Sorry, it has been a while since I last wrote letting you all know whats been up in my world. I'm not sure if I mentioned this yet, but over the last month, I've been fairly busy - and mostly because I've been applying for my job. And I will be having an interview on Monday at 11:30am.
It nice knowing that in EVERYTHING God works for the good of those who love Him. And that Good is not arbitary rather, it is that I become more like my Saviour, and that is a beautiful thing. Whatever befalls me in this life, God's love for me remains.
Please pray :) Thanks for your prayers and encouragement already. I know that in the balance of probability I will get my job., but if not, I know God has more in store.
I do have so much updating, and catching up to do. And hope to do that over the next few days.
UPDATE: Had the interview, went well - found out about 30 minutes ago, that I got my Job. Thanks for your prayers!!!
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)
Friday, March 26, 2004
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
The Passion of the Christ
A cinema silenced. We left empty chairs, and an eerie silence as no one seemed willing to speak. It is that sort of film. It is confronting, in part beautiful, in part too graphic or shocking for words. My first response to the film was an emotional one. Watching Jesus being flogged knowing, but perhaps understanding, experiencing for the first time, what it means when we read passages such as this:
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV)
And these words penned by Stuart Townsend will never be easy to sing:
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away.
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon the cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer,
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.
(Stuart Townsend - How Deep the Father’s Love for Us)
The truths of Jesus death were brought home as we saw Jesus be nailed to the Cross, by obedience to His Father and His love for us; as we saw Jesus remain silent while the leaders rattled off their accusations; and as we saw Him being flogged, yet later pray for their forgiveness. On this count the film powerfully portrays the physical suffering of Christ, but we only see glimpses of the spiritual suffering of Christ. (Perhaps in the film’s opening, as Jesus prays in Gethsemane).
The snapshots we saw of people were powerful; the Soldier who did not move after Jesus healed his ears. The picture of Pilate and his wife discussing the nature of truth was a striking one. A Roman Guard, who gradually realises that Jesus, was not simply a man (Though the omission of the line “Surely this man was the Son of God” was disappointing); and Simon’s reaction as he was commanded to carry the cross. The film also shows people, both Jew, and Roman, screaming for him to die and laughing as they flog him. It is hard to see the film as anti-Semitic.
These snapshots are a portrait of Human nature, of our rebellion, its price and consequences. But more than that, the film shows us the divisive nature of the Gospel. The ultimate decision of humanity is whether the recognise Christ. Pilate washed his hands of the decision; the High Priest decided he was not their Messiah; even the thieves crucified with him made their own responses. And we too must make a response.
The film it is not something that you go to see, it is not entertainment, it is an experience, a graphic picture of the death of the Saviour; the death of my Saviour. It is powerful. It is a powerful statement. I was moved throughout the film. Seeing Jesus struggle in the Garden, wrestling in prayer, and the memories of his mother; as well as the line ‘Behold I make all things new”. The transposing of the Last Supper with his Death was also heart-wrenching. The single drop from Heaven also was a beautiful moment, it was as if to say that God was watching; God was not unmoved (though that’s all conjecture).
One thing that has been particularly striking for me was the absence of a narrator, or narrative character, the film simply is, the events simply follow, the interpretation is ours. We see how the events appear to simply fall out of control – from the arrest in the Garden, through the trial, and His condemnation, the transposing of the crowd welcoming their King with palm branches, and shouting; chanting as He carries his Cross to Calvary. Yet perhaps in the resurrection we are shown reason, and purpose. I do wonders if this was Mel Gibson’s intent, giving us the pieces, but not putting them together for us; not driving us to the resolution, but letting the events speak.
With the powerful story, and the music, it is a powerfully emotive film and perhaps this is the one concern I have with the film. I do not doubt that God could open people’s hearts through the message of this film; I do not doubt the earnestness of those who turn. And though I think the emotional response in part could be helpful, and even desirable, part of me also asks to what are those who might convert turning, and part of me asks how well will we follow them up? The emotional response will fade, and then the roots they have will matter.
I do have other questions about events in the film, the portrayal of Satan, and the prominence of Mary. On the whole I feel it was faithful, there was not a lot that jumped out and grabbed me as wrong. I am not sure that I see it as an evangelistic film, a film that I’d invite a group of people to see. The feeling I have is that though the film is in part truthful; and the film does leaves questions. The impact of the film is perhaps greater for those who have a deep understand of the gospel. I am not sure that I would see it again. Its sad that I have “numbed myself” to the Gospel, and it took this film to remind me of the heights, and deeps of the Love of God for His Creation, the Love of Christ.
And it is this love, that drove, that constrained Paul (2 Cor 5:14-15) to speak of Jesus; who died for him, not simply died, but subjected himself to live as a human, to be humiliated on trial, and to be mercilessly flogged, then ridiculed as he was nailed to the Cross. We cannot now take sin lightly; having graphically seen a picture of what it may have been like for Christ to deal with sin. Sin is what took Jesus to Calvary, our sin. God has dealt with sin on the Cross - and we therefore must deal with it in our own lives.
The words of Mark 16:8: the feeling of the disciples after His resurrection, resonate in my head after seeing the film, and perhaps in the hearts and minds of those who saw it too.
And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
++++
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV)
And these words penned by Stuart Townsend will never be easy to sing:
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away.
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon the cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer,
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.
(Stuart Townsend - How Deep the Father’s Love for Us)
The truths of Jesus death were brought home as we saw Jesus be nailed to the Cross, by obedience to His Father and His love for us; as we saw Jesus remain silent while the leaders rattled off their accusations; and as we saw Him being flogged, yet later pray for their forgiveness. On this count the film powerfully portrays the physical suffering of Christ, but we only see glimpses of the spiritual suffering of Christ. (Perhaps in the film’s opening, as Jesus prays in Gethsemane).
The snapshots we saw of people were powerful; the Soldier who did not move after Jesus healed his ears. The picture of Pilate and his wife discussing the nature of truth was a striking one. A Roman Guard, who gradually realises that Jesus, was not simply a man (Though the omission of the line “Surely this man was the Son of God” was disappointing); and Simon’s reaction as he was commanded to carry the cross. The film also shows people, both Jew, and Roman, screaming for him to die and laughing as they flog him. It is hard to see the film as anti-Semitic.
These snapshots are a portrait of Human nature, of our rebellion, its price and consequences. But more than that, the film shows us the divisive nature of the Gospel. The ultimate decision of humanity is whether the recognise Christ. Pilate washed his hands of the decision; the High Priest decided he was not their Messiah; even the thieves crucified with him made their own responses. And we too must make a response.
The film it is not something that you go to see, it is not entertainment, it is an experience, a graphic picture of the death of the Saviour; the death of my Saviour. It is powerful. It is a powerful statement. I was moved throughout the film. Seeing Jesus struggle in the Garden, wrestling in prayer, and the memories of his mother; as well as the line ‘Behold I make all things new”. The transposing of the Last Supper with his Death was also heart-wrenching. The single drop from Heaven also was a beautiful moment, it was as if to say that God was watching; God was not unmoved (though that’s all conjecture).
One thing that has been particularly striking for me was the absence of a narrator, or narrative character, the film simply is, the events simply follow, the interpretation is ours. We see how the events appear to simply fall out of control – from the arrest in the Garden, through the trial, and His condemnation, the transposing of the crowd welcoming their King with palm branches, and shouting; chanting as He carries his Cross to Calvary. Yet perhaps in the resurrection we are shown reason, and purpose. I do wonders if this was Mel Gibson’s intent, giving us the pieces, but not putting them together for us; not driving us to the resolution, but letting the events speak.
With the powerful story, and the music, it is a powerfully emotive film and perhaps this is the one concern I have with the film. I do not doubt that God could open people’s hearts through the message of this film; I do not doubt the earnestness of those who turn. And though I think the emotional response in part could be helpful, and even desirable, part of me also asks to what are those who might convert turning, and part of me asks how well will we follow them up? The emotional response will fade, and then the roots they have will matter.
