...Any Given Sunday

Staying Young

2007-08-26T04:32:00.000-07:00

This poem helped inspire the reconstruction of Japan post-World War II:

“Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind; it is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips and supple knees; it is a matter of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions; it is the freshness of the deep springs of life.

Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity of the appetite, for adventure over the love of ease. This often exists in a man of sixty more than a body of twenty. Nobody grows old merely by a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals.

Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust.

Whether sixty or sixteen, there is in every human being’s heart the lure of wonder, the unfailing child-like appetite of what’s next, and the joy of the game of living. In the center of your heart and my heart there is a wireless station; so long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer, courage and power from men and from the Infinite, so long are you young.

When the aerials are down, and your spirit is covered with snows of cynicism and the ice of pessimism, then you are grown old, even at twenty, but as long as your aerials are up, to catch the waves of optimism, there is hope you may die young at eighty.

-Samuel Ullman (Youth) “

Psalm 37

2007-08-12T07:30:00.002-07:00

Something to reflect on:

1 Don’t worry about the wicked
or envy those who do wrong.
2 For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like spring flowers, they soon wither.

3 Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.

5 Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

7 Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.

2007-08-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

Refresh

2007-07-22T05:19:00.000-07:00

Introspection is both a gift and a discipline. Though, too much of anything can be unhealthy. My Lutheran grandfather used to say all things in moderation. (No wonder he left the Methodists!).

Anyway, I plan to update this Blog just once or twice per week - hence the name change.

I have been away from this blog for some time - which has been healthy for mind and soul. Have spent more time on work, with family (wife and three great kids) and getting back into diving.

Finally been attending the local Scuba diving club - and have enrolled in my advanced diving course for November which certifies me to dive to 40 metres. Plan to follow with Nitrox certification in New Year.

Also now learning guitar - having formal lessons with son.

LIFE. Is a gift.

Merry Christmas 2006

2006-12-25T03:57:00.000-08:00

Its 8:59Pm. Christmas Day 2006 Officially over for me. A wonderful Christmas. Yesterday, I took my God daughter to see The Nativity Movie. We attended a simple Church service last night, the Church was over flowing.

Woken at the 'Crack of Dawn' by my boys. Unwrapping gifts. For me this year a hydration pack (for cycling and running), some redwine, and tea leaves. Also an inspiring book on raising Children.

Christmas dinner with in-laws - a magnificint meal cooked by my wife's cousin - a Chef. Then off to the beach for a swim and beach cricket.

Kids in bed. Finally. I'm about to crash.

If anyone still reads this, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas also.

Seasons

2006-10-28T22:02:00.000-07:00

Its nearly THAT season again.

-Scuba Diving
-Surfclub
-Barbecues
-Christmas
-Australia Day...
-And of course Noahs.

Just love summer!

Selfish Ambition

2006-10-12T04:28:00.000-07:00

Dealing with Sin. Self. Selfish Ambition.

Its been said before. There is a lack of love in today's Corporate. Maybe there has alway's been.

"What does it prosper a man to gain the whole world - only to lose his own soul in the process?".

Note to self. It's been a while since I immersed myself in His Word.

Night Minds

2006-10-10T04:44:00.000-07:00

"You were blessed by a different kind of inner view: it's all magnified.
The highs would make you fly, and the lows make you want to die.
And I was once there, hanging from that very ledge where you are standing.
So I know
I know
I know,
It's easier to let go.

But I will learn to breathe this ugliness you see,
So we can both be there and we can both share the dark.
And in our honesty, together we will rise out of our nightminds
And into the light at the end of the fight.

...and in our honesty, together we will rise out of our nightminds
And into the light... at the end of the fight..."

From Missy Higgins' "Night Minds". (Great Song).

Photo: Westminster Abbey.Sept 2006.

A Little Ray of Sunshine

2006-10-08T04:36:00.000-07:00

This is our new addition...

Teah (Tay-ah) Grace. Born 26/09/2006

God's Grace in the gift of a girl.

Tagged

2006-09-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

Kel has tagged me to answer a whole bunch of questions around the number 4. Like Kel I'm gonna make my own rules up :-) and just choose 4 of the questions to answer.

4 Jobs You Have Had In Your Life:
Bank Officer,
Export Sales Admintrator,
Business Analyst,
IT Project Manager

4 Places You Have Lived:
Melbourne; Vic
Karratha, WA;
Perth, WA

4 Websites You Visit Daily (or often):
http://signposts.org.au/
http://www.srosurf.com/index.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://economist.com/index.html
http://www.gantthead.com/

Ok that's five!

