This week just gone I spoke on failure in marriage.
Some of what I said was quite sensitive, and so I was going to have to edit the audio for a more public audience, but then, the audio did not come out right anyway, so I cant upload it at all.
But in response to some of the great thoughts commented in my previous post, here is some of what I shared in Sunday. Please be aware, this is written for me, as I would say it, and I have an idea what I am going to say, so apologies if it is a little unclear to the reader.

The pull of the other woman, or other man, is really strong.
The grass is greener on the other side of the fence,
It aint. IN fact the very thing that attracts someone to someone else, is very often the thing that changes post the affair. an affair is exciting, its different, it has promise, it is not boring...But all that changes after the affair. Even for those people who have an affair, and perhaps leave their husband or wife and go off with the new person, they generally find the same issues arise in the new relationship, because wherever you go, there you are.

How do you know if there are issues in your relationship?
thinking about it, hoping your spouse will have an accident, hoping your spouse will have an affair, wishing your children were gone so you could leave, forming emotional attatchments to someone else.

Jesus said, as we think in our hearts so we are.

The issue is not really the affair, the issue is that you have checked out of your marriage. That is the real issue. Best way to not fail and have an affair, that is to work on having a great marriage!

The ripples from an affair, like ripples in a pond, go way out.
An affair has the potential to rip apart your family, to cause children to lose good contact time with their mother or father Friends feel like their are forced to take sides. Mothers and fathers wonder about their adult children, and how they should respond. Adult children come to live at home for a while.
Economically an affair can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Being married, and lets be realistic here, can be a battle.
God is writing a love story really, the history of the world is God slove story, and intwetwined with that is marriage, where two people join together to live together, really actually to fight together, not against each other, but as co allies in this world. (Thoughts compiled from John Eldridge)
Because there are deep dark spiritual forces at work, that wont to tear thing apart, divide and conquer so the saying goes.
So God has instituted this beautiful relationship so two can become one, and feed off each others strengths. (Eccl 4)
8 There was a man all alone; 
 he had neither son nor brother. 
 There was no end to his toil, 
 yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. 
 "For whom am I toiling," he asked, 
 "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" 
 This too is meaningless— 
 a miserable business!
9 Two are better than one, 
 because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down, 
 his friend can help him up. 
 But pity the man who falls 
 and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. 
 But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered, 
 two can defend themselves. 
 A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
The truth is verse 8 is often left out when people quote this, but I think it sets the scene, it gives the image of someone who has no real relationships. Now not everyone here is married, and possibly God has not blessed you with that, thats okay, and we are going to talk about that in a minute. But most of us I think would have real relationships and deep friendships with people and a reason to work. Marriage provides a man and a woman with somehting to work towards, something to build.
When the marriage fails, so does that divine purpose, that deep meaning for life, for many people.

Back in Eden when God created men and women, he fashioned us as glorious counterparts, the heart of a man is to love and protect and provide, he wants an adventure. and the truth is, ladies you need to hear this, a man wants to be admired by his wife. Whatever it is that he does. We cant all be muscle bound tradies, with tool belts. Okay, but we can provide for our families in some ways, and all men want to be respected and admired by their wife. In the heart of most women is a heart that longs to be desired, that longs to be wanted, to be affirmed as a woman. God brings those two different yet complementary characteristics together in marriage, in a passionate embrace.
Thats the ideal okay, and I fall short of that, as we all do.
But I am tired of watching marriages fall apart. Most affairs, for example, don’t start in one day. They occur over time as a person’s guard is let down and they ease into the temptations that exist for all of us. as the focus shifts from enjoying their marriage to it being dissastified.
Let me just stop here for a moment and address the realities.
Because there are people who who have failed in various ways in marriage and in relationships. Some of us here have failed greatly.
The common denominator in all that?
well 1 John 1.9 if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us from sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
When you fail in a marriage context, you know that in fact the person you have offended most, even more than your spouse, is God. You need to seek His forgiveness first, and forgiveness will come, Gods grace towards you is immense.
and you will experience that if you come to God, there is always a way back to God, because knowing God is not based on what we do, but on what He has done for us.
So enjoy that for a moment.
But know this, that there are consequences for your sin.
Jesus in Matthew 19 says that if one of the partners has an affair, that is grounds for divorce. Know he said this in a society where men would divorce their wives because they burnt the dinner. seriously if your wife burnt your dinner, you could issue here a certificate of divorce. and what that meant for her, in those days, was that she was then penniless, without any means of support, she would not get the house or the horse. Men were very patriachal. And Jesus comes in and says, no, the only ground for divorce is sexual misonduct is the phrase. and this went for women as well as men. Jesus wanted them to understand that marriage is a covenant, a promise, a contract between two people and it not be broked, but if you have an affair, then you have broken that covenant. Hopefully the marriage can be saved, and their can be forgiveness and grace, but that is a long process. and as a result of your sin, you have broken your covenant which you made with God.

Men and women are different.
I was reminded of that fact again this morning by reading the story of a man in the Bible named Elkanah and his wife Hannah. (1 Samuel 1) Hannah had been unable to have children and it was the deepest pain in her life. (I wrote previously about that pain HERE.) Every year (and perhaps every day) Hannah would go to God begging for a child. God eventually blessed Hannah with a son, but in the midst of that story is one of the saddest, but funniest verses in the Bible (my opinion). It certainly illustrates the great difference that exists between most men and women. Here is the verse:
Elkanah her husband would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?” (1 Samuel 1:8)
Do you see the mistake? Elkanah could never fully comprehend the depth of Hannah’s emotions. To him, life was good the way it was. He had other children through another wife and he and Hannah were free just to be happy with each other. He couldn’t sense the depth of pain that was in Hannah’s heart. To him it made sense that as a couple they were enough. Hannah, I suspect, could never fully comprehend how insensitive Elkanah seemed to be.
Therein lies what I believe to be one of the largest mistake men and women make in a marriage.
You cannot expect your husband to think like you, and husband, you cannot expect your wife to think like. But the joy in marriage is discovering the differences.

mmmmm the crowd says.

Women: does your husband sit there for hours listening to you every day, pore over every detail?
nooooo your best friend does that.

