano tapping dog from the Muppets who sang of women “You can’t live with ‘em, you can’t live without ‘em–there’s something ambiguous about ‘em”.

I tend to agree.

More Light

I like this quote from Kel at X-facta:

"To minister, or be part of a "ministry", is not about becoming a household name and seeking spotlight stage fame. It's about being willing to lose our own status so we can lift others up toward the light".

Light

Of late, my thoughts have travelled to some very dark places. Unfortunately, its the legacy of a Melancholy. Though in all this I have seen the Gospel, in such a way, that I have never personally grasped it before.

Maybe this is what Luther saw too. The Gospel Truth - that can be grasped completely and only by Faith.

The Truth stands alone, untouched by anything. Regardless.

It must be left alone. It is set apart from everything, and is completely without burden of law — circumcision, Sabbath, Tithe or abstinence. Anything less, is well—a lesser Gospel.

It must be kept so, to preach the Gospel with any encumbrance at all is nothing short of idolatry. This is because it inhibits the fullness of faith. Maybe this is what St Paul was talking about in Gal 1:6-12.

Today, I feel like Gollum, with this insight wanting to sit and treasure "My precious", but I feel it must be shared.

Though, my friends, I can only point you to the field, this revelation, in all of its entirety can only come by doing the hard digging yourselves!.

Blog Sabbatical

Like Kel at Xfacta...I've decided to have a little sabbatatical for a week or so. I've been focusing on some work stuff, some fitness activities, gardening (we have just spent the last three weekends putting down reticulation, landsacping and laying lawn) as well as getting ready for a fresh semester at uni...

So bye for just a week or so.

Influence

I got this one from 'signposts', a quiz on your theological bent. Its been a 'work-in-progress' for a couple of days as I could not get the HTML right - but it seems to have corrected itself.

Accordiung to the quiz, I have a bent towards 'Methodism' as did Marisa and Becky...I really think it may be more a product of the research device - as I think those particular questions may well have been more Lutheran than anything. I'm not as legalistic as the Methodists in any case.

But as Marisa has pointed out, we cannot underestimate the influence of these faiths on our own worldview.

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You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan. You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists. Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan 82% Neo orthodox 68% Emergent/Postmodern 68% Roman Catholic 64% Reformed Evangelical 46% Fundamentalist 43% Charismatic/Pentecostal 32% Modern Liberal 32% Classical Liberal 29% What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com

Free..for a while

"Wisdom, which we have derived principally from the Greeks,
is but like the boyhood of knowledge, and has the characteristic property of boys;
it can talk, but cannot generate".
-Francis Bacon, The New Organon

Finished my assignments and exam last week. It was my first weekend free in a while. Upon reflection,

I learned much from this unit...much was based on philosophy: Examining the differences bewteen Platonic and New Pragmatic frames of thinking. Quite powerful tools when applied. I think though my lecturer will be shocked when he reads my exam paper. The topic was supposed to include Project Management Case Studies...I applied the thinking techniques to ST Paul on Mars Hill addressing the Greek Philosophers ;-).

Its a funny thing, I am growing in my Project Management skills and knowledge, but every now and then get a glimpse of a much wider, application of these skills. ALl in good time.

Anyway, at the invitation of my friends from the Lutheran Church we attnded up until about five years ago, I attended a service last night and was particularly impressed at some of the changes in the last five years.

A guest Pastor spoke on why we are designed to 'Shine', but why we so often fail to do so. He said it stretched his Lutheran heart, but ST Paul urged us to 'work at our salvation' (can't remember the exact scripture).

He also quoted Tolstoy via Yancey "Does it matter as to whether I am drunk or whether I am sober on the journey home?...As long as I am on the journey home." Not to endorse drunkeness, rather that we are still depraved in our righteousness and growing discipleship. Tolstoy goes on to say "if you think I'm bad, well you should have seen me ten years ago". Discipleship is a Journey. And I feel comfortable with that.

Thought

"It is the nature of thought to find its way into action."
-Christian Nevell Bovee

Winter Chill

Love winter nights on a Friday. Especially when it its cold, wet and raining.

A pint of Guinness
Takeaway Chinese
A block of Chocolate
And a DVD to watch with my wife.

Its all good...except we got out the 'Butterfly Effect'. After watching 5 minutes -had to leave. Can't stand scary movies.

Winter Lines

I went for a surf this morning and was marvelling at the winter swell lines as they periodically charged into shore. Swell lines always preced a storm. On the way home, I switched on the radio to hear this verse:

"GOD proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
It is a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from GOD.
It is a good thing while you're young to stick it out through the hard times".
-Lamentations 3:25-27

This will be my last Blog comment for a little while - I am sitting exams this week.

Seriously...

Funny thing. I was once told that I take my faith ‘too seriously’. By a Minister. I’m wondering if that is possible? Without faith, what have we got left?...A sense of humour?

Well then, maybe losing Faith is not such a bad thing after all. Seriously.

Bridges of Trust

Trust: "Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing".
-Source: www.dictionary.com

I was in a café recently and picked up the latest Readers Digest. An article caught my eye – “Australia’s 100 Most Trusted”. . Predictably, amongst those that Aussie’s trust the most are Celebrities and Sports Stars.

I scanned the list, looking for religious leaders and politicians out of interest.

The highest ranking religious leader AND (ex-)politician, quite low down on the list was at number 30. Rev. Tim Costello, who is the current World Vision leader. Interestingly, this man relies on wealth and philanthropy to run his organisation, but is also a vocal opponent to prosperity theology - yet he is still successful in many arena's and in the eyes of sceualr society. It seems that good works do count.

It is interesting to note how people in a secular society view and trust Christians - not too many in the list. My Grandfather, a non-Christian man, though of impeccable integrity was quite cynical towards the Christian Church in general. Though he has a special place for the Salvation Army because of their service efforts in New Guinea during the war.

I’m thinking that it’s the visible service in action that builds the bridge of trust. Interestngly, Ambulance officers top the list of "Austalia's 30 Most Trusted Professions" (Scroll Down). Others near the top include Teachers nurses and Police Officers. Religious leaders come in at 16 and politicians...well they are predictably last!

Well I guess, those scum bag IT Project Mangers do not even rank a mention!

Instant

"Instant: Defn: An almost imperceptible space of time".
-Source: www.dictionary.com

Just heard some sad news, a colleague of a friend lost his 2 year old when a cupboard fell on him yesterday. A life cut tragically short, too early. Having my own baby boy of similar age, I can't help but sympathise.

Recently, a colleague and young father was in a motorcycle accident and sadly is unlikely to walk again.

It makes you think.

Your whole life can be irreversably changed within an instant, and imperceptable amount of time. We need make a choice to make every second count...and filled with gratitude.

