I promised updates as they came to hand, so here’s the first in what I hope to be a frequent list of updates.
I was in Central Library on Thursday for a good part of the afternoon, with a mission to find out more of my family line. Prior to this, my lineage became ‘cold’ at my Grandfather (on Dad’s side, the line I am fervently tracing). My aim was to discover who my Great-Grandparents were. After four hours of searching, I came away with what can only be described as a ‘baby-step’ – but it’s still a step nevertheless.
Going through early Electoral rolls, I have found a list of three possibilities of who could be my GG. Although (after some careful out-of-library research) I may have – by process of elimination – discovered who of the three it could be, I can’t help but sit in the chair of “Un-Confirmation”. I would like to confirm beyond all doubt that my Granddad’s Dad is so-and-so, and thus continue my trace of the Sumner family line. And maybe get out of New Zealand and plow through my ancestor’s homeland.
Watch this space…
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Today is a special day for Christianity. Actually, this entire week ("Holy Week" for the more traditional Churches) is special for Christianity. Last Sunday we celebrated with Palm Sunday. This weekend we celebrate what is known as Easter: the atoning death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. But today also holds significance; it is the day that the Lord shared The Last Supper with His disciples. Today (or tonight more to the point) I encourage each of you to celebrate this meal with Him. Invite your home group, invite your friends, invite whoever you want. Get some bread and some wine (or whatever you use in its place) and set up this magnificent table. May we 'break the bread' and 'drink of the cup' as we eat this meal in remembrance of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Μισώ τις δοκιμές
Tomorrow I have not one, but two tests! The first is a short Greek test, where I get to see if I not only learnt the Greek alphabet (in addition to twenty words), but if I also learnt the Greek grammar (order of words and the like). The second is a bit trickier; my Theological Method 90-minute exam.
I think there are two things on my list of things to do: Study (which I have done, and will do again), and Pray (which I will continuously do). And I’m ready to bet that I’m not the only one in this camp.
Oh well, in any case, I’ve got my hot Chicken soup in hand, and numerous books out in front of me. The fun never ends for a student of the Λόγος.
Peace out!
I think there are two things on my list of things to do: Study (which I have done, and will do again), and Pray (which I will continuously do). And I’m ready to bet that I’m not the only one in this camp.
Oh well, in any case, I’ve got my hot Chicken soup in hand, and numerous books out in front of me. The fun never ends for a student of the Λόγος.
Peace out!
Sunday, April 09, 2006
A Step Forward For Genealogy
Ever since the first few opening weeks of my Spirituality for Ministry class (latter half of last year), I've developed something of a taste for Genealogy. I have conducted numerous internet searches for my forebearers and turned up nothing. The best I can do is get an exhaustive list of migrants to America, which of course doesn't help me. After countless efforts (and failures!) to establish something of a link, last Thursday marked a significant step forward, one in which I aim to build upon.
The image at the top is my Coat of Arms. I got that image after - by accident - stumbling upon a stall at Northlands offering the historical origins of a myriad of last names. Me, being curious and incredibly interested, checked it out, and walked away with an A3-sized 'history of my name', framed. Having gotten a hold of where (and when) my surname originated from, I have at least something to trace back to. I've also been informed by my sister that my Dad holds a wealth of family records, so no doubt I'm going to touch-base with Dad something in the very near future.
After nearly half a year of failures, things are starting to look a tad brighter. Hopefully I can check back with some more info after visiting Dad. But for now, I at least know of my Coat of Arms, as well as its history (and what a history it is as well).
Sunday, April 02, 2006
March 31
March 31: The end of the Financial Year.
March 31: The date for the major stocktake of Window Treatments.
March 31: The bane of my existence here on earth.
Yesterday was the day that I loathe the most. There’s something unappealing to going to work and counting virtually everything in stock. And yet myself – and a handful of the W.T. veterans – arrived that morning ready to arm ourselves with stock sheets and pens, ready to do such meticulous counting. Gaaahh! The only part that was enjoyable? The five savouries and two cake pieces I ate during break (generously shouted by the boss, a long-standing tradition on ‘Stocktake Day’).
