I am spazzing out now. My routine for so long has been to take every Sunday and use it to go to Church in the morning, have lunch with my wife at a South Perth cafe, spend some time alone, and then spend about 2 hours between 2 and 4pm in a cafe writing. It was a time when I could be in my own zone. My mind would be oriented on the important things. I would write anything that came to mind. Much of the poetry and creative essays about justice in this blog came from those cafe times.
However, a nearly two months ago our car was damaged in an accident and we have been car-less while it is in the panel beaters getting fixed. So, what has happened? Sundays are spend at home or in the city. I can't write creatively at home. I miss my church and I miss my cafe.
The good thing is, the car will be returned within two weeks. Our zhangziggy. Freedom will be restored. Creativity will flow.
Work is going great. I love the things I am learning. I am currently assigned to two clients. I am doing a Business Process Improvement at one, and a Gap Analysis at the other. One is a government company, the other is an engineering company. What one do you think I like most? The engineering of course. Government agencies were a shock to me. It almost seems as though work ethic is non-existent. Send me to the resources sector any day.
Anyway, time to work. Catch ya'll soon.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Cry for Indonesia. When will justice be served?
I am absolutely outraged. Some of you may be aware of the atrocities committed in Indonesia in 2005 where three school girls were beheaded by Muslim militants while walking to their private Christian school in Poso. Notes were left next to their head warning of more attacks against Christian children. One of the girls heads was left at the local church.
Some of you are also aware that three Christian men were executed last year in Indonesia for “atrocities” which evidence did not support. The international community was outraged by the incident, especially considering evidence that the three men were tortured before being executed by the Indonesian government.
Some of you are also aware that three Christian men were executed last year in Indonesia for “atrocities” which evidence did not support. The international community was outraged by the incident, especially considering evidence that the three men were tortured before being executed by the Indonesian government.
Now I feel sick to my stomach as the man accused of killing three innocent school girls by chopping off their heads with a machete has only been sentenced to 20 years in prison – the same sentence handed down to a young Aussie girl for traffic of marijuana. As reported by the BBC here.
I feel sick that the country I love is so corrupted by it’s fanatical leaders intent on destroying people who do not adhere to their version of belief. I want to shout. I demand justice be served. But the Indon government will not listen.
What can the international community do? Well I have some proposals:
The United Nations should review the death penalties handed down in Indonesia and decide whether:
I feel sick that the country I love is so corrupted by it’s fanatical leaders intent on destroying people who do not adhere to their version of belief. I want to shout. I demand justice be served. But the Indon government will not listen.
What can the international community do? Well I have some proposals:
The United Nations should review the death penalties handed down in Indonesia and decide whether:
- The trial was fair and evidence submitted was conclusive;
- International conventions applying to human rights and death penalty were applied;
- Were the executions carried out humanely?
If any of the above three points were in breach, then swift and harsh penalties should be brought upon the justice administration system in that country.
I am anti-death penalty. I believe that God’s grace is endless and no man holds the right to take the life of another man. But I hold that the men accused of executing the three school girls must be sentenced in proportion to their crimes. In my opinion, life in solitary confinement, and the international Islamic community should prohibit the term “martyr” from being applied to these murderers.
The only people in this situation who deserve the title “Martyr” are the three precious school girls brutally murdered for there innocence and defencelessness in the name of Christ.
And God bless the Noviana and her family for the constant reminder of the brutality that they have suffered. May Christ fill their hearts and lives with peace abundantly.
March Update
So this is an update… it’s about time!
I’ll start by saying “I’m exhausted!”. I have begun my new career as a consultant for one of the largest professional services firms in the world, and I could not have prepared myself for the challenge. I have been ripped from my comfort zone and put in a role that is extremely dynamic.
But I love it! For those who know me, I am passionate about business. I’m especially passionate about business in Asia Pacific. I’m now in a role and company that can increase my exposure in this area.
Most of you know that I’m in love with Indonesia, and I’ve been keen on doing business in that country. However, after a number of recent local issues (especially the floods that affected Jakarta in February), I have had to think again. Indonesian needs to work on developing it’s infrastructure before they can be really competitive in the world market (maaf teman2, tapi sekalian tahu ini benar). So, I’m hoping that I can migrate to Hong Kong or Singapore to gain the exposure that I want (especially focusing on Human Capital and Supply-Chain strategy).