I do have other questions about events in the film, the portrayal of Satan, and the prominence of Mary. On the whole I feel it was faithful, there was not a lot that jumped out and grabbed me as wrong. I am not sure that I see it as an evangelistic film, a film that I’d invite a group of people to see. The feeling I have is that though the film is in part truthful; and the film does leaves questions. The impact of the film is perhaps greater for those who have a deep understand of the gospel. I am not sure that I would see it again. Its sad that I have “numbed myself” to the Gospel, and it took this film to remind me of the heights, and deeps of the Love of God for His Creation, the Love of Christ.
And it is this love, that drove, that constrained Paul (2 Cor 5:14-15) to speak of Jesus; who died for him, not simply died, but subjected himself to live as a human, to be humiliated on trial, and to be mercilessly flogged, then ridiculed as he was nailed to the Cross. We cannot now take sin lightly; having graphically seen a picture of what it may have been like for Christ to deal with sin. Sin is what took Jesus to Calvary, our sin. God has dealt with sin on the Cross - and we therefore must deal with it in our own lives.
The words of Mark 16:8: the feeling of the disciples after His resurrection, resonate in my head after seeing the film, and perhaps in the hearts and minds of those who saw it too.
And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
++++
Saturday, February 28, 2004
The Passion of The Christ
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for sin,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Isaiah 53:4-5, 7, 10 (ESV)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John 13:34 (ESV)
After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said ( to fulfill the Scripture), "I thirst." A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:28-30 (ESV)
Behold the man upon the cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer,
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for sin,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Isaiah 53:4-5, 7, 10 (ESV)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John 13:34 (ESV)
After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said ( to fulfill the Scripture), "I thirst." A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:28-30 (ESV)
Behold the man upon the cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer,
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.
Monday, February 23, 2004
Jewel: Live and Acoustic
Last Thursday night, I went to the Opera House to hear Jewel. It was the first time that I’ve actually been up to the Opera House.
Jewel: Solo, and Acoustic, Feb 19, 2004, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House.
Support: Shane Nicholson
Everything Breaks Sometimes / 1000 Miles Away / Near You Always / Morning Song / Little Sister / Stand / Carnivore / Life Uncommon / Hands / Sometimes it be that Way / 2 Become 1 / Foolish Games / Yodel Song / You Were Meant For Me / Down So Long / Who Will Save Your Soul.
Enc: Intuition / Angel Standing By
NB: the setlist is as best I recall, and is not complete.
+++
I saw Jewel in 1997 or 1998, on her ‘Spirit Tour’. The main reason for my interest this time was because it was advertised as a Solo and Acoustic tour, which nicely recaptured the sound and feel of her first CD Pieces of You, which for mine is still her best. While the other CD’s are sprinkled with a few standout tracks, Pieces of You has about 6-7 tracks that haven’t aged. (Foolish Games, Little Sister, Who Will Save Your Soul, You Were Meant For Me, Don’t, Angel Standing By, and Amen).
The songs she performed this time, probably for this reason, were mostly from her first CD, with a sprinkling from 0304 and Spirit, with one other song from This Way, and a number that I was not familiar with (though the some in the crowd did seem to be).
I was surprised that the show featured just three songs from the new CD: the singles Stand, Intuition; and another song 2 Become 1. Stand being the most political of the songs on the new album. The following references highlighted that for me: So much violence ends in silences, It’s a shame there’s no-one to blame for all the pain that life brings – you wonder if she’s pointing the finger about the war – as the other line On TV DC is selling lies, and the reference to What’s Going’ On by Martin Gaye).
Jewel did speak a little bit – not reading her poetry, which was a little disappointing but telling us stories, about her photo shoot that morning, about the 94 verses of Who Will Save Your Soul written as she wandered through to Mexico, how she toured with Bob Dylan, and wrote, Sometimes it be that Way. Sometimes it be that Way; has one of the phrases that I laugh almost every time I hear it - “And I’m sorry Jesus died for all my sins / I swear to God it won’t happen again”.
Though there were not many moments were Jewel would say, “This song I wrote at this point”, and “it is about this”. (I think she may have done it for WWSYS, and also SIBTW. She did invite requests, and played some of them, reminding us of the truth just because someone writes a song, doesn’t mean they can play it.
The new album, 0304, was for me, somewhat disappointing. The CD contains songs mostly about love; Stand, (as mentioned) and America (about living in America) are notable exceptions. Haunted is a novel take on a familiar theme. There’s nothing again in any of these songs that leaps out at you, and make you say wow. It is Jewel’s voice, but the ideas are not refreshingly different. The highlights are a line here and a verse there.
Summing up it was nice to have been to the Opera House for a concert, the hall was beautiful. I thought Shane Nicholson was great – he had a very similar feel to his music. All things considered it was reasonably good. But nothing really stood out. Nothing leaped out grabbed you, or demanded to be noticed, and left you with the impression you were at something special. The acoustic feel was good, just one person on stage, with her guitar. The crowd were mostly into it, some girls in front were particularly rowdy in their support. Other fans helpfully called out what they wanted to hear, Jewel did ask; reminding us she’d decide, that our ramblings helped her to think, and she would play something she remembered.
In general though, the gems of Jewel are not really her complete songs, though some do particularly stand out, instead I think it is smaller phrases in her songs. An illustration of this is perhaps her song the New Wild West from This Way. In The New Wild West she refers to our bleeding pens responded to by movie tickets. Politicians respond to our fears, by sending us to the movies (reminiscent of Soma from A Brave New World, subdue the masses with their escapism).
So we write to our congressmen with bleeding pens of the sorrow within
And in return, they just send tickets to the latest Tom Hanks show
In the song she then goes on to comment about (the lack of) leadership: and concludes by reminding us, that it begins with us resolving to be better each, every day.
And since it seems clear there’s no one leading us here
The only thing left it seems is to task ourselves
to be better each time than those before us.
And I think that’s a helpful reminder – to be looking at beginning with action, not complaint.
+++
Since the concert, it has been a fun week. There’s been a little more news about the job, MYC on the weekend, which was quite fun. I couldn’t tell you much about the talks. See Ben's site for his comments. Once I have had a chance to hear the talks I'll post something here. I'm looking forward to going up in a couple of weeks time.
It was good to met Ben in the flesh, albeit across a till, selling copies of the Briefing. Ben: I do look forward to talking with you at the next Word by Word meeting.
After MKC, I went to a friend’s 18th. Over the last five or so years it has been awesome to actually get to know one of the campers and her family who visit our mission. God has been gracious, and the family has kept coming to Mission. It is awesome as now these “kids” are at University, and we will be able to keep in contact.
The final point that has resonated through the weekend was the amazing Grace of God, that in the death of Jesus we are saved. Dependence, reliance on this truth is what matters. Yes, we may waver, we will struggle in the trials of life, but the work, the word, of God endures forever. I pray that I never tire of hearing the Good news of the Gospel of grace. I pray that the God of mercy and the mercy of God continue to startle my ears.
+ + +
Jewel: Solo, and Acoustic, Feb 19, 2004, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House.
Support: Shane Nicholson
Everything Breaks Sometimes / 1000 Miles Away / Near You Always / Morning Song / Little Sister / Stand / Carnivore / Life Uncommon / Hands / Sometimes it be that Way / 2 Become 1 / Foolish Games / Yodel Song / You Were Meant For Me / Down So Long / Who Will Save Your Soul.
Enc: Intuition / Angel Standing By
NB: the setlist is as best I recall, and is not complete.
+++
I saw Jewel in 1997 or 1998, on her ‘Spirit Tour’. The main reason for my interest this time was because it was advertised as a Solo and Acoustic tour, which nicely recaptured the sound and feel of her first CD Pieces of You, which for mine is still her best. While the other CD’s are sprinkled with a few standout tracks, Pieces of You has about 6-7 tracks that haven’t aged. (Foolish Games, Little Sister, Who Will Save Your Soul, You Were Meant For Me, Don’t, Angel Standing By, and Amen).
The songs she performed this time, probably for this reason, were mostly from her first CD, with a sprinkling from 0304 and Spirit, with one other song from This Way, and a number that I was not familiar with (though the some in the crowd did seem to be).
