Every now and again a moment defines a country. A country takes a stand and says This is me and I have an identity. For us Aussies some say it was Galipoli or the Kokoda trail. For the Americans it was the declaration of independence- The french hmmmm ummmm maybe a surrender here or there. Germany when the wall was knocked down.England The Magna Carter or the battle of hastings. At the time they don't seem like big events but they change the shape of the world just like 9/11 (could anyone tell me where afganistan was located before that) One possible one happened at Bali where a nation took a stand and made the most powerful nation in the world back down. Was it Australia with their new Pm full of talk on climate Change. Or North Korea with their nuclear weapons? No it was the country of Papua New Guinea. Sure it may be a small thing but so was a bunch of vandals pouring tea crates into the ocean to protest taxes. And look what that led to (Boston tea party).
So let's hope this is the chance PNG has to develop some character and self belief instead of being known as a corrupt dangerous place.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
New World Leader
Monday, December 03, 2007
People of Faith post 1
My first person is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite. Ring any bells? Yes Brazilian and yes soccer player but when most soccer player score goals they show off by pointing to their name on their back- doing athletic flips or do many other things to bring adulation to themselves. Ricardo just puts his arms in the air face up and prays a prayer of thanksgiving. This public showing of his faith was even more evident when his team won the champions league (Europe's Top Club competition). moments after the whistle blew this photo was taken.
You may know him as Kaka, playmaker for AC Milan .
What you may not know is that in the year 2000 he broke his neck in a swimming pool accident. Doctors told him he wouldn't be able to walk properly again. A year later he had cemented his spot in the senior side. He quite openly uses his celebrity to promote the Gospel. Ironically the shirt above is in a language he doesn't even speak. In an interview with a soccer magazine he was answering questions sent in by readers about improving their skills. He was asked if there was anything he'd like to say to his fans. Instead of a feel good message like try your best he instead said " To those who already have Jesus: you have made the best choice and are in the best team. Go ahead. Do not give up. The fight is great, but we can only win being on Jesus’ side. To those who have not yet surrendered their lives to Jesus: What are you doing being outside of this team?! Come to learn the Word of God, come to know who God really is." Proud to be a Virgin when he married he is also a UN Ambassador against hunger (the youngest ever appointed) and yesterday won the Ballon D'or the award given to the world footballer of the Year. And guess who he thanked first :)
What can we learn from Kaka- well firstly nothing is an accident- God puts you in various situations- what are you there for- preach the Gospel openly.
Secondly Be mindful of how you conduct yourself whatever you do. people are watching.
as kaka says "But I am not supposed to be punching people up on the field or swearing. I don't want people to be saying of me," Look, that guy says one thing and does another". My concern before my fellow players and my adversaries is to be what I am and never say one thing and be something else. I seek to be a role model in the club. I seek to demonstrate what God has done for me and that He can do it in their lives as well. As much as possible I try saying something about Jesus, about life with God, to counsel and help others." (he also has refused many sponsorships for various Wine or beer companies as ' It wouldn't look good')
Finally God is faithful- At least that is what is stitched onto the tongues of his boots along with I belong to Jesus. Why? Every time he looks down he sees it and is reminded of what God has done for him. Your own ego vanishes in the realisation of the power and faithfulness of God.
So as Kaka says “Stop eating cookies, while God offers us a banquet.”
Friday, November 16, 2007
The Condemned.
"The story of Joe Conrad, who is awaiting the death penalty in a corrupt Central American prison. He is "purchased" by a wealthy television producer and taken to a desolate island where he must fight to the death against nine other condemned killers from all corners of the world, with freedom going to the sole survivor."
Whilst this may seem like an over the top blood and guts movie (which it was) and i wouldn't recommend it to anyone; there was a few points that really made you think. At one stage in the movie two of the people involved get squeamish and have second thoughts about what they are showing and the producers says look its entertainment- nothing is real these day- If people didn't watch it- it wouldn't be made.Later on in the film a reporter sums up the violence saying that those of us in our culture are condemned for actually paying money to watch it- however the movie's anti-violence message is then quickly forgotten as we get back to the violence.
