Was having an interesting discussion today about working with people, and came up with these 2 tensions of ministry.
Catering for people but not pandering to them.
Challenging people but not shattering them.
Was just something interesting for me to think about anyway.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Me-from somebody else's perspective!
Recently I did an interview with one of the guys at College about my life and ministry, and the various things I get up to. Is interesting for me to read somebody else's spin on what I tell them, and I thought it may interest some of you who want to know what I get up to when I'm not writing this blog.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
mY Generation
This program on SBS looks liek a pretty interesting one about gen Y, the first was on religion and spiritual belief, which apparently was good, but unfortunately I missed it.
The rest of the series too looks like some pretty interesting stuff too, so should be worth checking out.
The rest of the series too looks like some pretty interesting stuff too, so should be worth checking out.
What woman is your football team?
ADELAIDE CROWS: JULIA ROBERTS
Big in the 1990s but done nothing lately?
BRISBANE LIONS: Pamela Anderson
Best and only asset is upfront
CARLTON BLUES: NAOMI CAMPBELL
Struts around like a winner but behaves like a loser
COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES: BELINDA NEAL
Arrogant b***h who thinks the world revolves around her
ESSENDON BOMBERS: SHARON STONE
Once the hottest name in the 'biz, now just a fading force
FREMANTLE DOCKERS: CASEY DONOVAN
Seemed like a good idea at the time, now no-one is buying her tripe.
GEELONG CATS: NATALIE BASSINGTHWAITE
A star after years as a bit player
HAWTHORN HAWKS: JESSICA ALBA
Hot Hot Hot
MELBOURNE DEMONS: LINDSAY LOHAN
A miracle she is still alive
NORTH MELBOURNE KANGAROOS: KIM (FROM KATH & KIM)
Deluded and incapable of living without the intensive support of others.
Would fit right in on the Gold Coast.
PORT ADELAIDE POWER: BRITNEY SPEARS
Once had the world at her fingertips. Now can`t even remember to wear her underwear in public and is a failure on the home front.
RICHMOND TIGERS: JANE FONDA
A legend in the 60s/70s but you wouldn`t touch her in 2008
ST KILDA SAINTS: RICKI LEE COULTER
Promises a lot but never delivers
SYDNEY SWANS: CATE BLANCHETT
Used to be boring but has become interesting again
WEST COAST EAGLES: AMY WINEHOUSE
Enough said
WESTERN BULLDOGS: LINDSAY DAVENPORT
Unflashy, no nonsense gritty competitor
Big in the 1990s but done nothing lately?
BRISBANE LIONS: Pamela Anderson
Best and only asset is upfront
CARLTON BLUES: NAOMI CAMPBELL
Struts around like a winner but behaves like a loser
COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES: BELINDA NEAL
Arrogant b***h who thinks the world revolves around her
ESSENDON BOMBERS: SHARON STONE
Once the hottest name in the 'biz, now just a fading force
FREMANTLE DOCKERS: CASEY DONOVAN
Seemed like a good idea at the time, now no-one is buying her tripe.
GEELONG CATS: NATALIE BASSINGTHWAITE
A star after years as a bit player
HAWTHORN HAWKS: JESSICA ALBA
Hot Hot Hot
MELBOURNE DEMONS: LINDSAY LOHAN
A miracle she is still alive
NORTH MELBOURNE KANGAROOS: KIM (FROM KATH & KIM)
Deluded and incapable of living without the intensive support of others.
Would fit right in on the Gold Coast.
PORT ADELAIDE POWER: BRITNEY SPEARS
Once had the world at her fingertips. Now can`t even remember to wear her underwear in public and is a failure on the home front.
RICHMOND TIGERS: JANE FONDA
A legend in the 60s/70s but you wouldn`t touch her in 2008
ST KILDA SAINTS: RICKI LEE COULTER
Promises a lot but never delivers
SYDNEY SWANS: CATE BLANCHETT
Used to be boring but has become interesting again
WEST COAST EAGLES: AMY WINEHOUSE
Enough said
WESTERN BULLDOGS: LINDSAY DAVENPORT
Unflashy, no nonsense gritty competitor
Monday, July 14, 2008
Holy Hack on JJJ.
Whilst on the theme of promoting interesting media things, Hack this week (Triple J's current affairs program at 5:30-6) is covering 'BELIEF' and so is sure to have a great diversity of thoughts, opinions and beliefs shared on all things to do with the spiritual life.
I love HACK, it gives you some great meaty listening and interesting debates, and is preceeded and followed by some great JJJ music. Always well worth a listen.
I love HACK, it gives you some great meaty listening and interesting debates, and is preceeded and followed by some great JJJ music. Always well worth a listen.
Movies Change People
Came across this lot of screenings of 'faith-based films' the majority of which, disappointingly, are Christian. Not that i have a problem with Christian films all the time (although many are rubbish), but would have been good to have a bit of diversity.