And enjoy the days... And its easy to do this when you see your 7 year old recieve a merit award at school assembly this morning "for thinking creatively outside the box!". And if you ever read this M. I'm so proud of you mate!

Thoughts For Tonight

Some people are far too easily bought...

What is the market price for a man's soul?

Is there anything worth more than Truth?

Do you feel rage on the inside when you have been crossed - even when you know you are wrong?

Do you value your security above integrity?

Is the God you know now the same God you knew as a child? ...Honestly?

Above Reproach

"Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil". - 1 Tim 3:6-8

Last week, I read a surprisingly contemptuous article in a reputable business magazine on the growing influence of the Pentecostal/Contemporary Church movement within Australia.

As many of my family, colleagues and friends (some in traditional churches) read this magazine, I have taken the time to reflect on its contents so that I may articulate my thoughts with a greater degree of clarity.

The article correctly asserted that shrewd marketing and networking practices are being applied by these Churches to optimise their reach and influence. It also voiced concerns over the implications of ‘prosperity theology’. Unfortunately, the article leaves the uninformed reader with a tainted bias as it did not appear to give the Leaders of these Churches the right of reply.

In the main, the growing influence of the Contemporary Church has to be a good thing. Increasingly, people are being taught in a relevant way important traditional scriptural values and life skills largely being abandoned by secular society.

Of course, a more ‘successful life’ will be a by-product of people adopting and learning life skills as taught by these Churches. For example it follows that if someone adopts a value of industriousness (or 'work ethic') then they will 'prosper' or their efforts will 'Be Blessed'. As my secular friends sometimes say "It seems the harder I work the luckier (more blessed) I get".

In addition, one of the more wonderful aspects of these Churches is that they cut-across demographic, social and cultural boundaries to include a wider variety of people in their community. Increasingly, they are also moving into Mercy Ministry activities such as orphanges - a fact also not covered in the article.

Though, from where I stand on the fringe of a large contemporary Church, I feel the article has also highlighted some areas that may warrant attention by these Churches to ensure that these organisations and their people appear to, and do in fact remain ‘above reproach’.

These may include adherence to an external code of conduct to regulate fund raising strategies, clearer delineation of business and religious activities as well as an overhaul of Governance structures which, amongst other things, will include measures to provide assurance that these organisations will not become ‘inherited institutions’. (I once was told by a Pentecostal minister that their Church located in Scarborough was not even an incorporated body).

Most importantly, the focus of the Church should always remain true to its mandate to disseminate the message of freedom and redemption that is the Gospel. Possibly, there is a need for greater emphasis on the Truth that ‘Success’ and 'a position of respect in society' may well not be the outcome of choosing to follow Christ, as clearly taught in the sciptures and stressed by the Traditional churches.

The current situation, I believe, trust and pray is not a question of integrity (or lack thereof), but rather a fact that this growing Church movement is still in an early phase of maturity in its life cycle ― relative to traditional Churches, Charities, NGO’s and other mutual organisations.

I firmly believe that both the growing Contemporary/Pentecostal Church movement and the declining Traditional Church both have a lot to learn from one another.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

**These comments are my current personal thoughts and views only and not necessarily a reflection of any people I associate with or any Church that I attend.

Bay of Pigs

I have been reading some case studies on Leadership. And for the second time in a few weeks have come across references to the Bay of Pigs Fiasco.

Thomsett writes:

"Interestingly, many people in the broader organisation also deny the reality of the (issue), and in the case of the Bay of Pigs phenomenan, noone says anything as noone else is saying anything...we observed this pattern of failure(Groupthink)in everyone of the 20 Projects we reviewed"

These people were JFK's team. Its always intriguing to study how the Best and the Brightest operate in times of pressure and opposition.

Project Pathology

Rob Th omsett is a Project Management guru, whose journal articles I am presently reviewing to write a paper about 'Project Failure' writes of an unhygienic Project environment:

“an unhealthy bunker type mentality begins to emerge with the team seeing themselves as heroes and heroines struggling against great odds and any team members who express doubt about the project are treated as outcasts or negative people. It is important to note that the Project is close to failure by this stage”.

I’ve been in such a Project which ended up failing, despite being led by an Harvard MBA from an expensive external consulting firm.

Healthy and honest communication to interested stakeholders, facing reality and constructively dealing with the issues and criticism ‘head-on’, and making key and sometimes painful structural changes is the only way to work through to a successful outcome.

The problem is, that when you are part of a hard working Team, moving in the one direction, and used to working a particular way over a period of time - it sometimes takes unwelcome criticism from unlikely sources to bring threats and weaknesses to our attention.

Discretion

Discretion: n 1: freedom to act or judge on one's own 2: knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress; "the servants showed great tact and discretion" [syn: discreetness, circumspection, prudence] 3: refined taste; tact [syn: delicacy] 4: the power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies [syn: free will] 5: the trait of judging wisely and objectively; "a man of discernment" [syn: discernment]

Of all of the Character traits that I value most highly in others, 'Discretion', (closely aligned with 'Dignity') has to be 'up there'.

Not much is said of Joseph, the Father of Jesus, and in my eyes a quiet and unsung Hero in the Bible, except the following verse, which I think summarised his entire Character into a nutshell:

"Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn't know that.) Joseph, chagrined (displeased) but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced". – Matt 1:18-19 (Msg)

Change

I've been thinking...

It's often said that a "Leopard cannot change its spots". This is true, but Leopards can grow, mature and become wiser with age.

Many mistakes are made when one is young. Oftimes people do things in ignorance or arrogance. Wisdom comes with experience and reflection. Humility with time.

Besides, what do the external spots of a Leopard have to do with his internal character?

Ventures

I saw this written on a cafe chalkboard at the 'Wild-fig' this morning...

"Don't be afraid of trying something new.
Remeber the Ark was built by a lone amateur,
And the Titanic by a group of professionals".

Upbeat huh!

Forecasting Trouble

If Mrs L. catches me blogging...I'll be in big trouble. I've taken this week-off to complete a 5000 word essay by next Tuesday (and fit in a surf or two - swell permitting).

Anyway, I have been getting many emails from an Astrologer that has been offering to send me a 'personalised and accurate forecast' all for $USD50.

It reads:

Dear Lf,

I have just realized, by analyzing your Zodiac configuration again, that this Summer is set to be a very intense period for you. As a matter of fact, bearing in mind the information you have given me (your date of birth 22nd August 1968 and your current astral aspects) it is very clear that your astral configuration will be in full bloom over the coming months and this will begin over the month of June, during which you can expect some very important news. This trend will continue during July and August when you can expect other important opportunities.

This makes the Summer a very significant period for you in all areas of your life including your love-life, finances and career prospects...yada, yada, yada.

