see Psalm 25
Third Day
Hillsong – January 25 2005 (Support: Day of Fire / Rookie)
My Hope Is You
Come on Back to Me
Sing a Song
You are So Good to Me
These Thousand Hills
Come Together
Creed
God of Wonders
Love Song
I Believe
Thief
Show Me Your Glory
Took my Place
Consuming Fire
Blackbird
I Got a Feeling
+++
Your Love Oh Lord – You are So Good to Me
^^^
Well, I think it has been eight years, six albums since I first heard Third Day - last night was their second concert in Sydney. I went with a group from my old church in Wollongong, and was staggered with the number of people there I knew. (Most of whom I’ve not seen for some time, and were from my Mission). It is the words that have really drawn me to, and kept me interested in Third Day. On a number of their CD’s there lyrics are biblically based, for example they have written are number of songs based on passages of scripture, (Your Love Oh Lord; My Hope is You; You’re Everywhere), are a few examples.
Seeing we missed out on the first night (because it had sold out, before I knew it was on) we missed Audio Adrenaline, (I’ve not heard a whole lot of their studio stuff, but was interested in hearing them play live). We had Day of Fire, an American group, and Rookie (a band from Queensland). Was not impressed with Day of Fire, not really my style of music, the mix was too loud (maybe I’m getting old, but I felt that was an issue all night), as a result the words were lost. I found some of talking between songs theologically off. The singer talked a little about how Jesus wanted us to be victorious in life, and we could, and should overcome everything, victory = blessing = prosperity, and during he last song, he asked us to dance to drive the devil away, and claim the victory, found that really hard to handle.
Rookie, I found to be a touch better, clearer mix, and there were moments of fun, the singer connected with the audience a little better than Day of Fire. Their set included a cover of Hero (Enrique Iglesias). Though one band’s singer made the unfortunate mistake of calling Hillsong the praise and worship capital…
Then (quite soon) after Rookie, the lights went down, mist filled the arena, Third Day took the stage, and Mac Powell opened in prayer. (I liked that).
Overall impressions, I thought they were good. The band members were filled with energy and appeared delighted to be there. Mac Powell was quite talkative (his vocals are very reminiscent of the lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish), and talked a little about the songs, on the advice of Paul Coleman did the Aussie [Oi] thing, and then because it was Australia day they threatened to play the Aussie National Anthem, which turned out to actually be an AC/DC song, (which was halted quickly, with the quip, that he couldn’t sing it). The bond the band share was quite clear for all to see, even if Tai (the Bass Player) decided to try and become an Aussie citizen. But more importantly the band focused on the calling that God has given them, rather than their music or musical talent.
I have the usual fan gripes though, the setlist was a touch disappointing. I really enjoy Wire (the band’s latest album), and they only played two, possibly three, songs from it. I was delighted that we got to hear Thief, from their self-titled debut album, which remains one of my favourite songs. And there was of course the encouragement to participate as well, in the guise of trialing to hit the road with them. Both Mac, and the singer of Rookie, decided to climb on the speaker stacks (during their sets). Once Mac got up he wasn’t sure about how to get down. During I Got a Feeling, we got the members of both Day of Fire, and Rookie all come on stage to dance (read jump around together)
Kind of related to the concert, it was interesting looking at the way people responded to the music, and how the bands articulated their faith. I alluded to this earlier, but I found some of the theology off, probably more Pentecostal than what we are used to at Unichurch. Which lead me to wonder, what does it mean to share ones pulpit? Is there a big difference between what is preached to us, and what is sung?
Some of the comments between the songs were interesting; I found some of these comments alien or unnatural. Perhaps this is the product of a lack of knowledge on my part rather than error. Though to balance this off though Mac made a comment that made my night, he said that whatever we do, we are missionaries for the LORD. And that is at work, at school, on Sunday, through all of our lives. [See Ecclesiastes 9:10; Col 3:17)
In any event, it’s now my intent to spend a Sunday Night at Hillsong. I’ve got no place to comment without having been there, and I sure there are lessons we can learn by discussing with them their frameworks for ministry, perhaps with humility acknowledging that we have lessons to learn.
Some reflections on the Path to Life. "You have made known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence" (Psalm 16:11)
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Library membership..
I mentioned that I went to the local library last weekend, I picked out the Martian Child to read, loosely based on other bits of writing I had seen of David Gerrold. Some brief thoughts on the book are below.