Watching this made me too aware that we get too acclimatised or numb to today's culture- we need to step back have a think and re-centre ourselves. Where? In the Bible because without Christ as our centre we are all Condemned
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
I like Football
Friday, November 09, 2007
Motor mouth Mason
I couldn't resist posting this video- appologies for the bad language. i could watch it over and over again.
But let me know Do you want Mason at your club?
Are the Bulldogs better off without him?
Is he more trouble than he is worth?
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Election getting silly
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Rappin' Rudd vs Hip-hop Howard
If only we had a musical debate or maybe get them both to go on Thank God your here- I'd vote for the winner
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Singleness
Or "You can't really understand unless your in a relationship."
PIGS EYE.
There is nothing more sinful that sort of attitude.
Firstly Why is it an assumtion that to be Happy you must be in a relationship? The amount of times i have been set up by every man and his dog(thats a saying -not calling anyone a dog) and every time they do "Its for your good" or "we just want you to be happy".
TRANSLATION: "The only way for you to be happy is to be like us"
What pride. and so anti scripture.
1 cor 7: 25-28
Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy. Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for you to remain as you are. Are you married? Do not seek a divorce. Are you unmarried? Do not look for a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.
Or how about verse 8 and 9 Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
This seems to indicate that Singles seem to be in a higher standing. However is this the way things are in your church? Think about your social circles in the church and think who are the ones who don't really fit in? I'm guessing its the singles
Marrieds and couple have a think how you can serve/encourage singles better in your church and i'll give you a clue- IT ISN'T BY TRYING TO SET THEM UP!!!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
Psalm Moods
Psalm 77 (New International Version)
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A psalm.1 I cried out to God for help;
I cried out to God to hear me.
When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
at night I stretched out untiring hands
and my soul refused to be comforted.
I remembered you, O God, and I groaned;
I mused, and my spirit grew faint.
Selah
4 You kept my eyes from closing;
I was too troubled to speak.
5 I thought about the former days,
the years of long ago;
6 I remembered my songs in the night.
My heart mused and my spirit inquired:
7 "Will the Lord reject forever?
Will he never show his favor again?
8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
Has his promise failed for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?
Has he in anger withheld his compassion?"
Selah
10 Then I thought, "To this I will appeal:
the years of the right hand of the Most High."
11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
12 I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.
13 Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is so great as our God?
14 You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
Selah
16 The waters saw you, O God,
the waters saw you and writhed;
the very depths were convulsed.
17 The clouds poured down water,
the skies resounded with thunder;
your arrows flashed back and forth.
18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
your lightning lit up the world;
the earth trembled and quaked.
19 Your path led through the sea,
your way through the mighty waters,
though your footprints were not seen.
20 You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Rugby Legue player headplants concrete
I pay football :) Been meaning to post this for a while so enjoy
Finally people actually doing something about Dodgy Networks
AFL PLAYERS Association vice-president Brett Burton has announced a nationwide boycott of Channel Seven following the network’s decision to air information obtained from confidential medical documents.
Players from each of the 16 clubs, with the exception of those contracted to the Seven Network, will not honour any interview requests from the network until they receive a written apology and the network guarantees not to use the information they obtained.
Burton said it was “up to Channel Seven” as to how long the ban lasted and didn’t rule out a player boycott of the network’s Brownlow Medal coverage.
“As far we’re concerned at the moment and going forward, we won’t be giving Channel Seven anything at all,” he said.
Burton said he was “disgusted” with the breach of patient-doctor confidentiality and hoped the public would back what he described as “a strong statement” from the players.
“We’ve discussed what Channel Seven has done and ethically we think it’s very wrong, not only for footballers, but for anyone to buy private medical documents between a doctor and a patient.
“We’re disgusted by the actions of Channel Seven and we’re not just going to sit here and take it. The whole playing group have decided to make a stand and hopefully we get the result we want.”
Burton politely refused to answer any questions from Adelaide-based Seven Network journalists at the media conference and said the breach of trust ran far deeper than issues related to the AFL’s illicit drugs policy.
“I think ethically, this is very, very wrong for anyone in the community not only to want to put the information between a doctor and a patient in the public domain, but to also pay for it. I think it’s disgraceful.”