4 People To Tag:
Too Shy!

Uncovered

2006-07-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

"We all know how silver seams the rocks, we've seen the stuff from which gold is refined, We're aware of how iron is dug out of the ground and copper is smelted from rock. Miners penetrate the earth's darkness, searching the roots of the mountains for ore, digging away in the suffocating darkness. Far from civilization, far from the traffic, they cut a shaft, and are lowered into it by ropes. Earth's surface is a field for grain, but its depths are a forge Firing sapphires from stones and chiseling gold from rocks. Vultures are blind to its riches, hawks never lay eyes on it. Wild animals are oblivious to it, lions don't know it's there. Miners hammer away at the rock, they uproot the mountains. They tunnel through the rock and find all kinds of beautiful gems. They discover the origins of rivers, and bring earth's secrets to light." Job 28

You know, it’s truly winter here, Down Under. But not quite.

I’ve not posted for such a long time. Been digging deeper and to uncover precious gems. Two Gems I now have in my possession.

1. Diligence is the only thing in life that never goes unrewarded.
2. We can be truly living the ‘Christian life’. But not quite.

Shepherds

2006-04-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?"-Luke 15:4

I just read the following statement on a Blog: “We are never instructed to chase the ‘Back-slider’ - they know better!”.

Has Christianity has lost its message of true Grace ... Grace for the least deserving?

Where has the ‘Parable of the Lost Sheep’ gone? … I cannot remember the last time I heard that message preached.

Has it been lost itself and replaced by the seven sins that inhibit your self-improvement, Leadership and your Prosperity - “negativity, regret, complacency..." etc?.

Like the term “Tithe”, “Backslider” is not used in the orthodox denomination I grew up exposed to – until I started mixing with more 'progressive' groups.

And why is it that diligence in faithfully proclaiming the heart of the Gospel message and financial transparency always found in the same places?…

Where is the heart and the compassion for the ‘Backslider’ anyway ... ? The one who has been ‘Lost’ … often at the care of the high-living, fast-talking Shepherds??

It is eveident that the Good Shepherd has the time and will walk the extra mile to find that one lost Sheep. It is of the greatest value to him.

"Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep".

The message I hear loud and clear from the Pentecostal and Contemporary Churches is:

“Be one of my 99 compliant, low-maintenance, Sheep - or I won’t waste my time with you!”.

There is a ray of hope:

"GOD, the Master, says: From now on, I myself am the shepherd. I'm going looking for them. 12As shepherds go after their flocks when they get scattered, I'm going after my sheep. I'll rescue them from all the places they've been scattered to in the storms. 13I'll bring them back from foreign peoples, gather them from foreign countries, and bring them back to their home country. I'll feed them on the mountains of Israel, along the streams, among their own people. 14I'll lead them into lush pasture so they can roam the mountain pastures of Israel, graze at leisure, feed in the rich pastures on the mountains of Israel. 15And I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep. I myself will make sure they get plenty of rest. 16I'll go after the lost, I'll collect the strays, I'll doctor the injured, I'll build up the weak ones and oversee the strong ones so they're not exploited.
".

Please Come Back, Good Shepherd and Saviour of my Childhood!.

Error

2006-04-13T00:50:00.000-07:00

This is one for the Prosperity Gospel Teachers:

"For their error is not displayed as what it is, lest it should be stripped naked and shown up; it is craftily decked out in an attractive dress, and made to seem truer than the truth itself to the inexperienced because of the outer appearance.

As one better than I am has said about these matters, a precious stone like emerald, which many value greatly, can be put to shame by a clever imitation in glass, unless there is someone on hand who can test it, and show what was done deceptively by art; and when brass is mixed with silver, what untrained person can easily prove it?

So then, lest some should be made prey of through my fault, like sheep by wolves, not recognizing them because of their outwardly wearing sheep’s clothing-whom the Lord warned us to guard against26 talk like us, though thinking very differently”,

http://people.bu.edu/dklepper/RN212/irenaeus.html

Cultastic

2006-04-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

"Rollsy” an ex-Phil Baker regular commenter has started his own Cult, err, Blog.

It’s a 'crack-up' – and he is recruiting…people and money!

Dispense

2006-04-02T03:59:00.000-07:00

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31).

I have just returned from an annual ‘Daddy Camp’ where a number of guys I have known for some time get away with their children.