After completing that task, I returned home to resume another arduous task: my essay for Sermon on the Mount. I’ve made awesome progression (and discovery) through my research phases, and this afternoon I set out to continue turning my many pages of notes into structured essay. And with Tuesday morning as the time I hand it in, I’ve certainly got my work cut out! The real problem is in how to word my rough notes into the essay. Should be interesting…
In other news, the Crusaders took on the Hurricanes last night, and me and a mate overseas had a drink riding on the game (Coke v Lift Plus). When he gets back in a month’s time, I will have to tell him the “good” news that the Hurricane’s got done! He’s a Wellingtonian, you see, and loyal as anything. Almost as much as I am to Canterbury. Oh well, a Coke for me!
As I’ve always said: C’mon you Crusaders!!!
March 31: The date for the major stocktake of Window Treatments.
March 31: The bane of my existence here on earth.
Yesterday was the day that I loathe the most. There’s something unappealing to going to work and counting virtually everything in stock. And yet myself – and a handful of the W.T. veterans – arrived that morning ready to arm ourselves with stock sheets and pens, ready to do such meticulous counting. Gaaahh! The only part that was enjoyable? The five savouries and two cake pieces I ate during break (generously shouted by the boss, a long-standing tradition on ‘Stocktake Day’).
After completing that task, I returned home to resume another arduous task: my essay for Sermon on the Mount. I’ve made awesome progression (and discovery) through my research phases, and this afternoon I set out to continue turning my many pages of notes into structured essay. And with Tuesday morning as the time I hand it in, I’ve certainly got my work cut out! The real problem is in how to word my rough notes into the essay. Should be interesting…
In other news, the Crusaders took on the Hurricanes last night, and me and a mate overseas had a drink riding on the game (Coke v Lift Plus). When he gets back in a month’s time, I will have to tell him the “good” news that the Hurricane’s got done! He’s a Wellingtonian, you see, and loyal as anything. Almost as much as I am to Canterbury. Oh well, a Coke for me!
As I’ve always said: C’mon you Crusaders!!!
Saturday, March 25, 2006
I am Bond...James Bond
James Bond, Agent 007 | 88% | ||
Neo, the "One" | 75% | ||
Maximus | 75% | ||
El Zorro | 71% | ||
Batman, the Dark Knight | 67% | ||
The Amazing Spider-Man | 63% | ||
Indiana Jones | 58% | ||
Lara Croft | 54% | ||
William Wallace | 54% | ||
The Terminator | 54% | ||
Captain Jack Sparrow | 46% |
Which Action Hero Would You Be? v. 2.0
created with QuizFarm.com
Turning Point
Last night my girlfriend and I were at the flat, and a mate of mine (incidentally her brother) visited and we got chatting. We got into a discussion mainly centered on a conversation I had with a guy I work with. Without going into any great details he offered the opportunity for the three of us to get into a ‘prayer circle’ and just pray about anything that came to mind. After we went round the circle as it were, my mate ventured out on a limb, which forms the rest of this post. Hold onto your hats!
Here’s a question to ponder: Is it possible to hold on to unforgiveness for 17 years, without even knowing it, or knowing why? That was my unconscious position for that length of time, yet during the prayer time my mate was getting what he could only fathom as words from the Lord. Acting on these words, he asked if I was holding onto any unforgiveness toward my Mum. I remained silent, although my eyebrow was raised at this point. When he spoke those words, I hadn’t the slightest idea of what he was talking about. If he was speaking the truth, I thought to myself, then I don’t know what’s going on. To my mind, I was harboring no unforgiveness toward my Mum. But his vision from the Lord continued further; he asked me to picture when I was a little boy. And it is from this point that the night took one heck of a turn! To my mind, I had one – only one – memory of anything ill about my Mum when I was a little boy. When I was six, my parents separated (later years would turn separation into divorce), but at the time I had no idea what was going on. My aforementioned memory of my Mum during that time was her walking out of the house, with me looking outside from the spare room. That was it, my memory. Nothing more. I did not think that this was cause for any unforgiveness, but nonetheless I began to explain this event in my life to the prayer circle.