Men: does your wife kick the footy with you, laugh at your fart jokes, be your friend even if you have not seen for for 6 months?
nooooo your best friend does that

Marriage is a sacred covenant between two people who love each other as eros and companionship love. It is a beautiful partnership.

But I dont buy that corny line, "I married my best friend'.
Marriage is far more than that.
The two become one.
Two different people, with perhaps vastly different likes, interests, get together and share life together.

I am not saying you are not friends....but if you are married, you are lovers....joint homemakers together, its different to being best friends.

(Some thoughts as I prepare my message for this Sunday on failure in marriage)

Hey!
This is a good nice free countdown!
Well made...and the best possible price.
http://www.centerlinenewmedia.com/products/browse/type:countdown
(Just browse to Freebies!)

If there is one thing that is appreciated in all walks of life...it is communication.

Honesty, frankness....reality. You can deal with those things.

Falsehood, covering up....unspoken words...not as easy to deal with.

Jesus said, 'The truth will set you free'.
Aint that the truth!

AFL coaches are the master of saying nothing.
Some politicians are the master of saying nothing while their lips are moving at a furious pace.

Sometimes it is best to hold your tongue.
By most often, it is best to be open and share.
I hope I am open and honest, it is a great quality for a leader to have.

Starting a new series this month on Failure


Here is a quote from Brian Winslade that I have pinched, modified, and am using on Sunday,
"Show me a genuine man/woman of God, who people look up to and want to be like, and I'll show you a man/woman who has experienced failure at some point in their life. It’s the principle of brokenness. The tears of disappointment and the realisation of failure teach us more about life and God's grace than do the heady heights of success and triumph."

Character is most important in ministry
"Reputation is what the world thinks a man is; character is what he really is"

I wonder if sometimes we don't fool lots of people, including ourselves, about what we are like......

Its easy for people to presume something about your character if you are succesful, especially in ministry.
But character will enable you to finish the race, to finish well.......

Met with a mate who is my best mate in ministry.
We have known each other since we started studying together at Seminary, and have been in a peer group now for over 15 years.
Other blokes have come and gone in ministry, and now we have a pretty tight and good peer group.
Both of us have had times, real close, where we could have left the ministry. And even know, in our worst moments, we think of it.
But both of us feel called to being a pastor, and probably feel we would not be fulfilled doing anything else.
Neither of us, by the grace of God, have 'fallen' in any significant way, but we have both made mistakes, and choices we regret. Thats part of life.

As we both look to the future and are now of years enough that we are thinking about the best way to use our next 20 years or so....we are both looking to push ourselves, personally and in ministry areas.

Sharing my pastoral journey with such a friend....is such a joy. Not a silly delirious joy (like the Dockers winning again!)...but a profound sense of peace.

Our peer group, in light of recent events, made a commitment to each other that we were in ministry for the long haul.
Sharing the journey in pastoral ministry is a source of strength and accountability.
Thank God for friends. He (God) realises we need other people to help us on this journey, as well as the Holy Spirit. No pastor is a lone ranger, and if they are....disaster often awaits.

He truly is a magnificent player.
Watching the game last week against the Swans, there was a moment when the ball came towards the 50 metre arc. Pav pushed the oppostion player aside, like a bull swats at a fly. The hapless Swan player fell to the ground, Pav turned on the spot, aimed for the goals, and slotted it through from 50 out.
Truly majestic, and the sign of a player on top of his game.

He is leading the Coleman ladder, and with Fevola and Brown out of serious action he might win it.

He has also been a great Brownlow vote attractor in past seasons, seeing as he plays all over the ground.

Could he be the first player ever to win the Brownlow and the Coleman in a season?

This is a video I made up for a ministry my brother in law and wifes sister are involved in.
Breaks your heart when you hear how kids are abandoned because of ignorance.
Cant save them all, but we can save some!

This is inspiring!
Rick Warren outlines what Saddleback will be about for the next decade.
Sounds like Rick is determined to keep growing, and the first step is mobilising the congregation for mission.
"During his weekend sermon, Warren laid out a plan for Saddleback's next "Decade of Destiny" in which he's anticipating exponential growth. And the plan has no room for fake Christians, he indicated.

"Let me just be honest with you as somebody who loves you. If you passively just want to sit around in the next 10 years and just waste your life on things that won't last, you probably want to find another church because you're not going to really feel comfortable here. Because if you're in this church, I'm coming after you to be mobilized," said the renowned southern California pastor."
More...

Ballytyne: "Your getting towelled up"
Shaw: : 'am I really'

ha ha ha ha!
(H/T Dockerland)

I love winter
Of all the seasons, give me wet and cold days and nights, and I am happy.

I think my internal heating system is half a degree warmer than many others, so when its cold, I feel alive!

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that some of my formative years where spent in Albany, a place known for its wet and cold days....

Anyway, to those sun lovers out there, I was getting sick of the sunny perfect Perth weather...good to see the clouds rolling in.

Speaking on 'Looking beyond our walls' this week.
Following on from Steve McKinnon last week.
Brian Winslade spoke about the history of the church at the Pastors Conference and I am using some of his material.
This challenges!

"Aristides was a Christian apologist and historian in the 2nd century. Here’s what he wrote about the culture of the Christian church around AD125:
“They walk in all humility and kindness, and falsehood is not found among them, and they love one another. They do not despise widows and they don’t grieve orphans. He that has distributes liberally to him that has not. If they see a stranger, they bring him under their roof, and rejoice over him, as if he was their own brother; for they call themselves brothers and sisters, not after the flesh, but after the Spirit and God; but when one of their poor passes away from the world and any of them see him, he provides for his burial according to his ability and if they hear that any of their number is imprisoned or opposed for the name of their Messiah, all of them provide for his needs; and if it is possible that he may be delivered, they deliver him. And if there is among them a man who was poor and needy and he has not an abundance of necessaries, they fast two or three days that they may supply the needy with the necessary food.”3

Michael Johnson plays for the Dockers, and has now for a number of years.
He is a family man, married, couple of kids...and is an understated player.
Not one too blow his own trumpet, he appeared to have his feet well on the ground.

Which is why this latest news that he has been found with drugs, cocaine, on his possession is so surprising.

The Club have acted swiftly and well, standing Johnson down until the issue is sorted out. And also been as transparent as they can be, even naming the player, which they did not need to do.

