Wow! What an amazing film. If you haven't seen it, see it.
I got the Chronicles of Narnia for Christmas and have been re-reading the series. I am up to the 4th book - Prince Caspian. They are such a great series. The allegorical account of the creation of Narnia is fantastic.
My favourite quote from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - which I loved when I read it and also when I heard it in the film, was a description of Aslan. When Mr Tumnus was asked if Aslan was safe, he replied, "Safe? He's not safe - but he is good".
What an amazing description of God! He's not safe - but He is good.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
And the newer kids on the block...
Just read this about the Baby Busters and Mosaic generation (born from 1984 to 2002) that is also in the report referenced in the post below this one. This report can be found at www.barna.org
It's about young adults in the church - v v interesting and resonates with my experiences.
A final pattern discovered by Barna this year relates to the faith trajectory of the young adult generations (the Baby Busters and the Mosaics). “Overall, they are interested in matters of faith, but they have few assumptions about what a life of faith must entail. They are leaders in the pursuit of new models of faith experience and expression, such as house churches, cyberchurches and marketplace experiences. They are the most prolific practitioners of newer forms of evangelistic outreach, such as Socratic evangelism. They are pioneering language that bridges the gap between postmodern cultural imperatives and first-century biblical principles, to create new buzz words and expressions for believers. And they have certainly championed a novel universe of relational networks in which faith is a cornerstone of friendships and shared experiences.” He predicted that within the next five years young adults will boldly introduce a blizzard of unique expressions of faith that will cause heightened tension with the older generations of believers.
It's about young adults in the church - v v interesting and resonates with my experiences.
A final pattern discovered by Barna this year relates to the faith trajectory of the young adult generations (the Baby Busters and the Mosaics). “Overall, they are interested in matters of faith, but they have few assumptions about what a life of faith must entail. They are leaders in the pursuit of new models of faith experience and expression, such as house churches, cyberchurches and marketplace experiences. They are the most prolific practitioners of newer forms of evangelistic outreach, such as Socratic evangelism. They are pioneering language that bridges the gap between postmodern cultural imperatives and first-century biblical principles, to create new buzz words and expressions for believers. And they have certainly championed a novel universe of relational networks in which faith is a cornerstone of friendships and shared experiences.” He predicted that within the next five years young adults will boldly introduce a blizzard of unique expressions of faith that will cause heightened tension with the older generations of believers.
"The Energizing of Evangelicals" according to Barna
George Barna, a social and religious trends researcher said the following in his latest report. It is related to America but contains intersting insights for Aussies.
Although the data show that just 7% of adults are evangelicals, their voice gets an unusually large share of media attention. Further, Barna provided numbers showing how substantially different evangelicals are from the rest of society. “They are by far the most active in evangelism, most likely to read the Bible, to pray, to attend church services, to volunteer at a church, and to engage in a small group during the week, and give away almost three times as much money as do other Americans. They are several times more likely to possess a Biblical worldview as are others, are the only people group among whom a majority consider their faith to be their top priority in life, are more involved in alternative models of church than anyone else, are the most concerned about how their children are raised, and are also the most well-informed among Christians regarding the interaction between their faith in Christ and current public issues.”
Asked why he felt evangelicals became more active in various public and spiritual matters this past year, Barna offered three possibilities. “Certainly the 2004 presidential election, with its heavy emphasis upon evangelicals, gave them platforms for communication and organizing that were not previously available. Second, we also find that increasing numbers of evangelicals are simply fed up with the nonsense that our society is proposing or producing. They have been driven to a deeper relationship with, and reliance upon God, as a result. Third, it appears that a larger share of evangelicals is choosing to exercise their freedom as religious people in America before that freedom is taken away. It’s kind of an example of the ‘use it or lose it’ philosophy.”
Thursday, December 15, 2005
A thought to reflect upon
We spend a lot of time thinking about a lot of things at this time of the year.
Presents, food, special events and services, holidays.....
In the midst of that, I like to reflect upon what this celebration is all about....
A God who chose to come near
A saviour who dwells with us
A creator who makes himself at home in the human heart.
