What the world needs now, is love, sweet love.

Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.  When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me.  When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.  (Psalm 94: 17 - 19. NIV)

In a world where violence and hate seem to progressing at an alarming rate, a person of humility, compassion, and a loving nature, can initially seem to be insignificant.  The reality, is that, this person has the strong spirit of Jesus within, and carries the only antidote to the oppression that evil wants to inflict on our world.

Israel

I have some friends visiting Israel at this time.  I trust that it will be a valuable time for them, filled with many rich blessings.
Psalm 23.  The Lord is my shepherd, .....

Mountainside

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down.  His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them ....  (Matthew 5:1-2. NIV)

It was a beautiful sunny day, that I sat on that mountainside, and recalled the teaching of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.  It has been many years, since actually sitting in that place, but to visualize the atmosphere and views of the location are a wonderful blessing.

Sydney

Just back from a few days in Sydney.  Walked the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and much more.  Dining was an issue until suitable places were found, but the Chefs were great and did an amazing job, of which Nick's Seafood was a stand-out.  A highlight of the Zoo, was the Birds inflight display, and, as the presenter said, "If you duck, they will fly lower".

Nice holiday!

Movie 'Inside Out'

I must admit that I really liked the movie 'Inside Out'.  It reminded me of teaching that I have received, and also given over many years.  One of the best parts of the movie, is the arrival at a balanced emotional view of life.

So, who is driving your bus?

Cricket

Just a few weeks till cricket training starts, for the 2015-2016 season.  As the oldest guy still playing at the Macleod Cricket Club, I do hope that my body will keep going.  My aim is to train and play if there is a spot, and make a few runs in the process would be nice.  So far I have just been stretching, and trying to loosen up the spine, while building strength into the anckles.  I am looking forward to this season.

Memory

Memory loss can be quite restricting, and frustrating.  It depends alot on which memories are lost.  Long-term memory is only an issue if you need to remember something, and can be highlighted when others are talking about situations from your past.  Short-term memory is another thing altogether.  It is ever present, and becomes a constant reminder of your inadequacies.

Retired

I have been in retirement for four and a half Months.  Time still goes quickly, and there are always things to do around the unit.  As a house husband, the household chores are always there, and a routine has been established for most of them.

I do enjoy cooking, and I cannot remember any disasters over the four Months.  I do recall dreaming of my own Kitchen as a teenager, that included a huge brick bakers oven that was heated by a wood fire.  The Unit has a normal domestic kitchen, with gas cook top and electric oven.  The bread maker has been given a good workout, and good crusty loaves are produced regularly.

Clay Jar

2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

When I think of beautiful pieces of Lead Crystal Glass, I have an image of gleaming light reflected, and refracted, around and in a perfect glass vase. Every glimmer of light seems to draw your attention to itself displayed on a shelf, and the beauty crafted by a skilled tradesman.
When I think of a clay pot, I have an image of an everyday item which is in continual use, and even has chips around the rim. I also have an image of digging in the ground, and finding fragments of clay pots. Of these I wonder what they looked like, and what were the pots used for, and who were the people who used the original complete vessel?

I am not a fine piece of Lead Crystal Glass. I relate to a clay vessel, (even if there are chips around the rim,) and desire to be useful. Indeed a vessel, where the content is the most important aspect.

Foundation

Ephesians 2:19-20 (NIV)
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

The living organism of the household's of God’s children, are each built on a foundation of apostles and prophets. I am most grateful to God, for the leadership of these foundational ministries and the people to whom God gave these tasks.

Long Time

With not using this Blog for a long time, getting back to the entry point to put a post in, was challenging. So, obviously, if you can read this, I was successful in posting.

Always remember, 'A merry heart, is good like medicine'

Desire

Numbers 11:29 (NIV)
But Moses replied, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!"

As we approach the celebration of the giving of the Holy Spirit to all the Lord's people, we ask ourselves if we have the same heart as Moses? Even though we understand that the Holy Spirit brings more than just the one gift of the prophetic, do we desire each of the Lord's people to receive the Holy Spirit, and the accompanied gift designed for them?