I was surprised that the show featured just three songs from the new CD: the singles Stand, Intuition; and another song 2 Become 1. Stand being the most political of the songs on the new album. The following references highlighted that for me: So much violence ends in silences, It’s a shame there’s no-one to blame for all the pain that life brings – you wonder if she’s pointing the finger about the war – as the other line On TV DC is selling lies, and the reference to What’s Going’ On by Martin Gaye).
Jewel did speak a little bit – not reading her poetry, which was a little disappointing but telling us stories, about her photo shoot that morning, about the 94 verses of Who Will Save Your Soul written as she wandered through to Mexico, how she toured with Bob Dylan, and wrote, Sometimes it be that Way. Sometimes it be that Way; has one of the phrases that I laugh almost every time I hear it - “And I’m sorry Jesus died for all my sins / I swear to God it won’t happen again”.
Though there were not many moments were Jewel would say, “This song I wrote at this point”, and “it is about this”. (I think she may have done it for WWSYS, and also SIBTW. She did invite requests, and played some of them, reminding us of the truth just because someone writes a song, doesn’t mean they can play it.
The new album, 0304, was for me, somewhat disappointing. The CD contains songs mostly about love; Stand, (as mentioned) and America (about living in America) are notable exceptions. Haunted is a novel take on a familiar theme. There’s nothing again in any of these songs that leaps out at you, and make you say wow. It is Jewel’s voice, but the ideas are not refreshingly different. The highlights are a line here and a verse there.
Summing up it was nice to have been to the Opera House for a concert, the hall was beautiful. I thought Shane Nicholson was great – he had a very similar feel to his music. All things considered it was reasonably good. But nothing really stood out. Nothing leaped out grabbed you, or demanded to be noticed, and left you with the impression you were at something special. The acoustic feel was good, just one person on stage, with her guitar. The crowd were mostly into it, some girls in front were particularly rowdy in their support. Other fans helpfully called out what they wanted to hear, Jewel did ask; reminding us she’d decide, that our ramblings helped her to think, and she would play something she remembered.
In general though, the gems of Jewel are not really her complete songs, though some do particularly stand out, instead I think it is smaller phrases in her songs. An illustration of this is perhaps her song the New Wild West from This Way. In The New Wild West she refers to our bleeding pens responded to by movie tickets. Politicians respond to our fears, by sending us to the movies (reminiscent of Soma from A Brave New World, subdue the masses with their escapism).
So we write to our congressmen with bleeding pens of the sorrow within
And in return, they just send tickets to the latest Tom Hanks show
In the song she then goes on to comment about (the lack of) leadership: and concludes by reminding us, that it begins with us resolving to be better each, every day.
And since it seems clear there’s no one leading us here
The only thing left it seems is to task ourselves
to be better each time than those before us.
And I think that’s a helpful reminder – to be looking at beginning with action, not complaint.
+++
Since the concert, it has been a fun week. There’s been a little more news about the job, MYC on the weekend, which was quite fun. I couldn’t tell you much about the talks. See Ben's site for his comments. Once I have had a chance to hear the talks I'll post something here. I'm looking forward to going up in a couple of weeks time.
It was good to met Ben in the flesh, albeit across a till, selling copies of the Briefing. Ben: I do look forward to talking with you at the next Word by Word meeting.
After MKC, I went to a friend’s 18th. Over the last five or so years it has been awesome to actually get to know one of the campers and her family who visit our mission. God has been gracious, and the family has kept coming to Mission. It is awesome as now these “kids” are at University, and we will be able to keep in contact.
The final point that has resonated through the weekend was the amazing Grace of God, that in the death of Jesus we are saved. Dependence, reliance on this truth is what matters. Yes, we may waver, we will struggle in the trials of life, but the work, the word, of God endures forever. I pray that I never tire of hearing the Good news of the Gospel of grace. I pray that the God of mercy and the mercy of God continue to startle my ears.
+ + +
Thursday, February 12, 2004
KYC Reflection .. Part I
During KYC, we heard a number of really great sermons, expounding the Sermon on the Mount. What made them great? Sure they had some great illustrations, sure they spoke clearly, but I think the lasting imprint from the talks was how confronting, and how challenging God’s word is. They didn’t bend or distort it, because it said something they didn’t want to hear. The speakers had integrity, they illustrated, illuminated how they are wrestling with the passage in their own lives. After they finished we applauded. The MC then made a comment that has stuck in my mind.
Our applause for these speakers is our desire to continue to work out our salvation, with fear and trembling. Our applause for the speakers is living whole heartedly for God now. For if we don’t seek to change our lives, they have laboured in vain. If we do not hold fast to the gospel, our applause is meaningless. Our applause is keeping on keeping on, our applause is wrestling with the scripture, wrestling with God in prayer for each other, that we all would hold fast, and stand firm until the end.
Our applause for these speakers is our desire to continue to work out our salvation, with fear and trembling. Our applause for the speakers is living whole heartedly for God now. For if we don’t seek to change our lives, they have laboured in vain. If we do not hold fast to the gospel, our applause is meaningless. Our applause is keeping on keeping on, our applause is wrestling with the scripture, wrestling with God in prayer for each other, that we all would hold fast, and stand firm until the end.
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
In America
+++Spoilers Below+++
Time enough for hard questions
Time enough for all our fears
Time is tougher than we both know yet
Time enough for tears
Time enough for being braver
Time enough I love this time of year,
Time is tough, its running away from us,
Time enough for tears
(Time Enough for Tears – written by Gavin Friday, and Bono, from the In America Soundtrack – performed by Andrea Corr)
In America beautifully and movingly translates the experience of grief to screen, Johnny and Sarah with their two kids, move from Ireland, through Canada, into America, they are clearly struggling with the loss of their son, who died in tragic circumstances.
We see that as they cross the border into America, we see that as they try to settle in to a new apartment. We see that Johnny is unable to get work as an actor, because he cannot feel - He cannot act, even for his kids.
As he cannot feel it makes sense that it is through the eyes of the children, the eyes of Christy, and her camcorder, we hear and see the story be told. The children also struggle in their own way, seeing America as a new beginning, a new playground. A playground stained by pain, a pain, they try to distract their parents from.
As they explore their new home, an apartment block, filled with junkies and other social outcasts, hope comes, through knocking on a door. The two kids Christy and Ariel at Halloween knock on the door of the man who screams, a recluse, with his own story, and his own grief.
Matteo (the man who screams) is a painter, who is dealing with the knowledge he is dying. There’s a natural bond between the family who is dying, with life, and the man who would love to live but instead deals with the reality of his imminent death. He offers the family faith; he is the catalyst to awaken them from their grief. And as he dies, we see their new child be born.
The relationships are real. The grief is clear. We do see both parents show their grief, for Sarah, who cannot look into Johnny’s eyes for they remind her of Frankie. Johnny, after a night at the fair, starts playing a game with the kids, and then as he realises he is looking for Frankie he stops, as he stops his wife urges him to continue playing for the sake of the kids.
We too feel the loss of Frankie. And the kids feeling the loss of their parents is highlighted by the scene in Heaven (an Ice Cream parlour), were Ariel says – you don’t play with us as you used to.
Another standout moment is when Christy (Sarah Bolger) sings Desperado. She has a beautiful voice. And that song speaks her heart. Christy later admits that she lost something, and has been holding the family together.
The last scene is one that stays in my mind, we see Christy, turn off her camcorder, and tell us, this is not how she wants to remember her brother; she wants to remember his face, and she asks if he can see her.
I don’t think I’ve been as moved by a film in a long time. The story engages with you, at times, you feel like you are watching someone else’s home movies. The acting of Sarah and Emma Bolger is also brilliant, it is so natural, and the natural joy, naivety, and at times maturity Sarah and Emma bring add to the films impact.