We could have had a God who made us chase Him but instead He came near... to love, and to make a way.
In the midst of everything, it's good to take a few moments to reflect on this. Is 7:14 Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel--`God is with us.'
Presents, food, special events and services, holidays.....
In the midst of that, I like to reflect upon what this celebration is all about....
A God who chose to come near
A saviour who dwells with us
A creator who makes himself at home in the human heart.
We could have had a God who made us chase Him but instead He came near... to love, and to make a way.
In the midst of everything, it's good to take a few moments to reflect on this. Is 7:14 Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel--`God is with us.'
Monday, December 12, 2005
A re-emerging.....
Well, I feel like I have re-emerged from my week of the Christmas dinner cocoon! I basically lived, ate and breathed Christmas dinner.... but it was certainly all worthwhile! They were both great nights in so many ways- food, entertainment, ambience.. all of it was great.
It's funny when you oversee something - it's a strange mixture of big picture and little picture. From
Overall theme
Items
Ambience
To
Cutting an inch off every candle cause they were too tall for the hurricane lamps
Making sure all teapoons all out and placed in the same direction on the plate
Fixing up candles that were leaning over in the centrepieces
It was a great mix of wonderful and exhausting and satisfying!
One of the greatest things is seeing the multitudes of people working together and using their gifts to pull off a fantastic event! THANK YOU to everyone who made these nights possible!
It's funny when you oversee something - it's a strange mixture of big picture and little picture. From
Overall theme
Items
Ambience
To
Cutting an inch off every candle cause they were too tall for the hurricane lamps
Making sure all teapoons all out and placed in the same direction on the plate
Fixing up candles that were leaning over in the centrepieces
It was a great mix of wonderful and exhausting and satisfying!
One of the greatest things is seeing the multitudes of people working together and using their gifts to pull off a fantastic event! THANK YOU to everyone who made these nights possible!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Why the silence?
Why do you think that there is a deafening silence about abortion and it's negative health effects on women?
Could it be that abortion is the perfect 'poster child' for the materialistic and humanistic world view that we are masters of our own bodies, rather than stewards of them?
Could it have anything to do with the fact that abortion is a very profitable business?
Could it be because it is really difficult to admit that the tune you've been singing for the past 30 years - that it's safe and harmless - is in fact wrong?
Could it be that it's just too hard to fix the real reason women get abortions - the lack of support to continue the pregnancy?
And why, do we hear over and over again, that it's about choice? Because all the women I have spoken too who have had abortions have done so because their doctor has essentially said - you don't have a choice.
You're too young to have this baby. Adoption is too emotionally messy. You are all alone. Raising a child will be too difficult for you. You should really consider an abortion.
A doctor who spoke at the Pro-woman, Pro-life Forum last week was encouraged in her work by a 40 year old woman who said she had an abortion 23 years ago and there is not a day that goes by that she doesn't think about. She said when she really thinks about it, she drinks herself under the table.
Why do you think there is a deafening silence about abortion and it's negative health effects on women?
Could it be that abortion is the perfect 'poster child' for the materialistic and humanistic world view that we are masters of our own bodies, rather than stewards of them?
Could it have anything to do with the fact that abortion is a very profitable business?
Could it be because it is really difficult to admit that the tune you've been singing for the past 30 years - that it's safe and harmless - is in fact wrong?
Could it be that it's just too hard to fix the real reason women get abortions - the lack of support to continue the pregnancy?
And why, do we hear over and over again, that it's about choice? Because all the women I have spoken too who have had abortions have done so because their doctor has essentially said - you don't have a choice.
You're too young to have this baby. Adoption is too emotionally messy. You are all alone. Raising a child will be too difficult for you. You should really consider an abortion.
A doctor who spoke at the Pro-woman, Pro-life Forum last week was encouraged in her work by a 40 year old woman who said she had an abortion 23 years ago and there is not a day that goes by that she doesn't think about. She said when she really thinks about it, she drinks herself under the table.
Why do you think there is a deafening silence about abortion and it's negative health effects on women?