If their moniker is true, that 'Movies Change People. People Change The World' then this would have been a good medium to help people (particularly those living in the Eastern Suburbs Bible Belt-where these are being shown) to understand about other's faith and beliefs, because this is the first step to breaking down the walls of prejudice.
But either way, some of these are quite decent, and well worth seeing if you can, particularly Trade.
If their moniker is true, that 'Movies Change People. People Change The World' then this would have been a good medium to help people (particularly those living in the Eastern Suburbs Bible Belt-where these are being shown) to understand about other's faith and beliefs, because this is the first step to breaking down the walls of prejudice.
But either way, some of these are quite decent, and well worth seeing if you can, particularly Trade.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Interfaith Youth Pilgrimage
Got emailed this today, looks like it might be interesting. Unfortunately I have it in PDF so can't upload the pic, spewing, cos it looks cool. Might well check it out.
"Journeying to one another...
..For the Sake of Peace"
Interfaith Youth Pilgrimage
Sunday July 13, 3pm
Federation Square
1pm
Each Religious tradition meets in separate locations in the City
to reflect on the themes of peace, pilgrimage and interfaith relations
2:15pm Groups walk "on pilgrimage" to meet each other in Federation Square
3pm
Indigenous "Welcome to the land" and Peace Ceremony at Federation Square
For Meeting locations and times please contact your Faith Group Coordinators:
Buddhist: Freeman 0431 034 254 Christian: Maureen 9650 4511
Muslim (AIS): Osman 9326 2177 Sikh: Jagdeep 0431 417 533
Muslim (ICV): Sara 0421 885 492 Baha'i: Murray 0419 180 799
Jewish: Caroline 0407 118 771 Indigenous: Tristan 0431 584 268
Hindu: Nivedita 9846 8359
For more information:
Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission: 99265708
ecum@melbourne.catholic.org.au
"Journeying to one another...
..For the Sake of Peace"
Interfaith Youth Pilgrimage
Sunday July 13, 3pm
Federation Square
1pm
Each Religious tradition meets in separate locations in the City
to reflect on the themes of peace, pilgrimage and interfaith relations
2:15pm Groups walk "on pilgrimage" to meet each other in Federation Square
3pm
Indigenous "Welcome to the land" and Peace Ceremony at Federation Square
For Meeting locations and times please contact your Faith Group Coordinators:
Buddhist: Freeman 0431 034 254 Christian: Maureen 9650 4511
Muslim (AIS): Osman 9326 2177 Sikh: Jagdeep 0431 417 533
Muslim (ICV): Sara 0421 885 492 Baha'i: Murray 0419 180 799
Jewish: Caroline 0407 118 771 Indigenous: Tristan 0431 584 268
Hindu: Nivedita 9846 8359
For more information:
Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission: 99265708
ecum@melbourne.catholic.org.au
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Name a church-win a Wii...
I got sent this the other day, and apparently it's pretty legit.
All you do is come up with a name and catchy tagline for a church, and you win a Nintendo Wii!
I think i might float the idea with the Huddle on mon, come up with a tagline and see if we can win the group a Wii!!
There's some alarm bells ringing faintly somewhere to do with mixing consumeristic desires and churches, but I can't really articulate them, so until i do-I say check this out!
www.nameachurch.com
All you do is come up with a name and catchy tagline for a church, and you win a Nintendo Wii!
I think i might float the idea with the Huddle on mon, come up with a tagline and see if we can win the group a Wii!!
There's some alarm bells ringing faintly somewhere to do with mixing consumeristic desires and churches, but I can't really articulate them, so until i do-I say check this out!
www.nameachurch.com
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
One Hit Wonder
Have advertised this before, but I reckon it's a really simple, easy to support cause.
All they ask is you give them a dollar, which they then give to the worlds poorest communities.
They're trying to raise like 7 million dollars, which means that 1% of the population of the internet would have to donate $1.
I'm pretty sure my blog readership isn't quite that high, but I'm doing my bit!
Get amongst it!
All they ask is you give them a dollar, which they then give to the worlds poorest communities.
They're trying to raise like 7 million dollars, which means that 1% of the population of the internet would have to donate $1.
I'm pretty sure my blog readership isn't quite that high, but I'm doing my bit!
Get amongst it!
Life as a sermon
I thought about this a couple of weeks back, and again this week as I'm preparing to speak at a local church.
I find quite often that when I'm preparing for a sermon or talk or something at church, I always find myself being extra aware of making sure that I'm 'switched on God-wise' in my preparation and planning. Obviously when you get up to preach to a group, you want your words to be inspired by God, not just your own drivel.
But as I was thinking about that the other day, I was challenged to think about why it is that it's only in those times that I'm extra aware of putting in time and effort into my spiritual life?
Particularly in the kind of work that I do, and the kind of life that I lead, most people I come in contact with with never hear me preach-my life is my sermon. The idea about God that people get from me will not be from my words but my actions.
Now obviously that is not a particularly new thought or idea really, but I guess I've been challenged lately as to what it would look like for me to really and truly live that, and what difference that should make in my life.