Your friend and astrologer,
Angela



My response:

Dear Angela...it'll be winter down here :-)

"Life For Rent"

I haven't ever really found a place that I call home
I never stick around quite long enough to make it
I apologize that once again I'm not in love
But it's not as if I mind
that your heart ain't exactly breaking

It's just a thought, only a thought

But if my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
Cos nothing I have is truly mine

I've always thought
that I would love to live by the sea
To travel the world alone
and live more simply
I have no idea what's happened to that dream
Cos there's really nothing left here to stop me

It's just a thought, only a thought

-Dido 2003

On the Money: Presumption

Recently, we had some 'friends' that attend a large Church in the Northern suburbs ring ‘out of the blue’.

As we had not seen them in some time, we were quite surprised to hear from them. It was not long before my wife was asked if they could come to our house…and show us a new business opportunity...

They told us that they are working really hard to achieve an independent income stream so that they won’t have to work and will then concentrate on doing ‘God stuff’. It was not long before we realised that their motive was to sell Amway. They presumed that we should be interested because we were told 'the Business' has some connections with a community we have been involved with for some time.

Needless to say, my wife gracefully declined the offer.

Though, I have to say that, it does make me angry to the very core when people take advantage of relationships.

There is always something sinister about mixing relationships with money, especially when there is a spiritual connection. My parents always used to say ‘Make friends out of business associates, but never make Business associates out of friends”. You can't beat parental Wisdom - they are not trying to sell you something and have your best interest at heart.

Needless to say, our 'friends'(who are a really warm but naive couple), like so many others we know have a high chance of being burned in the process, falling by the wayside so those at the top of the 'food chain' can drive luxury cars. To the Business, 'churn' is all just part of the 'Business Model'. In the business world 'Churn' is represented as statistical numbers against a target - not as people where each and every one is important.

I never mind helping out friends or giving to bone fide charities, but nothing is more sinister than manipulation and exploitation - taking advantage of peoples good intentions, dreams and time to meet its own ends. Amway is undoubtedly a successful organisation, founded by 'Christians' and offers some quality products - but that doesn’t mean that like all Businesses, that its representatives always act with integrity or consideration.

People are always more important than the objectives of any organisation, regardless of its relative level of success.

What Men Want

I wrote this in response to a Question posed by 'Michael' on Phil Bakers Blog and wanted to capture ot here (I am sure my son's will read my rambling's one day):

The Question was "What do Men want?" (perhaps it should better be phrased "What do Men Need in life?")

My Thoughts:

...Men want respect...though I mean 'self respect'.

Your primary sense of self worth and meaning should only come from within yourself - and from your Creator.

Don't rely on getting respect from it from your wife, your Father, your Pastor, your Boss or your friends (or any other individual).

Don't go looking for it from those who would seek to 'tickle your ears' - lest you leave yourself open to dissappointment - or worse still (relational/spiritual/political/marketing) manipulation.

Once you learn to do this you will be able to see through the Bull sh-t*, feel confident, satisfied and happy within your self and stop relying on others as a source of narcissistic supply.

You are created uniquely, you are created as a Man in HIS image. Be true to yourself - you are valuable.

*Excuse the expression

Simple Things

Tonight we went to the Marina for dinner as a family. Sitting in an alfresco sharing fish and chips from the paper. No dishes. Then a walk to get an icecream. Softserve dipped in chocolate for my wife, bubblegum falour for my 7 year old and 'Rum 'n Raisan' for me.

We stopped the car on the way home to watch the lightning storms display their power over the Ocean.

It's the simple things that mark the best of times:

1) Being warm in the car - though it is raining and cold outside while listening to U2 on the stereo,
2) Catching a glimpse of my wife in the flashes of light - and realising once again that she is a damn fine woman, - 12 years after making her aquaintance.
3) Seeing my sons enjoy each others company...the baby now alaways likes to stroke his big brother's hair!.

Now that's Life at its Grandest!

Life is a Project

I was having a chat to a young guy on my team today about quotes, wisdom and stuff...and we made up our own profound quote:

"Life is a Project...To be lived with purpose, intention and Direction."

Delivered

Tonight, a small celebration at home. It's raining. THe hauntingly sweet sound of 'Dido' fills the living room. The boys are in bed asleep. Take away Pasta, for dinner. No cooking tonight. And one glass of red. I bought myself a gift. A new book - 'Bono on Bono'. It's introspective and I'll blog some on it soon.

We delivered our systems upgrade over the weekend. On time. On Budget. To Quality. The culimination of six months concerted effort by a core team ofabout six, plus many others. Over the past week there was significant pressure to "get it right the first time". You can't afford to get a financial system wrong. Also a few clashes, and heated words exchanged. And then forgiveness in the workplace.

Grace works.

My team planned well worked harda and was well prepared for the conversion. We had rehearsed plans for 'delays' and ro 'roll-back' if anything went wrong. And there was issues. But they were minor and were overcome. I guess you have to "Expect the Unexpected". Who'd expect a UPS failure in a black-out during a storm?

So what to I take way from this that is far more important than a little boast for my resume?

Its often been said that "Project's fail because of people". I think that the converse is true. "Projects succeed because of people".

After spending most of my adult life focused on acquiring education and completing tasks, as old as I am, I have finally worked out that 'people are great'. I'm now only realising 'that it is all about people'.

My worldview was once underpinned by a belief that people were inherently bad, all tainted by original sin and thats why the Saviour had to come. To complete a task.

True...

But Christ came because he believes that people are great...

He undertook the task because it's 'all about' the people. There is something 'inherntly great' about all people. I think that "Inherently great" conveys a sense of the possibilities, the potential and most of all Hope for each and every human being. No-one is without Hope. (After Thought: >>> A leopard can change its spots?)

"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life". John 3:16, MSG

The Colour Grey

It’s grey today. Overcast though tranquil. A day not spoiled by a gentle, yet persistent rain. The bleak hue of the Indian Ocean varies from its blue glaze of preceding seasons. It’s as if the world now exists, for the most part, in black and white.

Though appearances are deceiving. This day is not devoid of colour.

For it heralds the anticipated arrival the first of the winter swells―accurately predicted by satellite connected soothsayers days in advance

In contrast to the surrounding environs, the car parks of point breaks are alive with activity. The roar and thunder of breaking waves is heard far from their point of impact.

A subtle smell of seaweed is registered as it seasons the air. The spray of salt water stings the face. Adrenaline arouses childhood exuberance buried deep in times past. Yet today, experience trumps youthful agility. And from these rich constructs a vivid picture is drawn upon the canvas of the minds eye.

I see it clearly now. Colour, it seems is not seen through the eye alone.

Ethereal

I was reflecting just the other day on a rather mystical concept introduced to me through the writings of Phillip Yancey.