Then my mate began to ask me questions surrounding it; ‘Where was Jesus in all of this?’ I replied to him, ‘Nowhere’, because at the time I had no knowledge of God, and wouldn’t have any until I was 14. If Jesus was there, I sure didn’t see him. That was more or less my response, so my mate prayed to reveal to me exactly where Jesus was in that situation. Retaining my image of Mum walking out (with me in the spare room), I saw in this vision a man dressed in white standing next to me. His hand covered my eyes, and he said to me: “Your eyes will not see this until the proper time.” I did not know what that meant, so I confessed this element of my vision. I was asked then to identify the man in white. My answer was plainly obvious, on the level of being asked to put 2 and 2 together. It was Jesus, and I understood His words. When Mum walked out, I did not understand what was going on. All of this was well above my head; hence my eyes did not see this. The proper time, it seems, would either refer to later years revealing to me the why of the divorce, or to this night.
But throughout this vision I was having, I saw this little boy and Jesus from a third-person perspective. And the little boy was talking to Jesus. And as the outsider looking in – the little boy’s future counterpart – I could hear their conversation. The little me was asking Jesus what was going on, and Jesus was replying in words that could have only been from the mouth of the Lord. My six-year old self had many questions, and Jesus answered them all. During this vision, my mate asked me if there were any lies I took on board since the separation, and he asked the Lord to reveal them to me, if I could not see them. And indeed a lie was revealed to me (but for personal reasons I won’t post them here), to which I replied as to what this was. I was then prayer over to have this lie broken, removed, set free from my life. And no sooner had he prayed over me, I did feel something come off. I did feel loosened from something.
I write this post because I wish not to forget what happened last night. I felt the power of God in a way I have never felt before, for a long time. God came down and revealed to me an unconscious unforgiveness that I was holding onto. And now I can say that I have been set free from the separation, the lies I held to, the events that would shape me as a result. I have been made new, because God had decided that – through my mate – last night was the proper time.
Here’s a question to ponder: Is it possible to hold on to unforgiveness for 17 years, without even knowing it, or knowing why? That was my unconscious position for that length of time, yet during the prayer time my mate was getting what he could only fathom as words from the Lord. Acting on these words, he asked if I was holding onto any unforgiveness toward my Mum. I remained silent, although my eyebrow was raised at this point. When he spoke those words, I hadn’t the slightest idea of what he was talking about. If he was speaking the truth, I thought to myself, then I don’t know what’s going on. To my mind, I was harboring no unforgiveness toward my Mum. But his vision from the Lord continued further; he asked me to picture when I was a little boy. And it is from this point that the night took one heck of a turn! To my mind, I had one – only one – memory of anything ill about my Mum when I was a little boy. When I was six, my parents separated (later years would turn separation into divorce), but at the time I had no idea what was going on. My aforementioned memory of my Mum during that time was her walking out of the house, with me looking outside from the spare room. That was it, my memory. Nothing more. I did not think that this was cause for any unforgiveness, but nonetheless I began to explain this event in my life to the prayer circle.
Then my mate began to ask me questions surrounding it; ‘Where was Jesus in all of this?’ I replied to him, ‘Nowhere’, because at the time I had no knowledge of God, and wouldn’t have any until I was 14. If Jesus was there, I sure didn’t see him. That was more or less my response, so my mate prayed to reveal to me exactly where Jesus was in that situation. Retaining my image of Mum walking out (with me in the spare room), I saw in this vision a man dressed in white standing next to me. His hand covered my eyes, and he said to me: “Your eyes will not see this until the proper time.” I did not know what that meant, so I confessed this element of my vision. I was asked then to identify the man in white. My answer was plainly obvious, on the level of being asked to put 2 and 2 together. It was Jesus, and I understood His words. When Mum walked out, I did not understand what was going on. All of this was well above my head; hence my eyes did not see this. The proper time, it seems, would either refer to later years revealing to me the why of the divorce, or to this night.