Burton said the players were being vindicated for refusing to “bury their heads in the sand” on the issue of drugs.
“We’re trying to get on the front foot here and do something that’s right for the football and wider community, and show the way that we don’t believe drugs are right,” he said.
“The players have every right to say, ‘Look, we’re trying to do the right thing here and all we’re getting is grief. This is the second time the confidentiality has been breached, we’re getting pressure from the public and pressure from the media, so we’ll just scrap it’.
“It’s the drug rehabilitation people who suggested the three-strike policy and until they change their minds, we’ll stick with it.”
In further fallout on the issue on Tuesday:
* KANGAROOS forward and AFLPAssociation club delegate Drew Petrie said he would support a boycott of player interviews and attendance at this year's Brownlow Medal count in retribution against the Seven Network.
“Something does need to happen for the breach of trust that the players had," Petrie said.
"If it's (refusals and a boycott) going to make people sit up and realise how seriously we do take this (illicit drugs) policy, then yes.
"I don't question the policy. It's one of the most stringent policies of any sporting code in the world.
"We've copped criticism from politicians who probably aren't fully aware of what's involved and probably made a few harsh comments when there's other sporting codes in this country that have probably got worse drug problems than what the AFL does.”
* COLLINGWOOD player and AFL Players Association executive member Nick Maxwell told The Age newspaper that he and his teammates were "filthy" at Seven's actions.
Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert supported the players' stance.
“The club will fully support the playing group in whatever action they choose to take against Channel Seven in response to the recent leaking of confidential medical reports," Pert said.
* AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou has branded as "abhorrent" the broadcasting by the Seven Network of the medical records of two AFL players.
Demetriou told Southern Cross Broadcasting that the decision by Seven to run the story went against the ethics of patient-doctor confidentiality, which he said were sacrosanct.
“This has nothing to do with the AFL drugs policy, it's got to do with the moral and ethical issues which surround private medical records which everyone would agree that patient and doctor confidentiality is sacrosanct," he said.
He said that over the past two years the AFL has had 28 positive drug tests of players who have been referred to rehabilitation centres for private treatment.
He said stealing medical records "goes to the absolute bottom of the obscene pool".
"We are tackling the drugs issue - we find the use of illicit drugs abhorrent - but what is more abhorrent by a multiple of 50 is that private medical records (are published)."
* Sydney Swans player Tadhg Kennelly said confidentiality was the most important issue for any player.
“I think we’re (the players) doing the right thing. We need to stick together over the issue,” he said.
“It’s obviously our private lives and it’s a big issue. No one has the right to dig into your personal life.
“It’s very disappointing to know that the media, or people in the media, are quite willing to pay money to get into someone’s private life. It’s very irritating from a players’ perspective but it’s not acceptable either.
“At the end of the day, we’re just the same as anyone else. Just because we’ve got a high profile it doesn’t give people the right to delve into your private life.” (www.afl.com.au)
There was great footage as Burton refused to answer a Channel 7 journalist and then answered the exact same question from another journalist. There is nothing better to change your actions whether you be a player, journalist or even a Christian than realizing our actions have consequences.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Return of the Dead Man At Unforgiven Second Sign 8/17/07
Thought I might keep going :D just because I can- I think only leah and nathan are watching but oh well :)
BTW Unforgiven is one of the big events, the Pay per views which they build to.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
The Undertaker's comeback campaing start (10.08.07)
Sorry I haven't posted for so long but with everything going on i wasn't inspired. However once i saw this I got excited again. Long live the Dead man.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
The Lord Builds
A song of ascents. Of Solomon.
1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.
3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
Often we look at various ministries and think God must be blessing this or often we ask God to bless our ministries. I think what Psalm 127 is saying is the exact opposite. God Builds the ministry and that is where true fruit lie and what we should seek to be involved in. This isn't governed by numbers but rather a faithful adhering and instruction to God's word.
This Psalm was one written to commemorate the temple being built but yet the focus is not placed on the magnificent temple but rather on the continuation of God's chosen people and even then God is given the credit (verse 3). So despite the attractiveness of anything we are tempted to focus on- the great singing, our powerful prayer time, the great cricket games our focus should be the building up and multiplying of God's kingdom and our ministry's should reflect that.