That is, pleasures enjoyed in their proper context, (time and quantity) may well be a foretaste of what God has in store for the believer. These would include alcohol at life giving celebrations and sex in the context and bounds of the marriage covenant, amongst other things.

Some pleasures though, I find, are "so just, just there"...that they seem to exist only as a whisper, on the very periphery of this life and Heaven.

For me, these definitely include:

1) A well wooded cabernet sauvignon, sipped from the paper thin edge of a large Polo wine goblet.
2) The first drop of a cold beer on a hot Australian Sunday afternoon
3) The ethereal sound of the saxaphone as it enters, and then nonchalantly wanders through a cool blue Chris Rea track.

Many things stimulate the senses. Though, few have the intensity to reach beyond and touch the soul - reminding you that you are still, so very, very much alive!

One

Over the last few weeks, my second son became One year old. Its a magic time. He is still a little slow to walk, has a mouth full of teeth, and although he sleeps through the night, he will wake us up between 5:30 and 6:30 each morning.

He has his own happy little personality, quite distinct from that of our 7 year old, who, by the way he idolises.

He is more inclined to play with his toys than seek the attention of his parents. He smiles, and our prayers where answered as we have a 'child that fits comfortably into our family'.

He is attracted to water like no kid I have seen before, and cries when we leave the beach.

To celebrate, we had a party in a park, and my talented wife made the 'Giraffe Birthday' cake below.

Blogging Lite

Too busy to Blog for a while...Uni studies and work - we are in the critical phase of our Project (so far on time, under budget and on quality) so let's hope for the best. My team has been working hard (late nights, weekends etc), thinking best on how to reward them.

Some are getting a bonus, but also may take out to dinner with partners to say thanks for their efforts.

Anyway here is a quote:

"All succesful people have a goal. Noone can get anywhere unless he knows what he wants to be or do" -Norman Vincent Peale

It's academic, really.

Project Management: Lessons & Life

“When the Student is ready, the Teacher will arrive”.

My motive is not to boast, but rather to capture here an experience that went well. At the request of my lecturer, I delivered a presentation at University on Tuesday after I made some points on between my own experience and ‘what is not stated’ in the text book and notes for my Project Management class.

In the presentation I leveraged some scenes from some of my favourite DVD’s, 'Apollo 13' and 'Master Commander' to drive home some key points.

The point of the presentation was that the role and mindset of a Project Manager is not the mind of a Technical Lead (or expert).

A Project Manager only needs only conceptual understanding of the key technical aspects of the Project and the ability to ask hard the questions – at the right time. A good PM could lead a project in an unrelated field – and could put a man on the moon if tasked with that mission. The scene I used was when Gene Kranz (Mission Controller played by Ed Harris)) directed his technical people to come to him ‘with a solution and not a problem’ when the air scrubbers were failing.

Secondly, a Project Manager can be friendly with his team – but not a friend. The scene I used was when the young midshipmen was ‘knocked’ by his subordinate, and then lectured by Capt. Jack Aubrey about leadership) being an " 'Unfortunate business’, - You need not be a tyrant – but you cannot be their friend ‘lest they see you as weak’.

In every Project (usually during the 'storming' phase) there is a time when someone with more technical experience than yourself will challenge your Leadership. This has to be 'nipped in the bud' efficiently. Be prepared to remove people with a bad attitude - regardless of their techical capability. No one is irreplaceable. Keep a Professional distance.

Having the opportunity to ‘Captain my own ship' over the past few years, (ie. lead some great IT Projects) – these things are learned only through reflecting on the experiences of yourself and that of others.

I also handed out this sheet, the collective wisdom of a Project Director at NASA which is something not found in text books.

In particular I like rule No. 5:

“Rule #5: Vicious, despicable, or thoroughly disliked persons, gentlemen, and ladies can be project managers. Lost souls, procrastinators, and wishy-washies cannot”.

Anyway, I guess most of this stuff is only really learned (like matters of faith) hen you have experienced it in real-life.

“A proverb is never learned until it is lived”.

Paradox

It is so strange that at the end of a day when your kids are awake - you yearn for them to go to bed. Then when they are fast asleep - you miss them.

Dignity

One of the things that i admire about the Saviour, was his discipline, exercised under pressure. Under fire. Under injustice.

From time to time I guess, we all feel that we are being mocked, belittled or persecuted to varying degrees. In our humanity, we will do it to others. We question their motives, although in Truth, we do not really know them.

Too often I fail.

In a tempest, my fast and hard words of anger or wit fired at an antagonist to cut straight to their very core with the objective of bittersweetly evening up the score.

As I grow older and (hopefully) wiser (a resul of my own mistakes), I am more frequently choosing silence over an unbridled tongue. Choosing restraint over fiery passion.

And in this time of percieved weakness, electing to abdicate ownership of a certain victory, there one finds true strength and comfort in silence. Leaving vengence to serendipity and ultimately to the Father.

...And of course it's never a good idea to dignify a fool with a response.

"A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered;
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue".-Proverbs 17:27-28

Justification

Justification

Of late I continue to be intrigued by alternative perspectives, and have been reading a little more on Catholicism.

One of major bones of contention of the Reformation surrounds the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Noting that the 1908 catholic Encyclopedia cites this doctrine as 'heresy'.

Intersetingly, it has been reported that in recent times there has been dialogue and some resolution between the Lutheran and Catholic Churches on this matter. Alternative (esp. American Baptist Church) sites are somewhat more skeptical...

Personally, I am unqualified to make a judgment on what it all means and whether it is a positive move or whether there is something with a more sinister agenda behind it all.

For now, I stand firm in my conviction that we are justified by Grace alone (Acts 16:29-31), and will put these things on a 'watching brief' for the time being.

I guess every move towards Christian Unity is positive, but of course Truth must never become a casuality of the process.

Catholic Perspective

"I pray for them, I'm not praying for the God-rejecting world, But for those you gave me…For I'm no longer going to be visible in the world; They'll continue in the world - While I return to you.
Holy Father, guard them as they pursue this life, That you conferred as a gift through me - So they can be of one heart and mind As we are one heart and mind"
Jesus Prays for Christian Unity (John 17)

I've been reading through the Catholic Encyclopedia lately and its good to get an understanding of the 'official' Catholic perspective on the Reformation.

They write with a level of disdain and regrettfully about the impact of the reformation and control of the scriptures being handed down to the 'common' man.

One consequence the reformation is the Church dividing, then dividing again and again into numerous groups and schisms — and numerous heresies being introduced (as unlearned people without understanding started interpreting the scriptures themselves).

It was not long before people like Calvin started imposing his own teaching (heresy) on European people - which the Lutherans themselves were quick to refute as documented in the Book of Concord along with other heresis (such as anti-trinitarianism)..