But throughout this vision I was having, I saw this little boy and Jesus from a third-person perspective. And the little boy was talking to Jesus. And as the outsider looking in – the little boy’s future counterpart – I could hear their conversation. The little me was asking Jesus what was going on, and Jesus was replying in words that could have only been from the mouth of the Lord. My six-year old self had many questions, and Jesus answered them all. During this vision, my mate asked me if there were any lies I took on board since the separation, and he asked the Lord to reveal them to me, if I could not see them. And indeed a lie was revealed to me (but for personal reasons I won’t post them here), to which I replied as to what this was. I was then prayer over to have this lie broken, removed, set free from my life. And no sooner had he prayed over me, I did feel something come off. I did feel loosened from something.
I write this post because I wish not to forget what happened last night. I felt the power of God in a way I have never felt before, for a long time. God came down and revealed to me an unconscious unforgiveness that I was holding onto. And now I can say that I have been set free from the separation, the lies I held to, the events that would shape me as a result. I have been made new, because God had decided that – through my mate – last night was the proper time.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Time For Change
After dicing it up in my head for almost too long, it’s time to be brutally honest with myself about blogging. Visitors will spot the ever-growing gap between blogs, and that’s for a very good reason; I’ve (sadly) lost the ‘drive’ to blog as frequently as I used to. When I began my blog, it was in the middle of last year for one of my classes. When the nature of my posts didn’t meet the grading criteria, this blog then essentially became my online place to express my thoughts, feelings and opinions, particularly theological ones. These days, my blog has declined into none of the above. Looking back now, I think I placed upon myself unnecessary pressure/obligation to blog. This of course, is the wrong approach, and henceforth I am going to try a different approach to remove the ‘compulsion to post’, the expectation. I will instead opt to turn this blog into a more ‘personal’ direction. My idea at this time is to mainly check in each week with how I’m going, what’s good and what’s not so good in my life…basically, returning to the personal side of blogging (within reason of course). If I have theological musings, these will most likely be written offline on my computer, rather than posted up here.
In any case, I won’t be disappearing completely, just rehashing the whole aspect of blogging.
Peace out!
In any case, I won’t be disappearing completely, just rehashing the whole aspect of blogging.
Peace out!
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Of God And Illness
If you’re anything like me, then you hate it when you’re stuck at home nursing some kind of illness. That’s been me over the last couple of days; I’ve been recovering from a sore stomach and, would you believe it, was caused by me eating far too much sugar products! Let’s just say that when you get a bunch of mates sitting at home watching the Crusaders on Sky, one tends to get a bit too “partied-up”, no alcohol needed. That was me on Saturday night…and Sunday/Monday was spent in stomach agony. When will I learn!
But being stuck at home has its upsides too. Like not being at work for instance (although I did go to work on Monday). But I didn’t get to College because I wanted that extra day of recovery, and I’m pleased to report that I am back to my normal, energetic self.
Being stuck at home also allows one to sit back and reflect on God. I mean, what else can you do when you’re crook? When you’re used to sprinting through life, you’re now forced to hit the brakes and take life in the slow lane. I’ve used my “day of slowness” to sit down and catch up on some homework (which I’m now up-to-date with), and it’s interesting that God can be found within my studies. I’m sure many of my College buddies can attest to that. I wouldn’t say that God has leapt every time I flick over a page, but just little seeds here and there have helped me grow in this faith journey we call life.
So the next time you get caught out by any sort of illness, sit back and take the time to mull with God. When you’re healthy and stuck in the fast lane of life, seldom does anyone check up on their personal growth. I am one such person. I need to downshift, and maybe you do too.
But being stuck at home has its upsides too. Like not being at work for instance (although I did go to work on Monday). But I didn’t get to College because I wanted that extra day of recovery, and I’m pleased to report that I am back to my normal, energetic self.
