Did you get what you want this Christmas?

Top 10 worst Christmas gifts

1. Blow up doll
2. Brick
3. Can opener
4. Cellulite cream
5. Diet book
6. Dustpan and broom
7. Fly swat
8. Padded coat hangers
9. Paint brush
10. Socks and jocks

Haha for all the stats click here. It's a funny read.

The politically correct Christmas - what in the world?

'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck.
How to live in a world that's politically correct?
His workers no longer would answer to Elves,
Vertically Challenged they were calling themselves.
And labor conditions at the north pole
Were alleged by the union to stifle the soul.

Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety,
Released to the wilds by the Humane Society.
And equal employment had made it quite clear
That Santa had better not use just reindeer.

So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid,
Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid!
The runners had been removed from his sleigh;
The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A.

And people had started to call for the cops
When they heard sled noises on their roof-tops.
Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened.
His fur trimmed red suit was called Unenlightened.

And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows,
Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose
And had gone on Geraldo, in front of the nation,
Demanding millions in over-due compensation.

So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife,
Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life,
Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz,
Demanding from now on her title was Ms.

And as for the gifts, why, he'd ne'er had a notion
That making a choice could cause so much commotion.
Nothing of leather, nothing of fur,
Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her.

Nothing that might be construed to pollute.
Nothing to aim. Nothing to shoot.
Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise.
Nothing for just girls. Or just for the boys.

Nothing that claimed to be gender specific.
Nothing that's warlike or non-pacific.
No candy or sweets, they were bad for the tooth.
Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth.

And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden,
Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden.
For they raised the hackles of those psychological
Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological.

No baseball, no football; someone could get hurt;
Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt.
Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe;
And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.

So Santa just stood there, disheveled, perplexed;
He just could not figure out what to do next.
He tried to be merry, tried to be gay,
But you've got to be careful with that word today.

His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground;
Nothing fully acceptable was to be found.
Something special was needed, a gift that he might
Give to all without angering the left or the right.

A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision,
Each group of people, every religion;
Every ethnicity, every hue,
Everyone, everywhere, even you.
So here is that gift, it's priced beyond worth.
May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth.



Notice: This poem is copyright 1992 by Harvey Ehrlich.

Free to distribute without changes as long as this notice remains intact.

Christmas Safety :)

Make sure you take care this Christmas ok?

1) Hospitals reported 4 broken arms last year after cracker pulling accidents.

2) Three people die each year testing if a 9v battery works on their tongue.

3) Five people were injured last year in accidents involving out of control Scalextric cars.

4) Eight people cracked their skull in 1997 after falling asleep while throwing up into the toilet.

5) Eighteen people had serious burns in 1998 trying on a new jumper with a lit cigarette in their mouth.

6) Nineteen people have died in the last 3 years believing that Christmas decorations were chocolate.

7) Thirty one people have died since 1996 by watering their Christmas tree while the fairy lights were plugged in.

8) Fifty eight people are injured each year by using sharp knives instead of screwdrivers.

9) One hundred and one people since 1997 have had to have broken parts of plastic toys pulled out of the soles of their feet.

10) One hundred and forty two people were injured in 1998 by not removing all pins from new shirts.

11) Five hundred and forty three people were taken to specialists in the last two years after opening bottles of beer with their teeth.

Dumb and Dumber

It's become an annual winter tale: A young boy gets his tongue stuck to a metal pole, perhaps as the result of a dare.

This year, the scene straight out of the movie A Christmas Story unfolded on Tuesday morning in Boise with a boy of about 10.

Boise firefighters used a glass of warm water to free the unidentified boy from the metal fence pole, according to the Idaho Statesman newspaper.

Fire Captain Bill Tinsley says the boy's tongue was bleeding a little, but he was OK and allowed to continue walking to school.

read more here

For some or all?

Max Lucado, God Came Near
"Were it not for the shepherds, there would have been no reception. And were it not for a group of stargazers, there would have been no gifts."

Everyone has their place and purpose, everyone can be involved to some degree and measure. It is never a measure of intelligence, social standing, gender, race, occupation or possessions. It is more about having a unified, central focus...

Santa Names from around the World

Austria - Weihnachtsmann, Nikolaus
Belgium and the Netherlands - Black Pete, Christkind, Noel and Saint Nicholas
Brazil - Papai Noel
China - Che Dun Lao Ren
Denmark - Julemanden
England - Father Christmas
Estonian - Jouluvana
Finland - Joulupukki, Old Man Christmas
France - Pere Noel or le Petit
Germany - Weihnachtsmann, Nikolaus
Holland - Kerstman
Iceland - Jolasveinn
Italy - Babbo Natale
Japan - Santa Kurousu
Lithuania - Kaledu Senu
Mexico - San Nicolás, Santa
Norway - Julenissen
Poland - Star Man or Wise Men
Russia - Grandfather Frost (Ded Moroz), Dedushka Moroz
Serbo-Croation - Bozic Bata. Sveti Nickola
Spain - Three Kings
Sweden - Jultomten
Switzerland - Saint Nicholas, Chriskind

Salvation in Christmas

Matthew 1:8 - In a way, you can say that Mary received salvation, “Jesus living on the inside.” What was growing inside of her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

It’s so similar to our own salvation;

1. Mary had received the gift by faith – We receive Salvation by faith
2. Mary had not ‘known’ another man – We cannot have Jesus living on the inside by
knowing someone who is close to God.
3. It was God’s initiative – He plants faith in our hearts John 1:12
4. Mary was changed from the inside out – so are we.

From the birth of Jesus Mary’s life was then completely different. She was dramatically changed from the inside out. Everything she did was now with Jesus in mind. Here are some thoughts

1. Proclamation - She loved him – “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and
strength.” Matt 22:37
2. Provision - She looked after him - “what you do to the least of these you do to me”
Matt 25:40
3. Position – Jesus became the centre of her world – John 15:5
4. Possession – She became selfless – “It’s no longer I that live but Christ who lives in me.”
Gal 2:20
5. Personal – She kept Jesus close to her heart – “and all these things she kept close in her
heart.” Luke 2:51

Smiling till your face hurts

I spent the night last night at mum n dad's for dinner. Haven't caught up with them in a while so as always in true Walker tradition, we talked....ok ok, I talked, but everyone had fun. There are just so many random things that happen in my life which are so funny that you wouldn't believe it if you didn't see some of them first hand.

I was asked "Why when something's this year have been so bad, that you can still smile so much."

I said "Everyday I look in the mirror, show all my teeth and just smile like a stupid freak." :)

True, when your smiling at yourself you get to a point when you feel like such an idiot that you just start to laugh at yourself. Pull funny faces, stick your tongue out, play with your eyebrows and try to make them move. You'll laugh.

It's not cause your unusual, it's cause God made you just the way He wanted and when He sees you just living life, He smiles.

A parent always plays with the features of their kids, their nose, eyebrows, hair and so on. The little things about them make us smile. It's the same with God. So enjoy yourself in your own skin...God is.

Smart Food

Knowledge is knowing that Tomato is a Fruit,

Wisdom is never putting it in a Salad

You Know It's Time To Diet When....

Getting back into the gym and I found this...

1. You dance and it makes the band skip.

2. You are diagnosed with the flesh eating virus, and the doctor gives you 22 more years to live.

3. You put mayonnaise on an aspirin.

4. You go to the zoo and the elephants throw you peanuts.

5. Your driver's license says, "Picture continued on other side."

6. You ran away and they had to use all four sides of the milk carton for your picture.

7. You learn you were born with a silver shovel in your mouth.

8. You could sell shade.

9. Your blood type is Golden M.

10. You need an appointment to attend an 'open house'.

Water Vs Coke

WATER
1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.(Likely applies to half the world population)

2. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is mistaken for hunger.

3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as 3%.

4. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.

5. Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

6. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.

8. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%., and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer. Are you drinking the amount of water you should drink every day?

COKE

1. In many states the highway patrol carries two gallons of Coke in the trunk to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.

2. You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of Coke and it will be gone in two days.

3. To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl and let the 'real thing' sit for one hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china.

4. To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers: Rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of aluminium foil dipped in Coca-Cola.

5. To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion.

6. To loosen a rusted bolt: Apply a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.

7. To bake a moist ham: Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan, wrap the ham in aluminium foil, and bake. Thirty minutes before ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.

8. To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of Coke into the load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains. It will also clean road haze from your windshield.

maybe I need to re-evaluate my current coke consumption

Interesting

"if money doesn't grow on trees, then why do banks have branches?" Yolandi Grobler

A mile

Reminds me of some great sayings

- "walk a mile in there shoes before you pass judgment"
- "be kind, walk the second mile"
- "the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"
- "catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn"
- "there are 1.6kms in a mile"

- "just to be the man who walks a thousand miles to fall down at your door"

"la da da da, la da da da...."

Insanity with Perfection

Preparation

People have asked me in the past how it’s possible to worship lead, sing and play guitar at the same time; so here is my thought

It’s impossible to focus on all three things all at once; something will demand your attention more than the other. You will be in auto pilot for 2 out of the 3 and one will have the majority of your attention.

Think about when you are driving a car. When you first start out, it has your full attention. Then with practice you become more competent and confident in what you are doing, that you can listen more intently to the person talking to you, or the music that’s playing or even going over the list of things to do that you have already formed in your mind. When the traffic gets dangerous or the weather gets bad, you shift your focus to your driving because it is more important.

For me it’s the same with music. I can sing and play guitar at the same time while leading people into worship, but it comes down to a lot of practice. If I don’t know the melody of the song that well, it will be my main focus and I won’t lead as well. If I don’t really know the chords to the song, my singing might not be as good and my leading will suffer as well. I need to practice the songs so well that I can sing and play on autopilot allowing me to maintain my primary focus on God and seeing people enter into a place of worship themselves.

When worship is on autopilot, I know as a leader, I’ve fallen short on the best that others could have experienced. Practice takes time, effort and skill. If I have the basics right, I allow space for God to use me to do what He really wants to do, speak into the hearts of His people.

Quote of the day

"dreaming of a better world... where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned" Yolandi Grobler

Burning the toast

I had dinner last night with some old family down by the Strand. Throughout the conversation of the evening my Uncle John and Aunty Doreen began their little cheeky banta regarding cooking. They have an incredible knack for not only seeing the best in each other but also making light of each others "less strong" points to put it in Uncle John's words.

"Why check on the roast dear, just wait for the smoke alarm to go off.." was a comment made during the course of dinner. To an outsider, may sound like a terrible thing to say about your wife's cooking, but to see the warmth in which they smiled regarding the topic, one can understand there is a great story behind that comment and plenty of laughs to go with life.

In all things it's about relationships. Things go wrong in life, but if we can make light of each others short comings on things that aren't really that important in the grand scheme of things, it's easy to love, easy to forgive and easy to enjoy each others company.

The Real Question

Where is Jesus?

1. In front of me leading the way – John 8:12 “I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.” Light knows of the future and can illuminate what is to come while dispersing darkness that may cloud judgment and cause you to place a wrong foot.

2. Behind as my protection and guide – John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd and my sheep know me.” Shepherds walk behind the flock providing protection from a view point that sees all things.

3. Above me – Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” His ways are higher than mine. From a mountain top you can see where you are heading, the journey required and everything is placed in perspective

4. Below me – Psalm 40:2 “He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” In God I have security for where I am right now. A strong foundation so when storms come I will not be moved. Luke 6:48

5. Beside me – Proverbs 18:24. Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a brother. A true friend, bother and lover.

Jesus is always there. Like a friend or partner, they can be right next to you, walking along side you, sitting in the theatre with you, or even sleeping in the same bed as you, yet you can still ignore them

That never means they are not there, nor does it mean that they don’t love you, value you and care for you. He does.

It's the climb

Numbers 13:30-33 tells the story of a nation arriving at their destination, the promised land. After scoping out the land that was being given to them, they turned around and walked away to wonder the desert for 40 years until finally returning to give it another shot.

3 thoughts here.

1. It is possible to arrive at the correct destination without the character to actually plant yourself there. This re-enforces the saying, "It's not about where you are going or how fast you get there, but what you learn along the way."

2. The Israelites failed to go into the promised land inspite of having the promise from God because they lacked the faith to believe He was capable of doing it. Don't refuse the promises of God for your own life.

3. God has purchased the promise for us and He wants to give it to us. So when we arrive but make poor decisions and don't receive the promise, He is faithful and gracious to give us another opportunity to learn and to receive.

On the UP

"There is nothing wrong with going round the mountain... as long as you keeping taking the odd step up."

Stupid Quote of the Day

"Fiction writing is great, you can make up almost anything."
- Ivana Trump, on finishing her first novel

People are more important than Product

A great key in leadership to learn is that of relationships. Brian Houston puts it brilliantly; “The Leadership goal; to mix the focus & intensity needed to progress, with the spontaneity & adventure to keep it fun!” As a leader relationships work in two ways; your relationship with the people you are becoming like and your relationship with the people becoming like you. By being at Leadership College I’ve cultivated relationships with amazing leaders. Watching them and living in their pockets is positioning me in a positive atmosphere of growth, helping me to learn how to respond in different situations, achieving the vision and enjoying life in the process. However in my own life, this is an area I really want to work on. Often a persons talent can get in the way of them becoming a great leader. I am capable of getting the job done well myself but this does not grow the church. Leaders find the best in people , I need to allow others the opportunity to grow by releasing them to have a go.

I currently oversee the resource recording for my church. If I am the only person recording the messages on a Sunday the job might be done right but if something happens and I am not there on a Sunday the department fails because no one else can complete the task. I need to build a team by allowing others the opportunity to grow. This means I need to love people more than I love getting the job done right. Sometimes people will make mistakes and the product we are producing may miss the mark but if I am too controlling and never allow others the opportunity to grow, the team will never grow. This is the area I know I need to grow in the most. To become a great leader it’s important to take your talent out of the equation and love people. Having a genuine interest in seeing others fulfil God’s potential for their own life is the ultimate goal of a relational leader.

Relationships

A thought of mine while doing an assignment.

"As a leader you have two types of relationships. Those with people you are becoming like and those with people who are becoming like you."

Swine Flu Karma

There's an old saying "what goes around comes around..."

Someone should warn those little pigs, I'm havin a bacon burger for dinner tonight

:D

Thirsty much?

The human body is an incredible invention. Such an amazing and intricate design often has me just baffled at how God has just pieced it all together.

In Townsville the heat is back on and it's getting hot... dang hot, and I was reminded that the Human body can only survive about 3 days without water, got me thinking.

John 4:14 "Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

There is a wellspring in me that fills me to overflowing! A constant supply of the freshest, clearest water available. So why do I sometimes feel 'dry' thoughout the daily workings of life?

I suppose it is because I am not just a dead vessel that carries water, I am a living being. I require food, water and nurishment to sustain life physically, emotionally and spiritually.

So as much as I need to stop and take a drink on a hot day, I must be someone who constantly is taking a drink from the well.

3 days is enough to kill the human body, why would I go even a day without taking a drink from the source of life itself?

Just a thought.

Learning is knowledge with application

The old saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" has never really proven itself to be true. It is possible to learn many new things, however it is also possible to never take off the things in your life that keep you from success.

The guy who knows everything about exercise and nutrition could potentially still be overweight and unhealthy unless he removes the thoughts and habits that created that lifestyle in the first place.