I hope that the issue is sorted out well, that the truth comes out, and whatever that is, that the issue is dealt with honestly, fairly and to the best possible outcome for all concerned.

It could not have really come at a worse time for the club in terms of playing depth. McPharlin, Broughton and Mundy are all going to be out for at least this week, and in the case of McPharlin, for a number of weeks.

Personally speaking, very disappointing......hope MJ gets it all sorted out to the best of his emotional, physical and spiritual health.

I have had a pretty rough week in some ways.
Been a little down, feeling under some sense of oppression.
There are days when you just don't feel like you normally do.

But thank goodness for God's wisdom. 7 days.

Church this morning was so encouraging, and at the same time challenging.
Steve Mc Kinnon from Tear Fund came and we celebrated the 'Survive Past Five' Micah challenge. (Micah Challenge)

Steve spoke about how flowing out of your love for God will come mercy and justice for the poor. He gave a challenge to protest injustice. (Mic 6.8)
It was profound, and delivered in Steve's measured style.

Afterwards we celebrated how many children are now surviving past the age of five. Things are getting better.

I have hope for the future.
I see Christians like lights, shining in the darkness all over the place.
Yes, there are awful things happening, but I see a generation rising up to take their place, being salt and light.

(Here is part of what Steve Mc Kinnon shared in his own words)
“The poor you’ll always have with you”. This is taken straight out of Deut 15: 11. Where in Deut 15:4 God says that if you obey the law- (so the year of Jubilee, the gleaning, the structural laws I’ve set up there should be no poor amongst you: but if you don’t obey; there will always be the poor. What Jesus is saying is a back handed slap to Israel’s disobedience of the law & of himself. Jesus is prophesying against structural, economic and social injustice.

So Jesus is not resigning himself & saying, “Don’t worry about the poor you just carry on self centred life”. The poor were a very high priority for Jesus. In actual fact Jean Vanier believes Jesus is saying, “You won’t have me much longer but when I go I’ll leave the poor in my place & how you treat them is how you treat me.
So the very text used to justify why Christians shouldn’t care for the poor seems to be one of the texts that should motivate us to care for the poor. (CB Samuels quote)
(Steve Mc Kinnon)

Keppler Bradley plays probably the best game of his career last week, his reward?
Named as emergency.

Emg: Kepler Bradley, Nick Suban, Antoni Grover
In: Garrick Ibbotson, Alex Silvagni

Grover plays well for his WAFL side, his reward, emergency...Suban, one of our best, emergency.

The Dockers have unbelievable depth at the moment.
Would not want to be Schammer at the moment....

This is a video I made up for the Pastors Conference.
I used some of Alex Huggetts excellent photos of Perth.


You can download it here, it would be great to know how you use it.
Download

Here is a video a friend of mine has made, from Crossover Australia.
It is a great website with some stimulating posts and useful resources.
No doubt, serial Facebook Tart Wayne Field will also be featured shortly.

Crossover

That game against the Lions proved one thing, this team is different, and it knows how to win.
In years gone by, even if we dominated a game, like we did against Brisbane, if a side had come back, chances are we would have capitulated and lost.

We didn't. The young exuberance and blatant confidence of the team shone through. These young players are loving the structures, the experience and skill of the older players, and the winning.

Fremantle are the real deal.
I reckon we are going to smash the Pies, and after that, the games we have actually get a little easier.

Wow.

Something that is revving me up at the moment is that this generation of young people coming up are really interested and focused on caring for the less fortunate.

Many of them are spoilt brats, and have been given everything they could ever want.
But for many of them, instead of turning them into consumers...it has meant they are actually bored early by things.

Many of the YP both in our church and on the periphery are more interested in helping out less fortunate people, in a whole raft of ways, instead of just going after the latest thrill.

This is a good time to foster their love for others and for the church to be a place in society where we are known for how we help those less fortunate than ourselves, just as the early church was.

Well a few months in and my Mac Book Pro 13" has exceeded all my expectations.
I have become what I used to mock, a Apple Evangelist.

Everything just works.
No annoying popups, no asking me if I am really sure I want to do something.

I have come to understand that the basic difference between Mac and PC is that in the PC world, they design the computer around themselves. It is really about them as a company, not you.

The Mac philosophy is that it is about the end user, and what they want.
Truly, until you start to use one, you don't realise how hard PC makes everything.
Even peripherals that are designed for PC, I have found, work better on my Mac.
Everything syncs up, everything works.

I recently got Macs version of Office, Iwork. The extraordinary thing about it, apart from the fact that it is intiutive and so much better than office, is that it is compatible with Office! If someone sends me a Word, Excel or Powerpoint document, it seamlessly imports them, and then exports them! It actually makes working with documents someone sends me with more ease than a'native' machine! Incredible.

As well as that, the design and feel of it is just so nice.
I recently was given a 'Magic Mouse' for it, and that too is just so nice to use.

I aint ever going back baby!!!!!

Really enjoyed the annual Baptist Pastors Conference

Our speaker this year was Brian Winslade, the National Baptist Union Director.
Brian had some great things to say over the three days that we enjoyed in Mandurah.

1st up he spoke about Church history, how the church was known as the place where love was found, love and charity. He gave some really interesting examples of how the early church of the first 400 years was known as the place where even if society saw you as 'untouchable', the church would care for you. Baby girls, because of their gender, were left to die. The church cared for them. People with plagues and diseases were abandoned, the church cared for them.

2ndly he spoke about leadership within the church. In my words, he called us to the radical middle. Where Pastors lead with grace and persuasion and love, and church people love and respect their leaders, and allow them to lead.

Lastly he spoke about learning from failure. Brian spoke about some of his own failures, and how he learnt some serious life long lessons from them. He is a confident and articulate and humorous speaker. But as he explained, natural talent is no substitute for integrity, character and Gods empowerment.

Really enjoyed my time away, catching up with old and new friends, enjoying some time away with my wife, and spiritual refreshment.

Watching this video interview, you cant help but get the picture that Rhyse is very hungry to play, almost nervously saying, I have done everything I can, just want them to select me!
Lets not forget, he did win the Rising Star award, is a incredible player with evasive skills. If he comes in for the Derby, he will be huuuuungry!

This is a really good article.