The Martian Child - David Gerrold
As I think about this book, I wonder if evangelicals would look at the book and focus on the fact that a homosexual man could adopt a child. Perhaps we should focus on this, but we should also see what lessons this teaches us. A child ignored by the world, a child maybe seen as too difficult, too damaged, and too challenging. A child needs a father, but more than a father a child needs love needs to be treated with compassion, concern and charity.
I don’t read this book as a morality tale, it is not telling me how I should live, it is not telling me to change the way I think, but it has raised the issues. Gerrold is communicating to me the story of how he raised his child. How he was able to adopt his son. It’s a realistic appraisal of his joys and struggles as he raised his Martian Child. The book is a delicate balance between autobiography and fiction.
The story recounts the emotional reactions of David as he goes through the process of adoption, how he falls in love with a picture of a child, and then as he adopts it realistically shows experiences between father and son, with an almost tender realism. Highlights are the moments where David talks with his son about adoption, the manner in which Dennis learns about jokes (particularly jokes about pickled mongoose).
The book has influenced me a touch, in a world with too many orphans, in a world with too many abused children, too many unwanted, unloved children, is it entirely appropriate to deny children a loving father. Perhaps this is a topic for another post?
I found the book an interesting read; while I am not sure that I agree with the foundations of the book, and that is a small issue. As I’ve read elsewhere, what we read, watch and listen too, do influence the manner in which we see the world. While this book has not changed what I feel, it certainly has challenged the way that I look at this.
Another point of interest was when David publicly disciplines his son in the store, and agro-grandmother appears … the concluding words a great lesson; “you have no right to interfere where you don’t know what’s going on…” I’m not so sure about interfering even where you do know what’s going on; but you would have to be sure, fairly sure, what is going on, to even consider interfering.
It is a good read, a challenging read, and a tender read. The story and characters are real, and for these reasons I do recommend, in spite of the differences of belief we may or may not have, it is a parable of fatherhood from which we should all be able to take lessons from.
+++
The Martian Child - David Gerrold
As I think about this book, I wonder if evangelicals would look at the book and focus on the fact that a homosexual man could adopt a child. Perhaps we should focus on this, but we should also see what lessons this teaches us. A child ignored by the world, a child maybe seen as too difficult, too damaged, and too challenging. A child needs a father, but more than a father a child needs love needs to be treated with compassion, concern and charity.
I don’t read this book as a morality tale, it is not telling me how I should live, it is not telling me to change the way I think, but it has raised the issues. Gerrold is communicating to me the story of how he raised his child. How he was able to adopt his son. It’s a realistic appraisal of his joys and struggles as he raised his Martian Child. The book is a delicate balance between autobiography and fiction.
The story recounts the emotional reactions of David as he goes through the process of adoption, how he falls in love with a picture of a child, and then as he adopts it realistically shows experiences between father and son, with an almost tender realism. Highlights are the moments where David talks with his son about adoption, the manner in which Dennis learns about jokes (particularly jokes about pickled mongoose).
The book has influenced me a touch, in a world with too many orphans, in a world with too many abused children, too many unwanted, unloved children, is it entirely appropriate to deny children a loving father. Perhaps this is a topic for another post?
I found the book an interesting read; while I am not sure that I agree with the foundations of the book, and that is a small issue. As I’ve read elsewhere, what we read, watch and listen too, do influence the manner in which we see the world. While this book has not changed what I feel, it certainly has challenged the way that I look at this.
Another point of interest was when David publicly disciplines his son in the store, and agro-grandmother appears … the concluding words a great lesson; “you have no right to interfere where you don’t know what’s going on…” I’m not so sure about interfering even where you do know what’s going on; but you would have to be sure, fairly sure, what is going on, to even consider interfering.
It is a good read, a challenging read, and a tender read. The story and characters are real, and for these reasons I do recommend, in spite of the differences of belief we may or may not have, it is a parable of fatherhood from which we should all be able to take lessons from.
+++
Oceans Twelve: Twelve is not the new Eleven
Ocean and his boys are back, with a new addition – Catherine Zeta Jones joins the cast as a love interest to Rusty. The movie tried too hard to recapture the feeling of Oceans Eleven. I was not a huge fan of Oceans Eleven. It was perhaps good at what it tried to do, clever in parts, but not really my cup of tea. What patience was tried with Ocean’s Eleven, found Ocean's Twelve too much to bear.
To me Catherine’s character did not add too much to the movie. Jokes about Oceans’ age, along with a look-a-like gag with Julia Roberts did not endear the film. The heist sequences especially paled in comparison to the first movie.
In reference to the plot, I found it relatively predictable; the two plot twists of the film were fairly easy to detect. For lovers of a good heist film, this is not the movie to sink your teeth into; have a look at the Ocean’s Eleven, or rent the Italian Job.