Knowing how to become a better leader doesn't make you a better leader. For a husband might read many books on how to love his wife and lead a positive example for his children but without putting those life principles into practice he will never see any fruit of his knowledge.

Learning is knowledge with application

Fun of Life

"I'm having amnesia and Deja Vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before." Unknown

I read this comment and realise that true stories are always funnier than ones that are made up.

"Not all dumbs are blonde" - My mother. (AND YES I AM SERIOUS)

Join CLC!

My space

I've spent many hours over the last few days just sitting on the beach playing my guitar. In a world where sometimes things can seem to get on top of you, it's always good for you to just take some time and have "your space."

It's amazing how refreshed you feel and how your perspective can change on what is really important when your head space is clear.

Music is what really does it for me, you may be someone who reads, goes to the gym, watches a movie or heads off for a walk. Whatever it is, take the time for "your space" to keep your head space clear.

The "servant" or the "man"

I've been thinking more on the story of the "noteable woman" from 2 Kings 4 over the past few days. Later in the story the woman's son dies and she places him in the room made for the man of God and his servant. When the servant comes to see how she is she tells him "it is well," yet when the man of God comes she unloades her pain and pressure to him. Ultimately the man of God is used to bring the boy back to life.

Got me thinking, they are both representatives of God, yet there is a distinct difference between the two. The servant, while potentially a noble man of good character, is not the man the woman unloads too. He may be see as someone who "is busy" and is going to and fro getting things done, but is not someone who the woman can be on a personal level with. The man of God however is more personal with the woman and is let into her life on a deeper level.

The thought; sometimes throughout life I can be so busy "doing" things and caught up with the to and fro of life that I miss opportunities to be personal with people. While I may achieve a lot in my own mind, the potential is to be someone that others cannot relate too.

I would rather be someone that is perceived as a man of God; while things get done I still must make the time to be personal with people, genuinely interested in their lives.

Imagine how the story might have turned out if the woman never felt comfortable talking to the man of God about her problems...she would have lost something in her life of incredible value.

What are you building?

2 Kings 4:10 tells the story of a notable woman in Israel who is used to the prophet Elisha and his servant popping in and out for a meal. She determined in her life that having the man of God coming in and out of her life wasn't good enough so she build a room for him on top of her house so that when Elisha came he and his servant could stay a while.

I've discovered from helping my dad do heaps of renovations over the years that it takes 4 key things to build a room on your house; Time, Effort, Finance and Resource. Finance is required to purchase the right materials and pay the wages for the labour so that the room can be build and furnished; it takes money of the right currency.

The same is true in the spirit. If you want to build a room for God in your life, build a relationship with Him, it takes Time, Effort, Finance and Resource. The difference is the finance that is required isn't Australian dollars. It's not about how much you put in the bag or how much you transfer across the internet, it's about giving with a generous spirit and an attitude of faith. Faith is the currency of heaven. It's what you use to purchase the required materials for building a room for God in your life.

I'm a generous giver because I don't just want to build a dodgy old room with a beanbag and a hammock, I want to build God the best room, not just as a room, but the best room in my whole house. I want it to be made from the best materials, stacked up with a fridge full of Coke and Chocolate, chips and popcorn in the cupboard, a massive LCD TV with cable and free movies with the most comfortable couch and bed that money could buy! Furnish it with an en suite, whatever it takes to make it the best room in the house and give God no reason to ever need to leave!

By being generous with my money and living with an attitude of faith, I am investing and building the best room for God in my life, so He can live in a position of prominence and stay with me.

Don't have a cow man

According to American statistics from 2008, you are more likely to be attacked by a cow than by a shark.

The standards for milking cows must have dropped over the last few years.

What the?

I suppose this would be a good trick for those who like to make sure their food is dead before they eat it.

"SEKIU, Wash. (AP) — A woman said she was shot in the leg by her stove. Cory Davis told the Peninsula Daily News she had just stoked her cast-iron heating stove Sunday when she heard a loud bang and was struck in her left calf.

Davis said a case of shotgun shells spilled about a month ago at her home and one must have landed in the newspapers she used to light the stove.

She removed a metal fragment herself and was treated Monday at Forks Community Hospital. "

Do you love me?

"Regardless, they all demonstrated that the power of love is matched only by the power of the written word"

I've been thinking over the last few days of the significance of this line from my last post. I really wish I could find who wrote it. I find it so fascinating the manner in which they write about love letters in that the power behind the action is matched by the power of what has been said.

With people generally this isn't the case. We often hear

"our actions need to line up with our words", or

"I can't hear what you're saying because what you are doing is screaming so much louder," or

"Don't tell me you love me, show me!"

Why?

I believe that even though we are made in the image and likeness of God, we have all sinned and are fallen. So what we say has so much power, yet we often make the mistake of not being consistent between our action and our word.

How great is God that His love IS matched by His word. "God is not a man that He should lie." We read all about how much God loves us in His "LOVE LETTER" to us; the Bible.

The crazy thing is the love letter was written after the event. God told us how much He loved us, showed us how much He loved us, then Wrote how much He loved us...

Interesting thought, can't say I've ever done it in that order...

Thoughts on Love

From unknown

"Few human emotions are as powerful as love. Love is found at the center of world most beautiful art and its most poignant literature. It is lived in the heart of history's benevolent kings, enlightened scholars and despotic tyrants. It has been the cause and resolve of countless wars. Simply put, it is the most human of emotions.

Over the centuries, few things have captured that emotion like love letters. These personal notes connect lovers separated by great distances. They are, however, much more than mediocre correspondences. They are endearing and cherished mementos of passionate feelings deeply felt. They communicated the language of the heart.

Often, they captured the thrill of a new beginning. At other times, they expressed listless contentment and occasionally, they empathized the sorrow of love end. Regardless, they all demonstrated the power of love is matched only by the power of the written word.

What Inspires You?

"While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel on the road and instinctively swerved to miss it.... Thanks mario kart. " Amy-Clare Wolley

Stuff on Salt

Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt looses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot.”

We are called salt. Salt is a preservative; something that adds flavour and infuses itself into other foods increasing its taste. The salt used in Israel came mostly from the Dead Sea and was full of impurities, which caused it to loose its flavour. We are called to be Jesus disciples with the proof of being like salt. If impurities affect the use of salt, then impurities in my life will negatively affect my witness as a Christian disciple.

The great news! Salt can be purified by adding water and then heating with fire to burn off the impurities. Interesting; By adding the living water of God to my soul and allowing the fire of the Holy Spirit to “burn off” the impurities in my life that makes me more effective and flavoursome, purifies my soul.

Great thought...no
Great promise

Inspired Insanity

Well, thanks for all the ideas for songs to learn for my new venture as the wedding singer and master of ceremonies...

Here's the first sample :)



Seriously...my stuff will be up shortly :)

The New Wedding Singer?

I've had the awesome priviledge over the last few months to sing at a few weddings. I've been thinking, I should get a collection of songs together to practice so I can be better prepared and whip out a song 'off the cuff.'

Any thoughts on good songs to learn or old wedding greats I should definately know?

Here's a sample

How can fly's land on the roof upside down?

Can't remember where I found this but it was interesting

Think about this one...When the fly is heading for the ceiling, it's flying right side up. When it lands on the ceiling it is upside down. At some point along the way it has to flip over. But when? And Where? And How?

Scientists dispelled the prevalent theory, that the fly performed a fighter pilot-like barrel roll just prior to landing, by capturing this momentous event on film.
Freeze frames, from the high-speed cameras scientists used, proved that flies do not flip, but flop, as they land upon the ceiling. Prior to impact, the fly extends its forward legs over its head, makes contact, and uses the momentum it has gathered in flight to hoist the remainder of its body to the ceiling. Thus, the fly proves to be more of an acrobat, than of a fighter pilot practicing his manoeuvres.