On a side note Dave told me that some people interpret vs 5 the quiver being full- apparently as an Warrior Your arrow quiver was always marked as empty until you had 8 arrows in it- then it was full. Less than that was useless. wow 8 Kids :) a challenge there to all young marrieds :P
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Drugs in Sport
I also couldn't resist posting this- some of you would have seen this in the chaser's war on everything but its still funny. Which leads me onto another issue : Drugs in Sport.
Why is it that we see some sport athletes and immediately think drugs. It might be a pro wrestler or any German athlete with a Gold medal and immediately we convict them as drug takers. The problem is that some drugs are so common place that people can fail drug tests without realise it (or People's mum's not realising). However as role models recreational drugs must be stamped out and I believe the AFL's drug policy is too soft- sure we all make mistakes but these are ILLEGAL drugs here. would be the same as me robbing a bank and the police saying well we didn't catch you but figured out who you are from security video but we'll give you 3 strikes. Wow that means i can get caught twice more before I get in trouble.Sure one chance but name and shame them. They are being paid the big bucks for a reason.Whilst I don't want to pick on the West coast eagles for their Drug problem I read this article that really burred me up. For those who don't know The West Coast Eagles based out of Perth are one of the most successful clubs in the modern era (current premiers) and have had a few drug issues of late the ICE kind. West Coast are trying to get salary cap allowances for the treatment for ben cousins. click here to see the article. To put this into context He is one of the highest paid players in the AFL, brownlow medal winner- his endorsements alone are worth more than the North Melbourne Kangaroos Training facilities. And they want salary cap allowances... I think their CEO also might have a drug problem.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Unhappy Clappy
The publishing house that gave Chris Masters' book detailing the sexuality of talkback host Alan Jones a run after ABC Books pulled out has lost its nerve. It has dumped an exposé about the happy-clapping church Hillsong.
Allen & Unwin was to next week print ex-evangelical Tanya Levin's inside story of life within the nation's fastest growing and spunkiest congregation.
Allen & Unwin pulled the plug just a week after promoting on its website that People in Glass Houses tells how "a small Assemblies of God church in a suburban school hall became a multimillion-dollar tax-free enterprise, a cult and a powerful force in Australia".
Pastor Brian Houston and his perky wife Bobbie preside over Hillsong, which attracts about 19,000 Pentecostals a week to its two Sydney campuses and has been visited by the likes of John Howard, Peter Costello and Bob Carr.
Here is a taste from the manuscript of Levin's view of the all-singing, all-swaying convention centre where she spent her teenage years: "The music is useful for getting you to the building, and keeping you there long enough for recruitment purposes."
When Levin's publisher called last Thursday she expected to get the hurry-up on returning the last few page proofs before the 300 pages were committed to print. Instead she was told publishing director Patrick Gallagher had decided Hillsong represented too high a risk of suing for defamation. Gallagher declined to comment.
As far as Levin knows, the defamation laws haven't changed since Allen & Unwin's own lawyers gave her manuscript the tick of approval before Christmas. Then she had been advised to target the church as a whole, rather than individuals, because corporations can't sue.
Further legal advice has revealed a not-for-profit organisation can sue. The cruel irony for Levin is that while Hillsong is not-for-profit in the sense that it doesn't pay tax, it has annual revenues of about $50m, a good slice of which comes from song royalties and CD sales and is enough to keep a for-profit company in the black.
The back cover blurb was promising: "Tanya Levin uncovers the truths and untruths about the country's most ambitious, entrepreneurial and influential religious corporation."
For the record, Hillsong spokeswoman Maria Ieroianni said the church didn't lobby the publishers. Hillsong's general manager George Aghajanian did, however, write to Levin saying she was to refrain from attending any church events or entering the grounds. (http://bulletin.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=229556)
Hehehehe I'd love to comment on this...... but.... ok- When did hillsong become evangelical?
And now for something completely different go to http://www.myspace.com/alistairgriffinonline to hear a great aussie immortalised in Song.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Nothing exciting