Being stuck at home also allows one to sit back and reflect on God. I mean, what else can you do when you’re crook? When you’re used to sprinting through life, you’re now forced to hit the brakes and take life in the slow lane. I’ve used my “day of slowness” to sit down and catch up on some homework (which I’m now up-to-date with), and it’s interesting that God can be found within my studies. I’m sure many of my College buddies can attest to that. I wouldn’t say that God has leapt every time I flick over a page, but just little seeds here and there have helped me grow in this faith journey we call life.
So the next time you get caught out by any sort of illness, sit back and take the time to mull with God. When you’re healthy and stuck in the fast lane of life, seldom does anyone check up on their personal growth. I am one such person. I need to downshift, and maybe you do too.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Return Of The Student
Disclaimer: Most of you may have noticed that I deleted a post prior to this one. That’s because the post contained a HTML graph that stuffed up the menu on the right of my blog. Hence, I removed the post.
The day has finally arrived; I’m back at Bible College. Today is Wednesday and halfway through the Orientation Week, and man it feels good to be back! I have returned to have a stab at the second year of the Degree problem. It’s interesting being a returning student, among all the first-yearers. I remember when I first started at College. I was like a stunned mullet, with this “what’s going on here” look slapped all over my face, having no clue as to what this new place is and what I’m getting myself chucked into. I know how the new students feel, and I hope that I (and the rest of the returning crew) can get along side the new students and help them into the college family atmosphere. Either way, it’s shaping up to be yet another fun – and hard working – year as we all seek to discover not only our brains, but what God has in store for us as we enter our studies.
Peace out.
The day has finally arrived; I’m back at Bible College. Today is Wednesday and halfway through the Orientation Week, and man it feels good to be back! I have returned to have a stab at the second year of the Degree problem. It’s interesting being a returning student, among all the first-yearers. I remember when I first started at College. I was like a stunned mullet, with this “what’s going on here” look slapped all over my face, having no clue as to what this new place is and what I’m getting myself chucked into. I know how the new students feel, and I hope that I (and the rest of the returning crew) can get along side the new students and help them into the college family atmosphere. Either way, it’s shaping up to be yet another fun – and hard working – year as we all seek to discover not only our brains, but what God has in store for us as we enter our studies.
Peace out.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Merry PC-Christmas
I’ve wanted to write this post for a while, but have never gotten round to it. However, here I am, so brace yourselves in and cast your minds back to Christmas 2005…
I love Christmas. I love the fact that there in our calendars is a day to commemorate the birth of the One who came to save every single human being in history (and future). Years ago, it was just a day for me to get tons of presents, but these days my focus has shifted somewhat. However, not everyone out there shares these views. Yes, I’m referring to both the birth of Jesus and the secular present-swapping tradition. For those of us that keep abreast of the news, we will have followed the uproar of Christmas itself. I read everything in my workmate’s paper about it: there were scores of letters, articles and snippets dedicated to debunking Christmas as “exclusive”, and cries of “multi-culturalism” echoed throughout as a counter or rebuttal. I remember thinking to myself, isn’t it funny how Christianity or anything linked with Christianity gets bricks thrown at it, yet every other religion remains unscathed? Let me elaborate: Christmas is under fire as being too exclusive. Why don’t I hear anything against Hanukkah? Why aren’t people taking pot shots at Ramadan? What about the page-filling story in The Press about the birthday of Hinduism’s foremost deity, Ganesh?
My point to you is this. The cries of “exclusivity” are coming from those who by choice did not wish to partake in the Christmas celebrations themselves, be it celebrating Jesus’ birth, or swapping gifts. Those that are pushing for an “alternate Christmas” (or a “neo-Christmas”) are not only those who would deny Christ’s birth and existence (done by choice of course), but these very same people would have no problem with the other festivities I’ve listed. Hanukkah is specific to the Jews, yet I hear no uproar. Ramadam is the Muslim month of fasting, yet noone throws up their hands and cries “intolerance”. And I don’t recall ever hearing a bad word slung against Ganesh or the Hindu celebrations themselves.