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Thoughts on the current abortion debate
Listening to the claims and counter-claims over whether the RU-486 is safe and should be more widely available, I have many questions. My biggest question is about what we aren’t hearing. Where are all the other voices in the abortion debate?
Do we not find it a curious tragedy that in our nation women will weep with the grief of childlessness, whilst other women will grieve because they feel they have no choice but to abort? Why have we made it easier to end life rather than nurture life?
Adoption is now almost considered the unmentionable. A friend of mine who has been adopted however, expresses nothing but gratitude for both their biological mother who gave them life, and also for their adopted parents who have nurtured them.
Imagine if our community considered adoption as an alternative that we would support, both emotionally and economically? Imagine the dignity we would bestow upon women if we empowered them, in the midst of uncertainty, to be givers of life and joy to those couples whose are unable to conceive.
No-one is pretending, of course, that adoption doesn't carry an emotional burden. However, once an unplanned pregnancy occurs, there are no detached, easy options. We are simply naive if we think that abortion has no psychological or emotional side-effects.
In fact, where are the voices of post-abortive women who experience great grief and regret? Why are they not a part, and a vital part, of the policy decisions we make as a society? After all, they can tell us, more than most, what the costs of these procedures really are. They may be the voices who challenge us to come up with constructive solutions for women who face an uncertain future. I find it hard to believe that the most ‘compassionate’ option we can provide is to suggest women end their pregnancy.
Where are the voices of courageous women who give birth despite their child being diagnosed with chromosomal abnormalities such as Downs Syndrome? The immense pressure placed on women to abort children who are seen as ‘less than perfect’ not only fails to affirm the value of those in our society living with such conditions, but it also fails to give women true choice. We should celebrate the courage of women who defy society’s quest for perfection and choose to love extravagantly and unconditionally instead.
In all of this we would be wise to remember that abortion is big business, and that those who profit from it do so at the expense of women across our nation.
We must make a place for the many voices that are currently being silenced in this issue. At the very least, someone needs to speak for the women who are calling for a pro-woman approach in its fullest sense. To be truly pro-woman, life-affirming choices should be as passionately and creatively supported as any other.
If we really care about the rights of women in our nation, let’s listen carefully to all their voices - for in a multitude of counsellors, there is wisdom.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Apparently..
Apparently - so one headline proclaimed the other day - the abortion pill is just as safe as an abortion..
To which I would say - "so not very hey?"
To which I would say - "so not very hey?"
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Suspicions!
We have some suspicions that Melody may be pregnant (again). She is our dog for those of you who don't know this. Roland (our other dog) even went to stay with friends to prevent this but it seems they may not have been apart long enough?
This may explain her rather unusual behaviour lately. She has taken to crawling under the couches in the living room and just lying there by herself and whining. Maybe it's Doggy morning sickness? Or hormone misery? Do dogs have hormones? I don't know....
We were already going to the vet Saturday so that may shed some more light on things!
This may explain her rather unusual behaviour lately. She has taken to crawling under the couches in the living room and just lying there by herself and whining. Maybe it's Doggy morning sickness? Or hormone misery? Do dogs have hormones? I don't know....
We were already going to the vet Saturday so that may shed some more light on things!
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Nuclear attack in terror plot - Top stories - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au
Nuclear attack in terror plot - Top stories - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au: "THE order from radical Islamic cleric Abdul Nacer Benbrika was to inflict 'maximum damage' as the Sydney terror cell planned a violent jihad in Australia.
The Melbourne preacher met members of his alleged Sydney bomb-making cell in February and then again in July to offer guidance on how to wage a holy war, court documents say."
And he's still in the country why?
The Melbourne preacher met members of his alleged Sydney bomb-making cell in February and then again in July to offer guidance on how to wage a holy war, court documents say."
And he's still in the country why?
Monday, November 14, 2005
Bomb threat halts transport - Top stories - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au
Bomb threat halts transport - Top stories - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au: "An anonymously phoned in bomb threat will stop all bus and train services in Brisbane for the second time today."
I don't mean to sound flippant, but for this to be a real tragedy, our public transport system in Brisbane would have to be efficient and useful. hm....
