Seeing things differently

 Community  1 Response »
Aug 142010
 

Cheryl and I really enjoy our canoes. A lot of people ask us whether we think they are worth having? Our answer is , “Absolutely!”

The reason we think having canoes particularly worthwhile is a little different to what you might think.

The reason we love our canoes is because they enable us to see things differently.

Do you know what Freshwater Bay or the Grenough River or even the Cottesloe pylon looks like from on the water? Not in it but on it? We get an entirely different perspective from our canoes than walking on the bank or stopping at a lookout.

I appreciate this different perspective when it comes to thinking about where I live, who I should vote for, what “normal” really is or what God thinks about things. A different perspective opens my mind, I live in a culture. That culture is far more closed than you or I might think.

As i was writing this post from my canoe i literally bumped in to the fella fishing from the bank. Looked up and there he was, big wide grin, Get a canoe for an entirely different perspective,

Busy, Busy, Busy

 me  No Responses »
Aug 132010
 

This is our first holiday without children.

It’s overcast and windy and Port Denison isn’t a very “doing” place. It’s interesting how much internal pressure there is to do something!

People come in and out of the beachside caravan park where we are staying; they’re doing something! Is there something wrong with people who don’t want to do something? Is there something wrong with me?

Cheryl and I have decided to be militant about not doing. It is good to dwell, read, drink coffee, toddle down to buy the milk, read, snooze. It is okay! Boy, it takes some discipline though.

Here we are reading in the areas of our own special interests (Ha! Ha!). Actually, Cheryl bought the book I’m reading and it is fascinating. She is reading, what I call, her “fourth love” after Jesus, me, and the kids.

Paula Gooder Looks Like a Good One

 Church  No Responses »
Aug 122010
 

I met Dr Paula at a recent Diocesan Missions Conference. What a lovely lady. Her academic passion is the Apostle Paul. What a joy to meet a bright, well credentialled, woman who likes Paul. She reckons he’s greatly maligned and a great liberator of men and women.

Paula took a bible study on 1 Peter at the conference. She is whitty, funny and makes her point with a lightness and inclusivity that people who love God and the Bible seem able to do.

If you want to read a book on Paul that will open your eyes and mind to the possibilities of faith in Jesus and the liberty of a life of faith give Paula’s book a try.

See http://www.gooder.me.uk/

What to Read On Holidays?

 Community  No Responses »
Aug 122010
 

Well Fellas, this book is a must. My beloved purchased it several years ago and there were lots of ahahs and giggles as she gobbled up chapters like Just Do It!, Laundry Gets You Laid and Get That Thing Away From Me!

This is a his and hers book written by a renowned therapist and while balanced is friendly to the males challenge to communicate and express feelings in this most sensitive of areas for many couples.

You don’t need to fear this book. It’s style names the elephants in the room without taking sides and in doing so gives hope for understanding and personal growth.

As I sit here on holidays and read this book I feel heard and understood at the same time. It is also a terrific source for conversation between couples for whom sex has become at best a danger zone, at worst a just don’t go there.

Three things to remember….

 Family  3 Responses »
Jul 292010
 

It’s been a week in which friends I know have experienced major setbacks. Just normal life tribulations but major setbacks for their health, family or work.

Last Sunday I spoke about the fact that “trouble must come” and shared my personal response to these confusing, often shattering experiences. This week I have really been tested on the convictions I’ve gleaned from the bible and practiced in life.

I’m pleased to report that these three principles have stood firm in this weeks storms.

They are: as a Christian;
•Determine to keep your focus on Jesus – I do this by reading and remembering what be said and did, especially in trouble. I remember and choose not to forget Jesus promise and example.

•Share your experiences and troubles with reliable people who will pray with you and for you consistently. Don’t leave people and situations to chance, prayer pushes people and situations into the path of Gods blessing.

•Relinquish the desperation to control to Jesus – there is a mysterious truth; having given our concerns to Jesus, we must leave them there, if we are to know his transformation in our lives and the lives of our families and circumstances.

These things are simple but hard to do. They are what faith is about and they have brought me closer to God. Talk about it and try it, you may well be surprised what happens to you.

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