Once the fly reunites all six feet on the ceiling, it keeps things dizzyingly exciting, by gracefully tiptoeing across the ceiling, securing itself by using sticky pads found under the two claws attached to each of its feet. It is because of these sticky pads and the hairs on the legs that the fly is such a carrier of disease germs.

Transformers...more than meets the eye

Discovered today that 1 million dollars worth of $100 notes only weighs 10kg.

I'm intrigued by the thought I can turn 10kg of plastic into a million dollars...

My transformers are so going in the oven when I get home...

2. The lady bug moves...

Something really significant that stood out to me with this picture is why I so quickly identified the lady bug but not the leaf.

1. The lady bug is much more mobile - is on the move so catches the eye faster

2. The lady bug is known for movement - everyone knows that ladybugs move and fly, so we are drawn to it because of its track record

3. The lady bug has a colour that sets itself apart from its background

3 things that will catch the eye of those looking at you as an example of how to live. Where are you going? What's your track record like? Is the presence of Jesus in your life something that distinguishes you from your backround?

Just a thought...

Perspective continued..

I wanted to leave these comments for a day because I thought the photo from yesterday was so beautiful. So many times I might see something that really makes me stop and I'm too quick to move on to something else, so I wanted to stop and enjoy - a lesson in itself.

Looking at yesterday's picture though I did realise that for the first few minutes I only saw the lady bug. It was prominent, probably more prominent that the leaf however not more significant. Ps James over the last week has taught on the difference and it's importance - one that really stands with this picture is

Prominence is where you are on people's stage
Significance is where you are in people's lives

"Better to lead a significant life than a prominent existence" Ps James

More on point 2 tomorrow

Perspective

This photo is cool. I saw this and just said, "wow, that's beautiful."

After a little while of just looking at it I realised that I had only really noticed the Lady Beetle, but the thing that makes the ladybeetle stand out so much is two fold;
1. The leaf the lady bug is on creates a backround and a contrast
2. The lady bug is moving

I'll post some more thoughts on this tomorrow...just enjoy the photo :)

From my early morning surf

"You will never win if you never begin"

The Legend Will Smith

Man of who?

Superman - Man of Steel
Leonardo Da Vinci - Man of both worlds
Max MAnus - Man of War
Austin Powers - Man of Mystery

There is something ingrained guys that push us and drive us to stamp our masculinity. We see another guy driving faster, or pushing more at the gym, or performing better in their job, marriage with their children and so on. Something in us always wants to be "the man."

In 1 Tim 6:11; Paul calls Timothy "You man of God." Not heard much in the NT at all but over 70 times in the Old Testament. It was always used in describing the man who carried the word of God, the prophet, the king, the leader, the annointed. David, Samuel, Samson, Elijah, Elisha, Moses and Joshua to name a few. Paul placed Timothy in such great company, why?

Timothy belongs to God. He didn't belong to the world, a business, a nation or even his wife, he was God's man. 1 Cor 7:22-23, "you were bought at a price, do not become slaves of men."

You're the man, not because you are better than the others, not because you tried so much harder, not because you can tough out the bad times; you're the man because you have a Dad that loves you and made you a man.

In every area of your life, family, work, play, you are never the man unless someone else calls you "the man." It comes from the recognition of others. When you say yes to Jesus, God calls you His man.

In this life and the next, "You're the man"

Great Idea

A great thought into making exercise fun. It is true that if you can make something that seems to be a task enjoyable, how much easier it becomes to do it.

Standing on Shoulders

There was a young Indonesian man who was 14 years old with no job. An Australian man took him under his wing and taught him how to work a saw mill. That young boy always said “one day I will pay back the Australians for what they have given me.” 50 years later, he is now a millionaire and has given a large amount of resource to Ronnie Heybour, who is the founder an manager of a great ministry in Borneo, working at an orphanage looking after close to 600 orphans. God put things in place years earlier to bless Ronnie in what he is doing now.

I looked at this story and began to wonder. This young man worked with an attitude of setting things up for the future. He was making a lot of money and I’m sure would have benefited from the blessing in his life, but he was also saving and setting himself up so that he could be a blessing to others in years to come, it was always at the forefront of his mind. That’s a wise man putting into practices the wisdom of God.

Then I looked at Ronnie Heybour’s situation. Ronnie is working in a ministry in Borneo where he is setting up the next generation too. He has the opportunity to be a faithful and good steward with what God has given him because what he is using the funds for. Though it may be a blessing to him right now it is also, through the wisdom of God, something that is about to bless the next generation.

What is happening in my life that is setting the next generation up for success? The person I am becoming, the ventures that I am looking into? Although I will be blessed through those endeavours, I should fix my mind “not on what is seen but what is unseen,” and through faith be setting up a great inheritance for the next generation. A platform for them to stand on so one day I can step to the side and say, “There you go son, do something great for the kingdom.”

Your Shop Front

The shop front would be the most important part of getting people into your shop. It doesn't really matter what is on the inside for most shoppers, if the outside is attractive, inviting, intruiging, and with people everywhere it sparks the interest of passers by to see what is going on inside. Once inside, people always make up their own mind on wether they want what you are offering or not, but at least they walked in.

Our shop front isn't just an issue of appearence. Character, Charisma, Integrity, Happiness are all aspects of a life which spark interest of others.

"Why are you always so happy and smiling?"
"How come you don't do drugs?"
"Daddy, why do you brush your teeth?"

They are all questions based on your shop front. The part of you that everyone see's. The bible tells us that Jesus changes us from the inside out. He looks at the issues of the heart and helps us to "become right" before we "do right."

The front of a shop will always show what it's selling on the inside. Even if at first it tricks you with better looking products on the outside than on the inside, it doesn't take people long to realise the ploy.

The bible says "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." Make sure you delivery truck is Jesus, bringing you heaven's best for your life. A daily delivery will give you the best looking shop on the inside and the outside, with plenty of great things for all those who walk through your door.

Public Youth Rocks!

Public Youth Rocks!

WOW

How can you encourage others to 'get wisdom'?

John C Maxwell points out 3 great factors in Navigating well by drawing on past experiences, listening to others, counting the cost for themselves and others and while doing this we should weigh up fact and faith.

Firstly, James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom if we lack, so we should seek God for it. To ask with faith, believing God gives good gifts to those who seek Him.

Secondly, would be to start small; be wise with decisions that only effect yourself. David slew lions before giants and Matt 25:21 encourages us to be faithful with the little we have been given. By starting small we gain positive experiences, risk less as the cost will not be as great and build up faith and trust in both God and others. When we establish good methods in our lives we provide a positive breeding ground for wisdom making it easier to choose wisely in larger, more costly circumstances.

Penny for a thought

From Steve Penny on Being Generous

"Recently we went out to dinner with friends and enjoyed a great night together. However when the meals were served they had forgotten one of the meals which the was served later than the others. One of our guests then started to demand some free extras to make up for the tardiness of the young waitress. It became embarrassing because her english language skills were not perfect. At this point I had to step in and stop the proceedings as it goes against my grain to be a beggar in life. I guess I then embarrassed my friends as I put a stop to the bartering. I believe a generous spirit person overlooks the lack in others. In this case the lack of service byhe young waitress. I sure don’t want them to remember me as the group who screwed them for freebies because they got our order wrong. Frustrating – yes. Opportunity to show grace – yes. Be the bigger person – yes. Give a word of encouragement – yes. But not leave a young woman feeling like she has paid a high price for a simple oversight in life."

Point A

Got the most amazing email via facebook today. Was just something that really encouraged me, here's a snippet

"When I first met you the person I saw in front of me was 'confident', 'smart', 'friendly', 'attractive' 'funny' and 'joyful'. And these things where my first impression of you."