I don't mean to sound flippant, but for this to be a real tragedy, our public transport system in Brisbane would have to be efficient and useful. hm....
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Disabled seek damages for 'wrongful life'
There is something profoundly wrong with this!
And begs the question how a 4 year old can sue a doctor....?
Disabled seek damages for 'wrongful life': "Disabled seek damages for 'wrongful life'
By Fergus Shiel
Two young disabled Australians will today make a final attempt in the High Court to be the first to prove 'wrongful life' in Australian law.
Lawyers for Alexia Harriton, 24, who is deaf, blind and physically and mentally disabled, allege her family doctor negligently failed to diagnose rubella infection early in her mother's pregnancy.
They claim Dr Paul Stephens also wrongly reassured Ms Harriton's mother, Olga, that her unborn child would not be affected.
The case will try to prove the concept of 'wrongful life' — that given correct medical advice, their parents would have opted to terminate. Lawyer Kathryn Booth, of Maurice Blackburn Cashman, said: 'It involves complex legal and ethical issues about the right of a disabled child to claim following negligent advice by a doctor.'
Wrongful life cases have succeeded in the United States, France and Holland, but in Britain legislation has been introduced to prevent them.
The full bench of the High Court will simultaneously hear the case of Keeden Waller, a four-year-old from Nowra in NSW, who was born profoundly disabled.
If successful, the cases would set a precedent for children with severe disabilities wanting to sue doctors for failing to provide information that would"
And begs the question how a 4 year old can sue a doctor....?
Disabled seek damages for 'wrongful life': "Disabled seek damages for 'wrongful life'
By Fergus Shiel
Two young disabled Australians will today make a final attempt in the High Court to be the first to prove 'wrongful life' in Australian law.
Lawyers for Alexia Harriton, 24, who is deaf, blind and physically and mentally disabled, allege her family doctor negligently failed to diagnose rubella infection early in her mother's pregnancy.
They claim Dr Paul Stephens also wrongly reassured Ms Harriton's mother, Olga, that her unborn child would not be affected.
The case will try to prove the concept of 'wrongful life' — that given correct medical advice, their parents would have opted to terminate. Lawyer Kathryn Booth, of Maurice Blackburn Cashman, said: 'It involves complex legal and ethical issues about the right of a disabled child to claim following negligent advice by a doctor.'
Wrongful life cases have succeeded in the United States, France and Holland, but in Britain legislation has been introduced to prevent them.
The full bench of the High Court will simultaneously hear the case of Keeden Waller, a four-year-old from Nowra in NSW, who was born profoundly disabled.
If successful, the cases would set a precedent for children with severe disabilities wanting to sue doctors for failing to provide information that would"
Very good food for thought
Neglecting Prayer
In one area of Africa where Christianity began to spread, converts were zealous about daily devotions. They would find their own spot within the wild thickets and pour their hearts out to God. After some time the spots became well-worn, and paths were created. Soon, one's prayer life was made public. If someone began to neglect his or her devotional life, it would soon be noticed by others. Believers would then gently and lovingly remind those in neglect, "The grass grows on your path."
Citation: Submitted by David DeWitt; source: Today in the Word (June 1992)
In one area of Africa where Christianity began to spread, converts were zealous about daily devotions. They would find their own spot within the wild thickets and pour their hearts out to God. After some time the spots became well-worn, and paths were created. Soon, one's prayer life was made public. If someone began to neglect his or her devotional life, it would soon be noticed by others. Believers would then gently and lovingly remind those in neglect, "The grass grows on your path."
Citation: Submitted by David DeWitt; source: Today in the Word (June 1992)
Monday, November 07, 2005
Evolution in the bible, says Vatican - The Other Side - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au
Things that make you go hmmmm
Evolution in the bible, says Vatican - The Other Side - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au: "THE Vatican has issued a stout defence of Charles Darwin, voicing strong criticism of Christian fundamentalists who reject his theory of evolution and interpret the biblical account of creation literally.
Cardinal Paul Poupard, head of the Pontifical Council for Culture, said the Genesis description of how God created the universe and Darwin's theory of evolution were 'perfectly compatible' if the Bible were read correctly.