I believe that there is some truth in the Catholic viewpoint.

Whilst the reformation had to happen I believe that it is important to note that the 'reformation' was far from ideal and came with a high price and new dangers.

(Please note thse are my own personal thoughts, and that I am not a Bible teacher or student of Church history).

Severed Finger

Reports of a severed human finger in a bowl of chilli at a Wendy's restaurant have hit the firm's sales in the San Francisco area, a company spokesman says.

Reflection on the Cross from the Crescent

I have been researching and thinking about Catholicism in this time after the passing of the Pope, so please bear with me as I reflect on this theme over the next week or so.

I found this article rather interesting on the Muslim Hopes for New Pope regarding Catholic (Christian) and Muslim relations.

>"... dialogue (is) better than ignoring each other...I think it is true that we are not going to have a series of negotiations which bring us to a common faith... but at the same time my experience also shows me strongly that we can actually come to respect one another as believers and move somewhat closer to understanding each other"
-Father Dan Madigan Head of the institute for religions and culture at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University and an expert on Islam.

My thoughts?

Interfaith Dialogue is so important - especially if we profess our faith as the "Big T" - 'Truth' then we should never be afraid of discussion.

Though if our words though can't compel people to Christ we should win people to Christ through the lives that we live...though for me this is much easier said then done.

Gone Camping!!!

I'm going camping this weekend - it's Dads and Son's thing with some friends from the Lutheran Church I used to attend, all good 'down-to-earth' guys. About 5 dads actually and about 10 kids.

Should be an absolute ball...though I hope the air mattress doesn't have a puncture this time.

Bye until Sunday!

Origins

Source: TIME Photo Essays

Another great discussion on PB’s Blog re: Origins and Creation – and just wanted to capture my thoughts here.

"I believe in God the Father Almighty, makerof heaven and earth"
-The Apostles Creed

There are several views on Origins – predominantly:

Young Earth (Genesis Ch 1 is a literal Biblical Creation record)
Old Earth (Genesis Ch 1 is a metaphorical Biblical Creation record)
Secular (Evolution/Science) (Genesis Ch 1 is a religious story only)

Today I am not evaluating the secular account, rather looking at the opposing 'Christian' views that share a belief that there is in fact an intelligent Creator or 'God'.

It could equally be argued that evidence points both ways – Young and Old earth, so it is good to question and articulate where you stand on certain issues and why.

I believe that Young Earthers (Biblical Creationists) are not necessarily anti-intellectual or damaging to the faith in terms of their beliefs and theories. The real threat comes when the Young Earthers and the Old Earthers (Intelligent Design) alike fight with each other - rather than learn from or tolerate alternative points of view - and promote the core message of Christianity.

Creation is a peripheral issue in Christianity unlike our core beliefs articulated in the creeds.

I am a 'Young Earther', and have arrived at that conclusion after much thought. But I also consider ID as plausable alternative worth reviewing. Creation issues and statements of belief were not worthy of being included in the core creeds - and these were written (I believe) under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The trouble I presently have with the non-young (Old) earth creationists is that of the sequencing of death and sin.

Did sin occur and then bring death into the world (universe) as a consequence, as the Bible indicates?.

If we have old earth with Diino's etc living and probably dying over eons before Adam and Eve then the whole ‘fall of man’ philosophy would have to be metaphorical - as death would have been happening before Adam and Eve were even ‘naughty’.

We all have very little idea of what a pre-fall would have looked like. Likewise, we only have an inkling of foresight into what the new heaven and new earth will look like.

And yes, (in answer to another question regarding trees and death or leaves falling) the new environment as described will have trees (according to Revelation) and where will their leaves fall? We are told that there will be no more tears and that there is Victory over death. This is the whole point of the Cross.

Personally I feel that, because none of us were there in the pre-fall world at the time, and because we don’t know what it was like - then to retrospectively apply our understanding with today’s mindset would only open up even more theological rabbit holes than would taking God at his Word regarding sin leading to death as a consequence.

Last time we (re)examined the sin and death issue, and questioned God’s word, we were left open to deception —and got it all horribly wrong. We should learn from our mistakes.

My fear is if we try to decouple the physical reality from the spiritual reality, then we may end up crossing into the heresies of the Gnostics, the Thielings and the Spongs (as I understand their teaching) – that because we only died spiritually (metaphorically) then Jesus resurrection was spiritual and not necessarily physical.

The Bible is not a history book, a science book, ecomonics book, however there is some historical context to it. In some ways it is not even a theology book.

The Bible gives us context and insight from origins to destiny - or an Overview of 'HIStory' if you like. And some events/aspects are definitely metaphorical (the woman and the dragon) whilst others are literal (the ressurection of Jesus).

I think here is inherent danger in both 'overliteralising' the scriptures as there is in 'underliteralising scriptures' (for want of a better term).

Also, if we believe in a literal Jesus and his miracles, then why should we doubt his miraculous power at creation as part of the Triune God, the 'Elohim'.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart– and lean not on your own understanding".

Stories with Bite

One Englishman is lucky to be alive while attacked by a Great White - this time in South Africa...

On the subject of Sharks and South African's - this man has to be crazy!

Also, in case you are at all interested...it seems that the only Great White in captivity at the Monterey Bay Aquarium has literally had its nose put out of joint...and is attacking other sharks in the aquarium.

Resurection

Casualties of War

"There must be (on the spot) excellent doctors, skilled in healing wounds and extracting missiles, equipped with the appropriate medicines and instruments..." Philo of Byzantium, 3d Century B.C".Via.

This morning I was reflecting on a comment made on Phil Baker’s Blog (which always provides food for thought) that people in the Church should be less focused on their own needs, and more focused on service to Christ and what they give to the Kingdom.

This is so true in our "'Its all about me' ―Consumer Culture".

However, if people in the Church are to be compared to an army of soldiers who go in "boots and all" as per the correct analogy used, (noting that "onward Christian soldier" is a a great driving analogy that somewhere in our recent history we seem to have lost) then possibly the Church could learn much from the great armies of history.

It occurred to me that one of the factors that made the Roman Army, so great was the fact that it had trained medics that would go right into the warzone caring for their fallen and wounded – those who need food or drink, those who are metaphorical Prisoners of War, those left without shelter, in the cold, sick or lonely.

"The importance of medical support in military campaigns is documented throughout the history of civilization. The Sumerians, 4000 to 2000 B.C., may have been one of the first of the world's armies to provide organized medical care to forces in the field. Chiseled into the Stele of Vultures (a monument dating to 2525 B.C.) is a picture depicting the collection of wounded and the digging of graves for those who had perished. Perhaps the Sumerians were also the first to recognize the need for surgeons to be close to the action.