The focus is friendship – but most importantly nurturing memories and building a foundation for kids.

I guess that it's all about us taking the initiative on behalf of our kids, taking them on the journey – and hoping that one day they will continue on by themselves building the same foundations for their own Children.

The same could be siad of our faith.

I have to say that after several years of hard thought, reading and reviewing the topic of Baptism and Children, I have gone from a staunch and somewhat militant proponent of ‘Believers Baptism’ - to now an strong advocate (though not in the same militant sense) of infant Baptism.

Over recent years, I have come to appreciate the depth of thinking of our orthodox forefathers, the way they took the scriptures seriously and fought to keep their doctrines when under assail from new movements.

I purchased a beuatiful old book from Serendipity Books the other week entitled ‘Christian Nurture’ by Horace Bushnell first written in 1888 (I have the 1967 reprint). It is as relevant today as it was when it was first written.

The book looks at the doctrine in depth as well as the history of the practice and after reading this book – amongst many others (including the scriptures) I am currently making arrangements to have both my Children baptised – and will do so for our third due in October.

Infact, I now realise that it makes less sense to withhold my children from this gift.

I am not going to write the detailed defence for infant Baptism myself on this blog – though Sydney Anglicans provides a great synopsis here.

Absolute Truth

2006-03-24T04:47:00.000-08:00

"Nero vs Paul and the truth

In A.D. 64, a fire broke out in Rome. It raged for six days and seven nights, totally destroying a great part of the city. Nero falsely charged the Christians for the blaze and punished them with, in Tacitus’ words, “the most exquisite tortures,” including being nailed to crosses and set ablaze to serve as torch-lights for Nero’s gardens.

This was the man who, that same year, held the Apostle Paul captive in chains in one of his dungeons.

I’ve seen pictures of this dungeon, a cistern hewn out of solid rock. A trap door in the ceiling was the only way in or out. A small rock ledge next to one wall just above ground level was the only break in the even hardness of the stone floor. It was the one place a doomed prisoner, lying on the cold stone, could prop himself up and write."

Read the rest here:

On Bitterness

2006-03-22T05:43:00.000-08:00

The Process of Overcoming Bitterness (Ryan, Intervarsity Press) is:

1) Face the Hurt
2) Be honest about Feeling Anger
3) Grieving
4) Let Go
5) Choose Growth
6) Find Purpose

Quote

2006-03-16T04:42:00.000-08:00

"Exegetically and thus dogmatically and ethically the New Testament is against tithing as a regulation in the new covenant. Desire for more money also for more money in the church and for the church must not blind our eyes to the ways employed for getting more money? Jesus does not want to be misunderstood".
Lenski, R. C. H., The Interpretation of St. Matthew’s Gospel (p.907-909):

Change and Seasons

2006-02-20T13:50:00.000-08:00

We are nearing the end of Summer. It really has not been that Hot.

I have made a decision to defer my studies this semester, that means I won’t complete my Masters until next year.

A break will be good as a couple of great opportunities have landed on my lap that requires my focus.

Dive Blog 2

2006-02-18T23:19:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: KRendel

Dived again Saturday morning. "South Park" which is 3Km from shore on the Marmion Marine Park.

Despite the swell it was 10m visibility at 16M. Highlights: Schools of Bullseye, Caves & Swimthroughs...and the guy in the expensive camoflauge wetsuit - so that the Sharks won't spot him...but wearing a flourescent orange BC (jacket). D'Oh.

Dive Blog

2006-02-11T02:28:00.000-08:00

Ten metre visiblity (better than photo shows). Three mile reef. Metre Long Dusty Morwongidencent (sp?). Western Blue Devilfish. Plenty of Crayfish. Caves. Low swell. Little drift. Little breeze. Buddy - Peter the Cop.

Present Clarity II

2006-02-04T20:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday i posted on the need to be more congniscient and appreciative of the present momment.

Last night, I spent most of the night with my 21 month old in PMH (Children's Hospital) - Yes, he is fine.

A pin-prick rash around his neck coupled with off-colour behaviour had us and the doctors thinking of the worst.

Amidst all the goings on in the emergency room, my son falling asleep on my chest repeated 'dadda - joel, dadda -joel' as if he was consiciously aware of the momment as shared only by the two of us.

A lesson on priorities and the importance of the present momment from the mouth of a babe.