Time enough for hard questions
Time enough for all our fears
Time is tougher than we both know yet
Time enough for tears
Time enough for being braver
Time enough I love this time of year,
Time is tough, its running away from us,
Time enough for tears
(Time Enough for Tears – written by Gavin Friday, and Bono, from the In America Soundtrack – performed by Andrea Corr)
In America beautifully and movingly translates the experience of grief to screen, Johnny and Sarah with their two kids, move from Ireland, through Canada, into America, they are clearly struggling with the loss of their son, who died in tragic circumstances.
We see that as they cross the border into America, we see that as they try to settle in to a new apartment. We see that Johnny is unable to get work as an actor, because he cannot feel - He cannot act, even for his kids.
As he cannot feel it makes sense that it is through the eyes of the children, the eyes of Christy, and her camcorder, we hear and see the story be told. The children also struggle in their own way, seeing America as a new beginning, a new playground. A playground stained by pain, a pain, they try to distract their parents from.
As they explore their new home, an apartment block, filled with junkies and other social outcasts, hope comes, through knocking on a door. The two kids Christy and Ariel at Halloween knock on the door of the man who screams, a recluse, with his own story, and his own grief.
Matteo (the man who screams) is a painter, who is dealing with the knowledge he is dying. There’s a natural bond between the family who is dying, with life, and the man who would love to live but instead deals with the reality of his imminent death. He offers the family faith; he is the catalyst to awaken them from their grief. And as he dies, we see their new child be born.
The relationships are real. The grief is clear. We do see both parents show their grief, for Sarah, who cannot look into Johnny’s eyes for they remind her of Frankie. Johnny, after a night at the fair, starts playing a game with the kids, and then as he realises he is looking for Frankie he stops, as he stops his wife urges him to continue playing for the sake of the kids.
We too feel the loss of Frankie. And the kids feeling the loss of their parents is highlighted by the scene in Heaven (an Ice Cream parlour), were Ariel says – you don’t play with us as you used to.
Another standout moment is when Christy (Sarah Bolger) sings Desperado. She has a beautiful voice. And that song speaks her heart. Christy later admits that she lost something, and has been holding the family together.
The last scene is one that stays in my mind, we see Christy, turn off her camcorder, and tell us, this is not how she wants to remember her brother; she wants to remember his face, and she asks if he can see her.
I don’t think I’ve been as moved by a film in a long time. The story engages with you, at times, you feel like you are watching someone else’s home movies. The acting of Sarah and Emma Bolger is also brilliant, it is so natural, and the natural joy, naivety, and at times maturity Sarah and Emma bring add to the films impact.
Friday, February 06, 2004
Goodbye Lenin!
My mother outlived the German Democratic Republic by three days …
And with that the film wound to conclusion. The film was a great rollercoaster ride of emotion. You laughed, you cried. By way of summary – a staunch socialist falls into coma. The doctor warns that any shock, any excitement might kill her. During her coma, the Berlin Wall fell – her world literally came crashing down around her – the son’s solution, pretend it hadn’t happened.
There were a few great lines about lying – one of the lines, as the lie get bigger; it gets out of control and take one a life of its own. But the film for me was not there to teach us about morality and truth.
To me, the script was great, the characters were believable. The relationships between the two children, their respective partners, and his father were all beautifully constructed. The interweaving of comedy and tragedy worked beautifully. I heartily recommend it.
+++
Though, the day was not without its own little bits of drama. Having decided to go I jumped on the bus from work, at 5:22. I got off the bus, at Central at roughly 6:40pm … The trip made a snail look like a Brett Lee yorker. Ah well, it was all worth it.
+++
Over the weekend I’ll be aiming to go and see In America with my parents, which should be fun. In America, put simply is about new beginnings. Based somewhat on the experiences of the director Jim Sheridan, and largely written by Jim, and his two real life daughters.
It looks great. One of my friends mentioned to me that it was terribly unlucky to not get a Best Picture nomination. But, come now, we’ve all realised the truly great films are not either nominated, or winners of Oscars.
And with that the film wound to conclusion. The film was a great rollercoaster ride of emotion. You laughed, you cried. By way of summary – a staunch socialist falls into coma. The doctor warns that any shock, any excitement might kill her. During her coma, the Berlin Wall fell – her world literally came crashing down around her – the son’s solution, pretend it hadn’t happened.
There were a few great lines about lying – one of the lines, as the lie get bigger; it gets out of control and take one a life of its own. But the film for me was not there to teach us about morality and truth.
To me, the script was great, the characters were believable. The relationships between the two children, their respective partners, and his father were all beautifully constructed. The interweaving of comedy and tragedy worked beautifully. I heartily recommend it.
+++
Though, the day was not without its own little bits of drama. Having decided to go I jumped on the bus from work, at 5:22. I got off the bus, at Central at roughly 6:40pm … The trip made a snail look like a Brett Lee yorker. Ah well, it was all worth it.
+++
Over the weekend I’ll be aiming to go and see In America with my parents, which should be fun. In America, put simply is about new beginnings. Based somewhat on the experiences of the director Jim Sheridan, and largely written by Jim, and his two real life daughters.
It looks great. One of my friends mentioned to me that it was terribly unlucky to not get a Best Picture nomination. But, come now, we’ve all realised the truly great films are not either nominated, or winners of Oscars.
Tuesday, February 03, 2004
In the name of love ...
It's been a fun, and busy few weeks. Like Elsie, and Ben, I was also at KYC over the Australia Day weekend. Will post my thoughts later. But one point to make here is, to quote one of the speakers - the Sermon on the Mount is no beanbag. It does make one uncomfortable.
Friday after work I had a nice surpirse, after a busy week at work, it was great coming home and finding the book of Whale Rider in the mail, Thanks Deb. (And as an aside congrats to Keisha Castle Hughes for the deserved nomination for best actress)
Last weekend was a nice relaxing weekend. Went for a walk out to Coogee Beach for Breakfast on Saturday, before having a BBQ lunch on Bronte Beach. Kind of regret not doing more "exploring" since I moved up to the Eastern Suburbs. There are a number of nice beaches out here. Sunday, was mostly spent catching up with one the former residents of my flat, in front of the tennis and cricket. It was great fun.
Its been good to have a somewhat quieter week at work so far. But that will change. I've got some news on the job front. Sometime later this month I'll apply for my job, and have a chat (read interview) with a few of my colleagues about my job.
Its a strange situation, and I am somewhat worried that I'd sell myself out of my job. But I do also want to hold on to the fact, that whatever happens in the interview and with the job, God is working his purposes out. Though I think its more likely than not that I'd get the job .. it doesn't make it any easier an experience. Please pray for me.
Today after work I had another nice surprise, I had a CD arrive in the mail. Interesting hearing some songs you love reinterpreted, by other artists you love...
Friday after work I had a nice surpirse, after a busy week at work, it was great coming home and finding the book of Whale Rider in the mail, Thanks Deb. (And as an aside congrats to Keisha Castle Hughes for the deserved nomination for best actress)
Last weekend was a nice relaxing weekend. Went for a walk out to Coogee Beach for Breakfast on Saturday, before having a BBQ lunch on Bronte Beach. Kind of regret not doing more "exploring" since I moved up to the Eastern Suburbs. There are a number of nice beaches out here. Sunday, was mostly spent catching up with one the former residents of my flat, in front of the tennis and cricket. It was great fun.
Its been good to have a somewhat quieter week at work so far. But that will change. I've got some news on the job front. Sometime later this month I'll apply for my job, and have a chat (read interview) with a few of my colleagues about my job.
Its a strange situation, and I am somewhat worried that I'd sell myself out of my job. But I do also want to hold on to the fact, that whatever happens in the interview and with the job, God is working his purposes out. Though I think its more likely than not that I'd get the job .. it doesn't make it any easier an experience. Please pray for me.
Today after work I had another nice surprise, I had a CD arrive in the mail. Interesting hearing some songs you love reinterpreted, by other artists you love...
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Australian of the Year …
Since I live in Australia, I really probably shouldn’t say this. I’ve got nothing against Steve Waugh. The man was a great Cricketer for Australia, and has an awesome humanitarian streak as well, and as John Howard commented, he is someone that the typical (if there is such a thing) would identify with.