There exists text documenting the complaints of soldiers that the physicians remained in the rear areas to avoid capture or harm.

It was, however, the Roman Empire that put the word "medic" in our language. The Roman's unit level medical officer was known as the "medicus" and their equivalent of today's enlisted medic was called "medicus ordinarius". The medicus ordinarious was drawn from the ranks of soldiers and trained by the Roman army. Our own armed forces traditionally train and employ technicians to care for troops in the field just as the early Romans did. Today they are called "medic, corpsman, or med tech." The simplicity of this word, medic, is underscored by the immense contributions made for their brothers and sisters in uniform. The military medic's history is richly diverse - with many tales of personal sacrifice and valor".




It’s great to send cards, emails and gift baskets, but we must take more risks, get better and perhaps a little more courageous in caring for our own casualties. We need to take risks and get out of the comfort of our base camps and into the warzone. I need to get much better at it myself.

Take time to place a call, or to personally visit, to provide meal, or baby-sit kids.

When we care for our casualties of war – we do in fact care and serve Christ himself "boots and all". (Matthew 25:34-39).

Black

Black.

It represents the Night. Death. Depression and Melancholy. It’s thought to be the colour of Evil. It is separation from light. And is symbolic of separation from life. And of oblivion.

Today is Good Friday.

A day the traditional Church typically drapes it’s alter in Black.

Powerful.

In its simplicity, one of the most powerful and moving symbols of this sombre day was several years ago when one man, John*, a tanned and burly bricklayer and active army reservist, a real man complete with tatoo’s who stood out in a congregation conspiculouly under represented with rugged masculinity, entered the small Church we were attending at the time, carrying a heavy wooden cross.

He then proceeded to hammer, four six-inch nails into the cross.

One at a time.

Bang!!! Bang!!! Bang!!! Bang!!!

Each strike of the hammer seemed to echo through my ears, and then resonate through the length of my entire body ― before reaching its final destination - etching an imprint that has been taken captive by my mind, Forever.

Lord, thank you for this Tradition. For this day.

Black.



*not his real name.

Eight

Tommorrow is our Eighth anniversary.

I have to say that I am truly fortunate to have married such a beautiful capable wife. Someone that you feel so comfortable with, and who is your best friend.

I want to celebrate. So I would like to take her to dinner at my favourite restaurant 'jacksons' (where she has never been before). It is rather expensive - and as we don't go out all that often, just the two of us, I want to do it with some level of class. (All I need now is a competent baby-sitter!). (More likely we will end up at a family restaurant though).

I was reflecting about how we are growing in our marriage of late. So now after eight years - I think I am only now learning to speak "Wife".

My wife called out to me the other day - "Darling - I've just put the cash card back in your wallet".

For the first time it clicked...what she reaaly said was "Darling - there is no money left in the Bank account, so I've just taken all the money out of your wallet".

Ahh marriage...its truly a gift from God!

Shark Attack

Sadly another Shark Attack off our coast yesterday.

Crook As A Dog!!!

My family and I have all caught the lurgy bug - I took today off to care for our 11 month old who has been flu-ish all week.

My wife has got it bow and so have I. Now my 7 yo is complaining of a stomach ache...as a family we like to share and do things together I guess.

So, normal programming will resume asap. :-)

Feeler

Quick break from writing a report - its gonna be a late night.

But listening to the best Australian album of 2004 - 'Pete Murray' - "Feeler".

Esp[ecially "So Beautiful"

Buy it!

Blogging Lite

I'm going underground (or should I say "Underwater") this week - far too much to do:

1) Finishing constructing and building a gate out of an old 'dunny' (toliet) door for our house. I love the concept of recycling and the door is over 60 years old - made of beautiful solid jarrah. It's amazing the things you can do with some thought, and some good power-tools borrowed from a brother - and an industrious wife!.

2) Back into study. Lots of reading - and will be setting up another 'Blog' dedicated solely to 'Project Management' for Business.

3) Work is really busy...lots to do this week.

4) My wife has started back at work from maternity leave...so additional help there - finally will have a little extra cash to put down lawns and gardens and things!


I have also made to stay in Business Change - rather than move to Business Strategy. I really get too much of a buzz out of getting things done and implemented...And there are some great 'leading-edge' technology Projects coming down the pipeline. I'd rather work doing something I enjoy - rather than moving for the sake of 'its time to move'.

I'm finally getting some clarity on what I need to do career-wise. And that is to focus on the implementation side of things, rather than be a 'paid-thinker'. Maybe one-day I could use these skills with o/s missions or ophanages or something. That sits well with my heart anyway. I'm open to God's leading on this one.

Riding Giants

I havent been for a surf for about three months. Summer isn't an ideal time and busy with the new house, new baby and kids sport/family committments.

Things may change soon. My eldest son is gaining confidence in the water, now comes snorkelling and has expressed an interest in surfing.

I've been waiting for this movie to be released, and it started this week, - No 1 son is keen to come and see it. Yay!!!

Whet his appetite...

Project Management: The Reflective Practioner

I have just returned from my second lecture for the semester (I am completing my Maters). We are studying philosophy in Management and looking are relativism, existentialism etc.

Fundamentally, neo-pragmatic existentialism (relativism) is contrasted with platonic (scientific) thinking.

There are enormous implications of these philosophies on behavior within organizations. The relativist is in danger of being changed by his or her environment unless they have a clearly defined and articulated set of core values (which infers that relativism is only partly correct and that there are in fact absolutes).

Upon reflection of tonight’s class:

We are to be “catalysts” or agents of change – we change the environment without those elements of our ‘self’ or our ‘absolute values’ .being changed. These things should include a virtuous value set that we aspire to be such as integrity, loyalty, care and respect, loyalty. Importantly, it may also include our set of fundamental (core) beliefs that we hold as unchangeable (assumptions and understanding regarding faith and worldview).

We must accept that there are elements of self and beliefs that will change in the ‘light’ of new information, knowledge and understanding. We must be willing to surrender our basic

We must become Reflective Practitioners’, and establish our own "Centres of Excellence" – regualrly reviewing ouselves, our practice and consistently improving the way we practice all elements of our professions.

We can be proactive in establishing patterns of behaviors for the way that we operate. Ground rules for managing the Project, being up-front and stating your beliefs (eg. I don’t drink alcohol) can help guard against compromise.

Raised Arms

I attend a contemporary Church, where most raise their arms in worship…I just don’t yet feel comfortable doing that in public.

I was raised in Lutheran Church. People did not raise their arms while the organ routinely played "A Mighty Fortress is My God". People were (hmm, hmm) 'dignified' at all times – possibly a legacy of repressed emotion in German culture. Besides ones hands are to be used for holding black hymnals!.