+++
Film of the Year:
Before Sunset
Commendations:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Pieces of April, The Village, Goodbye Lenin (anyone: was this a cinema release during 2004), Garden State and Mean Girls.
+++
I reviewed Before Sunset earlier on the blog, While I was down in Wollongong we watched Before Sunrise, and one of the quotes that resonated then was ‘we are all each other's demons and angels’, and I think that’s what I like about all of the films I’ve selected on my list, they are films which reveal a little more about the human condition. They speak about who we are, and what we are like. I may not respond as the characters in any of these films, but [to some extent] the experiences I have and will have through my life are echoes of the drama of these films. And conversely, perhaps that’s why I don’t like Ocean's Twelve, none of the script resonated as closely with my experience, or perhaps what did, I found badly done. More to ponder here. What makes a good film for you??
To me Catherine’s character did not add too much to the movie. Jokes about Oceans’ age, along with a look-a-like gag with Julia Roberts did not endear the film. The heist sequences especially paled in comparison to the first movie.
In reference to the plot, I found it relatively predictable; the two plot twists of the film were fairly easy to detect. For lovers of a good heist film, this is not the movie to sink your teeth into; have a look at the Ocean’s Eleven, or rent the Italian Job.
+++
Film of the Year:
Before Sunset
Commendations:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Pieces of April, The Village, Goodbye Lenin (anyone: was this a cinema release during 2004), Garden State and Mean Girls.
+++
I reviewed Before Sunset earlier on the blog, While I was down in Wollongong we watched Before Sunrise, and one of the quotes that resonated then was ‘we are all each other's demons and angels’, and I think that’s what I like about all of the films I’ve selected on my list, they are films which reveal a little more about the human condition. They speak about who we are, and what we are like. I may not respond as the characters in any of these films, but [to some extent] the experiences I have and will have through my life are echoes of the drama of these films. And conversely, perhaps that’s why I don’t like Ocean's Twelve, none of the script resonated as closely with my experience, or perhaps what did, I found badly done. More to ponder here. What makes a good film for you??
Selective Mourning
Reading the Sunday paper this afternoon, found an interesting article today written by Hugh Mackay, which meshes beautifully with the cartoon earlier in the paper. In the cartoon we see a cricketer standing in front of the stumps, seen smashing balls all over the place, wearing a bib declaring “Tsunami Relief”, and behind the stumps the wicketkeeper “AIDS in Africa, Sudan Crisis [first slip] and Fallujah [second slip]”. The slippers are conversing – will this draw them into longer tests, or shorten their attention spans.
Mackay’s compares the response of the public to the tsunami in Asia, with the public response to the deaths of civilians in Iraq, and to that list I, like the cartoonist, would add the AIDS epidemic in Africa, and also the genocide in Darfur.
Mackay suggests that perhaps by enlarge the tsunami is seen by people to be an event that “just happened”, and perhaps something that we can relate to as we are beach-goers, many of the people who died were westerners. We have been silent on the damage from the waves in Africa, yes the damage may be minimal, but its been given no airtime. There is as Hugh Mackay asserts, a puzzling difference between the two, given that we are looking roughly 100 000 men, women and children who have died in Iraq (Yes, these are estimates). And the conservative estimates of those who will die from AIDS in Africa are staggering. To quote Hugh Mackay’s last paragraph:
Sunday was our National Day of Mourning. A day to focus on those who suffered because of the tidal wave, it is appropriate that we as a wealthy nation should be generous and give to our neighbors during their time of need. It’s not appropriate to make a league table and compare how much each nation gives.
How’s our attention span? Will the generosity that flowed to Asia, flow to the next global crisis that the media draws our attention too?
Mackay’s compares the response of the public to the tsunami in Asia, with the public response to the deaths of civilians in Iraq, and to that list I, like the cartoonist, would add the AIDS epidemic in Africa, and also the genocide in Darfur.
Mackay suggests that perhaps by enlarge the tsunami is seen by people to be an event that “just happened”, and perhaps something that we can relate to as we are beach-goers, many of the people who died were westerners. We have been silent on the damage from the waves in Africa, yes the damage may be minimal, but its been given no airtime. There is as Hugh Mackay asserts, a puzzling difference between the two, given that we are looking roughly 100 000 men, women and children who have died in Iraq (Yes, these are estimates). And the conservative estimates of those who will die from AIDS in Africa are staggering. To quote Hugh Mackay’s last paragraph:
Surely there is a link missing from the chain of moral argument that says I’ll be sympathetic and responsive to human suffering if no one is to blame, but I’ll keep my emotional distance if my own country has contributed to death and destruction on a large scale.I was delighted to hear Tony Blair talk of his concern and focus on Africa. I also recall Bono who while you may or may not like his music, I feel he must be commended for the passion for Africa, relief of debt, and fighting AIDS. But it seems what struggled to have headlines in November can not buy a wisp of ink, air time at the moment.