But, I guess I wonder about it. Over the last seven years, if we look at the Australian of the Year; four winners (Steve Waugh; Pat Rafter; Mark Taylor, and Cathy Freeman) have been sportsmen or women. I guess it does highlight for us all that place that sport holds in the Australian psyche.
In a sense, if Steve Waugh had not been Australia’s cricket captain, and still done what he did in India, would he have won? My first thought is no.
I like the idea of Australian’s of the year, being unsung heroes; people who have not been in the spotlight, but doing extraordinary things. I personally would like to see people from other fields like science and the arts being recognised more frequently too.
Anyway, just some random thoughts … though, can’t quite think who I’d have picked as Australian of the Year ….
But, I guess I wonder about it. Over the last seven years, if we look at the Australian of the Year; four winners (Steve Waugh; Pat Rafter; Mark Taylor, and Cathy Freeman) have been sportsmen or women. I guess it does highlight for us all that place that sport holds in the Australian psyche.
In a sense, if Steve Waugh had not been Australia’s cricket captain, and still done what he did in India, would he have won? My first thought is no.
I like the idea of Australian’s of the year, being unsung heroes; people who have not been in the spotlight, but doing extraordinary things. I personally would like to see people from other fields like science and the arts being recognised more frequently too.
Anyway, just some random thoughts … though, can’t quite think who I’d have picked as Australian of the Year ….
Saturday, January 17, 2004
‘…Grace for a wayward heart…’
Almost 10 years ago, four guys hung out together, and wrote some songs together. 7 years ago I first heard one song they wrote Love Song for a Saviour. In 1998, the band first toured Australia, and played at HillSong’s convention Centre.
Last night, they were back, almost 6 years later. I’ve always loved Jars of Clay's music, and their lyrics have been refreshingly honest. One of the things I remember about the first Concert they performed in Sydney was as they sang Worlds Apart. Dan introduced it asking if we struggled with pride, and then said how it is easy for someone doing what they do, to be proud, and how they have struggled with it.
Last night, they played mostly newer material from Who We Are Instead, which even given its December release is one of the best CD’s from last year. The best audience response was from the four songs they played from their first self-titled CD. (Liquid, (in a piano driven form – like on Furthermore, prefaced with the comment ‘when you’ve been a band for 10 years, you can mess with people's favourite songs’), Flood, Worlds Apart, and Love Song for a Saviour).
On stage, they were chatty, talking about the songs, and generally seemed to be having a good time. From telling us about how they won a $300 scholarship for Frail, that they couldn’t remember how to play Something Beautiful, through to, talking about The Valley Song, as a conversation they had following a tragedy, a conversation they initially wanted to keep private but a friend told them, their conversation would help others in similar situations. As Dan introduced Amazing Grace, he talked about how when we talk about the gospel, we talk about the bright colours, the joy, peace, and love; yet we often leave out the other colours, the grays, and the blacks, the times of pain and suffering. We were reminded that without the suffering, and pain, the love of God fades into sentimentality.
The full set list, (as best I recall) is below:
Jars of Clay
HillSong Convention Centre –Sydney. January 16 2004.
I Need You
Flood
Crazy Times
The Valley Song
Show You Love
Frail
Amazing Grace
I’m Alright
Revolution
Trouble Is
Sunny Days
Worlds Apart / Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet
+++
Liquid
-Explanation of Tea and Sympathy-
Lonely People (a cover of a 1970s song by America?)
Love Song for a Saviour
The top moment of the show was hearing Worlds Apart which has always been one of my favourite song especially the additional lyrics. The harmonies of the singers were awesome. It also beautifully bled into Jesus Blood. Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet, is one of the songs on the new record. It was awesome to hear Frail live. Frail is one of my favourite songs from Much Afraid. The band briefly talked about Tea and Sympathy, the song being about the choice we face with relationships, we can run, or we can invest ourselves and go deeper, and that is in essence what the song is about. The song is played out in a little tea-shop in New York City. Love Song for a Saviour was great and they involved the crowd.
All in all it was a great fun night, excellent to bump into people I hadn’t seen for a while, like Matt Price, Ben Boardman and Kate Earnshaw. It was also a good way to farewell one of my friends from Bulli, who along with her sister is heading over to Scandinavia for the year.
I do hope, it is not another six years before they are back in Australia. Do check out their new CD, Who We Are Instead. The subject line of this post is the chorus of one of the songs.
Lesser Things
It looks a lot like givin’ up / peace we bring is a bitter cup / set our bodies down like offerings / while we pray to the gods of the lesser things / If wind should shake this house apart / the cradle hits the ground with a broken heart / while we say we never knew a thing /While we pray to the gods of the lesser things / is there grace enough for a wayward heart / is there grace enough for a wayward heart / grace / grace / ash to ash and dust to dust / steel on steel or rain to rust / what mortal breath blood money brings / forth from the altar of the lesser thing. (Haseltine, Lowell, Mason, Odmark)
Jealous Kind
I built another temple to a stranger / I gave away my heart to the rushing wind / I set my course to run right into danger / sought the company of fools instead of friends
You know I’ve been unfaithful / lovers in lines / while you’re turning over tables / with rage of a jealous kind / chose the gallows to the aisle / thought that love would never find / hanging ropes will never keep you / and your love of a jealous kind / love of a jealous kind
Trying to jump away from rock the keeps spreading / for solace in the shift of sinking sand / I’d rather feel the pain all too familiar / than be broken by a lover I don’t understand / cause I don’t understand
One hundred other lovers, more, one hundred other altars / If I should slow my pace and finally subject me to grace / And love that shames the wise, betrays my hearts deceit and lies / and breaks the back of foolish pride
(Haseltine, Lowell, Mason, Odmark)
Last night, they were back, almost 6 years later. I’ve always loved Jars of Clay's music, and their lyrics have been refreshingly honest. One of the things I remember about the first Concert they performed in Sydney was as they sang Worlds Apart. Dan introduced it asking if we struggled with pride, and then said how it is easy for someone doing what they do, to be proud, and how they have struggled with it.
Last night, they played mostly newer material from Who We Are Instead, which even given its December release is one of the best CD’s from last year. The best audience response was from the four songs they played from their first self-titled CD. (Liquid, (in a piano driven form – like on Furthermore, prefaced with the comment ‘when you’ve been a band for 10 years, you can mess with people's favourite songs’), Flood, Worlds Apart, and Love Song for a Saviour).
On stage, they were chatty, talking about the songs, and generally seemed to be having a good time. From telling us about how they won a $300 scholarship for Frail, that they couldn’t remember how to play Something Beautiful, through to, talking about The Valley Song, as a conversation they had following a tragedy, a conversation they initially wanted to keep private but a friend told them, their conversation would help others in similar situations. As Dan introduced Amazing Grace, he talked about how when we talk about the gospel, we talk about the bright colours, the joy, peace, and love; yet we often leave out the other colours, the grays, and the blacks, the times of pain and suffering. We were reminded that without the suffering, and pain, the love of God fades into sentimentality.
The full set list, (as best I recall) is below:
Jars of Clay
HillSong Convention Centre –Sydney. January 16 2004.
I Need You
Flood
Crazy Times
The Valley Song
Show You Love
Frail
Amazing Grace
I’m Alright
Revolution
Trouble Is
Sunny Days
Worlds Apart / Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet
+++
Liquid
-Explanation of Tea and Sympathy-
Lonely People (a cover of a 1970s song by America?)
Love Song for a Saviour
The top moment of the show was hearing Worlds Apart which has always been one of my favourite song especially the additional lyrics. The harmonies of the singers were awesome. It also beautifully bled into Jesus Blood. Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet, is one of the songs on the new record. It was awesome to hear Frail live. Frail is one of my favourite songs from Much Afraid. The band briefly talked about Tea and Sympathy, the song being about the choice we face with relationships, we can run, or we can invest ourselves and go deeper, and that is in essence what the song is about. The song is played out in a little tea-shop in New York City. Love Song for a Saviour was great and they involved the crowd.
All in all it was a great fun night, excellent to bump into people I hadn’t seen for a while, like Matt Price, Ben Boardman and Kate Earnshaw. It was also a good way to farewell one of my friends from Bulli, who along with her sister is heading over to Scandinavia for the year.