I do have to make one thing clear. My interest in business is not for self gain. I believe in the mandate that followers of Christ have to be Ambassadors of God. Business has the potential to remove nations from abject poverty and increase the quality of life for millions who are currently living like animals. The church is not an entity that exists for and of it self. It is people like me and you who believe in Christ and will live for Him in our daily roles. For me, that role is business.
Anyway friends, Carpe Diem!
I’ll start by saying “I’m exhausted!”. I have begun my new career as a consultant for one of the largest professional services firms in the world, and I could not have prepared myself for the challenge. I have been ripped from my comfort zone and put in a role that is extremely dynamic.
But I love it! For those who know me, I am passionate about business. I’m especially passionate about business in Asia Pacific. I’m now in a role and company that can increase my exposure in this area.
Most of you know that I’m in love with Indonesia, and I’ve been keen on doing business in that country. However, after a number of recent local issues (especially the floods that affected Jakarta in February), I have had to think again. Indonesian needs to work on developing it’s infrastructure before they can be really competitive in the world market (maaf teman2, tapi sekalian tahu ini benar). So, I’m hoping that I can migrate to Hong Kong or Singapore to gain the exposure that I want (especially focusing on Human Capital and Supply-Chain strategy).
I do have to make one thing clear. My interest in business is not for self gain. I believe in the mandate that followers of Christ have to be Ambassadors of God. Business has the potential to remove nations from abject poverty and increase the quality of life for millions who are currently living like animals. The church is not an entity that exists for and of it self. It is people like me and you who believe in Christ and will live for Him in our daily roles. For me, that role is business.
Anyway friends, Carpe Diem!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Great quote from a good book
I've jus finished reading a great book called Velvet Elvis - Repainting the Christian Faith (Rob Bell, 2006). I plan to re-read it and take notes on each chapter, but for now I want to leave you with one quote from the final chapter.
I am not a universalist, and I do believe that following Christ is the way to God, but I want you to know one thing "I love you. You are precious to God. You were created in the image of our Loving Creator, and I respect that. I respect you. My prayer for you - seek God in humility with a hungry heart. We are all on a journey."
It is when the church gives itself away in radical acts of service and
compassion, expecting nothing in return, that the way of Jesus is most vividly
put on display. To do this, the church must stop thinking about everybody
primarily in categories of in or out, saved or not, believer or
nonbeliever. Besides the fact that these terms are offensive to those who
are the "un" and "non", they work against Jesus' teachings about how we are to
treat eachother. Jesus commanded us to love our neighbour, and our
neighbour can be anybody. We are all created in the image of God, and we
are all sacred, valuable creations of God. Everybody matters. To
treat people differently based on who believes what is to fail to respect the
image of God in everyone. As the book of James says, "God shows no
favortism." So we don't either.
I am not a universalist, and I do believe that following Christ is the way to God, but I want you to know one thing "I love you. You are precious to God. You were created in the image of our Loving Creator, and I respect that. I respect you. My prayer for you - seek God in humility with a hungry heart. We are all on a journey."
Our real value
I was thinking about the ways in which we tend to define ourselves. We are all guilty of labelling everything and everyone. Those labels are often given through our perceptions and are mostly unfair and unaccurate. We cannot label people. Every human is infinately more complex than we are aware.
For instance, I began to think that I am first and foremost a child of God and a disciple of Jesus. Next, I am a family man. A husband, a son, a brother, a grandson, a brother-in-law, and a son-in-law.
What I’ve come to believe is that none of this can be separated. I am a child of God. I am a sinner. I am an idolater. I like international business. I like good books, good food, and great coffee. I love Indonesia and have a passion for Indonesian people. But none of these things can define me. My value is not the sum of my parts.
I have an intrinsic core value that will not decrease. I didn’t set this value and I can’t alter it. Other people can’t measure it. Other people can’t compare my value to their own. No one can remove my value.
Materially speaking, the sum of every item on earth could not measure against my intrinsic value.
Often I forget the nature of this value. I cannot comprehend my worth. So I go out to look for other things that can give me value. Value that people can see. Prestige. Power. Things.