Sunday was our National Day of Mourning. A day to focus on those who suffered because of the tidal wave, it is appropriate that we as a wealthy nation should be generous and give to our neighbors during their time of need. It’s not appropriate to make a league table and compare how much each nation gives.
How’s our attention span? Will the generosity that flowed to Asia, flow to the next global crisis that the media draws our attention too?
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Shuffling the Deck ...
So, this is doing the rounds. Here's the rules ... select all your music library, and press shuffle and post the first 10 tracks. (No changes, substitutions, if it comes out, post it). So here's mine:
1. How Deep the Fathers Love - Skillet (Live Worship CD)
2. Whole Again - Jennifer Knapp [Kansas]
3. Don't Know Why - Norah Jones [Come Away With Me]
4. In A Little While - U2 [All That You Can't Leave Behind]
5. From Me to You - The Beatles [No. 1's]
6. I'm on My Way - The Proclaimers [Shrek Soundtrack]
7. Talk About Jesus - Tait [Empty]
8. Evenstar - Howard Shore [Composer, The Two Towers Soundtrack]
9. Daysleeper - R.E.M. [Up]
10. I Deserve - Third Day [Conspiracy Number Five]
Wow - this is an interesting list, while their are noticable absentee's, its a fair reflection of my tastes.
1. How Deep the Fathers Love - Skillet (Live Worship CD)
2. Whole Again - Jennifer Knapp [Kansas]
3. Don't Know Why - Norah Jones [Come Away With Me]
4. In A Little While - U2 [All That You Can't Leave Behind]
5. From Me to You - The Beatles [No. 1's]
6. I'm on My Way - The Proclaimers [Shrek Soundtrack]
7. Talk About Jesus - Tait [Empty]
8. Evenstar - Howard Shore [Composer, The Two Towers Soundtrack]
9. Daysleeper - R.E.M. [Up]
10. I Deserve - Third Day [Conspiracy Number Five]
Wow - this is an interesting list, while their are noticable absentee's, its a fair reflection of my tastes.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
... 120 Songs
So... in today's Herald, it mentions an Apple I-Pod with memory for 120 Songs.
What would be on yours ... Your favourite 120 Songs. I'm going to think about it. Then I'll post my list. Would love to see what you all think... Email me your lists... (zeph318 [at] hotmail [dot] com).
What would be on yours ... Your favourite 120 Songs. I'm going to think about it. Then I'll post my list. Would love to see what you all think... Email me your lists... (zeph318 [at] hotmail [dot] com).
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
The West Wing
It's writing like below that explains why I love The West Wing. It isn't that I agree with what's below. It expresses what people are thinking, what people feel. And the ironic thing about this soliqouy is that the President made it in the National Cathedral.
You're a son-of-a-bitch, you know that? She bought her first new car and you hit her with a drunk driver. What, was that supposed to be funny? "You can't conceive, nor can I, the appalling strangeness of the mercy of God," says Graham Greene. I don't know whose ass he was kissing there 'cause I think you're just vindictive. What was Josh Lyman? A warning shot? That was my son. What did I ever do to yours except praise his glory and praise his name? There's a tropical storm that gaining speed and power. They say we haven't had a storm this bad since you took out that tender ship of mine in the north Atlantic last year, 68 crew. Do you know what a tender ship does? Fixes the other ships. Doesn't even carry guns, just goes around, fixes the other ships and delivers the mail, that's all it can do. Gratias tibi ago, domine. Yes, I lied. It was a sin. I've committed many sins. Have I displeased you, you feckless thug? 3.8 million new jobs, that wasn't good? Bailed out Mexico, increased foreign trade, 30 million new acres of land for conservation, put Mendoza on the bench, we're not fighting a war, I've raised three children... that's not enough to buy me out of the doghouse? Haec credam a deo pio? A deo iusto? A deo scito? Cruciatus in crucem! Tuus in terra servus nuntius fui officium perfeci. Cruciatus in crucem. Eas in crucem! You get Hoynes.
[Translation from the Latin: Am I to believe those were the acts of a loving God? A just God? A wise God? To hell with your punishments! I was your servant on Earth - I spread Your word and did Your work. To hell with your punishments. To hell with you.]