I do hope, it is not another six years before they are back in Australia. Do check out their new CD, Who We Are Instead. The subject line of this post is the chorus of one of the songs.
Lesser Things
It looks a lot like givin’ up / peace we bring is a bitter cup / set our bodies down like offerings / while we pray to the gods of the lesser things / If wind should shake this house apart / the cradle hits the ground with a broken heart / while we say we never knew a thing /While we pray to the gods of the lesser things / is there grace enough for a wayward heart / is there grace enough for a wayward heart / grace / grace / ash to ash and dust to dust / steel on steel or rain to rust / what mortal breath blood money brings / forth from the altar of the lesser thing. (Haseltine, Lowell, Mason, Odmark)
Jealous Kind
I built another temple to a stranger / I gave away my heart to the rushing wind / I set my course to run right into danger / sought the company of fools instead of friends
You know I’ve been unfaithful / lovers in lines / while you’re turning over tables / with rage of a jealous kind / chose the gallows to the aisle / thought that love would never find / hanging ropes will never keep you / and your love of a jealous kind / love of a jealous kind
Trying to jump away from rock the keeps spreading / for solace in the shift of sinking sand / I’d rather feel the pain all too familiar / than be broken by a lover I don’t understand / cause I don’t understand
One hundred other lovers, more, one hundred other altars / If I should slow my pace and finally subject me to grace / And love that shames the wise, betrays my hearts deceit and lies / and breaks the back of foolish pride
(Haseltine, Lowell, Mason, Odmark)
Thursday, January 08, 2004
Prediction..
Not that I agree with it .... but what price would you get for saying Steve Waugh as Australian of the Year.
2003 in Review
Some brief favourites from the year 2003.
Favourite Movie: Whale Rider.
The film is based on a book by Witi Ihimaera in which a young Maori girl Pai fights to fulfil her destiny in a small coastal Maori village as heir to the male line of chiefly descendants from the 1000-year-old Whale Rider, Paikea.
The story is just beautiful. The characters are beautifully constructed, and when I saw the film, I left the cinema uplifted. If you haven't seen it, I recommend you give it a try. (Here's AMS Review of the film)
Honourable mentions: Return of the King, and Finding Nemo.
Favourite CD: Hail to the Thief - Radiohead.
Radiohead, for me, are a band that continue to change, and grow. They haven't sought to produce an OK Computer (2) which is great. I'm looking forward to seeing them play in Sydney in April this year.
Honourable mentions: Switchfoot - The Beautiful Letdown; Jars of Clay - Who We Are Instead.
CD's I'm looking forward to in 2004
Norah Jones has a CD due out in February as does Rebecca St. James, and people keep telling me U2 will have a CD out too...
Favourite Movie: Whale Rider.
The film is based on a book by Witi Ihimaera in which a young Maori girl Pai fights to fulfil her destiny in a small coastal Maori village as heir to the male line of chiefly descendants from the 1000-year-old Whale Rider, Paikea.
The story is just beautiful. The characters are beautifully constructed, and when I saw the film, I left the cinema uplifted. If you haven't seen it, I recommend you give it a try. (Here's AMS Review of the film)
Honourable mentions: Return of the King, and Finding Nemo.
Favourite CD: Hail to the Thief - Radiohead.
Radiohead, for me, are a band that continue to change, and grow. They haven't sought to produce an OK Computer (2) which is great. I'm looking forward to seeing them play in Sydney in April this year.
Honourable mentions: Switchfoot - The Beautiful Letdown; Jars of Clay - Who We Are Instead.
CD's I'm looking forward to in 2004
Norah Jones has a CD due out in February as does Rebecca St. James, and people keep telling me U2 will have a CD out too...
I Will Begin Again ... New Years
I'm not really overly sentimental about New Years Day. To me its just another day. I guess I do have my traditions though - going home from mission (visiting family for the day), and listening to U2's song - New Years' Day, and that lyric I...I will begin again.
Here's an excerpt from an email I received from Slice of Infinity:
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.
Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.
Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in heaven, another year for Thee.
- composed by Frances Havergal as a New Year's greeting card.
These words really hit me ... Let this be our prayer for this year.
Here's an excerpt from an email I received from Slice of Infinity:
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.
Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.
Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in heaven, another year for Thee.
- composed by Frances Havergal as a New Year's greeting card.
These words really hit me ... Let this be our prayer for this year.
Monday, January 05, 2004
Making Disciples…
Since I've just come back from Mission I wanted to see what other people's thoughts are on discipling their contacts. I am particular curious about what other people do, particularly concerning younger people, about say under 12 years old.
What sort of things do you do? What sort of things do you recommend? We’ve normally, once we get parental consent, written to the kids. have you found any really helpful resources?
A related issue is that it is hard to properly disciple someone without meeting them.
The fundamental thing is that God will never let his people go, so God will ensure that they are in contact with other Christians. But still that shouldn’t be an excuse to be lax.
So any thoughts, related to that age group, beach mission, or general.
What sort of things do you do? What sort of things do you recommend? We’ve normally, once we get parental consent, written to the kids. have you found any really helpful resources?
A related issue is that it is hard to properly disciple someone without meeting them.
The fundamental thing is that God will never let his people go, so God will ensure that they are in contact with other Christians. But still that shouldn’t be an excuse to be lax.
So any thoughts, related to that age group, beach mission, or general.
Update ..
Well the last few weeks have certainly been busy. I had a great Christmas; we drove up to Dee Why to visit my Aunt, Uncle and family. It was great to spend time over Christmas with my extended family, since that is something I seldom do.
I’ve pretty much always been far away from my extended family, so while I do value the time we spend together, it is often hard to think that I really know them as we see each other infrequently. So it is interesting and fun when we do catch up.
Boxing Day, I went to Return of the King with friends, and family, which has been habit over the last few years. My first impression of the movie was really positive, but I think I need more time to really process my thoughts about it. After the film we went back to Dee Why and saw more family.
On Dec 27th I went to mission which was great. I posted before about Mission, and God heard the prayers, and answered them in grander ways than we could imagine.
We had more kids than for a few years, and I was really encouraged by spending so much time alongside so many awesome Christians. I learnt a lot about God’s faithfulness, I am still learning that I need to trust God, as He is the one who challenges, and converts souls – from Isaiah 55, God’s word always fulfills what he intends of it. God will always work when the Gospel is preached, though we often use secular standards of success, how many people made a decision, how many people came to our activities. Yet God works as the Gospel is proclaimed, and the team may never know of its impact...
One of the highlights of the mission was how God united the team, and sharing communion on New Year’s Eve. It was really strengthening to have leaders who were humble, and dedicated to serving Christ, and infected us with a prayerful enthusiasm for being there, and strengthen our understanding of God as they served God completely in all that they did, and said.
And as I sit down to type, I really do miss the company, I miss being surrounded by Christians, and talking about the impact of our faith, being challenged through our experience, and encouraged as we see God act in the pages of scripture and on the hearts of campers, and team members. I miss the singing, the joyful smiles. Yet, these are things I can do each day to be salt and light in this world.
Now I have another 7 days before I go back to work. It’s nice to have a little bit of time to simply relax. I'm going to head up to the cricket tomorrow. During the rest of the week I aim to catch up with friends and possibly watch a few movies, the top two being Goodbye Lenin, and Return of the King (again).
I’ve pretty much always been far away from my extended family, so while I do value the time we spend together, it is often hard to think that I really know them as we see each other infrequently. So it is interesting and fun when we do catch up.
Boxing Day, I went to Return of the King with friends, and family, which has been habit over the last few years. My first impression of the movie was really positive, but I think I need more time to really process my thoughts about it. After the film we went back to Dee Why and saw more family.
On Dec 27th I went to mission which was great. I posted before about Mission, and God heard the prayers, and answered them in grander ways than we could imagine.