Millenials are honest on faith

Basis of it is that young people are feeling isolated in their faith, while passionate and connected in their church, outside of church, not many of their friends can relate to their faith.

Mark Driscoll says this,
"Two, young people are committed to churches not built for them but built by them. Around the country young people are flocking to churches that have clear authoritative Bible teaching about real life issues, are lead by authentic leaders, include night services, use online social media, embrace technology, serve the poor and suffering, strive for community, encourage creativity, and allow young leaders to lead at the highest levels."

This is what we are going to be doing at Inglewood Church as we look to start a second service, but not just as an adjunct, but a church in many aspects all of its own. It will come under our authority, and be resourced by us, but the direction and feel of the church will be driven by the young adults.

4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

God really spoke to me through this passage this morning in my devotional time.
Imagine being the disciples. You have spent 3 years following Jesus, you have seen Him be laughed at, suffer and then die.
Finally...you now see He is alive, victorious! All He said would happen...has.
And therefore you legitimately ask, now Jesus? now? Will you restore things now?
But the answer is...no. Not right now, it is not for you to know that. For now, you will receive the Holy Spirit, be empowered...and you need to spread the gospel, the good news.

Its like Jesus is saying, your time of comfort, restoration, everything being right...is not yet! For now, even though you have been through three years of this, your time has not yet come. Why? Because there were so many that needed to hear about Jesus. So many that Jesus wanted to bring into His family.
Their comfort was not important, what was important was the Kingdom!
Challenging.

I really find these ads offensive as it appears many others do if Twitter is anything to go by.
They play on deep seated emotions in a cynical and somewhat offensive attempt to sign us up to their health care.
Now while health care is important, I think that how they have done these advertisements is almost using something which for many people may be personally very distressing as a way to sell their product.
Quite disgusting in my opinion.
If you live in Western Australia, and while I hesitate to post the link to their ad, you could find it easily enough, so here it is.
Link

This is a truly beautiful moment and song.

This Anzac Day at Inglewood Church we are going reasonably low key.
We have done some bigger services in the past, which has been great.

I have prepared a little media, and we are going to pray for those brave folk who are serving our Country at the moment overseas in conflict situations.

Record numbers of delegates attending the 2010 Alltogether Baptist Pastors Conference.
For the past few years we have joined up with Church of Christ Pastors, this year its just Bapos.
Looking like we are going to have as many as we did last year in total numbers...with only Bapos attending, so it has gone really well.

One thing we have done this year is try to give each Pastor a call and personally invite them. People matter. People appreciate the personal call....that someone cares about them.
Its not about making a great conference, although that is important. Its that we believe in community of Pastors, we have a unique calling/vocation.

Really looking forward to catching up with all my mates, praying, sharing...eating!

Even his colleagues are turning on him...as they should.... :)

My beautiful little princess turned six today.
Six years ago I was sitting in Joondalup hospital giving her a bath for the first time.

Nowadays she generally speaking dresses herself. In fact, unlike her brother, has very definete ideas about what she wants to wear. 'Dad...that does not match"....dad...those shoes dont go with those pants!

Generally speaking she is right, and dear old dad is wrooong.
Soon she will be telling me what to wear, and being embarassed by me.
So for now...I am holding onto the love and affection she has for me.
At times it seems like a hassle to 'come and say goodnight daddy, and give me a kiss". Especially when I have got settled into the couch.
But I can't not do it...its too precious.
I know, I realise, that times and daughters change. At the moment she could not be more precious, and I am going to enjoy every moment of her life I can.

And save up for the wedding. If todays 'art and craft' party with 15 giggling six year olds is anything to go by, this little precious girl is going to cost me a fortune...but she's worth it.

I love how the message translation of the Bible puts this verse, 1 Samuel 15:22-23 Then Samuel said, Do you think all God wants are sacrifices— empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him!
Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what God tells you is far worse than fooling around
in the occult. Getting self-important around God is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. Because you said No to God's command, he says No to your kingship.

The truth is that there is nothing wrong with doing something which is beautiful and lavish for God, the woman who broke her very expensive perfume jar over the feet of Jesus in the days leading up to the cross, did something beautiful and lavish and extravagant for Jesus, in a beautiful act of worship. But here Saul is clearly making it about him. He says its about God, he says he kept back the best for God, but it is about his appearance, how he looks, what people think of him. That is religious! That is religion, and its empty, and it has no real worth, because obedience to God is what counts, to what God has asked for, not what He has not asked for

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (Message Translation)
If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he's talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God's church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap."

There is probably as much written about Pastors on the Internet as what there is written about AFL coaches in papers.
We are not superhuman, and certainly not more spiritual than anyone else, just because we are a pastor.
There are certain obligations, responsibilities and rewards that go along with being a pastor. You get to lead people in church, thats great!
But you are also more responsible, as a shepherd.
You need to be allowed to lead, but if you are, then you need to realise you are more responsible as well. Lead...well....set boundaries...well, aim for purity.
I pray today for all my pastor friends, stay true, persevere....be faithful to your calling.
As Phil Pringle says, "Pastoring is a tough gig but if you read your bible & make sure you only sleep with your wife you probably will do ok"

This season I was not expecting much at all, perhaps a few more wins with a young developing side, and more first gamers to blood.

But....now I am expecting more.
Three gusty wins, including one today over Geelong which showed real character and will to win, and without our two best defenders and Palmer to still come in.

Wow.

And to top it all off, Weagles have lost all three of their very winnable wins. Double pleasure!

Here is a Countdown I made up, using Final Cut. Learning the program. Used a music track I made using Garage Band. Feel free to download and use.


Download it here

In a good way that is.
In regard to legalists, he just cant be bothered dealing with them anymore.

"The problem with legalists is that not enough people have confronted them and told them to get lost. Those are strong words, but I don't mess with legalism anymore. I'm 72 years old; what have I got to lose? Seriously, I used to kowtow to legalists, but they're dangerous. They are grace-killers. They'll drive off every new Christian you bring to church. They are enemies of the faith. Other than that, I don't have any opinion!"


Source

Doing this series post Easter... Looking forward to it!