But then I awake to the realization that these things have a superficial worth applied by man who will one day die. Or the things die. One will occur first. And then what? The value is gone.
Hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades. Irreplaceable time spent obtaining this worth. And in an instant – bankruptcy comes like a thief in the night. Everything that I worked for – gone.
Poverty.
But then I hear singing. I look around. The laughter is contageous. Dancing.
It is the children. They look happy. I can feel their joy.
They have no worries, no cares, no tears, no things.
If one of them were to come into harms way, I would protect them. If one cried in fear, I would assure them that there is nothing to fear and then I’d protect them against anything that tried to hurt them.
If I cried, would someone consol me? If I was afraide, would someone protect me? If I was hungry, cold, or thirsty, would some one feed me, clothe me, or quench my thirst?
If I had none of the things that add value?
But the children. They also have non of the things that add value. But they sing. They laugh. They dance. I would protect them. I value them. Why?
Their intrinsic value shines through. They know their worth. They know they are special. And they live freely.
The world sees this. And many laugh with them.
That child is me. Those children are us.
The value that we see when we look at those children is the same value that’s in us. Although the world may not see it, there is One who does. Like our value, the One cannot be defined. The sum of this universe was made by His hand. Called into being by the Words of the Mighty One.
Our value comes from Him. Our value will always exist. This value will always be real. When I am poor, I can say “I am rich”. My value will never fade. The One gave it to me.When I realise this is in my deepest being, everything will change. Choices will be made freely independent of worldly value. Smiles and laughter and dancing will come more naturally inviting the world who sees to join in the festival of life.
Freedom to live. Freedom to choose. Freedom to be who we are – the people God created us to be.
In this freedom our food is His word. Our strength is His joy. Our lifeblood is His Spirit.
As the breath of life was blown into the nostrils of Adam, Adam walked inteimately with God. His value was known. Our resusitation from the breath of God is here. Oure value will be known. Freedom will ring.
For instance, I began to think that I am first and foremost a child of God and a disciple of Jesus. Next, I am a family man. A husband, a son, a brother, a grandson, a brother-in-law, and a son-in-law.
What I’ve come to believe is that none of this can be separated. I am a child of God. I am a sinner. I am an idolater. I like international business. I like good books, good food, and great coffee. I love Indonesia and have a passion for Indonesian people. But none of these things can define me. My value is not the sum of my parts.
I have an intrinsic core value that will not decrease. I didn’t set this value and I can’t alter it. Other people can’t measure it. Other people can’t compare my value to their own. No one can remove my value.
Materially speaking, the sum of every item on earth could not measure against my intrinsic value.
Often I forget the nature of this value. I cannot comprehend my worth. So I go out to look for other things that can give me value. Value that people can see. Prestige. Power. Things.
But then I awake to the realization that these things have a superficial worth applied by man who will one day die. Or the things die. One will occur first. And then what? The value is gone.
Hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades. Irreplaceable time spent obtaining this worth. And in an instant – bankruptcy comes like a thief in the night. Everything that I worked for – gone.
Poverty.
But then I hear singing. I look around. The laughter is contageous. Dancing.
It is the children. They look happy. I can feel their joy.
They have no worries, no cares, no tears, no things.
If one of them were to come into harms way, I would protect them. If one cried in fear, I would assure them that there is nothing to fear and then I’d protect them against anything that tried to hurt them.
If I cried, would someone consol me? If I was afraide, would someone protect me? If I was hungry, cold, or thirsty, would some one feed me, clothe me, or quench my thirst?
If I had none of the things that add value?
But the children. They also have non of the things that add value. But they sing. They laugh. They dance. I would protect them. I value them. Why?
Their intrinsic value shines through. They know their worth. They know they are special. And they live freely.
The world sees this. And many laugh with them.
That child is me. Those children are us.
The value that we see when we look at those children is the same value that’s in us. Although the world may not see it, there is One who does. Like our value, the One cannot be defined. The sum of this universe was made by His hand. Called into being by the Words of the Mighty One.
Our value comes from Him. Our value will always exist. This value will always be real. When I am poor, I can say “I am rich”. My value will never fade. The One gave it to me.When I realise this is in my deepest being, everything will change. Choices will be made freely independent of worldly value. Smiles and laughter and dancing will come more naturally inviting the world who sees to join in the festival of life.