They were speaking about how faith brings Joy. Ps Wayne Alcorn tells us that "Joy is the Fuel for the journey,"

Through so many of the difficult times I sometimes loose sight of who I really am and where I am really going and how I'm getting there. We all need a starting point, a place of reference so we can plan out trip from point A to point B. We have to know where point A is first.

It's great in life to define where point A is again. Even greater to find that the point A I am at now, is so much further down the journey than the first point A.

I'm growin and goin.

Grabbing Attention

“No one is more arresting than the person who breaks through his confining environment, seizes opportunities, overcomes all obstacles, and changes how the rest of us perceive, think and act.” James Burns

For them or me

Today at Leadership College we were learning about the differing styles of sharing the good news. There were 7 mentioned;

1. Confrontational
2. Intellectual
3. Testimonial
4. Relational
5. Invitational
6. Interpersonal
7. Servanthood

It’s been said that we should figure out the way were work best in sharing the message and develop. Great point, but it made me think and I believe God challenged me. To be all things to all men I should spend the time to develop myself in all the methods. I see these differing methods more as 7 different ways “others” need to hear it, not 7 different ways “I” could deliver it.

To me, now I see it is more important how they receive the message than how I deliver it.

Partnership

"The blueprint for your growth lies in the requests of your partner" - Harville Hendrix

It's a well timed saying "you are who you hang around" which always causes us to consider who we are partnering ourselves with.

Some have said in the past, "oh I don't need anyone else, I can do it on my own," truth is we were created for relationship, for partnership. We will always partner ourselves with something or someone, so we need to consider 2 key points.

1. Understand that we need partnership. If you ignore this fact you are not walking this life journey alone, just ignorant of who you are walking it with.

2. Make the decision of who you want to be. You will become like who you partner yourself with. You may not have the best work environment or the best family lifestyle, some people have even asked me from time to time if they should leave their jobs because of how bad the environment is. If we partner ourselves with Christ and allow Him to work in and through our lives, then He changes our environment through us.

The great thing with true partnership is that He is there for the long haul, we may make mistakes and feel like there's no point in trying, but Jesus is more committed to us than we are to Him. Don't walk life ignorant, make the choice and ge to know the one who is always beside you.

From a Friend

A friend of mine posted this quote on his facebook page today, thought it was very worthy of sharing.

"Knowledge is knowing that a Tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is knowing to NEVER put it in a fruit salad."

I like it!

Thought for today

Procastination Vs Laziness

"The only difference is a persons perception on which is more offensive...they are both one and the same."

K.I.S.S

Why is it we always seem to forget the simple things?

Amazing

Actually this is heaps RAD!

Electric Bat

Found this looking for weird instruments to play...

A thought from Marty Sampson

"its up to us who do care about God, even though we can be real selfish a lot of the time, to really care about what he's saying and today do the God thing, not the world thing..so look youre little brother square in the eye and tell him you love him, even if you're used to beatin him down like my big brother used to do to me (i'm just kiddin, but it still hurts)... and love your crew who arent tight with God.. it really changes things..

Love, so take what i'm sayin, and drop someone a line who isn't a christian, and tell em how good a person they are and how much you are pumped they are a friend of yours.. it could be one of the few 'someone loves me' moments in the day for them.. and they will feel good about themselves and buy you a coke the next time they see you... rewards... i'm just kidding.. but seriously.. flick someone a comment and tell em they're a good bloke, if they're a man.. or something..."

The Townsville 400

I had the priviledge of a cold lap at 4am this morning on the new Dunlop Townsville 400 V8 Supercar track! SO RAD

Light Sabers

Today I had the pure joy of workin with the Hot FM team in an outside broadcast. The balloon guys were there making animals for the kids and they made our day after making lightsabers for us! In the right colours, even down to Darth MAuls double red saber!

Hanging out on the median strip in Front of Civic video, we ended up havin a 3 minute fight scene with our balloons in the middle of peak arvo traffic! Hillarious!

Thought: Something as small as a balloon can just a little piece of Rubber. Filled with air or breath it brings a smile to those who posses it. But how contagious were smiles and laughs when we used them!

God has given us a vessel, filled it with His breath. For us we are greatful for life and can enjoy God. But how contagious is God and life when we live in a way that brings Him glory.
I'm sure we made many kids days today, simply by not worrying about what other people thought of us and simply enjoying the free gift we had been given.

I AM

I was regretting the pastand fearing the future.Suddenly, my Lord was speaking."My name is I Am."
He paused. I waited. He continued.
"When you live in the past,with its mistakes and regrets,it is hard. I am not there.My name is not "I was."
When you live in the future,with its problems and fears,it is hard. I am not there.My name is not "I will be."
When you live in this momentit is not hard. I am here.My name is "I AM."
By Helen Mallicoat

Holidays

Wow! I didn't realise it had been so long since I was blogging last! I've been on College holidays for 2 weeks now with another week to go. During the holidays I've been reflecting a little on how God has provided for me so far this year.

1. Got given a car in Feb
2. A mobile phone in April
3. Envelope with $250 in March
4. Envelope with $100 in May
5. Over 60 free meals
6. Free plane tickets

It's amazing how God provides for our very needs and wants. Matthew says not to worry about what you eat, drink or wear for God know we need these things. Put your trust in Him and He will not let you down.

"For God is not a man that He should lie, nor the son of man that He should repent."

Tonight's top ten list!

10 top things not to put together when doing a battle of the sexes "cook off"
10. Vegemite and milk
9. Green prawns and raw egg
8. Curry and Chilli
7. Rockstar and Chilli
6. "Up and Go"
5. Green eggs and ham
4. Hash and Brownie's
3. Gherkins and Chocolate sauce
2. McLeod's daughters and a sharp knife (run bulls run!)

And the number one thing not to put together in a battle of the sexes cook off!

A cup of flour, a cup of water, and Chiara

From July's WACA Roster

"Magic is something someone does for you; Miracle is something God empowers you to do" Ps James Macpherson.

The bible is loaded with examples of countless miracles performed through the hands of His people. The feeding of the 5000 is one of the most insane miracles ever performed. A small amount of food is blessed to provide nourishment for the masses all from 5 small loaves and 2 small fish. Matt 6 tells of how Jesus took the small that they had, blessed it and then distributed the blessing through their hands.

As the disciples distributed out of what they had, God blessed it and gave them more "to be a blessing." Here are two Thoughts on this:

1. God blesses people who give out of what they have: "He gives seed to the sower." God wants us to give out of the overflow of our heart, we need to be full of God so that we don't become burnt out and dry from doing the work of God. Remember the disciples took up 12 baskets full of broken pieces.

2. Position yourself around people in need. The food stopped multiplying when the people were satisfied. God will continue to bless you and your possessions when you are in a position to bless others with what you have. Think of the old widow with the small amount of oil left in a jar. As she poured the oil out it kept flowing until all the jars she had were full, then the oil stopped.

Let's be a team that continually gives out of the overflow of what God is doing in our lives and position ourselves around people who we can bless for the glory of God.

"It's all about PEOPLE"

Who are you

My senior pastor reminded me today, "It's not what you have, the better question is what are you doing with what you have.."

It's a great thought. I've met many people throughout life's journey already that I thought were the most talented people I've ever met, then you see them 10 years down the track and they haven't really done much with everything they had going for them.

Sometimes I reflect on my own life and think the same thing, "10 years Chad and this is all you have?"

It's in that moment that I realise just what I do have. I might not be where I want to be, but praise God I'm not back where I once was. I haven't yet fullfilled the expectation, but praise God He has allowed me to take another step...

Focus

"He who would do some great thing in this short life must apply himself with such a concentration of his forces as, to idle spectators, who live only to amuse themselves, looks like insanity." - John Foster

Sign of Greatness

You know you've made it big when people say...

"If C.S Lewis burped, I'd buy it..." Ps James Macpherson of Mr Lewis.