April 11 what is means to be spiritual, what it does not, freedom in Christ,

April 18th Spiritual prayer, not a rule, but a lifestyle....advocacy, standing in gap,
Holy Spirit power, being a person of prayer,

April 25th Worship, understanding our place in the universe, humbly entering in, realising who God is, what is then the natural expression of that
More...

A tale of contrasting fortunes for our two team town.

How on earth did Michael Barlow end up at Freo?
He is a gun...its that simple.
Two best on ground performances, from a player no one else seemed to want...and now he plays for us, the Dockers.

Can't really explain how it feels to watch the Dockers at the moment, but whatever it is, its enjoyable.
Having the Weagles lose their first two is just the cream on the cake!

But we had our largest attendance ever as a Church today.
Almost ran out of seats.

Perhaps more importantly, we had such a great celebration, a party if you like!
Jesus kicked death, rose from the dead...and He us our God!

Worth a celebration I reckon.

"Will you come with me to the mountains? It will hurt at first, until your feet are hardened. Reality is harsh to the feet of shadows" (Cs Lewis)


Question to Brooke Fraser: What’s a shadowfoot? I think that’s the only thing in your songs I have absolutely no interpretation for? Actually I think I have one but I’m not sure, can you clarify? – Ashley
BF: This is C.S. Lewis’ influence on me. The song ‘Shadowfeet’ was inspired by his wonderful book ‘The Great Divorce’ and in particular the following passage:
“Will you come with me to the mountains? It will hurt at first, until your feet are hardened. Reality is harsh to the feet of shadows. But will you come?”

Just a small sample of what Angus had to share at the 'Mighty Mens Conference' in Perth.
Here is something I have put together for church, its from the first message he shared with us on the Friday Night.

some people...overthink things, stress out about stuff......

How does someone know you are a Christian?
Is it your theology?
Is it what you said, prayed once?
Is it the sawdust on your feet?

Or do they know we are Christians by our ....

Recently my wife went to the 'Colour' conference put on by Hillsong.
Someone was critical of her...said it was just another money grabbing conference.
Deluded fool.

The amount of love being shown by that church is incredible...social justices being made right....love being expressed.

They aint perfect...which should not come as a shock to anyone...but they are getting the love thing right....

When we come to Heaven Jesus wont ask us what our theological position was....He will ask us who we loved....

Don't be too smart for our good...love someone....love someone in need.
(If you want to be critical of Hillsong you can't comment here, thats not the point of this post, if you want to interact with the point of this post...feel free)

A good friend from the land of the Volvo is also one of Perth's best Barrista's
He has a blog,
Syncity

This post in particular was interesting and something which makes perfect sense...just cause something 'appears' to be, or once was..the best thing, does not mean it still is.
Italian Coffee

Just in time for Palm Sunday, Integrity have a free palm loop...
Grab it!
Here

Well done.

Washington (CNN) -- The Supreme Court declined to intervene Monday in a dispute over a public school's refusal to allow an instrument-only version of "Ave Maria" at a graduation ceremony. Officials feared the piece would be an endorsement of religion in that limited public forum.

Without comment, the justices rejected the appeal of Kathryn Nurre, who was a high school senior in Everett, Washington, in 2006. By tradition, graduating members of the school's wind ensemble could choose a piece from their repertoire to play at the June ceremony. They chose an arrangement of Franz Biebl's well-known "Ave Maria," which had been performed previously in choir recitals.

School district officials said they feared complaints similar to those that followed the previous year's choir performance of a vocal piece that included references to God, heaven and angels. "Ave Maria" was banned even though the performance would have contained no lyrics. More

Land of the free, home of the brave? hardly....

"stand up and be counted!!"

Something quite unexpected came up which meant I had in a sense some extra finance with which I needed to spend it on technology to do with one of the ministries I am involved in.

What does that have to do with turning 40?
Well I have for a long time been a stirrer of those 'Mac Evangelists' who seem to be in my wider social circle.

I have enjoyed throwing potshots from the corners of my safe Windows world.

No more.

As I turn 40 very shortly I was convicted to challenge myself.
Buying a Mac is only one of the ways, other more important ones including doing some work with 'Theologians without Borders' and some other more personal things.

But buying a Mac is the point of this post.

So far so good, things just work on a Mac...and I am really enjoying the clean sharp screen, the intuitive design and interface...and the fact that with Final Cut Express...rendering movies is quicker and better....

The other thing that surprised me was the fact I just plugged in my wireless 3 button scrolling mouse...and it worked..right click and all.

On Tuesday 15th March the West Australian ran this story on their front page.
"A State Government report paints a bleak picture of the life of Aboriginals in Roebourne, revealing alarming levels of alcohol abuse, child neglect, violence, crime and overcrowding."
They showed Cyril in his home and said this, "Village resident Cyril Munda, who lives among the squalor, said no one should have to live in such conditions."
(Story)

The West Australian is not staffed by idiots. They knew what the response would be. Letters to the West included typical stuff by people such as calls for Cyril to clean up his house, buy some detergent, take personal responsibility.

Fair call. Each of us should take responsibility for how we live.

But The West knew this, and knew what the response would be. It was a cynical, cliched photo, even if it was 'true'. It did not share how Cyril had got to this point, what his family life was like. I don't want to absolve him of responsibility, but I do want to say that 'easy' pot shot journalism such as this, just makes it easy for our society to continue in its attitude towards indigenous people.

I think we need to have some real dialogue with our fellow Australians about the issues that affect us all and I don't think The West contributed to that.

Great song!
Might do it for Easter....

Good day today at Inglewood Church.
I never find it easy to talk about giving, but today I sought to have a positive message on being generous...

Had someone give a testimony that was really powerful about the provision of God in their life, as they trusted Him with their finances.

Good day!

Lots going on in office...particularly rendering video for MMC and other stuff as our church suffers (!) from growth issues...

Lots to talk about, not much time to talk about it....

Watch this space

I must have that face.

Time after time complete strangers come up to me, sure I am someone else they know.
This weekend at the Angus Buchan conference, it happened about four times.

On top of that....
there were at least 3 other blokes named 'Mark Edwards' at the conference. I know that for a fact, and I met one of them!

Furthermore, there is a blogger who posts on Phil Bakers blog, a pastor, like me, called....Mark Edwards.

Someone once told me I had very average looks....they were entirely correct!