I once heard somebody say that you should spend at least 3 times the length of your sermon in prayer and preparation time-which in reality is a bare minimum. I don't think it's possible to spend 3 times as long as I'm with people, with God, but it certainly is a challenging thought-particularly for an extrovert like me who spends 9% of my day with people!
I find quite often that when I'm preparing for a sermon or talk or something at church, I always find myself being extra aware of making sure that I'm 'switched on God-wise' in my preparation and planning. Obviously when you get up to preach to a group, you want your words to be inspired by God, not just your own drivel.
But as I was thinking about that the other day, I was challenged to think about why it is that it's only in those times that I'm extra aware of putting in time and effort into my spiritual life?
Particularly in the kind of work that I do, and the kind of life that I lead, most people I come in contact with with never hear me preach-my life is my sermon. The idea about God that people get from me will not be from my words but my actions.
Now obviously that is not a particularly new thought or idea really, but I guess I've been challenged lately as to what it would look like for me to really and truly live that, and what difference that should make in my life.
I once heard somebody say that you should spend at least 3 times the length of your sermon in prayer and preparation time-which in reality is a bare minimum. I don't think it's possible to spend 3 times as long as I'm with people, with God, but it certainly is a challenging thought-particularly for an extrovert like me who spends 9% of my day with people!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
What to do with sexual offenders?
A very good friend of mine and I have been having this debate for ages, so thought I would chuck it up on here and see what others thought.
Basically, her idea is that all repeat sexual offenders should be either physically or chemically castrated. I clarified this morning and she includes females in this (although I must admit I'm not sure how you would do that with women or what effect it would have).
Having seen and dealt with far too many young women dealing with the long-lasting effects of all sorts of sexual assault, I can see where she's coming from, but completely disagree.
I agree that just putting people into prison doesn't work with these kind of situations (and I'm not convinced it completely works in many other situations either-but thats another story) and that extensive counselling/therapy/psychological treatment is needed. I know that's not 100% effective either, but I just think castration is a bit full on.
I'm not sure, maybe I am a bit biased as a male and the thought of doing that to another man irks me, and I am basing my decision on that rather than anything else. I've wanted to kick some guys in the nuts for what they've done to girls I've known, but effectively making somebody into an asexual being seems just a bit over the top.
The other thing is, that at the end of the day, I just can't see it ever becoming law in this country, I really just can't see it happening.
Is an interesting debate anyway, and raises a whole lot of questions about the role of the Govt and law, the question for me as a Christian of forgiveness, the effectiveness of our justice system etc etc.
Love to hear what others think.
Basically, her idea is that all repeat sexual offenders should be either physically or chemically castrated. I clarified this morning and she includes females in this (although I must admit I'm not sure how you would do that with women or what effect it would have).
Having seen and dealt with far too many young women dealing with the long-lasting effects of all sorts of sexual assault, I can see where she's coming from, but completely disagree.
I agree that just putting people into prison doesn't work with these kind of situations (and I'm not convinced it completely works in many other situations either-but thats another story) and that extensive counselling/therapy/psychological treatment is needed. I know that's not 100% effective either, but I just think castration is a bit full on.
I'm not sure, maybe I am a bit biased as a male and the thought of doing that to another man irks me, and I am basing my decision on that rather than anything else. I've wanted to kick some guys in the nuts for what they've done to girls I've known, but effectively making somebody into an asexual being seems just a bit over the top.
The other thing is, that at the end of the day, I just can't see it ever becoming law in this country, I really just can't see it happening.
Is an interesting debate anyway, and raises a whole lot of questions about the role of the Govt and law, the question for me as a Christian of forgiveness, the effectiveness of our justice system etc etc.
Love to hear what others think.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
33 333 Visitors
I checked today and I have had exactly 33 333 visitors to this blog in it's lifetime, which if you believe the Christians who are really into the meanings of numbers in the Bible-is a great thing!
To preserve that perfect number, I want nobody to ever visit this blog again! But if you're reading this, it means you have already visited and ruined my beautiful trinatarian number arrangement! Dammit!
To preserve that perfect number, I want nobody to ever visit this blog again! But if you're reading this, it means you have already visited and ruined my beautiful trinatarian number arrangement! Dammit!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Coach Carter
Tomorrow is my first full blown effort at coaching a school sports team, the mighty Yr 7 Mt Erin AFL team.
I've learnt that a lot of the drills we do at senior training don't always work with these guys, and that maybe expecting them to get goal to goal without it touching the ground is a bit much. I think Zone Defence on the kickouts also went over their heads.
I'm off to bed early now so I can be up and raring to go with my CSM voice like the dude in Full Metal Jacket. I may have to swear and abuse the kids a little less than he does though...
I also need to make sure I'm o top of my own game as we're playing Somerville this week and half the kids from the school will be there to watch so I'd better practice what I preach to the kids!
I've learnt that a lot of the drills we do at senior training don't always work with these guys, and that maybe expecting them to get goal to goal without it touching the ground is a bit much. I think Zone Defence on the kickouts also went over their heads.