One final point needs to be written: I also find it funny how those that sling arrows at Christianity do so from a most comfortable range. It only seems to be those not interested in belief in Christ (or any “God” for that matter) that seek to bring Him down – or out – for anyone and everyone. How does the general public (aided by the Government) seek to establish a PC, tolerating society when intolerance is still rife? Does the existence of intolerance not suggest that there is a line to live by? Does not the rampant advance of intolerance show us that we are far, far from this line?
I would be willing to bet that God is looking down on His creation. And He is crying. He is crying to a world without ears. He is crying to a people that couldn’t care less. And we have done all this…by choice.
I love Christmas. I love the fact that there in our calendars is a day to commemorate the birth of the One who came to save every single human being in history (and future). Years ago, it was just a day for me to get tons of presents, but these days my focus has shifted somewhat. However, not everyone out there shares these views. Yes, I’m referring to both the birth of Jesus and the secular present-swapping tradition. For those of us that keep abreast of the news, we will have followed the uproar of Christmas itself. I read everything in my workmate’s paper about it: there were scores of letters, articles and snippets dedicated to debunking Christmas as “exclusive”, and cries of “multi-culturalism” echoed throughout as a counter or rebuttal. I remember thinking to myself, isn’t it funny how Christianity or anything linked with Christianity gets bricks thrown at it, yet every other religion remains unscathed? Let me elaborate: Christmas is under fire as being too exclusive. Why don’t I hear anything against Hanukkah? Why aren’t people taking pot shots at Ramadan? What about the page-filling story in The Press about the birthday of Hinduism’s foremost deity, Ganesh?
My point to you is this. The cries of “exclusivity” are coming from those who by choice did not wish to partake in the Christmas celebrations themselves, be it celebrating Jesus’ birth, or swapping gifts. Those that are pushing for an “alternate Christmas” (or a “neo-Christmas”) are not only those who would deny Christ’s birth and existence (done by choice of course), but these very same people would have no problem with the other festivities I’ve listed. Hanukkah is specific to the Jews, yet I hear no uproar. Ramadam is the Muslim month of fasting, yet noone throws up their hands and cries “intolerance”. And I don’t recall ever hearing a bad word slung against Ganesh or the Hindu celebrations themselves.
One final point needs to be written: I also find it funny how those that sling arrows at Christianity do so from a most comfortable range. It only seems to be those not interested in belief in Christ (or any “God” for that matter) that seek to bring Him down – or out – for anyone and everyone. How does the general public (aided by the Government) seek to establish a PC, tolerating society when intolerance is still rife? Does the existence of intolerance not suggest that there is a line to live by? Does not the rampant advance of intolerance show us that we are far, far from this line?
I would be willing to bet that God is looking down on His creation. And He is crying. He is crying to a world without ears. He is crying to a people that couldn’t care less. And we have done all this…by choice.
Monday, January 23, 2006
The Amazing Thing About Grace
I was cleaning out my room the other day, and I discovered a book that I had not read in a very long time. This book was Philip Yancey’s What’s So Amazing About Grace? This book has a history: A cell group I once belonged to (that is, before it disbanded) used this book as the basis of our studies. In fact, the copy I own of Yancey’s book was a study guide to it. Either way, we were unable to complete our study of the topic of Grace, due to our group splitting off.