His statement was a clear attack on creationist campaigners in the US, who see evolution and the Genesis account as mutually exclusive.
'The fundamentalists want to give a scientific meaning to words that had no scientific aim,' he said at a Vatican press conference. He said the real message in Genesis was that 'the universe didn't make itself and had a creator'."
Evolution in the bible, says Vatican - The Other Side - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au: "THE Vatican has issued a stout defence of Charles Darwin, voicing strong criticism of Christian fundamentalists who reject his theory of evolution and interpret the biblical account of creation literally.
Cardinal Paul Poupard, head of the Pontifical Council for Culture, said the Genesis description of how God created the universe and Darwin's theory of evolution were 'perfectly compatible' if the Bible were read correctly.
His statement was a clear attack on creationist campaigners in the US, who see evolution and the Genesis account as mutually exclusive.
'The fundamentalists want to give a scientific meaning to words that had no scientific aim,' he said at a Vatican press conference. He said the real message in Genesis was that 'the universe didn't make itself and had a creator'."
Saturday, November 05, 2005
I guess you have to laugh
We have been having some unusual car battery problems. It was quite happy to start if it had been sitting for a good twenty minutes but was a bit tempermental if you had only turned the car off for 5 minutes. Gentle coaxing always talked it into starting though.
However, it has now finally given way and Stephen now finds himself in the carpark at Dominoes, with a dead car battery.
Thank goodness he's got a pizza to munch on!
However, it has now finally given way and Stephen now finds himself in the carpark at Dominoes, with a dead car battery.
Thank goodness he's got a pizza to munch on!
Friday, November 04, 2005
BBC NEWS | Americas | Texas preacher killed by baptism
This is a sad story
BBC NEWS | Americas | Texas preacher killed by baptism: "Texas preacher killed by baptism
A pastor was electrocuted during a baptism in Waco, Texas, after grabbing a microphone while partially submerged."
Think I'll be a little more careful at baptisms in future!
BBC NEWS | Americas | Texas preacher killed by baptism: "Texas preacher killed by baptism
A pastor was electrocuted during a baptism in Waco, Texas, after grabbing a microphone while partially submerged."
Think I'll be a little more careful at baptisms in future!
Monday, October 31, 2005
The big black dog
This was how Spike Milligan once described depression - a big black dog that followed him around.
I have become increasingly aware of how wide-spread depression is within our nation, and particularly among young people. 1 in 5 Australians will suffer from depression and at any one time, there are 1 million Australians afflicted with it. Depression is also the leading cause of suicide, which is the highest cause of death of young men in our nation.
Yet depression is treatable. With a combination of different therapies, people can recover and life a full life.
Sadly, over 60% of people suffering depression aren't receiving any treatment.
Depression is also one of those things we don't talk about - often because we don't understand about it.
A great resource to browse through, whether you suffer from depression, or want to know more, is www.ybblue.com.au
I have become increasingly aware of how wide-spread depression is within our nation, and particularly among young people. 1 in 5 Australians will suffer from depression and at any one time, there are 1 million Australians afflicted with it. Depression is also the leading cause of suicide, which is the highest cause of death of young men in our nation.
Yet depression is treatable. With a combination of different therapies, people can recover and life a full life.
Sadly, over 60% of people suffering depression aren't receiving any treatment.
Depression is also one of those things we don't talk about - often because we don't understand about it.
A great resource to browse through, whether you suffer from depression, or want to know more, is www.ybblue.com.au
Saturday, October 29, 2005
The stuff of dreams
Stephen took me to this very nice restaurant last night.
We were going to do the Fasta Pasta movie and meal deal when we realised that a club membership we had meant we could go and have a buffet at a 5 star hotel for basically the same price! So we did!
The main meal section was delicious. And then I saw them... The dessert buffet section had two three tier chocolate fountains! They were like the desktop water fountains that have been really popular but with liquid chocolate flowing over the tiers rather than water. One in white chocolate and one in milk chocolate. You had little forks with strawberries or marshmallows or dried fruit on them and you held them under the cascading chocolate to coat them before eating them! It was incredible!