A clear sign of greatness....

I wonder what people would do if I belched...

Success is productivity blessed by God

A small section of Ps James Macpherson's notes from today's staff meeting.

2 Corinthians 9v8-10
"And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written; 'He scatters abroad, He gives to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.' He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supplu and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness."

Success is the result of planning, hard work and follow through. The scripture promises that God will give supernatural help to the sower. God can bless our productivity but not our laziness.

"Plant a thought; harvest an act

Plant an act, harvest a habit

Plant a habit, harvest a character

Plant a character, harvest a destiny"

One Way

A new video which features popular talk show host Oprah Winfrey denying Jesus as the only way to God has received over 5 million views on several reporting video sites including youtube. It was posted on June 2nd but since been removed due to violation of site policy.

During the video, viewers are shown a clip of a previous show where Oprah blatantly denies Jesus as the only way to God. "How can there be only one way to heaven or to God?" Oprah asked the audience. When asked by a woman in the audience, "What about Jesus?" Oprah responded, "What about Jesus? There couldn't possibly be one way."
As the video is no longer able to be viewed, I cannot say that everything mentioned in the article is truth, however, the startling truth remains "that out of the heart the mouth speaks."

There is only way way to heaven. The reason for that is there is only one God; one God in heaven. If we do not have relationship with Him, why would we expect to be able to live with Him?

You would not expect to live in the house you do with your spouse or your housemate if you did not have relationship with them and the bible is clear. Sin has seperated us from God, and we do not have relationship with Him. Jesus came and made a way for us to get back in relationship with God. There is no other way.

You can read the full article here

Thursday Thoughts

Matt 16:17-20

17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter,[c] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[d] will not overcome it.[e] 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be[f] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[g] loosed in heaven." 20Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

The disciples had the revelation from God that Jesus was the messiah, so why in verse 20 is Jesus so adamant not to reveal who He is to anyone else?

If I look in the previous verse, Jesus says "I will" in a tense meaning it has not yet happened. The disciples had not yet received the power and authority.

Jesus spoke to them at the end of the gospels to wait to receive power from on high to be His witnesses because at this time they did not have the power to accompany the revelation. They were witnesses to Christ death and resurrection, not just to the fact that he was.

But now today! We have overcome by the blood o the lamb and the word of our testimony. The work of Christ in our lives accompanied with the power of the Holy Spirit, we now are a witness to the love and grace of God.

One Wobbly Wheel

June 4th 1939 - The first shopping cart was introduced by Sylvan Goldman in Oklahoma City, OK. It was actually a folding chair that had been mounted on wheels.

Suprising to see how the world has changed in 70 years; and to what extent it has stayed the same.

A folding chair on a set of wheels was a great assistance and novelty to many around the world and has seen many facelifts over the years to become what it is today.

The suprising thing is I can still not buy a decent fold up chair let alone a trolley where the wheel doesn't act like a possessed ferret! God help us if the wheel problem continues for another 70 years!

One Sweet Day

Today I got to try a range of differring Rockstar products. I must admit I am a fan. The only ones left to try now are the 3 in the coffee range; might have to order these from Melbourne or Sydney.

I am committed though, and when I have completely tried the range and bought the Rockstar T-Shirt and Hoodie, then I can truly say

"Been there, got that T-Shirt"

Moving on might be harder though; is there a Rockstar's annonymous group?

Great Afternoon

I sat at Gloria Jeans this afternoon with some great friends, really enjoying a nice coffee after an early knock for the day.

There was so much on my mins at first, with assignments, cash flow, work, family...the whole deal, so to sit and just "hang" really took some effort.

Sad really to think about. How can someone be so used to being too busy, tired and run down; that at the first time of "nothingness" they want to sleep because they are deprived, or sit feeling guilty about all the things they think they should be doing with this time.

Truth is, this time is vital. Without it, our reasoning skills are useless, we build no relationship and just become a walkng encyclopedia of totally random and uselss fact..

Go figure

Life Expectancy

I was looking up some information regrading the country of "Chad" today.

Population 10,111,337 (July 2008 est.)
Estimated Population in 2050 33,261,731
Current Life Expectancy 48.86 male, 52.98 female.

48 years! It caused me to take a look into my own life. While fastly approachin 28, I have sometimes considered the thought "have I missed something? Is it too late?"

But to realise, with the life expectancy in Australia creeping into the 80's, there is far more time than I realise for me to achieve some of what I have set out to do.

The contrast is in contrast, scary and challenging. With their life expectancy barely double our own, what am I doin to help? Should I do anything at all? There are always people saying "we have enough poverty in our own country, we don't need to help anyone overseas!"

Provides and challenging conversation starter, do we help out those in need overseas? The bible says that the poor and needy we will always have with us, so with all the effort we put in, we will never fix the problem of poverty? So do we try?

Yes. The poverty we will always have with us, true, but making a difference in the life of just ONE, would value my own life to its highest potential...that I sacrifice and go without for the sake of another.

Whether it's in Australia or abroad a life is a life and we do whatever is profitable to impact that life for the glory of God.

Brain Teaser for today

What is at the beginning of eternity, the end of time, the
beginning of every end, and the end of every place?

Answer tomorrow :D

Parental Potential

I can imagine being a dad. To be honest with you I can't wait for the opportunity. The great responsibility that rest on your shoulders though to raise another life can be a little daunting. Thank God that He gives us wisdom when we seek it.

Our children become the fruit of our lives and the decisions we make in how we cultivate that fruit will always have an effect on it condition. I thought this add served a great double meaning.

1. They were given the opportunity to have life - Gift of Life
2. They were raised in an opportunistic environment - Gift of Love

Culture

There's a lot to be said for the way a vision effects the culture of an organisation. What you set yourself on will alter your behaviour, you become the person you set out to be, even if you say "Well I've never set out to be anything" you will acheive it.

Thought this vid really captured that thought :)

waste not...want not

A man who views the world the same at fifty as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life. Muhammad Ali

Value of a Life

Kerryann Louise Filipek is one of our champion local girls here in Townsville, with a very real challenge at her door, her father is dying of cancer.

One of the seemingly ever increasing cases around Australia today, reminds us of how important a life truly is and how little it costs us to lend a hand where we can and receive help when we really need it.

For my facebook friends, you can join the cause Here, or simply become a bone marrow donor if you are not already. I am one of the few on the Bone Marrow registry and they are always looking for more donors.

Something to think about...

Discipline of Faith

Discipline - Controlled behaviour resulting from disciplinary training; self-control.

Controlled behaviour, what an interesting thought. If I make a decision and then allow my decision to influence my behaviour, then I am controlling my behaviour and acheiving what I set out to do.

Here is a great article on discipline. It's in regards to physical training, although it prompts a whole range of thoughts and Idea's. For example;

"I can’t just train for three months to do a show and take the rest of the year off. This is why most people could never do what we do. Most people don’t have the discipline that we have. "

It's a challenging thought. Is my life of faith one I work really hard at for a little while and then slack off? What kind of person am I becoming by doing that. These hard core body builders have their minds set on achieving their goals with no compromise. They daily build on the strong foundations they have set in place and are painfully aware of the consequences of "taking it easy"

The same can be said for a life of Faith. If we lack the discipline to daily exercise our faith, how can we expect to build anything of significance for God in our lives?

Living in the discipline of faith is not difficult and the small steps of faith will build quickly into larger leaps. Here are some tips to building super strong faith.

1. Be obedient
2. Tithe
3. Pray
4. Evangelise - "we have overcome...by the word of our testimony" (The book of the Revelation)
5. Seek out opportunity

Inconceivable!

I've not really been a follower of AFL until this year. This guy is unbelievable though!