Cant wait!
Setting up all the visual gear for the conference.
Lot of work, and stinking hot in the tent!
Using a mixer I sourced from the Baptist Union, and a massive screen as well.
A lot of RCA cables, coming out of the mixer, which converts the vga signal into rca.
Then a amplifier down the front, sending the signal to monitors and projectors.
Hoping it all works. Have three cameras as well...and chroma keying the text over the live stage.

But....believing it will be worth it as over 2000 men celebrate their faith, and hear an anointed word from Angus Buchan..in Perth.

If you have not registered, and live in Perth....get on the web, register, and I will see you at Advent Park

www.mightymensconference.org.au

Doing something different at Inglewood Church for March.
Instead of small groups, we are having one 'big group'.
Every Wednesday during March we will gather together for teaching, inspiration and discussion.
I have enjoyed putting this together, and looking forward to the speakers...should be enjoyable!

This girl rocks!
Love it....I love how she leads this, building the mood, oscilating between intense and reflection.

We have come a long way as a church.
The positive, friendly and good spirit in our AGM was so refreshing.
(It has not always been that way)

But God has really transformed us, and brought us a long way.
A lot of what I shared tonight was 'inhouse', but here is some of what I am comfortable posting here.

2008 was a momentous year in the life of our church

2009 was a time of harvest, growth and sustained ministry

Started off 2009 with an average of 45 children in our Sunday Jam Ministry We now have over 120 kids on our books, with an average attendance of approximately 80 kids.

Creche is going through another mini boom, Comets averages about 15 kids, Jets has now split into two groups, and the Sync Group is establishing itself for growth as well, with about 4-6 teenagers now regularly attending.

This year has seen our church grow in numbers, with average attendance increasing dramatically to the point where now we are outgrowing our present facility.

Our worship team has seen a great increase in numbers of people attending, and in their sense of community, and passion for worship. Pastor Eliot has skilfully led our team in their love for each other and worship of God.

Our worship time together on Sunday is contemporary, family focused, fun and at times intense.

Toddler Jam is now being ably led by Sandy Vlatko and Quentin. This year we have held our second conference, with 11 churches from all over our state attending a time of encouragement and blessing.

Small groups have also grown this year. Pastor Eliot is now leading this ministry and has met with the small groups on a regular basis this year for encouragement, prayer and resourcing.

Visibility has been a key factor in our growth, and the website has been the main point of call for most of our visitors. It is regularly updated and maintained.

Went to Riverview Small Group Leaders Training on Wednesday Night.
Robert Ferguson is over, and he took the session on Leadership Skills.
It was great for them to bring him over, and offer it free of charge to the wider church community.

Some of what he shared.....
You must not overlook what God has called you to oversee Jesus died...compassion...returned for His flock
Esther said, if I perish I perish...give your life for your flock Lives for His flock
What 7 things we need to oversee?
Oversee our care Oversee our attitudes Oversee our finances Oversee our life...an example
Do people aspire to be like you?
If everyone in the church gave like you..what would that be like?
Are you attracting a good response from your non church neighbours?
Our gifts Gods gift says nothing about you...but everything about Him
Our team...not Lording it over people Mat 23.12
Stop letting your problems get in the way of your oversight Put your problems at the bottom of the list

The Good Shepherd
Helping people is messy Ps 78.70-72
Shephers were associated with the patriachs Fundamental to the understaning of the nation I am the good shepherd I am standing with the patriachs
I know the pain the struggle the harvest Shepherds were recognised as leaders Hareuveni dessert and shepherd in our biblical heritage
We like to be in awe We like to be small in comparison to our landscape We want to know that not everything has an answer
God took the people into a dessert because there is nothing else to worship sense of awe If you are a shepherd your livelihood is dependant upon the seasons
Desserts were monotheistic places They were despised by farmers.if you come out of the wilderness to the sea..you wont be liked
If you want to be populare dont be a Christian John 10.11 Neh 9.25
Backwards and forwards
God wants us to be blessed but as soon as He does..we forget about Him
Mageddo rebuilt 18 times
You need to learn the skill of confrontation
In and Out Num 27.15
Lead people to safety and then out to discover and explore In to protection and out to provision If you are only safe..that will not be a fulfilled life
Give and Take skill of grace Acts 13.22
Your heart is a pump...it gives and recieves
Up and down Ez 34.2
What are your responsibilities Search for the lost Pastor needs to be key evangelist Jay adams shepherding Gods flock 1974
I spoke with him afterwards, and he asked me...what did you get out of it?
Which I thought was very nice of him to do!
I shared with him that what I found most stimulating was his challenge to Pastors that they need to lead people home, but also set them back into the world to take risks.

Matt Chapman is someone I have become friends with lately.
He works for the BU here in Perth, and has some interesting things to say on the church.
I have added his blog to my list,
check it out!

http://chapppie.blogspot.com/

Today I had to run around and pick up some visual equipment for the Mighty Mens Conference.
I needed a 4 way Composite AV Distribution AMP and Altronics had one on special for $60
I went down to pick it up and the guy there was friendly, knowledgable and not condescending.
He picked me up a 9 output one (normally over $300) out of the bargain bin instead, charged me $100, and I bought the missing power pack from him as well ($20)

Bargain!

I reccomend Altronics. Unlike Dick Smith, who have lost the plot lately, the assistants know their stuff, and have that stuff in stock!

Great video...
H/T Crossover

First up, I think Nic looks like he will be a great player, and more importantly, a decent young man.

But the hysteria by the West Australian media over him proves the hypothesis that they are all 'Eaglecentric'.

The Sunday Times lead sports story was how Nic showed courage and leadership when all looked lost as an undermanned and young Essendon side pressed against the home side Eagles.

I almost sprayed my flat white over the back page of 'The West' today when I read their assertion that Nic was now a likely Brownlow contender, on the back of one poor punters misguided bet.

I am waiting for Barra's next instalment on 6pr tonight...can't wait!

Lets hope he does not believe all the press about himself and suffer under the weight and rock star adulation the WA Press serve up on Eagles players in this state.

Been a while since I posted anything Fremantle Dockers related.

Listened to Mark Harvey today on 6pr with Bob Maumill. Thankfully Barra was nowhere to be seen.