I'm off to bed early now so I can be up and raring to go with my CSM voice like the dude in Full Metal Jacket. I may have to swear and abuse the kids a little less than he does though...
I also need to make sure I'm o top of my own game as we're playing Somerville this week and half the kids from the school will be there to watch so I'd better practice what I preach to the kids!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
SYG=success
Had another quality weekend away at SYG over the past weekend, #8 for me, and probably the best weather wise. The one weekend of the year I'm glad for global warming!
This year we went as the PHAT (the Peninsula's Hottest Athletic Team) and in terms of sport, were the least successful we've ever been, but had ripper fun anyway.
We won the Basketball B and made the finals of everything else that we entered. We will have to work harder on and off the track next year to make sure we don't choke so often!
We lost footy for the first time ever to Ringwood CoC, who we have beaten in every semi or grand final the last 3 years, so they were stoked for a bit of revenge! Was a great game and lots of fun. I still reckon I won on the trash talking front though!!
Kim Hammond from Forge was the main speaker,a dn I thought he spoke brilliantly-despite being a smart-arse and mentioning me as the infamous prodigal son in the story of the same name. It was a really simple, clear message that was relevant to heaps of people-very very hard to do at SYG, and it was very well received.
Was up late getting all my assignments in beforehand, so was fair knackered going in, but still got through OK, and am so stoked to not still be doing any essays today!
So all in all, yet another great weekend at SYG, with a special thanks to Jesse T for doing all our organising.
This year we went as the PHAT (the Peninsula's Hottest Athletic Team) and in terms of sport, were the least successful we've ever been, but had ripper fun anyway.
We won the Basketball B and made the finals of everything else that we entered. We will have to work harder on and off the track next year to make sure we don't choke so often!
We lost footy for the first time ever to Ringwood CoC, who we have beaten in every semi or grand final the last 3 years, so they were stoked for a bit of revenge! Was a great game and lots of fun. I still reckon I won on the trash talking front though!!
Kim Hammond from Forge was the main speaker,a dn I thought he spoke brilliantly-despite being a smart-arse and mentioning me as the infamous prodigal son in the story of the same name. It was a really simple, clear message that was relevant to heaps of people-very very hard to do at SYG, and it was very well received.
Was up late getting all my assignments in beforehand, so was fair knackered going in, but still got through OK, and am so stoked to not still be doing any essays today!
So all in all, yet another great weekend at SYG, with a special thanks to Jesse T for doing all our organising.
Lion hugging lady...
woman found an injured, malnourished lion that was
near death. She took him home and took care of him.
When the lion recovered, she called the local zoo to
give him a proper home.
This was the reaction she got when the lion saw her
again for the first time.
I dunno how legit this is, but it's a nice story and cool video either way!
near death. She took him home and took care of him.
When the lion recovered, she called the local zoo to
give him a proper home.
This was the reaction she got when the lion saw her
again for the first time.
I dunno how legit this is, but it's a nice story and cool video either way!
Friday, June 06, 2008
Most confusing parable ever...
As I head off to the coldest weekend in the history of the world-State Youth Games, I leave this parable for you to all ponder, even though half of my readers will probably be down there as well!
Anywho, I expect the rest of you readers to have come up with an interpretation of this that makes any sense at all by the time I get back on Monday! Well at least come up with something better than the rubbish I came up with for my essay!
Luke 16
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
1Jesus told his disciples: "There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2So he called him in and asked him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.'
3"The manager said to himself, 'What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm ashamed to beg— 4I know what I'll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.'
5"So he called in each one of his master's debtors. He asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?'
6" 'Eight hundred gallons[a] of olive oil,' he replied.
"The manager told him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.'
7"Then he asked the second, 'And how much do you owe?'
" 'A thousand bushels[b] of wheat,' he replied.
"He told him, 'Take your bill and make it eight hundred.'
8"The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. 9I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
I've heard Mike Frost explain it really well one day, but have totally forgotten what he said, so any help appreciated :)
Anywho, I expect the rest of you readers to have come up with an interpretation of this that makes any sense at all by the time I get back on Monday! Well at least come up with something better than the rubbish I came up with for my essay!
Luke 16
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
1Jesus told his disciples: "There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2So he called him in and asked him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.'
3"The manager said to himself, 'What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm ashamed to beg— 4I know what I'll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.'
5"So he called in each one of his master's debtors. He asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?'
6" 'Eight hundred gallons[a] of olive oil,' he replied.
"The manager told him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.'
7"Then he asked the second, 'And how much do you owe?'
" 'A thousand bushels[b] of wheat,' he replied.
"He told him, 'Take your bill and make it eight hundred.'
8"The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. 9I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
I've heard Mike Frost explain it really well one day, but have totally forgotten what he said, so any help appreciated :)
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Matt 18:21-35
Check out the link for this other interesting story.
Again, initially it seems to be bth about how much God forgives us, and how much we should forgive others. Both good points, and not bad things to conclude.
But if you look at v.21-22, they are about how much we should forgive others, but then v.34 shows the master not following these directions himself. If we read the master as a God figure, then it leads to some interesting questions.