On the road again

The amount of time people spend on average travelling is 1.1 hours a day, with the world's worst traffic jam occurs during the summer on the road from Paris to Toulouse, France. The 2000 record of 604km was well beaten in 2001 when holiday makers jammed up for 661km. Reminded me about the importance of enjoying the journey.

John Cameron from Arise Church in Wellington in NZ, used to get caught in traffic jams frequently (too many sheep crossing's I suppose.) So John always travelled with a notebook filled with his favourite scripture and would use the time to memorise the Word of God. What a great idea! The best way for me to enjoy the journey and not get caught up with the pressures and stresses of life is to fellowship with God.

If you were sitting in the car with the hottest girl/guy you've ever met and were having an awesome conversation, you wouldn't really care about the traffic. Actually you would probably thank God for the extra time! She's trapped! I've got her! Seriously though, if it is then more about who I am with then what I am doing, it makes sense to include God in every aspect of my life.

No one loves me like God loves me.

Something From Sunday

Healthy living

"who of you by worrying can add one cubit to your stature" Matt 6:27

It's a great scripture that has always been on the forefront of my mind. Preventive Medicine Research Institute and the University of California, San Francisco, published a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showing that changing your lifestyle changes your genes

It relates to a substance in our bodies known as "telomeres." Telomeres are the ends of our chromosomes that control how long we live. As telomeres become shorter, then cells age and die faster. Likewise, healthy living, diet, adequate sleep and excercise have the reverse effect making the telomeres longer.

Same can be said for the spirit. Exercising your faith, feeding on the word and getting adequate rest in God will help you to live a much stronger life in faith in Jesus Christ.

"I have come that you might have life and have it to the full" John 10:10

My favourite fluids

They used to tell me

"You are what you eat"
"You get out what you put in"
"The man makes the clothes"

Let's hope one of these is true :)

What are you asking for?

Two hunters are out in the wild hunting, when out of nowhere, one of the hunters falls to the ground. The other hunter checks if he's breathing, but there's no sign of life, so he calls 911:

"Please! Help me! I think my friend is dead!"the operator says: "ok, ok, calm down, first, make sure if he's dead". After a short moment of silence, a gunshot is heard, then the frantic hunter says: "ok, now what?!"

Scent of Success

The company Chanel claims that every 30 seconds, somewhere in the world, a bottle of Chanel No 5 is sold. You can see the full story here

It makes an interesting thought, a single bottle of perfume created in 1922 is sold in greater demand than ever before, in more stores around the globe and has set the Chanel name up for a very long period of time.

Reminds me of another bottle of perfume in an alibaster jar, that was smashed on the feet of Jesus. Matt 6:13 "Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

She is remembered more for what she did with what she had, rather than what she spent her life creating... Just a thought.

Leadership

Theodore Hesburgh:
The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision.

Great leaders often take a path not yet travelled for the sake of the ones to follow. They know where they are going and don't go there alone. They take others with them, leaving a legacy for others to walk along and make it possible for them to extend the journey far beyond that of themselves.

Bright and Balanced

I had a friend leave me a nice email yesterday. They had been sifting through the collection of posts I've left over the last couple of months and were rather humoured.

"Some days it's really full on and deep, yet other days you are fully random"

I've been learning about becoming more balanced. Breaking up the seriousness of life. It's important to be on the move in life, heading towards a goal and achieving a purpose, however the balance is in giving yourself little commercial breaks, finding something to laugh about or creating little moments for yourself.

A random moment of my own, I was travelling from the Gold Coast back to Brisbane in a bright, yellow, convertable VW Beetle. The sun was shinning on the way down to the coast, then it rained all the way back from Nerang to Brisbane. The problem was I forgot to bring the canopy expecting it would be a sunny day out! To add to the event, I got every red light possible on the way back to Brisbane! Cars with small children were pointing and smiling at the funny looking couple in the bright, yellow covertable, windscreen wipers working madly.

What could have been a stressful time, worrying about damage to the car, the fact that I was soaking wet and what everyone else thought, ended up quite different. I thought it was hilarious. I took the time to laugh, saw my situation as a little ranom, smilied at waved at all the spectators of this ridiculous event.

I'm sure it was the main topic of conversation for many that night.

There is always a choice to react or respond. Always a choice to stress or to smile.

What you loose in saving face

Saw this picture during a surf session...

Thought:

Sometimes I strive so hard to save something that is seemingly valuable only to find I completely fall apart in the process. Learning to let go might mean that somethings fall apart around me, but I stand knowing that I am still becoming the best I can be.

If the things around me and my possessions dictate what I am, then I am hollow and will eventually fall apart. However, if I am a man of substance "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

...

LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.

Brain Stretch

Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia - the fear of long words. I didn't know this until today, but this is a noun that is definately causing me some stress!

Another word I found amusing today was Hippophobia - the fear of Horses. Go figure.

A Tip for Life

The word "tip" is related to coffee (how very appealing to me.) It comes from old London coffeehouses where the waiters' brass boxes were etched with the inscription, "To Insure Promptness," no explaination required. In fact, it was in one such coffeehouses which belonged to a Mr Lloyd that a few cargo insurers got together to start the Lloyd's insurance company, one of the largest in the USA.

Bach wrote a coffee cantata in 1732, the founding fathers of the U.S., during the revolution, formed their national strategies in coffeehouses and in the old days in Constantinople, the first coffeehouses were called qahveh khaneh (schools of wisdom) because they were the meeting places of men of arts and literature.

Today I also had a very profitable conversation with a local member of parliment over a cup of coffee...sounds like we may be on to something...

Sanity in letting go

"If I am willing to let go of the past without trying to change the unchangeable, and accpet the future without hoping to control the uncontrollable, I will be able to live now, which is the only time I have for living" David Augsburger

International No Diet Day

This is a worldwide event raising awareness of the health risks associated with weight-loss diets, body image and self esteem.

It's all about feeling comfortable in your own skin, so grab an extra Tim Tam with your coffee, skip the gym and remember it's not what you look like that defines who you are. Beauty is for a moment but character, integrity and tenderness of heart last for a lifetime...

"I do's" and dont's

I've been asked to be an MC for a friends wedding in September and as a result have been madly surfing the internet for ideas tips and protocols.

Found this story today and thought you would enjoy.

"I was at a wedding reception where the Best Man in his speech was explaining how the couple met (the Groom and Best Man had been on holiday together). 'We saw these two women ... tossed for them .... and he lost'.

No one laughed!"

Loving on Love

Was thinking this week about the 5 love languages from the viewpoint of how I treat other people in my life and God dropped something on me. I said "I love you God" to the Lord and suddenly recognised that as words of affirmation...cause God said, in what other ways do you show me you love me....was a cool thought, check this out.

1. Physical touch - Touching the heart of God, raising my hands in worship...loving on the poor and needy "what you DID for the least of these you did to me. Fasting, by denying my flesh I build my spirit, less of me meaning more of Him in my life.

2. Words of Affirmation - Telling God we love Him, singing praise and worship, speaking with love to one another, speaking out God's promises and declaring His goodness to us and preaching the gospel to all man.

3. Acts of service - Helping the poor, needy, widows, children, lending a hand, offering my life as a servant to the Lord and as a tool for Him to use in all things.

4. Quality Time - Spending time reading the word, praying, worshipping Him. Telling Him what is on my heart and listening to what is on His heart.

5. Giving - Tithes, offerings, giving to the poor, needy and widow.


Just thought these were cool thoughts…

Driving Your Spouse Mad

In Memphis, Tennessee, a woman is not to drive a car unless a man warns approaching motorists or pedestrians by walking in front of the car that is being driven.

SPOILT

Tonight was SPOILT! A night were we bless all our lovely ladies by provding an environment o lesiure where they can sit back, relax, unwind and be SPOILT ROTTEN!

There was an insane amount of ladies at the Calvary Centre tonight and although we had an army of men dedicated to making the night a memorable pleasure, we were definately overwhelemed by the numbers.