Mark said a few notable things.
He wants to start a charity pre season match between Fremantle and the two WAFL Fremantles sides. Can you imagine the staunch South Freo supporters cheering on the East Freo boys? The East Freo supporters will be too busy looking for the bar, so they wont care...

He is ready for the press onslaught this year, and inevitable contract calls from the rabid West Australian Press.

Bob suggested there was definete disparity between how the press deals with John Worsfold and Harvey. Harvey, to his credit, did not have much to say about that, just declaring he loves the challenge at Fremantle.
But history tells us there is no love between the two coaches, with Harvey and Worsfold sharing moments of conflict both on and off the field.

All in all, Harves is looking forward to seeing the development of the 11 young players blooded last year, and positive about the squad he has developed. Hope so Mark, looking forward to the footy season, cricket has been boring as....
Link

(Post edited for accuracy)

Seems like heaps of Pastors are leaving their churches at the moment.
Churches can be tough...and unfair

Pastors can also be niave, foolish and idealistic.

There is a radical middle between pragmatism and being spiritually dependent
There is a radical middle between trusting and being realistic
There is a radical middle between boundaries and vulnerability

Finding that radical middle as a pastor...is not easy
Churches bear the scars of dysfunctional pastors
Pastors bear the scars of dysfunctional church leaders/church people

Praying tonight for the advancement of the Kingdom

This is the message I gave on Sunday, from Isaiah 52
I hope you enjoy it...the audio is definetly average, but hopefully listenable.

Listen Click Here

A message which Brian Houston gave at the Hillsong Conference (2004 I think) was entitled 'speaking from the high places'.
I am adopting some of it for my message this Sunday.

He asked the question, those of you who know me, have you ever heard me bad mouthing another Christian leader, have you heard me spreading gossip about another Pastor?

He then challenged us, as pastors, we are often the worst offenders when it comes to spreading bad news....in fact there are bad news churches.

Now of course Hillsong has its fair share of critics...but there is remarkably little criticism that comes from it....

This week I am speaking from Isaiah 52....how beautiful are the feet of him who brings... 'good news'. I want to be known as someone who spreads good news....

"Now at this point, or at least up till this point, there had been watchmen, these watchmen would be on the walls, on the hills, at the high places…the high places, watching for the enemy, watching to protect, watching out of fear of attack. They were there to keep the nation safe. So the people could retreat into safety, go behind the walls protect themselves, that was their role, one borne out of fear and desperation.
But here in this passage the watchmens role is flipped on its head. It says here, The watchmen shout and sing with joy,"

see you Sunday for more....

Coming up to the 16th year of my Ministry at Inglewood Church.
This is not a long reflection type post...just a brief thought in the light of what is happening...
A lot of friends and aquaitances are in the process of leaving their church, reconsidering their ministry roles, moving to other ministry positions, other churches...

I don't have anything against moving churches, God calls people to certain places for a season, a role...a task.

That is not my story, and I feel like Inglewood Church is where God has me for life. This may change at some point, but I cant imagine when or why.

Its a bit like a footy player, some of them are 'journeymen', some of them are one club players.
For me...I am finding God is changing me a lot as a leader, as the church goes through change. Its a interesting journey.

Last week was super busy, especially with Australia Day on Tuesday...

I organised Pictures in the Park, decent crowd in, about 200 plus folk came in from the community, with minimal advertising. We watched Wall-e which has suprising spiritual themes. Lots of visible community presence, and being a blessing.

Had a group of friends we don't see enough of over for Australia Day. Melinda cooked up some superb pies, curry, steak and mushroom, satay chicken....homemade with big and juicy chunks of meat. Pavlova with fresh blueberries...and a loud and good countdown of Aussie Rock Music on 96fm

Saturday was my sons birthday...turned 9. Bought him a little video camera. He has a real aptitude for 'story', and so we want to encourage this natural skill. He loves taking photos and making videos with them. This is a natural next step.
Then I took him and two of his mates to 'Adventure World'. I had to go on every ride with them, and so I was smaaaashed.
Then we had a combined family 'Club Penguin Pizza Night'. Melinda cooked up the finest pizzas possible. Smothered in seafood, chicken and roast pumpkin, meatlovers, feta and vegetarian...etc etc....

Today was Church at Inglewood Church. Big crowd in, great sense of God's presence and joy. Our new youth pastor showed a great video and I spoke on 'Thy word is a'....
It went really well, with a stack of visitors....

Life is good...off to make myself a coffee with some coffee that my sister in law brought me from Vietnam...and a Krispy Kreme doughnut that my sister brought me from Melbourne....BLESSED!

The media love a story, they love making a story...

Tony Abbott, leader of the opposition, said this to a Australian Womans magazine...
"When asked by the Australian Women's Weekly in a wide-ranging interview published today what advice he would give his daughters on sex before marriage, Mr Abbott replied that he would advise them not to give away their virginity lightly. "I think I would say to my daughters if they were to ask me this question ... it is the greatest gift that you can give someone, the ultimate gift of giving, and don't give it to someone lightly," he said.

So a father advises his daughters to be careful about who they sleep with and when.
Thats a story?
Only if the media know Abbott is a devout Christian and are just angling for a way to place him in their stereotypical 'easy to understand' little spot.

Good on Abbott for not shying away from giving us his view. You don't have to agree with him, and he is not saying that he is going to try and legislate this, so what is the story?

I think the people of Australia are far smarter than the media give them credit for.

By the way....I do agree with Tony on his personal view, and will be advising my son and daughter of the same principle.

I love my country, can't imagine living anywhere else...

I love our lack of pretension
I love the fact we don't 'pump' each other up
I love the fact we are so egalitarian.
I love the fact that mostly you can do and be who you want to be
I love the fact that at our heart, and at our best, we are a generous, giving country, and we are willing to give people a go.

I love our fresh air, fresh water, clean beaches, fishing, swimming...driving along the beach.
I love our coffee, our innovation, our 'can do' attitude.

I love the fact we are not English, American or anything else...we are unique.

If you take our relatively small population into account, we kick the worlds butt in whatever sport we turn our hand to.
We are creative, smart and good people.

I love Australia, I love its people.

At Inglewood Church I devoted the communion time to thinking about Haiti, and the people in devastation there.
I thought that we just needed to stop and consider the poor distressed people suffering. Our brothers and sisters, people made in the Image of God, just like us.