I haven't really thought this one through fully yet, just some initial questions.
Again, initially it seems to be bth about how much God forgives us, and how much we should forgive others. Both good points, and not bad things to conclude.
But if you look at v.21-22, they are about how much we should forgive others, but then v.34 shows the master not following these directions himself. If we read the master as a God figure, then it leads to some interesting questions.
I haven't really thought this one through fully yet, just some initial questions.
Whilst we're in the mood for discussion
Other than writing log posts, I am actuay in the middle of writing an essay right now, about Jesus' parables and how they relate to power and wealth. Interesting,a nd time-consuming.
Am going through a fascinating book that really deconstructs a lot of the parables and queries any assumptions that we have often thought to be true.
Like Matt 25:14-19 which we have often understood to be about how we should use the talents and gifts God has given us-which seems to be quite a reasonable conclusion.
But, if you look into the social system of the day, and realise how much somebody like the landowner had to screw people over to make money, and more specifically how much his servants would have been exploitng people to make that money, you wonder if the 3rd servant was actually the one who did the right thing by not particiating in the landowner's exploitative practices...
And on the subject, if anybody can throw some light on 'Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him' in v.29 that'd be most helpful.
Am going through a fascinating book that really deconstructs a lot of the parables and queries any assumptions that we have often thought to be true.
Like Matt 25:14-19 which we have often understood to be about how we should use the talents and gifts God has given us-which seems to be quite a reasonable conclusion.
But, if you look into the social system of the day, and realise how much somebody like the landowner had to screw people over to make money, and more specifically how much his servants would have been exploitng people to make that money, you wonder if the 3rd servant was actually the one who did the right thing by not particiating in the landowner's exploitative practices...
And on the subject, if anybody can throw some light on 'Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him' in v.29 that'd be most helpful.
Just for the record...
I don't actually advocate the slapping of Kiwi's, I'm sure that the whole country can't be blamed for Russel Crowe...
Just wanted to cover myself in case somebody slaps a Kiwi and tries to blame me for provoking them!
Seriously though, this whole joke thing has triggered a whole bunch of debate I never thought it would, which in itself is quite funny to me.
Just wanted to cover myself in case somebody slaps a Kiwi and tries to blame me for provoking them!
Seriously though, this whole joke thing has triggered a whole bunch of debate I never thought it would, which in itself is quite funny to me.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
When to help and not
Had an interesting, but short, discussion last night about something that has been on my mind for a while now.
It's about when we are the ones to chase up others about somethign we can help them with, or how much we make them chase us down. If somebody needs your help-finanicaily, emotionally or whatever, do they haev to ask for it, or should you offer. Do you just help somebody out and give them a way out, or let them suck it up and feel the consequences of their bad decisions.
Particuarly in mentoring situations, do I as the mentor chase them up to catch up cos I know they have stuff they need to work through, or just let them float on with their life and wait for them to aknowledge the crap that needs working through (and potentially let it fester into something worse) or not.
And within al of that you need to be aware of the potential for you to think that the other person's welbeing is all about you, and forget that often you are just another cog in the wheel.
Just some stuff I've been processing over the last little while.
It's about when we are the ones to chase up others about somethign we can help them with, or how much we make them chase us down. If somebody needs your help-finanicaily, emotionally or whatever, do they haev to ask for it, or should you offer. Do you just help somebody out and give them a way out, or let them suck it up and feel the consequences of their bad decisions.
Particuarly in mentoring situations, do I as the mentor chase them up to catch up cos I know they have stuff they need to work through, or just let them float on with their life and wait for them to aknowledge the crap that needs working through (and potentially let it fester into something worse) or not.
And within al of that you need to be aware of the potential for you to think that the other person's welbeing is all about you, and forget that often you are just another cog in the wheel.
Just some stuff I've been processing over the last little while.
Would Jesus have been funny?
According to an anonymous commenter, my last post was too offensive, and not something Jesus would have laughed at. I obviously disagree-but that's another issue.
This commenter aso raised the question 'Would Jesus laugh at all?' which to me is a no-brainer, as he was human and laughter is a natural human emotion/response to an emotion.
But the more intriguing (althought completely irrelevant) question is whether or not He would have been funny? It's not recorded anywhere in the Gospels-but arguing from exclusion is a poor argument anyway, but I wonder if he would have started off the Sermon On The Mount with a couple of gags? Probably not in that case, but I'd like to think in other cases he did, that he was a funny guy. Not sure why, but is just an image I like, of him cracking jokes and mucking around with the disciples.
Anyway, just an interesting thought for the day.
This commenter aso raised the question 'Would Jesus laugh at all?' which to me is a no-brainer, as he was human and laughter is a natural human emotion/response to an emotion.
But the more intriguing (althought completely irrelevant) question is whether or not He would have been funny? It's not recorded anywhere in the Gospels-but arguing from exclusion is a poor argument anyway, but I wonder if he would have started off the Sermon On The Mount with a couple of gags? Probably not in that case, but I'd like to think in other cases he did, that he was a funny guy. Not sure why, but is just an image I like, of him cracking jokes and mucking around with the disciples.