Anyways, the re-discovery of this book got me thinking. What is so amazing about grace? And at work one day, the answer came to me. Ponder this passage of scripture for a while…
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
– 1 Corinthians 1:18-19
One of the central keys to Christianity is the doctrine of Grace. Jesus came as the once-and-for-all sacrifice for the forgiveness of Sin, which of course was His saving act by His blood, on the Cross. One thing to bear in mind about salvation by Grace is that it stands in stark contrast to salvation by Works. And here’s where I got thinking in overdrive: when we do wrong against another person, our natural tendency is to “work” off the transgression we caused to him or her. A sense of guilt accompanies an act of wrong, and we naturally try to work off our guilt, in the hope that we have done enough in order to satisfy the person we’ve wronged. Now, almost every major religion (Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, et al.) stresses that it is by our good works that we are able to be made perfect. And you would expect an all-powerful God – creator of all things - to look at us humans, and look at those who have done the greatest. Yet the very same all-powerful Creator God does the exact opposite to the common sense and logic of human thinking. In fact, the message of Grace can be summed up this way:
“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
– Romans 5:8
Anyways, the re-discovery of this book got me thinking. What is so amazing about grace? And at work one day, the answer came to me. Ponder this passage of scripture for a while…
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
– 1 Corinthians 1:18-19
One of the central keys to Christianity is the doctrine of Grace. Jesus came as the once-and-for-all sacrifice for the forgiveness of Sin, which of course was His saving act by His blood, on the Cross. One thing to bear in mind about salvation by Grace is that it stands in stark contrast to salvation by Works. And here’s where I got thinking in overdrive: when we do wrong against another person, our natural tendency is to “work” off the transgression we caused to him or her. A sense of guilt accompanies an act of wrong, and we naturally try to work off our guilt, in the hope that we have done enough in order to satisfy the person we’ve wronged. Now, almost every major religion (Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, et al.) stresses that it is by our good works that we are able to be made perfect. And you would expect an all-powerful God – creator of all things - to look at us humans, and look at those who have done the greatest. Yet the very same all-powerful Creator God does the exact opposite to the common sense and logic of human thinking. In fact, the message of Grace can be summed up this way:
“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
– Romans 5:8
Arthur's Pass
Remember my post from way back when I went over to Arthur's Pass for the day? Here's some photos of the day =)
Enjoy...
The Crew (Left to Right: Ricardo, Miriam, Andrea, Myself and Peter)
The Crew (sans Andrea) atop a bridge on the Devil's Punchbowl track
A view of a really cool mountain
Devil's Punchbowl Falls
This is the self-suspending ice-shelf I made reference to in my last post about Arthurs's Pass. Considering it's the middle of Spring and it was roughly 25 degrees outside, this was the most impressive bit of the whole tramp!
Enjoy...
The Crew (Left to Right: Ricardo, Miriam, Andrea, Myself and Peter)
The Crew (sans Andrea) atop a bridge on the Devil's Punchbowl track
A view of a really cool mountain
Devil's Punchbowl Falls
This is the self-suspending ice-shelf I made reference to in my last post about Arthurs's Pass. Considering it's the middle of Spring and it was roughly 25 degrees outside, this was the most impressive bit of the whole tramp!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Full Scale Clean-Up!
Although it wasn’t intended, this post is mainly ‘an extension’ to my previous post.
I have titled this particular post as is on purpose. Basically, I need prayer…tonnes of it! I have fallen into a lull in my lifestyle at the moment, and it has created a suffocating aura, an aura that promotes nothing but sheer laziness. It’s not that I don’t do anything, it’s just that I have fallen into a trap (like so many people do) of getting into a habit of playing far too many computer games. Yep, I get home after work and the first thing I do is blob. Where do I blob? Not in the lounge, that’s for sure. I blob in my room, in front of this screen of mine, and waste my time playing games.
However, I need a change. Prior to typing this post I uninstalled every single game off my computer, now I need to pack away the boxes. The prayer is mainly for not only breaking this deadly and anti-social habit, but to also devote my time to more meaningful, fulfilling activities.
Thank you…
I have titled this particular post as is on purpose. Basically, I need prayer…tonnes of it! I have fallen into a lull in my lifestyle at the moment, and it has created a suffocating aura, an aura that promotes nothing but sheer laziness. It’s not that I don’t do anything, it’s just that I have fallen into a trap (like so many people do) of getting into a habit of playing far too many computer games. Yep, I get home after work and the first thing I do is blob. Where do I blob? Not in the lounge, that’s for sure. I blob in my room, in front of this screen of mine, and waste my time playing games.