Freedom to live. Freedom to choose. Freedom to be who we are – the people God created us to be.
In this freedom our food is His word. Our strength is His joy. Our lifeblood is His Spirit.
As the breath of life was blown into the nostrils of Adam, Adam walked inteimately with God. His value was known. Our resusitation from the breath of God is here. Oure value will be known. Freedom will ring.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or
drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than
food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air;
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father
feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow.
They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his
splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of
the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not
much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What
shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans
run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be
given to you as well." (Matthew 6:25-33)
Friday, February 16, 2007
Notice something different?
I have merged my two blogs into one. Now I get to keep all of my old posts under this url.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Five Streams of the Emerging Church
My favourite theologian, Scot McKnight, has just published his new essay at Christianity Today on the Emerging Church. In this article he hopes to undermine the urban legends surrounding this and provide a more accurate description of the emerging movement. If you have any queries or concerns about this movement, or if this is the first time you have heard about it, this is a good starting point.
Scot is well known for his scholarship in the theology arena, he is a professor at North Park University (Illinois). He is the author of more than 20 books including The Jesus Creed: Loving God and Loving others which won Christianity Today's book of the year for Christian living.
I highly recommend listening to what this guy has to say. His award winning blog, Jesus Creed, is ranked number one site by Technorati.com for the emerging church.
Scot is well known for his scholarship in the theology arena, he is a professor at North Park University (Illinois). He is the author of more than 20 books including The Jesus Creed: Loving God and Loving others which won Christianity Today's book of the year for Christian living.
I highly recommend listening to what this guy has to say. His award winning blog, Jesus Creed, is ranked number one site by Technorati.com for the emerging church.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Where are my original thoughts?
I've been struggling to post lately because I have a cluttered mind. I have not had any original thoughts for a few weeks.
The start to the new year has been hectic and I have not had much time to be in a reflective state of mind. I have a project dead-line at work that has been moved forward by 1.5 months. Because the foundations of this project were not good, I feel like I am working blind. I'm adding brick on brick and hoping that a house comes from it. Perhaps I should just step back and spend the (considerable) time and start again. If only I had that luxury.
My new years resolutions / goals / committments are coming along okay. I have already broken a few, but rather than wallow in it, I am committing to them again, because every day is new. Thank God that His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
I've been reading books and articles on missional shaped churches and am having discussions with my pastors now about entering the Australian College of Ministries (ACOM) to study a Bachelor of Theology (probaly speciallising in Church Planting or Emerging Churches). The good thing about ACOM is it's unique structure. There are no weekly classes, but rather intensives, mentoring, growth groups in your community, and every assessment is very practical.
Married life is great. I'm having a great time with my wife. Unfortunately our conversations have had a lot of finance talk lately. We are committing to spend some time to get our finances on track, make some share investments, and reevaluate our current spending habits. To us, managing our finances are an act of holistic worship. Finances are a trust from God. Money is to be our servant, not our master.
Further to that, I am also considering that physical exercise is a factor of holistic worship. My body is a trust from God and I don't want to abuse it any longer. So, Gayle and I have started playing tennis a couple times a week, jogging almost daily along the foreshore, and eating much healthier meels of salad and red meat. I've also become quite liberal in my alcohol consumption with a glass of wine daily and a couple of beers when i'm with mates.
My wifes parents were here for Christmas and New Year. I love spending time with them, they are a fun couple. I guess because they both have high demand jobs in Jakarta, they are always ready to let loose and have a good time when they holiday.
I also feel that my dad and I are making great in roads to a more healthy father/son relationship. We've never been at odds, but we have found it difficult to relate to eachother sometimes. Thank God that we are having longer conversations and speaking more often.
I hope to take some time out alone in the next few weeks with nothing but my bible and a notebook. I want to get back to basics and reignite my creative spark. Hopefully I will be able to make some original posts coming from my thoughts (or inspired thoughts) rather than evaluating every single this that I read or hear.
God Bless you all. I hope that 2007 is a year that sees you prosper in every way.