Anyway, just an interesting thought for the day.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Aussie-Kiwi Love...
Sitting together on a train, traveling through the Swiss Alps, were a
Kiwi guy, an Australian bloke, a little old Greek lady, and a youngblonde Swiss girl with large breasts.
The Train goes into a dark tunnel and a few seconds later there is thesound of a loud slap.
When the train emerges from the tunnel, the Kiwi has a bright red handprint on his cheek.
No one speaks.
The old lady thinks:
The Kiwi guy must have groped the blonde in the dark, and she slapped his cheek.
The blonde Swiss girl thinks:
That Kiwi guy must have tried to grope me in the dark, but missed and fondled the old lady and she slapped his cheek.
The Kiwi thinks:
The Australian bloke must have groped the blonde in the dark. She tried to slap him but missed and got me instead.
The Australian thinks:
I can't wait for another tunnel, just so I can smack the Kiwi again.
Kiwi guy, an Australian bloke, a little old Greek lady, and a youngblonde Swiss girl with large breasts.
The Train goes into a dark tunnel and a few seconds later there is thesound of a loud slap.
When the train emerges from the tunnel, the Kiwi has a bright red handprint on his cheek.
No one speaks.
The old lady thinks:
The Kiwi guy must have groped the blonde in the dark, and she slapped his cheek.
The blonde Swiss girl thinks:
That Kiwi guy must have tried to grope me in the dark, but missed and fondled the old lady and she slapped his cheek.
The Kiwi thinks:
The Australian bloke must have groped the blonde in the dark. She tried to slap him but missed and got me instead.
The Australian thinks:
I can't wait for another tunnel, just so I can smack the Kiwi again.
Free Rice
This is a great little site, that not only helps you learn new words, but donates free rice to the UN World Health program.
Is a very simple concept, and executed very well. They show you a word, you work out what it means, they donate free rice. Gold.
Is a very simple concept, and executed very well. They show you a word, you work out what it means, they donate free rice. Gold.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Top Ten Worst Small Group Discussion Questions
I found these the other day and they have revolutionised the way we do the Huddle!
Top Ten Worst Small Group Discussion Questions
10. Share the worst sin you've ever committed.
9. If you were God, who would you punish first?
8. Which person in this group do you think needs to find Jesus the most?
7. Which people at your church do you wish would find a different church, and why?
6. If you could erase any verse out of the Bible, which one would it be?
5. Share the juiciest piece of gossip you know so we can pray about it.
4. If you could have anything from your neighbor's house, what would it be?
3. What's your favorite of The 10 Commandments to break?
2. If you could change anything about your spouse, what would it be?
1. If you could commit any sin and get away with it, what would it be?
Top Ten Worst Small Group Discussion Questions
10. Share the worst sin you've ever committed.
9. If you were God, who would you punish first?
8. Which person in this group do you think needs to find Jesus the most?
7. Which people at your church do you wish would find a different church, and why?
6. If you could erase any verse out of the Bible, which one would it be?
5. Share the juiciest piece of gossip you know so we can pray about it.
4. If you could have anything from your neighbor's house, what would it be?
3. What's your favorite of The 10 Commandments to break?
2. If you could change anything about your spouse, what would it be?
1. If you could commit any sin and get away with it, what would it be?
Friday, May 23, 2008
Relationships and singleness
I have had a few conversations with people lately about how being single or in a relationship affects your life, changes who you are n what you do etc.
As most of you who know me will know, i am single at the moment, which I'm loving. In many ways it is a great life. But anyway, a mate asked me if I was looking for a girlfriend, which i thought about a bit before answering. Mainly because I think there's a distinction between looking for a girlfriend and being open to the idea of a relationship.
See i think that when you are single and looking for a girlfriend, then often that may not be a healthy place to be in. I've seen many people who've just come out of a relationship, or not, and seem to be really keen on a relationship, which seems to be predominantly about needing to fill the hole in your life where the other person used to be. I know I've been there before, just wanting someone for the sake of having someone.
And I think the predominant reason people are like that is because of a lack of sense of happiness within themselves. They need somebody else in their life to validate them as a person. So any relationship started from that position will be predominantly about you and your wn needs, not what you can give in love to the other person.
I think it comes back to the basic saying that you have to be able to love yourself before you can love anybody else. That makes a lot of sense to me.
So then, the difference between that and being open to a relationship is that in the latter you are comfortable and secure in yourself, so that if something comes along then great, but if not, you are just as happy within yourself.
Anywho, there's my yearly Dr Phil segment on love and relationships done, so back to more of my usual drivel!
As most of you who know me will know, i am single at the moment, which I'm loving. In many ways it is a great life. But anyway, a mate asked me if I was looking for a girlfriend, which i thought about a bit before answering. Mainly because I think there's a distinction between looking for a girlfriend and being open to the idea of a relationship.