One week on …
Well, its been a week since I’ve last posted. I’ve not really been up to too much since I last posted. I’ve now been back at work for a week. There is a degree of joy in returning to work. I spent Monday at the cricket, which was fun. The crowd was a touch rowdy, but it was good to spend some time with N, from Wollongong.
Since then, I enjoyed trivia on Tuesday night at one of the local pubs; Thursday night, it was movie night at my flat and we watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – beautiful film. Then I watched Pieces of April, and I also found that a moving film.
Today, I joined the local library. I borrowed The Martian Child, by David Gerrold. My brother is to be credited with this, as he has oft pointed me to Gerrold’s blog which has provided an insightful read at times. As did this book, its loosely based around his experiences in adopting a son as a single father. It is a moving story. I also borrowed another two books, one by Ravi Zacharias (A Shadow in Light of Jihad written after 9-11), and the other one about the history of the Australian Church.
Both should be very interesting reads, the latter providing some background for me as I think about looking at the decline of the church since 1971. The book details the influence of the Church on Australian History. The second edition was published in 2002, so it should be reasonably up to date, and the chapter on church and government will make interesting reading.
Oh, and its back to the pub tonight, for more Trivia.
Since then, I enjoyed trivia on Tuesday night at one of the local pubs; Thursday night, it was movie night at my flat and we watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – beautiful film. Then I watched Pieces of April, and I also found that a moving film.
Today, I joined the local library. I borrowed The Martian Child, by David Gerrold. My brother is to be credited with this, as he has oft pointed me to Gerrold’s blog which has provided an insightful read at times. As did this book, its loosely based around his experiences in adopting a son as a single father. It is a moving story. I also borrowed another two books, one by Ravi Zacharias (A Shadow in Light of Jihad written after 9-11), and the other one about the history of the Australian Church.
Both should be very interesting reads, the latter providing some background for me as I think about looking at the decline of the church since 1971. The book details the influence of the Church on Australian History. The second edition was published in 2002, so it should be reasonably up to date, and the chapter on church and government will make interesting reading.
Oh, and its back to the pub tonight, for more Trivia.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Here's to the future ...
Happy New Year to you all!
Drawn From Still Waters Top 10 Albums for 2004
Number 1
Evermore – Dreams
Probably the most played, most lent, and most missed of these CD’s. Evermore are three brothers from NZ (all under 20). The CD holds together beautifully; musically and lyrically. Dreaming Pt. 1 and Its Too Late, combine for a brilliant start to the CD while Everyone (Moving on) is a great end to the album. On the CD the musicianship is tight, the melding of the keyboards, and guitars is excellent. There are wisps of Radiohead, Coldplay and U2. There is much promise in the band, and it will be worth hearing the band develop their distinctive sound. Evermore are my find of the year. I’m hoping to see Evermore live in the New Year. On the basis of Dreams as a debut offering, Evermore’s Dreams is my album of the year.
+++
The full list:
10: Air - Talkie Walkie
9: Mindy Smith - One Moment More
8: The Finn Brothers - Everyone is Here
7: U2 - How to Dismantle ...
6: Wilco - A Ghost is Born
5: Brooke Fraser - What to Do With Daylight?
4: Third Day - Wire
3: Interpol - Antics
2: R.E.M. - Around the Sun
1: Evermore - Dreams.
Coming Soon - top films of 2004
Drawn From Still Waters Top 10 Albums for 2004
Number 1
Evermore – Dreams
Probably the most played, most lent, and most missed of these CD’s. Evermore are three brothers from NZ (all under 20). The CD holds together beautifully; musically and lyrically. Dreaming Pt. 1 and Its Too Late, combine for a brilliant start to the CD while Everyone (Moving on) is a great end to the album. On the CD the musicianship is tight, the melding of the keyboards, and guitars is excellent. There are wisps of Radiohead, Coldplay and U2. There is much promise in the band, and it will be worth hearing the band develop their distinctive sound. Evermore are my find of the year. I’m hoping to see Evermore live in the New Year. On the basis of Dreams as a debut offering, Evermore’s Dreams is my album of the year.
+++
The full list:
10: Air - Talkie Walkie
9: Mindy Smith - One Moment More
8: The Finn Brothers - Everyone is Here
7: U2 - How to Dismantle ...
6: Wilco - A Ghost is Born
5: Brooke Fraser - What to Do With Daylight?
4: Third Day - Wire
3: Interpol - Antics
2: R.E.M. - Around the Sun
1: Evermore - Dreams.
Coming Soon - top films of 2004
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