We prayed this prayer I was sent, and I encouraged people to give to Compassion.

This story is amazing, and this line struck me, "Onlookers cheered as Wismond Exantus - smiling and apparently in a good condition - emerged on a stretcher from what remains of the Napoli Inn Hotel." Its strikes me, and I am not being trite, at the smiles on peoples faces when they are rescued. One women starting singing a gospel song! Of course you would be happy to be rescued, but they seem like such a beautiful people.

Prayer

A prayer for Haiti

Loving God of creation, at this time of devastation we hold before you the people of Haiti. When the damage is unimaginable, and the suffering seems overwhelming, remind us that every person affected is loved, honoured and precious in your sight. We remember all those who have been hurt; all who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones. Work through us to bring healing to broken and distorted lives, peace to those who have been thrown into despair, light to those in darkness, and hope to those who fear. We ask this in the name of Jesus in whom all life and grace is found. Amen

Angus Buchan is coming to town.
Because our new youth pastor is speaking this week...and I was back from holidays, I was able to devote some time this week to getting stuff ready for the
www.mightymensconference.org.au

T-shirts for all the volunteers, ushers, sound guys...you name it!
Also started working on how all the visual stuff is going to work.
Need 4 times 4000 ansi lumen projectors, our own tailor made screens, splitter boxes, four cameras, cables, and monitors...should be fun!

In some ways this is a case of getting there and adapting as we go.

This year is different. We have a larger tent, hoping for 3000 men.
Can you imagine that?

3000 men from all over Australia and the world.

If you have not registered yet, get on board.
This year we have new caterers, and you will need to register to guarantee food for the Friday and Saturday.
Love to see you there.

Okay, I have watched the video, listened to the song, and read the lyrics.
I have also read a bit of discussion on this...I don't know what he is really going on about...


God gave me the sunshine, Then showed me my lifeline I was told it was all mine,
Then I got laid on a ley line What a day, what a day, And your Jesus really died for me
Then Jesus really tried for me

UK and entropy, I feel like its ****in’ me Wanna feed off the energy, Love living like a deity
What a day, one day, And your Jesus really died for me I guess Jesus really tried for me

Bodies in the Bodhi tree, Bodies making chemistry Bodies on my family, Bodies in the way of me
Bodies in the cemetery, And that’s the way it’s gonna be

All we’ve ever wanted Is to look good naked Hope that someone can take it God save me rejection From my reflection, I want perfection

Praying for the rapture, ‘Cause it’s stranger getting stranger And everything’s contagious
It’s the modern middle ages All day every day And if Jesus really died for me Then Jesus really tried for me

Bodies in the Bodhi tree, Bodies making chemistry Bodies on my family, Bodies in the way of me
Bodies in the cemetery, And that’s the way it’s gonna be

All we’ve ever wanted Is to look good naked Hope that someone can take it God save me rejection From my reflection, I want perfection Bodies in the Bodhi tree, Bodies making chemistry Bodies on my family, Bodies in the way of me Bodies in the cemetery,
Bodies in the bodhi tree, Bodies making chemistry Bodies on my family, Bodies in the way of me
Bodies in the cemetery, And that’s the way it’s gonna be All we’ve ever wanted Is to look good naked Hope that someone can take it So God save me rejection From my reflection, I want perfection Jesus didn’t die for you, what do you want? (I want perfection)
Jesus didn’t die for you, what are you on? Oh Lord (Jesus really died for you) Ohh
(Jesus really died for you) (Jesus really died for you) Ohh

I love my job....but....

My thoughts are still somewhat in Bremer Bay...
Where I fished, snorkelled, surfed with my son....drove the Vitara along the beach,
enjoyed the sun, sand and friends...

We sat around, talked, drank, ate snacks....

Watched the kids roast marshmallows...and generally relaxed.
Its pretty relaxed around Bremer way....

I also caught up for the first time with an old pastor friend of mine, who I have caught up with 'online' but not in real life for over 20 years....It was really good.

Then we choofed off to Fonti's Pool for a few days of 'Edwards family time'. Clem and I spent a lot of our time in the natural waters of Fontis...and I taught Ruby a little bit more about swimming.
We ate a lot of Manjimup Cherries, and tried to stay out of the heat as much as we could.
Holidays are great...and really needed....but you cant stay there forever.

I don't know what it says about me, but towards the end, as much as I was enjoying the time, I felt a little purposeless. I don't think I could be a beach bum...or live in Bremer all my life...

Truth is, the anticipation of a holiday is almost as good as the holiday itself.
Today I have taken the afternoon off from a very busy week to get my fishing and other gear ready for a holiday in a beach location.
The rods, tackle, boogie board, sand board are all ready.
The Coleman Road Trip Grill is clean, and packed.
The new screen tent awaits its first use.

The kids are EXCITED DAD!

I have a lot of church work to do tommorow, and then Saturday...The Artisan Markets.

But right now, after slaving away in the hot Perth sun, cutting lawn, cleaning packing crates, getting the trailer ready...I am sipping on a cold Pilsner...and thinking how much better it will taste after a day fishing, swimming, surfing with my son, snorkling with my delightful daughter, and tasting the Harvey Beef cooked by my beautiful wife....

Bought my wife a fishing rod today, a Jarvis Walker 6 foot rod with ball bearing reel....for $19.99. On special, 30% off.
Its a decent rod, it will do the job well.
How do they make it that cheaply??

Spoke on 'Kairos' and chronos time today.
In Gideons life, God broke into normal time, and spoke into his life.
He called this scared, fearful guy...a 'mighty warrior'
Imagine being called that....by God!
But Gideon did not buy it, definetly a 'glass empty' sort of guy. He did not see himself as God did....

I wonder if God has a name, a designation...for me this year?
Something I need to take hold of..and believe?

I hope so...roll on 2010....its going to be a great year!

Hi to all who read this blog.
I wish you all a year of no regrets.
Of Opportunities taken
Of Kairos time broken into Chronos time in your life
Of a very real sense of the presence and knowledge of Jesus Christ in your life.
I hope for peace, healing, joy, hope and love for you this year.
If 2009 was a awful year for you, I hope you have a 2010 which exceeds all your expectations.