See i think that when you are single and looking for a girlfriend, then often that may not be a healthy place to be in. I've seen many people who've just come out of a relationship, or not, and seem to be really keen on a relationship, which seems to be predominantly about needing to fill the hole in your life where the other person used to be. I know I've been there before, just wanting someone for the sake of having someone.
And I think the predominant reason people are like that is because of a lack of sense of happiness within themselves. They need somebody else in their life to validate them as a person. So any relationship started from that position will be predominantly about you and your wn needs, not what you can give in love to the other person.
I think it comes back to the basic saying that you have to be able to love yourself before you can love anybody else. That makes a lot of sense to me.
So then, the difference between that and being open to a relationship is that in the latter you are comfortable and secure in yourself, so that if something comes along then great, but if not, you are just as happy within yourself.
Anywho, there's my yearly Dr Phil segment on love and relationships done, so back to more of my usual drivel!
First Aussie Female Bishop Consecrated
You go girlfriend (said with a click of fingers and little waggle of head)
Good on her, and the parts of the Anglican Church that have supported this. The more I understand about the Bible and faith, the less I can see how people would have a problem with this.
Good stuff.
Good on her, and the parts of the Anglican Church that have supported this. The more I understand about the Bible and faith, the less I can see how people would have a problem with this.
Good stuff.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Funny Aussie place names
Found this site the other day, have put down a few good ones, check the site for the rest.
Boing Boing (NT)
Meaning "mosquitoes buzzing" in Aboriginal, Boing Boing narrowly takes the cake for the most unusual place name beginning with "B" — it narrowly beat Blighty in NSW, which probably reminded somebody of home.
Come by chance (NSW)
Immortalised in a Banjo Patterson poem, this settlement in north-western New South Wales got its name from pastoralists who happened upon a large vacant block, while en route somewhere else more promising.
Gingin (WA)
This town north of Perth sounds good enough to drink. The Aboriginal meaning is "place of many streams".
Humpybong (Qld)
Lovely name originating from when the British abandoned the area in favour of settling Brisbane, leaving behind empty huts or "humpies". Humpybong means "dead shelters" in Aboriginal.
Innaloo (WA)
Perth suburb with a fruit market called Innaloo Fresh (we kid you not!) and a shopping plaza, presumably with plenty of indoor restrooms.
Jimcumbilly (NSW)
Tiny settlement and disused railway station located near Bombala, inland from the New South Wales south coast. Mystery surrounds the meaning of its Aboriginal name.
Knuckey Lagoon (NT)
Near Darwin and actually a wildlife reserve, rather than a place popular with couples. Just beats Kurri Kurri in New South Wales, where good Indian cuisine is guaranteed.
Loos (SA)
This settlement's original German name, Buchsfelde, was considered offensive during World War I so they came up with this much better alternative.
Mount Buggery (Vic)
The evocative and typically Aussie name, Mount Buggery, cannot be bettered anywhere in Australia — although WA's Muchea (as in "there's nothing muchea"), a corruption of the Aboriginal word Muchela, is excellent too.
Nowhere Else (Tas & SA)
Located near Devonport in north-western Tasmania, there really is "nowhere else", like Nowhere Else. Well, actually there is... Like many of our visitors have pointed out, a place called Nowhere Else can be found on the Eyre Peninsular in SA too!
Rooty Hill (NSW)
Area in western Sydney named by Governor King in 1802. Disappointingly, the name refers to roots exposed in fields around the hill following floods.
Smiggin Holes (NSW)
Popular ski resort that got its Scottish name from pools formed in rocks by cattle.
Tom Ugly (NSW)
Tom Ugly Point, near Sylvania in Sydney's south, is named after an Aboriginal Australian who lived in a rock shelter in this area during the mid-19th century. His nickname was said to be ironic as he was a strong, handsome fellow.
Wonglepong (Qld)
Although New South Wales has Woolloomooloo (meaning young kangaroo), and Wards Mistake (named after bushranger Frederick Ward), Queensland's delightfully named Wonglepong, possibly meaning "forgotten sound" in Aboriginal, pips them all, and also tramples all over Victoria's Wurt Wurt Kurt as number one "W".
Xantippe (WA)
Australia's only place name beginning with "X" is found near Dalwallinu in the WA wheat belt, and got its name from workers on the rabbit-proof fence. On discovering that the granite ground they were working on was almost impenetrable, they called the place Xantippe, after the wife of Greek philosopher Socrates, reputedly a very hard woman!
Yorkeys Knob (Qld)
Located just north of Cairns, it got its name from a fisherman from Yorkshire, George Yorkey Lawson, who lived nearby in the late 19th century. Locals have since resisted attempts to rename it Yorkeys Beach, fond as they are of the original moniker, despite the reactions it sometimes provokes.
Boing Boing (NT)
Meaning "mosquitoes buzzing" in Aboriginal, Boing Boing narrowly takes the cake for the most unusual place name beginning with "B" — it narrowly beat Blighty in NSW, which probably reminded somebody of home.
Come by chance (NSW)
Immortalised in a Banjo Patterson poem, this settlement in north-western New South Wales got its name from pastoralists who happened upon a large vacant block, while en route somewhere else more promising.