They'll be 10 feet tall in heaven and we'll be able to swim in them!
We were going to do the Fasta Pasta movie and meal deal when we realised that a club membership we had meant we could go and have a buffet at a 5 star hotel for basically the same price! So we did!
The main meal section was delicious. And then I saw them... The dessert buffet section had two three tier chocolate fountains! They were like the desktop water fountains that have been really popular but with liquid chocolate flowing over the tiers rather than water. One in white chocolate and one in milk chocolate. You had little forks with strawberries or marshmallows or dried fruit on them and you held them under the cascading chocolate to coat them before eating them! It was incredible!
They'll be 10 feet tall in heaven and we'll be able to swim in them!
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
LeadershipJournal.net - Leader's Insight: Don't Stuff the Dog
Don't stuff the dog!
This is worth a read and doesn't take long.
It's about change and our lack of willingness, sometimes, to identify things we like but that need a change nevertheless.
Very good stuff!
This is worth a read and doesn't take long.
It's about change and our lack of willingness, sometimes, to identify things we like but that need a change nevertheless.
Very good stuff!
Dead man writes to his friends
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,17039819-2,00.html
What would you say if you were writing your farewell letter to your family and friends?
Food for thought.....
What would you say if you were writing your farewell letter to your family and friends?
Food for thought.....
Monday, October 24, 2005
Being present
Being present in the moment is something I have been thinking about quite a bit lately.
In the midst of a very full schedule, and with Christmas events and uni exams bearing quickly down upon me, sometimes I find that I race through a day or even simply a conversation.
It's often only later that I realise that although I was there, I wasn't fully there. If you know what I mean.
So I am endeavouring to be fully present in the moment I am in - to live each moment fully.
In the midst of a very full schedule, and with Christmas events and uni exams bearing quickly down upon me, sometimes I find that I race through a day or even simply a conversation.
It's often only later that I realise that although I was there, I wasn't fully there. If you know what I mean.
So I am endeavouring to be fully present in the moment I am in - to live each moment fully.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
'Intelligent Design' scorned
So 70,000 Australian scientists have attacked the Theory of Intelligent Design saying it is scientifically untested...
I wonder which of them were around at the beginning of the world to see what happened or have since managed to observe a monkey evolve into a man?
Come on gentlemen, let's face it. ANY theory about the beginning of the world can only ever be a theory and we will accept or reject that theory depending on what we put our faith in, and the worldview we ultimately hold to make the most sense of explaining the world.
'Intelligent Design' scorned - Breaking news - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au
I wonder which of them were around at the beginning of the world to see what happened or have since managed to observe a monkey evolve into a man?
Come on gentlemen, let's face it. ANY theory about the beginning of the world can only ever be a theory and we will accept or reject that theory depending on what we put our faith in, and the worldview we ultimately hold to make the most sense of explaining the world.
'Intelligent Design' scorned - Breaking news - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au
A quote Rohan sent me
Carly Fiorina, HP chairperson and CEO:
“…I think leadership takes what I call a strong internal compass. And
I use the term compass because what does a compass do? When the winds
are howling, and the storms are raging, and the sky is cloudy so you
have nothing to navigate by, a compass tells you where true North is.
And I think when a person is in a difficult situation, a lonely
situation…you have to rely on that compass. Who am I? What do I
believe? Do I believe we’re doing the right things for the right
reasons in the right way? And sometimes that’s all you have” (In
conversation with Louise Kehoe, July 21, 2003). (Shamir and Eilam
2005: 400)
“…I think leadership takes what I call a strong internal compass. And
I use the term compass because what does a compass do? When the winds
are howling, and the storms are raging, and the sky is cloudy so you
have nothing to navigate by, a compass tells you where true North is.
And I think when a person is in a difficult situation, a lonely
situation…you have to rely on that compass. Who am I? What do I
believe? Do I believe we’re doing the right things for the right
reasons in the right way? And sometimes that’s all you have” (In
conversation with Louise Kehoe, July 21, 2003). (Shamir and Eilam
2005: 400)
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