The start to the new year has been hectic and I have not had much time to be in a reflective state of mind. I have a project dead-line at work that has been moved forward by 1.5 months. Because the foundations of this project were not good, I feel like I am working blind. I'm adding brick on brick and hoping that a house comes from it. Perhaps I should just step back and spend the (considerable) time and start again. If only I had that luxury.
My new years resolutions / goals / committments are coming along okay. I have already broken a few, but rather than wallow in it, I am committing to them again, because every day is new. Thank God that His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
I've been reading books and articles on missional shaped churches and am having discussions with my pastors now about entering the Australian College of Ministries (ACOM) to study a Bachelor of Theology (probaly speciallising in Church Planting or Emerging Churches). The good thing about ACOM is it's unique structure. There are no weekly classes, but rather intensives, mentoring, growth groups in your community, and every assessment is very practical.
Married life is great. I'm having a great time with my wife. Unfortunately our conversations have had a lot of finance talk lately. We are committing to spend some time to get our finances on track, make some share investments, and reevaluate our current spending habits. To us, managing our finances are an act of holistic worship. Finances are a trust from God. Money is to be our servant, not our master.
Further to that, I am also considering that physical exercise is a factor of holistic worship. My body is a trust from God and I don't want to abuse it any longer. So, Gayle and I have started playing tennis a couple times a week, jogging almost daily along the foreshore, and eating much healthier meels of salad and red meat. I've also become quite liberal in my alcohol consumption with a glass of wine daily and a couple of beers when i'm with mates.
My wifes parents were here for Christmas and New Year. I love spending time with them, they are a fun couple. I guess because they both have high demand jobs in Jakarta, they are always ready to let loose and have a good time when they holiday.
I also feel that my dad and I are making great in roads to a more healthy father/son relationship. We've never been at odds, but we have found it difficult to relate to eachother sometimes. Thank God that we are having longer conversations and speaking more often.
I hope to take some time out alone in the next few weeks with nothing but my bible and a notebook. I want to get back to basics and reignite my creative spark. Hopefully I will be able to make some original posts coming from my thoughts (or inspired thoughts) rather than evaluating every single this that I read or hear.
God Bless you all. I hope that 2007 is a year that sees you prosper in every way.
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions
never fail.They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.I say to
myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one
who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD."
(Lamentations 3:21-26)
Friday, December 22, 2006
Thoughts for life from 'Click'
I watched 'Click' (Adam Sandler) last night with wifey. It is very hard to get through the movie with a dry eye. We watch sadly as Adam Sandler keeps fast forwarding lifes moments while reaching for the always elusive "next big promotion", hoping that it will bring him and his family the happiness and security that they 'need'. He eventually dies - divorced and lonely - having realised too late that he has missed the happiest moments of his life.
Shortly before he dies, the person who gave Adam the 'gift' to fast-forward life reveals himself as the 'angel of death'. And it immediately gave me a revelation of the true nature of Christs words in John 10:9-11:
I felt really sad for Adam Sandlers character in the movie, but even more, I felt sad for myself and the many other men and women in this country who let life pass them by in the vain attempt to grab more and more stuff. More security, more money, more things. We work long hours, often past 7pm. We give our best efforts to our careers that never provide the security we desire, meanwhile our families get the scraps of our time and attention.
I heard a pastor say once "I've spent time with many people as they lay waiting to die on their death beds, and I have never heard any of them say 'I wish I spent more time in the office'."
We all know that is true, but we never seem to apply that lesson to our own life until it's too late.
When I was relaxing during my honeymoon in beautiful Ubud, I wrote that I would no longer give my best attention to my career while avoiding my family. I will forsake promotions and raises if it means spending the quality time with my family that we all deserve. It wasn't long after I returned until I found myself once again, in the office up to 7pm. But it wasn't to gun for the promotion - it was simply to achieve my daily tasks. The demands of big business never cease.
I saw alot of myself in that movie. I am always looking ahead, and rarely enjoying each moment as I experience it. While I am not one who worries about promotions, etc, I do worry about the future alot. Where will I be in 5, 10, 15 years? Will my children have a safe and comfortable life with a roof over their head, attending the best schools, going on the best holidays? What must I sacrifice now to give them that? What will I sacrifice at the time to maintain that?