Amazed

I have recently been through the area where I grew up. After 15 years of drought, and stage 4 water restrictions, with the reserviors being almost empty, the same reserviors are now at capacity. It has been a return to, as it was in my youth. Many of the paddock have a tinge of green to them, even in the summer months.

The earth seems a strange place at the moment. Queensland is still getting lots of rain after the recent flooding. The earthquake in Christchurch NZ, and the continual after shocks. Now the earthquake causing a Tsunami in Japan. Not to mention the continual warring of nations. Such a strange place!

Been Awhile

Well! It has been a while since I have displayed an entry on this site. Life has been great, and our work is very fulfilling. There are many wonderful blessings that are part of our daily life. More than anything else is the joy of being in the right place at the right time. It has now been 12 months since we arrived at Scottsdale, and are now ready for the 2011 Year.

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I shall never be shaken.

Psalm 62:1-2. (NIV)

Penguin

In the community of Penguin on Tassie's North West Coast, even the Community Rubbish Bins have Penguins on them.

Here Gwyn is dwarfed by a 3 metre Penguin in the Town Centre.

Chains

A photo of Chain restraints used at the Port Arthur Prison.

Meditation: What are the things that imprison, or restrain us?

Acts 12:7 (NIV)

Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.

Faith

God wants us with the Amen that never knows anything else than Amen - an inward Amen, a mighty moving Amen, a God-likeness Amen. That which says, "It is, because God has spoken. It cannot be otherwise. It is impossible to be otherwise."

Smith Wigglesworth

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1. (NIV)

St Marys

Yesterday we drove up into the clouds and over the mountain to St Marys. On this route we had some dirt road over the mountain top before regaining the bitumen into St Marys. Amazingly, the damp on our side of the mountain, disappeared on the other side of the peak. A most enjoyable drive, as the road surface was firm for most of the dirt section.

Once at St Marys we shared a wonderful afternoon arranged for the young people and families by Envoy Melanie. Beginning with a sausage sizzle, and a bouncing castle, and squirt the clown making things out of balloons for the children, the afternoon concluded with an indoor spectacular, with illusions performed by the ‘Amazing’, the ‘Wonderful’, the ‘Athletic’, ‘Squirt the Clown’.

The children’s faces told a story of amazement, and enjoyment, as the interacted with Squirt. A great afternoon!


Psalms 16:11 (NIV)
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Store and Staff

Recently in a Worship Service, we recognised the valuable staff and the support given to the Community through the ministry of the Scottsdale Salvation Army Store. This store has a great position in the main street of Scottsdale. It is well managed, with an amazing group of volunteers. The community enjoy the spacious interior, and also, the often heard laughter from the staff as they go about their duties.

This is definitely a place to shop with high quality stock at good prices for the thrifty shopper. The weekly window displays, give a first impression of the clothing quality available on the spacious racks throughout the store.

Psalms 126:2-3 (NIV)
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Gum Boots

Having spent many years in arid environments through-out Australia, it is quite a contrast to be in the moist environment of Tasmania. Although it was relatively dry during the summer and autumn months, there has been sufficient rain to catch up and exceed the average rain fall for the year thus far.

Walking through wet grass is quite a novel experience, along with frosts that only clear where the sunlight reaches with a warming ray. As my garden boots had cracked soles they have finally been discarded to the rubbish bin, and replaced with a good pair of Gum Boots. It is now possible to stand in deep wet stuff and still have dry feet.

Preparations for the vegetable garden are progressing well, with the weeds now under control. In the next few weeks the earth will be turned over again. The possibilities of a good harvest from this small patch should become a reality with good foundational work done.

We are becoming known in the area, and are looking forward to our work and ministry expanding. There are many opportunities presenting with the establishment of the 'Doorways Programme' (Welfare Support) and also further developments as Employment Plus consolidates their work in the Corps Building.

Matthew 3:11-12 (NIV)

"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."