We had more kids than for a few years, and I was really encouraged by spending so much time alongside so many awesome Christians. I learnt a lot about God’s faithfulness, I am still learning that I need to trust God, as He is the one who challenges, and converts souls – from Isaiah 55, God’s word always fulfills what he intends of it. God will always work when the Gospel is preached, though we often use secular standards of success, how many people made a decision, how many people came to our activities. Yet God works as the Gospel is proclaimed, and the team may never know of its impact...
One of the highlights of the mission was how God united the team, and sharing communion on New Year’s Eve. It was really strengthening to have leaders who were humble, and dedicated to serving Christ, and infected us with a prayerful enthusiasm for being there, and strengthen our understanding of God as they served God completely in all that they did, and said.
And as I sit down to type, I really do miss the company, I miss being surrounded by Christians, and talking about the impact of our faith, being challenged through our experience, and encouraged as we see God act in the pages of scripture and on the hearts of campers, and team members. I miss the singing, the joyful smiles. Yet, these are things I can do each day to be salt and light in this world.
Now I have another 7 days before I go back to work. It’s nice to have a little bit of time to simply relax. I'm going to head up to the cricket tomorrow. During the rest of the week I aim to catch up with friends and possibly watch a few movies, the top two being Goodbye Lenin, and Return of the King (again).
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Carols in the Domain
Last night, with another 90 odd thousand I was in the Domain for the traditional Carols. When we began by singing O Come all Ye Faithful, I was struck. How many of the performers, and crowd, actually knew what they were singing?
There was a generation of people in the crowd who were simply singing words. For most people the Carols are a tradition of Christmas. But it doesn’t highlight thoughts of Jesus. To me, sadly, the carols seem to highlight the secularised Christmas, that Christmas is a time to be together, together singing, laughing, dancing and holding candles; together with loved ones.
It brought to my mind the words of Jesus, as he looked out on another crowd, his words are recorded in Matthew 9:36
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a Shepard.
Postscript: I've just caught the following story via AMS: 'Anti-religious' fervour makes for a muted celebration
+++
I was really moved by the songs, O Holy Night, and The Prayer as well.
The Prayer
I pray you'll be our eyes, and watch us where we go
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way
Lead us to the place, guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe
I pray we'll find your light, and hold it in our hearts
When stars go out each night, remind us where you are
Let this be our prayer, when shadows fill our day
Help us find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
A world where pain and sorrow will be ended
And every heart that's broken will be mended
And we'll remember we are all God's children
Reaching out to touch you
Reaching to the sky
We ask that life be kind, and watch us from above
We hope each soul will find another soul to love
Let this be our prayer, just like every child
Who needs to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Needs to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
(Carol Bayer Sager and David Foster)
O Holy Night
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend!
He knows our need—to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
Words: Placide Clappeau
Music: Adolphe C. Adam
There was a generation of people in the crowd who were simply singing words. For most people the Carols are a tradition of Christmas. But it doesn’t highlight thoughts of Jesus. To me, sadly, the carols seem to highlight the secularised Christmas, that Christmas is a time to be together, together singing, laughing, dancing and holding candles; together with loved ones.
It brought to my mind the words of Jesus, as he looked out on another crowd, his words are recorded in Matthew 9:36
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a Shepard.
Postscript: I've just caught the following story via AMS: 'Anti-religious' fervour makes for a muted celebration
+++
I was really moved by the songs, O Holy Night, and The Prayer as well.
The Prayer
I pray you'll be our eyes, and watch us where we go
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way
Lead us to the place, guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe
I pray we'll find your light, and hold it in our hearts
When stars go out each night, remind us where you are
Let this be our prayer, when shadows fill our day
Help us find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
A world where pain and sorrow will be ended
And every heart that's broken will be mended
And we'll remember we are all God's children
Reaching out to touch you
Reaching to the sky
We ask that life be kind, and watch us from above
We hope each soul will find another soul to love
Let this be our prayer, just like every child
Who needs to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Needs to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
(Carol Bayer Sager and David Foster)
O Holy Night
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend!
He knows our need—to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
Words: Placide Clappeau
Music: Adolphe C. Adam
Sunday, December 14, 2003
Miss Sarajevo
Is there a time for keeping your distance
A time to turn your eyes away
Is there a time for keeping your head down
For getting on with your day
Is there a time for kohl and lipstick
A time for cutting hair
Is there a time for high street shopping
To find the right dress to wear
Here she comes
Heads turn around
Here she comes
To take her crown
Is there a time to run for cover
A time for kiss and tell
Is there a time for different colours
Different names you find it hard to spell
Is there a time for first communion
A time for East 17
Is there a time to turn to Mecca
Is there time to be a beauty queen
Here she comes
Beauty plays the clown
Here she comes
Surreal in her crown
Dici che il fiume You say that the river
Trova la via al mare Finds the way to the sea
E come il fiume And like the river
Giungerai a me You shall come to me
Oltre i confine Beyond the borders
E le terre assetate And the thirsty lands
Dici che come fiume You say that as a river
Come fiume... Like a river...
L'amore giunger Love shall come
L'amore... Love...
E non so più pregare And I'm not able to pray anymore
E nell'amore non so più sperare And I cannot hope in love anymore
E quell'amore non so più aspettare And I cannot wait for that love anymore
Is there a time for tying ribbons
A time for Christmas trees
Is there a time for laying tables
And the night is set to freeze
Miss Sarajevo
Music by: Passengers (U2, Brian Eno) featuring Luciano Pavarotti
A time to turn your eyes away
Is there a time for keeping your head down
For getting on with your day
Is there a time for kohl and lipstick
A time for cutting hair
Is there a time for high street shopping
To find the right dress to wear
Here she comes
Heads turn around
Here she comes
To take her crown
Is there a time to run for cover
A time for kiss and tell
Is there a time for different colours
Different names you find it hard to spell
Is there a time for first communion
A time for East 17
Is there a time to turn to Mecca
Is there time to be a beauty queen
Here she comes
Beauty plays the clown
Here she comes
Surreal in her crown
Dici che il fiume You say that the river
Trova la via al mare Finds the way to the sea
E come il fiume And like the river
Giungerai a me You shall come to me
Oltre i confine Beyond the borders
E le terre assetate And the thirsty lands
Dici che come fiume You say that as a river
Come fiume... Like a river...
L'amore giunger Love shall come
L'amore... Love...
E non so più pregare And I'm not able to pray anymore
E nell'amore non so più sperare And I cannot hope in love anymore
E quell'amore non so più aspettare And I cannot wait for that love anymore
Is there a time for tying ribbons
A time for Christmas trees
Is there a time for laying tables
And the night is set to freeze
Miss Sarajevo
Music by: Passengers (U2, Brian Eno) featuring Luciano Pavarotti
Another weekend and another Wedding…
Well, for every season there is a time, and it seems that it is marriage season for my friends. I’ve recently posted my thoughts on marriage. So I’m not going to do that again but what I do want to leave is two thoughts from yesterday.
Firstly, the wedding yesterday was rather non-traditional, no flower girls, no groomsman, no rain shelter (read Church Building). The wedding may have been different, but it was typical Pete and Gabby. They wrote most of the service themselves; and then they spoke to God, each other, and also us. It was beautiful, because it did nothing but speak of their frailty and God’s strength. It spoke of how though the vows they made were amazing, and seemingly impossible to keep, God would be with them, and empower them. The rings would be a symbol for them, and to us, of not simply the promises they made, but the God who will enable them to keep these promises, and who keeps His.
But at the same time, part of me wondered why it is that some ministers are not able to conduct wedding ceremonies outdoors. For it is the people inside the rain shelter that consecrate the building, so they consecrated people gathering outside, are also part of the church? What are other people’s views on this?
The other thing I wanted to share is just how much I love Christian “weddings”. You catch up with people you may not see regularly. But on top of that, yesterday God taught me so much through conversation with other Christians, and that was a really blessing, being able to meet people for the first time, or the first time in a long time, and being able to just talk about God, Christ, and what that means for us. And that’s a beautiful thing – I guess it’s not surprising, in the sense that Christian’s have so much in common in one sense, our life goal, purpose and direction is determined by Christ.