Call me aloof, regard me as reserved, I do worship God, no more, no less than my arm raising Christian friends.

I see the clearly His wonder and majesty in nature, in the excellent handiwork of man who is made in his image. I hear his thoughts within melodies and praise his wisdom when contemplating principles of design in economics, in biology and or naturally occuring patterns such as the Fibonacci curve.

Most of all, I see clearly His face, His Character and His presence in spending time with Children, in particular my own, - watching them as they learn and grow.

Sharing fiest-time experiences with my eldest son, with whom yesterday I swam across a kaleidoscopic reef on a pristine day, and watched his face as he looked over the 'drop-off' - deep into the abyss below.

Or seeing the joy in my eleven month old son, whose beaming smile and uninteligable sounds of joy cause my heart to race as he recognizes my face early in the morning.

And with welcome irony, he raises his arms without inhibition as a natural expression of love - and in a silent language that beckons his Father to come closer and to lift him up and take him into his own arms.

Reasons For Belief

I recently had the priveledge of writing as a guest Blogger for Marisa of SImple Games on why I believe in God.

I hope some of it makes sense!

Dreams

I was not going to blog tonight, but wanted to log a weird but vivid dream that I had last night.

I was walking through the (a) city, it was really busy. Everyone was in a hurry. I walked alongside a man, in a brown (suede?) jacket who was staring at his left hand in fear and disbelief.

His hand was covered in large sores. I felt promoted to ask the man whether I should pray for him. I felt embarrassed and scared, and hesitated for a second, but did so as I felt that I would regret it and lose the opportunity.

The man agreed and actually looked appreciative. So I prayed, (in Jesus name) and as we both watched the sores dissolved (morphed away) and his hand was cured. I remembered feeling amazed and shocked – as I have never seen a ‘miracle’…and actually did not believe myself anything would happen.

The man was obviously was excited and began jumping around and making a scene, to my shame I felt a little embarrassed, and was thanking me. I had to make a point to tell him that it was not me, but it was "Jesus who cured him" and we then parted company.

I am in clear mind, I am not spiritual, and I rarely pray in public. I’ve been wondering what it could mean.

The only thing that comes to me is the line "that we exist to give Glory to God" (from a book I am part way through called "its not about me").

Values

I'm both anal and far from perfect. I ahve written my life Vision, Mission and Values set and have some BHAG's for the future.

Just been reflecting on my values.

Each week I align my goals ('to-do' list) to my values: God, Family, Work, Finances, Recreation etc... and have found that fitness has been down the bottom of my priority list.

Over the last two months I have been reintroducing running back into my schedule - been a bit obsessive about it but plan to ease down to three times per week when I'm comfortable back in the 32" shorts. I haven't felt better in mind and energy levels for a couple years. Tend to feel much less melancholy as well.

I have now had to reschedule my weekly task list God, Family, Fitness, Work etc.

First things first.

Sometimes You Cant Make it on Your Own

The Best Song on U2's latest album HTDAAB new video.

Worth checking out if you have broadband.

No!, No and defintely No!

It seems West Australian's don't want extended trading hours.

I voted 'Yes' and 'No' in the referendum (Yes - extend week day trading to 9.00pm and No - to allow Sunday trading for 6 hours).

That is a surprising outcome for a scoiety that is increasingly demanding 'on-tap' convenience. Perth has also been labelled "Dullsville", and I often miss shopping time because of the hours I work.

But its a welcome outcome - all the same. People are thinking, I guess, and are saying we "dont want commerce to rule our lives", lets have and keep atleast some boundaries. Possibly, also there is an element of people wanting to protect the "under-dog" (small business) typical of the Australian psyche.

My "No on Sundays" vote is no reflection on my defining the Sabbath. The 'Sabbath' could well be a Saturday if a persons conviction is that they should keep a regualar day of rest in alignment with the times the Israelites were commanded to keep. My personal conviction is that of Romans 14, that Sabbath is any-time, spent in rest, in recreation (in the true sense of the word) or Chilling-out with God. It could be anytime.

On the other hand, it is good to keep a regular time or day - sort of like giving away a proportion or first-fruit of your income, lest we forget our top-priorities and let day to day activities (and lower priorities) tend to overwhelm us. (And admittedly, busy weekends tend to overwhelm me too). (Note to self must get finances and reflection time back in alignment with priorities).

It is not good to externally regualate or even protect a Christain lifestyle - it our behaviours should be a manifestation of the values of our hearts. However, boundaries that allow us time for work and trading, and time for leisure are not necessrily bad either.

So, I see the election outcome as positive on a number of counts.

1) We still have some boundaries with regards to our time and our commercial activities, although if this changes in the future I guess we will just have to self-regulate in alignment with our priorities.

2) And the positive for the State election - It appears that there are no Greens elected!

So for now its No!, No! and defintely No! Greens.

Feel

Come and hold my hand
I wanna contact the living
Not sure I understand
This role I've been given
I sit and talk to God
And he just laughs at my plans
My head speaks a language
I don't understand

I just wanna feel
Real love feel the home that I live in
Cos I got too much life
Running through my veins
Going to waste
I don't wanna die
But I ain't keen on living either
Before I fall in love
I'm preparing to leave her

Scare myself to death
That's why I keep on running
Before I've arrived
I can see myself coming
I just wanna feel
Real love feel the home that I live in
Cos I got too much life
Running through my veins
Going to waste
And I need to feel
Real love and the love ever after
I can not get enough

I just wanna feel
Real love feel the home that I live in
I got too much love
Running through my veins
To go to waste

I just wanna feel
Real love and the love ever after
There's a hole in my soul
You can see it in my face
It's a real big place

Come and hold my hand
I wanna contact the living
Not sure I understand
This role I've been given
Not sure I understand
Not sure I understand
Not sure I understand
Not sure I understand
-Robbie Wliiiams (Escapology)

Lyrics from a song I can't get out my head.

Loyalty

My wife and I love entertaining. Rarely parties, but to have friends and colleagues over as couples for a meal, good food, good conversation and a few laughs.

Its been hectic at work, and because I have been working long hours over the summer period (I think I've missed summer this year) I took yesterday off. I helped out as parent helper (or volunteer child distractor) at my sons school. That's always fun.

The rest of the day was spent cleaning and cooking. I has my boss and his wife over last night. We have a great friendship as much as a good working relationship, so we thought it was time to honour them by way of a show of hospitality.

I slow roasted a leg of lamb, in rosemary and curry. My wife did the vegetables as only she can, as well as making a passionfuit pavlova. this was enjoyed with a couple of redbacks and a bottle of two peoples bay red (a label that is hawked by another colleague at work).