Present Clarity

2006-02-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

As someone who enjoys tea, especailly when poured from a pot - and I often wonder why sometimes a cup of tea tastes better than others.

I'm not going Zen, but I thought that there is some truth in this:

"The Vietnamese Buddhist monk and philosopher, Thich Nhat Hanh, writes about enjoying a good cup of tea. You must be completely awake in the present to enjoy the tea.
Only in the awareness of the present can your hands feel the pleasant warmth of the cup. Only in the present can you savor the aroma, taste the sweetness, appreciate the delicacy. If you are ruminating about the past or worrying about the future, you will completely miss the experience of enjoying the cup of tea.

You will look down at the cup, and the tea will be gone.

Life is like that. If you are not fully present, you will look around and it will be gone. You will have missed the feel, the aroma, the delicacy and beauty of life. It will seem to be speeding past you. The past is finished. Learn from it and let it go. The future is not even here yet. Plan for it, but do not waste your time worrying about it. Worrying is worthless. When you stop ruminating about what has already happened, when you stop worrying about what might never happen, then you will be in the present moment. Then you will begin to experience joy in life".

- Brian Weiss, MD. From his book "Only Love is Real"

Beyond Now

2006-02-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

“If we go on the way we have, the fault is our greed [and] if we are not willing [to change], we will disappear from the face of the globe, to be replaced by the insect.”
Jacques Cousteau

Contemporary Church?

2006-01-27T05:03:00.000-08:00

This photo from our recent trip to Melbourne seemed to uncannily capture the present point along my spiritual "journey".

Post Church.

Balanced

2006-01-26T05:14:00.000-08:00

In Yancey’s book "I was just wondering" he deals with the reality of suffering and the issue of “positive thinking” in the modern church.

He claims that the once “morbidly minded” (melancholy) evangelicals who were led by the likes of Wesley etc. competed with the “healthily minded” (overly optimistic) sects like Christian science - which (early last century) thrived in times of unprecedented prosperity.

(Interestingly, the influential Word-Of-Faith movement also has much of its roots in Christian Science as well as pentecostal revivalism).

These sects ‘met their waterloo’ when the reality of the depression and the World Wars hit - “a monstrous fact that exposed the flaws in their vision of the world and humanity”.

But what Yancey claims is that this “healthy mindedness” is now characteristic in the Christian church and he concludes his mini-thesis with the statement ”I hope and pray an even more ominous fact does not arise to smother the ‘healthy-mindedness’ that has swept evangelicalism in the last few decades”.

My personal view is that we do need to allow times for melancholy reflection and teaching “in the correct season” and with correct perspective - otherwise Yancey’s concern may be well placed.

Australia Day 2006

2006-01-25T15:19:00.000-08:00

This may sound like a tremendous boast, but I think that we Aussies live in the best country in the World.

Today it will be the beach, a barbecue in the Park, the Beach, a barbecue at home - for something different. I will also head to the 'lookout' a converted water tower to watch the Austrlai Day fireworks. Thats what its all about.

I'm cutting a CD with my favourite Australian Songs:

1) Flame Trees - (Cold Chisel)
2) Cool Change - (Little River Band)
3) Better Days - (Pete Murray)
4) Down Under - (Men at Work)
5) Happy Birthday Helen - (Things of Stone and Wood)
6) Reckless - (Austlian Crawl)
7) Sounds Of Then (This is Australia) - (GANGGajang)
8) Making Gravy - (Paul Kelly)
9) Never Tear Us Apart (INXS)
10) Great South Land - (IceHouse)
11) Power and the Passion - Midnight Oil
12) Woking Class Man - (Jimmy Barnes)

Who knows...I may even add I Sitll Call Australia Home - (Peter Allen) as a hidden track.

Have a Great Australia Day...

(Let me know if you would like a copy Marisa).

Contradictions

2006-01-06T22:22:00.000-08:00

Which of the thieves on the cross, reviled Jesus?
a) Both of them (Mt 27:44)
or
b) Only one of them (Lu 23:39-43)

What was Jesus offered to drink on the cross?
a) wine mixed with myrrh (Mk 15:23)
or
b) vinegar mixed with gall.( Mt 27:34)

How did Judas die?
a) He hung himself (Mt 27:5)
or
b) He fell & burst open. (Ac 1:18)

When did Jesus curse the fig tree?
a) After going to the temple (Mt 21:12-19)
or
b) Before going to the temple (Mk 11:15-21)