It’s actually interesting, but I’ve learnt a whole lot about what to think about marriage from my friends who are now married. The last three weeks, have taught me so much about marriage, and more fundamentally, God’s love for his bride, the church.
Firstly, the wedding yesterday was rather non-traditional, no flower girls, no groomsman, no rain shelter (read Church Building). The wedding may have been different, but it was typical Pete and Gabby. They wrote most of the service themselves; and then they spoke to God, each other, and also us. It was beautiful, because it did nothing but speak of their frailty and God’s strength. It spoke of how though the vows they made were amazing, and seemingly impossible to keep, God would be with them, and empower them. The rings would be a symbol for them, and to us, of not simply the promises they made, but the God who will enable them to keep these promises, and who keeps His.
But at the same time, part of me wondered why it is that some ministers are not able to conduct wedding ceremonies outdoors. For it is the people inside the rain shelter that consecrate the building, so they consecrated people gathering outside, are also part of the church? What are other people’s views on this?
The other thing I wanted to share is just how much I love Christian “weddings”. You catch up with people you may not see regularly. But on top of that, yesterday God taught me so much through conversation with other Christians, and that was a really blessing, being able to meet people for the first time, or the first time in a long time, and being able to just talk about God, Christ, and what that means for us. And that’s a beautiful thing – I guess it’s not surprising, in the sense that Christian’s have so much in common in one sense, our life goal, purpose and direction is determined by Christ.
It’s actually interesting, but I’ve learnt a whole lot about what to think about marriage from my friends who are now married. The last three weeks, have taught me so much about marriage, and more fundamentally, God’s love for his bride, the church.
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Growing up in the 21st Century
Reading the newspaper today has convinced me that I would not want to be a child these days
For a start as Karen posted, there is the way our nation has been treating children. The Age today published an article tackling the mandatory detention of children with reference to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, and Through the Looking glass.
The article particularly mentions the ‘double bind’ (best illustrated by a sign labelled ‘Ignore this sign’), and the classic dialogue in which the character Humpty Dumpty claims ‘When I use a word – I say what it means’ or its not about the meaning of the words, but who is in control.
Regardless of whether or not you agree with the government’s stance on border control, again the point is made; how we treat those who are the weakest amongst us; or those at the dawn of there life shows our humanity. This Christmas, there’s a sense in which I am embarrassed by Australia’s lack of Humanity, (and its’ inability to keep promises it has made). The treatment of asylum seekers, and as the article highlights, the manipulation of communication with asylum seekers goes beyond what is moral or defensible.
However one also needs to say, its not simply these children our nation has failed. A Canadian Educational Developmental index highlights, that over one third of Australia’s Children are either vulnerable or high risk of not achieving their educational potential.
The article claims: that the most protective factor – in any socio-economic circumstance - whether their mother works, or not, whether they go to child care, or not, whether they are black, white, immigrant or native born, whether they are clever or not - is an intact family. Children need both mother and father.
In this age of human liberty, it is adult needs and wants that are having a lasting impact on children. According to another article in the Australian, 90 per cent of respondents to a Relationships Australia survey believe that the trend toward dual career households was jeopardising relationships as neither partner would compromise individual goals for the sake of relationship, or family.
As I read these stories I grieve. Our papers, seemingly more each day highlight for us man’s total depravity. We desire rights, yet will not be accept our responsibility. We want the right to carry, bear, adopt or abort children, yet are unwilling to reconsider, sacrifice, or put on hold our desires, and think through the costs of raising and teaching our offspring.
Yet, there is hope, in the offspring of a virgin born over 2000 years ago, hope for restoration was fulfilled. Though sometimes, the certain hope, is hard to see.
Human Rights Day - December 10
The world speaks of rights. I have the right to an education; I have the right to believe what I can. I have rights for what I can do; and what can not be done to me. Perhaps its time for a change lets no longer talk of our rights, rather our responsibilities; that is what we should do, with what has been entrusted to us.
Our world ignores responsibility; when my team loses, it was the referee’s call; If I spill coffee, it’s someone else’s fault, or "my life is ruined because of my parents"; we fail to take responsibility for ourselves.
As a Christian, I am responsible for the way I live my life, I am responsible for every idle and considered word; I am accountable before God. I am accountable for how I respond to the responsibilities he has given to me.
What are my responsibilities as a citizen, as a son, as an employee, as a brother, my responsibilities to those who are weaker than I, to those who are come, and to those who have passed?
For a start as Karen posted, there is the way our nation has been treating children. The Age today published an article tackling the mandatory detention of children with reference to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, and Through the Looking glass.
The article particularly mentions the ‘double bind’ (best illustrated by a sign labelled ‘Ignore this sign’), and the classic dialogue in which the character Humpty Dumpty claims ‘When I use a word – I say what it means’ or its not about the meaning of the words, but who is in control.
Regardless of whether or not you agree with the government’s stance on border control, again the point is made; how we treat those who are the weakest amongst us; or those at the dawn of there life shows our humanity. This Christmas, there’s a sense in which I am embarrassed by Australia’s lack of Humanity, (and its’ inability to keep promises it has made). The treatment of asylum seekers, and as the article highlights, the manipulation of communication with asylum seekers goes beyond what is moral or defensible.
However one also needs to say, its not simply these children our nation has failed. A Canadian Educational Developmental index highlights, that over one third of Australia’s Children are either vulnerable or high risk of not achieving their educational potential.
The article claims: that the most protective factor – in any socio-economic circumstance - whether their mother works, or not, whether they go to child care, or not, whether they are black, white, immigrant or native born, whether they are clever or not - is an intact family. Children need both mother and father.
In this age of human liberty, it is adult needs and wants that are having a lasting impact on children. According to another article in the Australian, 90 per cent of respondents to a Relationships Australia survey believe that the trend toward dual career households was jeopardising relationships as neither partner would compromise individual goals for the sake of relationship, or family.
As I read these stories I grieve. Our papers, seemingly more each day highlight for us man’s total depravity. We desire rights, yet will not be accept our responsibility. We want the right to carry, bear, adopt or abort children, yet are unwilling to reconsider, sacrifice, or put on hold our desires, and think through the costs of raising and teaching our offspring.
Yet, there is hope, in the offspring of a virgin born over 2000 years ago, hope for restoration was fulfilled. Though sometimes, the certain hope, is hard to see.
Human Rights Day - December 10
The world speaks of rights. I have the right to an education; I have the right to believe what I can. I have rights for what I can do; and what can not be done to me. Perhaps its time for a change lets no longer talk of our rights, rather our responsibilities; that is what we should do, with what has been entrusted to us.
Our world ignores responsibility; when my team loses, it was the referee’s call; If I spill coffee, it’s someone else’s fault, or "my life is ruined because of my parents"; we fail to take responsibility for ourselves.
As a Christian, I am responsible for the way I live my life, I am responsible for every idle and considered word; I am accountable before God. I am accountable for how I respond to the responsibilities he has given to me.
What are my responsibilities as a citizen, as a son, as an employee, as a brother, my responsibilities to those who are weaker than I, to those who are come, and to those who have passed?
Saturday, December 06, 2003
20 000 000
The ABS have told us on Thursday, or Friday last week, the Twenty-Millionth Australian was born.
This projection is based on the estimated resident population at 31 March 2003 and assumes growth since then of:
* one birth every 2 minutes and 6 seconds,
* one death every 3 minutes and 56 seconds,
* a net gain of one international migrant every 3 minutes and 51 seconds leading to
* an overall total population increase of one person every 2 minutes and 4 seconds.
Each of these souls are valuable to God, He knows all their names, he has numbered their days, they are all made in His image.
May God have mercy on us all.
This projection is based on the estimated resident population at 31 March 2003 and assumes growth since then of:
* one birth every 2 minutes and 6 seconds,
* one death every 3 minutes and 56 seconds,
* a net gain of one international migrant every 3 minutes and 51 seconds leading to
* an overall total population increase of one person every 2 minutes and 4 seconds.
Each of these souls are valuable to God, He knows all their names, he has numbered their days, they are all made in His image.
May God have mercy on us all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)