I've come to believe that Jesus' words are just as relevant today (if not more so), than they were when first spoken 2000 years ago (Matthew 6:24-26)
Why do we put our trust in our career? We are disappointed time after time with mass redundancies, and bottom-line cost-cutting mentality. Yet we keep hanging on, hoping that it will come through for us at the end.
Why not commit yourself fully to God? Accept your job as a gracious gift from the Father, but entrust yourself fully to His care. Believe that your heavenly Father is your provider and that your job / career is his means of provision. And treat your job as though you would treat any other gift given from your Father - with respect. Do your best for your company, but not at the expense of your family, personal life, and integrity.
'Click' helped to give me a reality check. Embrace every moment of life. Don't worry what tomorrow will bring, because all we have is today!
Shortly before he dies, the person who gave Adam the 'gift' to fast-forward life reveals himself as the 'angel of death'. And it immediately gave me a revelation of the true nature of Christs words in John 10:9-11:
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they
mayhave life, and have it to the full."
I felt really sad for Adam Sandlers character in the movie, but even more, I felt sad for myself and the many other men and women in this country who let life pass them by in the vain attempt to grab more and more stuff. More security, more money, more things. We work long hours, often past 7pm. We give our best efforts to our careers that never provide the security we desire, meanwhile our families get the scraps of our time and attention.
I heard a pastor say once "I've spent time with many people as they lay waiting to die on their death beds, and I have never heard any of them say 'I wish I spent more time in the office'."
We all know that is true, but we never seem to apply that lesson to our own life until it's too late.
When I was relaxing during my honeymoon in beautiful Ubud, I wrote that I would no longer give my best attention to my career while avoiding my family. I will forsake promotions and raises if it means spending the quality time with my family that we all deserve. It wasn't long after I returned until I found myself once again, in the office up to 7pm. But it wasn't to gun for the promotion - it was simply to achieve my daily tasks. The demands of big business never cease.
I saw alot of myself in that movie. I am always looking ahead, and rarely enjoying each moment as I experience it. While I am not one who worries about promotions, etc, I do worry about the future alot. Where will I be in 5, 10, 15 years? Will my children have a safe and comfortable life with a roof over their head, attending the best schools, going on the best holidays? What must I sacrifice now to give them that? What will I sacrifice at the time to maintain that?
I've come to believe that Jesus' words are just as relevant today (if not more so), than they were when first spoken 2000 years ago (Matthew 6:24-26)
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and lovethe
other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve
both God and Money.
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or
drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more importantthan
food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds ofthe air;
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenlyFather
feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
Why do we put our trust in our career? We are disappointed time after time with mass redundancies, and bottom-line cost-cutting mentality. Yet we keep hanging on, hoping that it will come through for us at the end.
Why not commit yourself fully to God? Accept your job as a gracious gift from the Father, but entrust yourself fully to His care. Believe that your heavenly Father is your provider and that your job / career is his means of provision. And treat your job as though you would treat any other gift given from your Father - with respect. Do your best for your company, but not at the expense of your family, personal life, and integrity.
'Click' helped to give me a reality check. Embrace every moment of life. Don't worry what tomorrow will bring, because all we have is today!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Why this blog?
There is a strong desire in my heart to give my all to Christ. I believe that he asks nothing less of me, but to sacrifice all to live out the dream of God, and to be His body on earth. I do not hide from the fact that what we are called to is not easy. There will be times of joy and times of pain. I do not acknowledge a half-gospel that preaches the materialistic comfort for Western society. I acknowledge a full gospel, whereby I am called to be a disciple. I am on a journey to follow Jesus. I want to say sincerely in my heart “for me to live is Christ” but I am afraid. I am afraid of what I will lose, and I cannot yet see clearly what I will gain. But this path cannot be followed based on what I will gain, but must be followed out of love. Love to live as the creator intends. Love to serve my brothers and sisters – all of God’s children. Love to see culture transformed into the fulfilled dream of God. Love to see creation come into holistic community. Love to see oppression and injustice cease. And love to see all people come into relationship with their creator.
I will use this blog to share some of this journey with you. I’ll also post meanderings, book extracts, poetry, news commentary, and general life/culture stuff.
I will use this blog to share some of this journey with you. I’ll also post meanderings, book extracts, poetry, news commentary, and general life/culture stuff.
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