Moments

Sometimes it seems like life is a series of moments that can make one feel happy and contented or even sad and disappointed. Life can seem this way in the tough times, just a random series of moments. But we mustn't forget that all of our moments have a purpose, whether it be to point towards God and his sovereign will (in the tough times) or to rejoice in him for the good things in our lives (or the mountain top moments).

We must also not forget that God said to his people:" I will never leave you nor forsake you" , so that means that God never takes his hand of our lives even though it can sometimes mean enduring alot of pain. So the hard moments do have a place in our lives just as much as the good times.

Ready for battle!

This is me preparing for my first match at the Redcliffe College sumo wrestling championships. As you can see i have my mandatory eyes close pose that i have for all pictures.

Just out of interest, i won both of my matches in convincing fashion.

The Different Drum

A quote from a book i'm reading on the need for community. The context is group dynamics and it goes as follows:

Begin to appreciate each others' gifts, and you begin to appreciate your own limitations . Witness their brokeness, and you will begin to accept your own inadequacy and imperfection.Be fully aware of human variety, and you will recognise the interdependance of humanity.

My Little Friend

This is my little friend Lydia. She was born with only partial sight and can only really see black, white and shadows. However, she is the most beautiful and bright little girl i have ever met. Even at such a young age she has a zest for life and it's clear to see that she loves being around people.

The Road Less Travelled

At the moment I'm reading "The Road Less Travelled" by M. Scott Peck.I can't recommend this book enough. The main theme is that of spiritual maturity, but Peck writes that the process of growth takes pain and suffering, something we have the innate desire to avoid.

That is all i want to write about the theme of the book, however, i would like to share some of my favourite quotes from it:

A full life will be full of pain, but the only alternative is to not live at all

Genuine love not only respects the individuality of the other but actually seeks to cultivate it

This quote was taken from the health journal:beyond the norm, the context is miracles:

Perception of the miraculous requires no faith or assumptions. It is simply a matter of paying full and close attention to the givens of life.i.e to what is so ever present that it is usually taken for granted. The true wonder of the world is available everywhere, in the minutes parts of our bodies, in the vast expanses of the cosmos, and the intimate interconnectedness of these and all things...

Be Inspired!

Have just been to see the Movie "Amazing Grace". It's the story of William Wilberforce and his struggle with the Abolition of Slavery. You cannot fail to be struck by his compassion for the African slaves on the ships. Of course this compassion stemmed from a very deep Christian Faith.

These are the things that struck me while watching the film:

As Christians we have a responsibility for social reform . This means helping the poor, oppressed and down trodden.Proverbs 31:8 Says:

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves , for the rights for those who are destitute. Speak up and Judge fairly;defend the rights of the poor and needy.
As Christians we should be known for this.

When doing something right, we will meet opposition. Some of W. Wilberforce's strongest opponents were those who had a vested interest in the slave trade. But with persecution one should persevere like William did.

Go and see this film and be inspired!

A Year For Comebacks

Yet another one of my favourite bands are reforming this year, Crowded house. I assume the guy on the end is the new drummer (replacing Paul Hester who committed suicide in 2005). I have to admit that some of their lyrics are pretty strange, but the tunes are just great.

As far as i know they begin touring the UK in the summer, so i'll be sure to go see them live.