Tonight I sang Jazz in a 4 piece band with Ryan "Mr Solo" Ward (Electric Guitar), "G Funk Daddy" (Bass) and "The Sticks" Ian Northey.

Was a really incredicle night and a great testament to the effort of all those who planned, prepared and pampered. Great Job to all!

There'll be some photo's floating around for sure very shortly, keep your eye out ;)

Pig Hunting

My best mates are really into bowhunting pigs at the moment. Just hoping they never run into something like this one. Found at the Roy Hill Station in WA near Pilbara...I'd want more than a bow as a weapon....and some wet wipes

Kids

All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Also reminds me of a female commedian who always say " we have 5 children! BUT - we are committed, we're going to keep trying until we get one we like!"

From the May edition - Calvary Creative Arts Roster

Being a part of the creative arts team gives us the awesome privilege of ministering to the church both behind the scenes and on platform. As servants of the house we naturally become leaders in some way, as Jesus told us in order to lead others we must serve.

One top quality of effective leadership is personal warmth, our ability to get along with others. As a team, we are brilliant encouragers and always uplift each other, which becomes easy to see as more and more people become a part of the creative ministries. Personal warmth attracts people.

From this position of influence and leadership our personal warmth builds something greater again, other people. “Great people are those who can make others feel that they, too, can become great.” – Mark TwainWarm people are approachable, easy to talk to, genuinely interested in others lives and believe in God’s best for them.

The warmth of our team encourages others to live victorious lives through faith in Jesus and that is one thing that will contribute to the continual growth of God’s house.

“IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE”

With what spirit 2

I always find it interesting that I might do something, which I think is the right thing to do at the time, however the response I get isn't quite what I was expecting. Always a great thing to happen though as it really tests the heart in which you did it to start with. Found this great example today.

There was a man who worked for the Post Office whose job it was to process all the mail that had illegible addresses. One day, a letter came addressed in a shaky handwriting to God. He thought he should open it to see what it was about. The letter read:

Dear God,
I am an 83 year old widow, living on a very small pension. Yesterdaysomeone stole my purse. It had $100 in it, which was all the money I had until my next pension check. Next Sunday is Christmas, and I had invited two of my friends over for dinner. Without that money, I have nothing to buy food with. I have no family to turn to, and you are my only hope. Can you please help me?
Sincerely,
Edna

The postal worker was touched. He showed the letter to all the other workers. Each one dug into his or her wallet and came up with a few dollars. By the time he made the rounds, he had collected $96, which they put into an envelope and sent to the woman. The rest of the day, all the workers felt a warm glow thinking of Edna and the dinner she would be able to share with her friends.

Christmas came and went. A few days later, another letter came from the old lady to God. All the workers gathered around while the letter was opened. It read:

Dear God,
How can I ever thank you enough for what you did for me? Because of your gift of love, I was able to fix a glorious dinner for my friends. We had a very nice day and I told my friends of your wonderful gift. By the way, there was $4 missing. I think it must have been those thieving bastards at the Post Office.

A White Knuckle Christmas

An elderly man in Miami calls his son in New York and says, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are getting divorced. Forty-five years of misery is enough."
"Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams.
"We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the old man says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her," and he hangs up.

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone, "Like heck they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this." She calls her father immediately and screams at the old man, "You are NOT getting divorced! Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME!?" and hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. "Okay," he says, "They're coming for Christmas and paying their own airfares."

Golf amongst other insanities!

I played a round of Golf this afternoon with some freinds from Calvary for our "Ambrose Golf Day Challenge." I failed to win any awards, which is fantastic in a way as "shortest drive" and "worst score on a single hole" we up for grabs, so I was thankful not to take those out.

It's amazing how taking a single month off can really damage an already poor game. It may take 9 holes to get into the swing of things again, by which time you have finally hit that "miracle shot" which you have waited your whole round to hit. 9 holes has always been a tease for me. It becons me on to another 9 after which I feel terrible as my performance won't seem to improve much at all.

It made me think, how many things do I do in life, that I begin to get good at, or I have a good performance once or twice, giving me the confidence or motivation to go on. So many times I might throw something away because "more often than not" I am not performing well. I need to get some golf character about myself. If I live for the best stroke on the course and only look at the other strokes in terms of how I can improve, why wouldn't I look at life the same way.

Just a thought

How would you cast?

Is this the new simpsons movie to hit our screens soon! I wonder if Lisa would play the Oracle instead of Marge, Mr Burns should definately be the architect, the jury is definately out on who would have that pivitol role of Trinity...and what of Morpheous??

Kids

Just got the best link

Check it out

Much more to see on this site too...one for the Favourites

In the deep

I had the absolute priviledge of being asked to MC a close friends wedding later this year. Being the excitable, puppy-like, (I swear a little bit of pee came out. Monica-Friends) I said yes without haste!

Now the challenge begins, what to say, how to say it, what do I do, what don't I do....flip it's not even my wedding!

In every God given opportunity though, the answer is always "Yes" and then I'll stretch and grow, laugh, scream and bash my head against the wall until I can say..."It is finished." That's how I become a bigger man. Take on the task and the responsibilty to complete to do whatever it takesto complete it.

Brain Teaser #61

There is a low railroad bridge in your town. One day you see a large truck stopped just before the underpass. When you ask what has happened, the driver tells you that his truck is one inch higher than the indicated height of the opening. This is the only road to his destination. What can he do to get through the underpass the easiest way?

For answer click here

Steps of Faith

Tithing is hard when you don't earn a lot. You look at the small you have and think, "If I give away this, I definately won't have enough to get through the week."

But the thought dawned on me this morning while praying. My tithe adds to the house, to the total that is taken up, which is then used in turn to help so many needy people. Even beside that, my tithe is used in such a way to introduce people to Jesus as He provides a way where there is no way.

My faith changed from just tithing and being faithful that God would provide, to tithing and being faith filled that my small, will be turned into large! From that, well nothing is impossible with God.

Small steps of faith is like going to the Gym daily. You want to be a massive muscle man, you have to overcome small resistance everyday. Same with Faith, by tithing, I overcome, daily.

Nailed to the cross

Is being nailed to a cross in this day an age something that ridicules Christs' sacrifice, or is it an experience that brings people closer to Christ with an understanding of what He went through? 3 men and a woman were voluntarily nailed to a cross yesterday in the Phillipines.

Check here for the full story

Good Friday Thought

For good Friday this year I was asked to build 3 crosses for the church. They were used as a visual prop so we could put a nail into the cross as a representation of being nailed to the cross with Christ.

I was priviledged to be asked until half way through when I realised I am a terrible carpenter. Had the idea in my head right however my ability to produce a top quality product was far from superior. Actually my ability to be a walking, workplace health and safety nightmare was very aparant.

Well let's put it this way, the old, rough cross definately looks....well, rough. I can say that I have truly bleed for the cause too. The injury tally was a large split on my right foot (the crosses weigh in at about 44kg) so that took a piece of me and left it on the cross, with a small blood stain, plus many bruised fingers.

Well, now I know that we use our gifts to the greatest benefit of the house! They wanted an old rough cross, well they came to the right man!

Is your Rabbi HOT?

What is the world coming too! When I first read this article I was thinking, "How can you tell Rabbis apart anyway? Don't they all have long, black beards and that little cosy thing on the back of their heads?

Thinking it was a joke I re-read the article to discover it is not the first time they have held the "Hottest Rabbi" competition, rather it's the third competition in a row!

For the full details check the story out here.

If you need to throw up afterwards click here

All About People

A holy man was having a conversation with God one day and said, ' God , I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.' God led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles, that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. God said, 'You have seen Hell.'

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, 'I don't understand.' It is simple,' said God . 'It requires but one skill.

You see they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves.'