Gingin (WA)
This town north of Perth sounds good enough to drink. The Aboriginal meaning is "place of many streams".
Humpybong (Qld)
Lovely name originating from when the British abandoned the area in favour of settling Brisbane, leaving behind empty huts or "humpies". Humpybong means "dead shelters" in Aboriginal.
Innaloo (WA)
Perth suburb with a fruit market called Innaloo Fresh (we kid you not!) and a shopping plaza, presumably with plenty of indoor restrooms.
Jimcumbilly (NSW)
Tiny settlement and disused railway station located near Bombala, inland from the New South Wales south coast. Mystery surrounds the meaning of its Aboriginal name.
Knuckey Lagoon (NT)
Near Darwin and actually a wildlife reserve, rather than a place popular with couples. Just beats Kurri Kurri in New South Wales, where good Indian cuisine is guaranteed.
Loos (SA)
This settlement's original German name, Buchsfelde, was considered offensive during World War I so they came up with this much better alternative.
Mount Buggery (Vic)
The evocative and typically Aussie name, Mount Buggery, cannot be bettered anywhere in Australia — although WA's Muchea (as in "there's nothing muchea"), a corruption of the Aboriginal word Muchela, is excellent too.
Nowhere Else (Tas & SA)
Located near Devonport in north-western Tasmania, there really is "nowhere else", like Nowhere Else. Well, actually there is... Like many of our visitors have pointed out, a place called Nowhere Else can be found on the Eyre Peninsular in SA too!
Rooty Hill (NSW)
Area in western Sydney named by Governor King in 1802. Disappointingly, the name refers to roots exposed in fields around the hill following floods.
Smiggin Holes (NSW)
Popular ski resort that got its Scottish name from pools formed in rocks by cattle.
Tom Ugly (NSW)
Tom Ugly Point, near Sylvania in Sydney's south, is named after an Aboriginal Australian who lived in a rock shelter in this area during the mid-19th century. His nickname was said to be ironic as he was a strong, handsome fellow.
Wonglepong (Qld)
Although New South Wales has Woolloomooloo (meaning young kangaroo), and Wards Mistake (named after bushranger Frederick Ward), Queensland's delightfully named Wonglepong, possibly meaning "forgotten sound" in Aboriginal, pips them all, and also tramples all over Victoria's Wurt Wurt Kurt as number one "W".
Xantippe (WA)
Australia's only place name beginning with "X" is found near Dalwallinu in the WA wheat belt, and got its name from workers on the rabbit-proof fence. On discovering that the granite ground they were working on was almost impenetrable, they called the place Xantippe, after the wife of Greek philosopher Socrates, reputedly a very hard woman!
Yorkeys Knob (Qld)
Located just north of Cairns, it got its name from a fisherman from Yorkshire, George Yorkey Lawson, who lived nearby in the late 19th century. Locals have since resisted attempts to rename it Yorkeys Beach, fond as they are of the original moniker, despite the reactions it sometimes provokes.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Burma Cyclone Relief
I think we all know about the pretty messed up situation in Burma/Myanmar right now, and TEAR are really good at doing stuf that is long term, and in partnership with the local organisations and people, so if you want to donate, click on the link that is the title.
Cheers
Cheers
Friday, May 16, 2008
Digger Land
When i found out there was a Digger Land in England, I was half stoked, and half shattered that I was just in England like a couple months ago and didn't get to get any funny photos!
Lucas and I travelled nearly 2 hours to get a funny photo with a 'Palestine' sign, so I don't care where in England it is, I would have gone!
I still don't know how exactly you make a theme park out of big trucks that dig stuff, but respect to these guys for doing it!
Check out the link for all your Digger Land fun!
Lucas and I travelled nearly 2 hours to get a funny photo with a 'Palestine' sign, so I don't care where in England it is, I would have gone!
I still don't know how exactly you make a theme park out of big trucks that dig stuff, but respect to these guys for doing it!
Check out the link for all your Digger Land fun!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
A Baptism Ritual
On Friday night I was lucky enough to help out with the baptism of a young person at Franga CoC. I had done a few weeks of pre-baptism prep with him which was great fun.
We had originally been planning on having a beach baptism, but we got delayed until now which rendered the beach impossible. I had been suggesting baptising him as we jumped off the pier, but dunno how keen on that he was :)
Anyway, I had been racking my brain for ages trying to work out a way to get around the huge water loss after filling the baptismal tank. I knew for a bunch of reasons we had to do something with it all.
So after the baptism i explained that part of our role as Christians is to care for the enviro
We had originally been planning on having a beach baptism, but we got delayed until now which rendered the beach impossible. I had been suggesting baptising him as we jumped off the pier, but dunno how keen on that he was :)
Anyway, I had been racking my brain for ages trying to work out a way to get around the huge water loss after filling the baptismal tank. I knew for a bunch of reasons we had to do something with it all.
So after the baptism i explained that part of our role as Christians is to care for the enviro