How many foremen and chief officials did Solomon have?
a) 3300 foremen and 550 chief officials (1Ki 5:16, 9:23)
or
b) 3600 foremen and 250 chief officials (2Ch 2:2,18, 8:10)

Where did King Josiah die?
a) Meggido (2Ki 23:29-30)
or
b) At Jerusalem (2Ch 35:23-24)

How old was Jehoiachin when he began to reign?
a) eight (2Ch 36:9)
or
b) eighteen (2Ki 24:8)

Who made the following prophecy?
“They took the thirty silver coins, the price of the one whose price had been set by the people of Israel, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”
a) Jeremiah (Mt 27:9-10)
or
b) Zechariah (Zec 11:12-13)

Who bought potter's field?
a) Judas (Acts 1:18)
or
b) The chief priests (Matt 27:6-8)

via Nilmot

On Faith and Fancy

2006-01-05T04:55:00.000-08:00

Placed a comment in a discussion regarding faith at signposts that I wanted to capture for my records here.

Kierengreen states “…. We may define faith, as a firm belief in something for which there is no evidence.

Kierentgreen what you write about is what I would term as being ‘Blind Faith’….and Blind Faith is not the faith of the sincere thinking Christian.

In coming to a conclusion and decision regarding my faith in Christ, I have based my decision on firstly being open, taking time to analyse the available evidence, using intuition and finally taking that leap of (educated) faith….

In the words of Jack Welch, Chemical Engineer, CEO GE (and non-Christian):

“In life there are no formulaic answers to many of life’s problems…because often there is no black-and-white answers…the (analysis) process gets you to a darker shade of grey”.

I believe analysis must fallow the ground and provide initial direction, then intuition will take you a little farther.

And then, finally, it is faith takes you the remainder of the distance

Nilmot

2006-01-01T20:50:00.000-08:00

Nilmot now has his own Blog.

Welcome to the blogosphere Nilmot! He has started an interesting discussion on "Is the Bible Infallible".

Check-it-out.

New Year 2006

2005-12-31T17:09:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-27T04:50:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-27T03:46:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-17T21:33:00.000-08:00

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...

2005-12-16T23:03:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-02T06:36:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-22T15:27:00.000-08:00

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

The Big Chill

2005-11-19T23:39:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-15T04:45:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-12T20:55:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-05T19:41:00.000-08:00

"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

2005-11-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

"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

2005-09-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-08-31T08:04:00.000-07:00

Fargo

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

Miracles and Random Acts of Kindness

2005-08-31T06:50:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

“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

2005-08-16T22:26:00.000-07:00

“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

2005-08-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

“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

2005-08-04T04:15:00.000-07:00

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

2005-07-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

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

Ambiguity

2005-07-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

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

2005-07-20T03:31:00.000-07:00

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

2005-07-17T04:10:00.000-07:00

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

2005-07-04T05:26:00.000-07:00

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

2005-06-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

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.

<

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

2005-06-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

"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

2005-06-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

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

Winter Chill

2005-06-10T04:54:00.000-07:00

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

2005-06-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

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...

2005-06-04T04:40:00.000-07:00

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

2005-06-03T04:55:00.000-07:00

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

2005-06-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

"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

2005-06-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-31T04:37:00.000-07:00

"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

2005-05-30T06:40:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-27T00:58:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

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"

2005-05-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-22T05:07:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-21T05:27:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-19T05:26:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-18T04:24:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-09T05:38:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-07T01:30:00.000-07:00

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

2005-04-28T06:36:00.000-07:00

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

2005-04-21T05:50:00.000-07:00

“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

2005-04-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

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

2005-04-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

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

2005-04-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

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

2005-04-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

"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

2005-04-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

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

2005-04-11T03:29:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2005-04-07T05:08:00.000-07:00

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

2005-04-03T07:21:00.000-07:00

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

2005-03-31T04:46:00.000-08:00

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.

2005-03-26T16:29:00.000-08:00

Resurection

Casualties of War

2005-03-25T15:21:00.000-08:00

"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

2005-03-24T23:21:00.000-08:00

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

2005-03-22T06:21:00.000-08:00

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

2005-03-20T02:46:00.000-08:00

Sadly another Shark Attack off our coast yesterday.

Crook As A Dog!!!

2005-03-18T03:45:00.000-08:00

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

2005-03-14T02:49:00.000-08:00

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

2005-03-12T22:58:00.000-08:00

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

2005-03-10T04:57:00.000-08:00

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...