Throughout my career, I have known few better people to work for. Fair, just, family friendly, politically savvy. He has put together a great and loyal team, and created a fantastic and edifying work environment. There is low level of staff turnover as a consequence. My colleagues are simply the best.

A few things are on my mind, and some decison have to e made over the next few weeks. I have been asked to consider a position working for another a GM, a Christian, whom i also respect - moving from Business transformation to Strategy.

Its a funny thing, I wish the man upstairs would send me an email, telling me clearly which way to go.

Passing Of a Writer

"As long as Nixon was politically alive--and he was, all theway to the end--we could always be sure of finding the enemy on the Low Road. There was no need to look anywhere else for the evil bastard. He had the fighting instinctsof a badger trapped by hounds. The badger will roll over on its back and emit a smell of death, which confuses the dogs and lures them in for the traditional ripping and tearing action. But it is usually the badger who does the ripping and tearing. It is a beast that fights best on its back: rolling under the throat of the enemy and seizing it by thehead with all four claws.

That was Nixon's style--and if you forgot, he would kill you as a lesson to the others. Badgers don't fight fair, bubba. That's why God made dachshunds".
-Hunter S. Thompson on Nixon (Rolling Stone 1994)

This is the writing of a notoriously dark American journalist. A man whose writing style and skill whom I could not hold a candle too.

Seemingly a melancholy, Thompson died at his own hand. Dark thoughts, dark life, dark ending. Some gifts are not to die for.

Parenting: Reunited

Truth is stranger than fiction.

The Headline in Australia today is a touching story of prominent politician (and now devout Catholic) Tony Abbott who adopted out his son about 27 years ago.

Its now come to light, that both father and son were woking closely together - unknown to each other. It could easily be story on s silver-platter for a "Touched-by-an-Angel" script-writer.

Imagine a son working so close to his Father, yet unaware of his identity. Though I guess its sort of like the question Jesus as the disciples - "who do you say I am?".

How many people exist every day so close yet so far away from their ultimate Father?

Via Baggas Blog.

Trainspotting

I rather enjoy my twice daily train ride into the City. Its a time to talk to new people, and sometimes reaquaint with old school friends that you have not seen in the best part of a decade.

But most of all its a place to think, read and reflect.

This is time, precious time that can be used to grow. Interestibly, the majority of Sojourners aboard the train will fill their minds with lessons on 'how NOT to do life' from the tabloids. I hope they are learning too.


Oftimes, the train is so full that I don't get to read.

This morning was one of those mornings. So today, I was a more than a little presumptious and could not but help but read from the pages of a book of a young lady seated near me. (I still fell guilty, - hearing my mother's voice echo in my ears "reading over anothers shoulder is the height of rudeness").

But it was the pull quote that caught my eye:

"If we live in the light of eternity, we cannot help but live with a different set of values".

Its funny, that this one sentence has being playing on my mind all day.

And this thought has been hung, drawn and quartered by other things that I have seen and heard. Including the lyrics of a Robbie WIlliams number "I want to live before I die" amongst other things. (Does God speak through these things I wonder or is it just the strange and random musings a distracted mind).

As trivial as it all is, I just wanted to capture the thought here.

Hot in the City

I haven't got much time to Blog at the momment...under the pump at work. Early days and late nights, but the work is stimulating.

I did not get to leave the office until 8pm...but even then it was like a furnace in the City. It was 42 celcius today (108 degrees farenheit).

And then the 4km run home from the train station...that's sheer stupidity!

On Women, Mechanics and Cars

Yesterday a mate was having some work done at the Ford dealer.

A woman [Could be any woman on the planet] came in and asked for a "seven-hundred-ten".

They all looked at each other, and the mechanic asked, "What is a seven-hundred-ten?" She replied, "You know, the little piece in the middle of the engine. I lost it and need a new one. It had always been there."

The mechanic gave the woman a piece of paper and a pen and asked her to draw what the piece looked like. She drew a circle and in the middle of it wrote 710.

He then took her over to another car which had the bonnet up and asked, "Is there a 710 on this car?"

She pointed and said, "Of course, its right there."

Now click here to learn what a 710 is. (Note: You may need to scroll up a little).

Life, Love and Mortality

This morning, I took my 10 month son for walk while I let my wife sleep-in a little longer. First stop a couple of kilometers away - a cafe where I had a shot of coffee and fed him some ‘baby-food’. Then to the beach where he could play in the sand we had a ball.

Like a baby turtle, hatched in the sand, I would place him on the beach and he would rotate and crawl without hesitation to the waters edge - leaving little tracks behind him.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
A few thoughts rushed through my head.

The first was that I was initially reluctant to have a second child as I never thought that my love would extend beyond my first.

This is flawed thinking. Something you cannot comprehend until you have experienced the birth of a second child.

Love divides and multiplies infinitely. Each child is loved no more and no less than another.

The second thought was that its is a privilege to have life, to give life and to share life experiences with others - particulary our children.

I thought to myself would it be preferable to have life everlasting and to enjoy life eternally but not the ability to procreate and bring others into existence to partake in what life has to offer.

Or to be mortal but have the privilege of bring another life into the world to enjoy the same experiences.

I would definitely choose the latter.

Although, we know that with the Hope that is offered beyond this life – we can have our cake and it eat too!

And just maybe, this will give us a glimpse into why the Father has created and brought beings to life, to love and to immortality.

Charmed

Just a musing thought. I dropped my 7 yo son (Spiderboy) at school today and was walking with him to meet his new Teacher.

He asked me to race him to the school buildings. Feeling a little too ‘dignified’ to run I declined his invitation telling him that “No mate - I am in my work suit.”

He thought for a second and then, a wry grin came over his face. And then with all of the charm that only a 7 year old can muster he said—“Come on Dad, you will look like a secret agent –and that would be really cool!”.

I really love that Boy!

On Over - Blogging

"Of making many posts there is no end, and much blogging is a weariness of the flesh" -Ecclesiastes 12:12 LCV (Latest Contemprary Version).



Think

Self Centredness

Some random thoughts on things running through my mind...

17As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good–except God alone. 19You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’[d]”

20“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

21Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

22At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

This, I find as the scariest passage in the Bible. I am no professional Bible scholar, but I do believe that this passage may be more about selfishness than about "the money".

This young man was so self-centred (self-absorbed) ie. "its all about me" - that Jesus had to recommend 'radical action'.

Like so many men that I know, and associate with, I see alot of myself in this man - a self-reliance, a level of arrogance, self-importance and a degree of inner emptiness. Most of all, this man seemed to admire his own reflection - an unrealistic image of his true-self.

Possibly this man's problem was really extreme narcissism which according to my readings is so interwined with self that it, (like perhaps homosexuality) is so incredibly hard to cure.

Though atleast ther is hope...The Bible goes on to state "27Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."