However, I need a change. Prior to typing this post I uninstalled every single game off my computer, now I need to pack away the boxes. The prayer is mainly for not only breaking this deadly and anti-social habit, but to also devote my time to more meaningful, fulfilling activities.
Thank you…
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
The Busy Slacker
Hehe long time, no blog!
I haven’t quite vanished from the face of the Earth; just a small blog to let you all know that I’m alive and well. I hope you’ve all had an awesome and memorable Christmas, one filled with wonderful times and reflections of God deciding to pop on down to Earth as a manger-dwelling infant. I have disappeared temporarily from the blogspot for a number of reasons. Firstly, check out my previous post (Golden Age) for one reason. Secondly, I’ve not been able to have any time to myself for the last month. Ever since exams, I’ve straight away returned to Window Treatments as a full-timer until my second year kicks under way. Thirdly, if I haven’t been at work I’ve been elsewhere. It seems that my time has been spread across many fronts, and the fact of the matter is, you are reading this particular post because I finally managed to have time all to myself.
Anyways, must dash. I didn’t tell you how much time I had to myself (clue: not all that much). But rest assured over my absence I’ve collated some juicy ideas for posts that will hopefully spill over from my brain to my blogspace. But until then, have a happy New Year’s celebration(s). Don’t do anything I wouldn’t (list not available) =)
Peace out!
I haven’t quite vanished from the face of the Earth; just a small blog to let you all know that I’m alive and well. I hope you’ve all had an awesome and memorable Christmas, one filled with wonderful times and reflections of God deciding to pop on down to Earth as a manger-dwelling infant. I have disappeared temporarily from the blogspot for a number of reasons. Firstly, check out my previous post (Golden Age) for one reason. Secondly, I’ve not been able to have any time to myself for the last month. Ever since exams, I’ve straight away returned to Window Treatments as a full-timer until my second year kicks under way. Thirdly, if I haven’t been at work I’ve been elsewhere. It seems that my time has been spread across many fronts, and the fact of the matter is, you are reading this particular post because I finally managed to have time all to myself.
Anyways, must dash. I didn’t tell you how much time I had to myself (clue: not all that much). But rest assured over my absence I’ve collated some juicy ideas for posts that will hopefully spill over from my brain to my blogspace. But until then, have a happy New Year’s celebration(s). Don’t do anything I wouldn’t (list not available) =)
Peace out!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Golden Age
“…Lord, there was a time when I had a ‘Golden Age’ in my life…but I have forgotten what that feels like. I pray, Lord, that you would restore to me what it was like to live life to the full. I pray once again for a golden age…”
What you have just read is a small and somewhat paraphrased version of a prayer I made to God a long while ago. When I speak of a ‘Golden Age’, I speak of a time when I was living life with all the energy in the world, where (almost) everything seemed to be running quite nicely, and if the enemy decided to wage war, I was able to ward off such attacks in the power of God. That time was at the start of this year, and has been lost since April. And the time that has followed hasn’t been all bad, but inwardly I had felt empty, that a piece of me was somehow missing or in need of restoration. Many times I had prayed similar prayers (like the excerpt above), because noone likes living under a dark cloud, so to speak. I had times where I hated my life. I wanted something more.
Then God showed up…
Recently, I returned to my place of work (see previous post), and have been having an absolute blast. I have regained a lot of energy since returning, and this has served only to lift me up. But it gets better. Last Tuesday I played Laser Strike with my teammates and we thrashed our opposition, paving the way for next week’s final against the top team. So I’m pretty stoked about that. And today I tasted – for the first time in ten months – a full-time wage, and am aiming to save as much as I can, as well as buying Christmas presents and a place ticket. So all these have also lifted me up, but these pale next to what really set my life spiraling upward! I don’t want to sound like a “spiritist”, but I really felt that God has blessed me, by not only giving me all these little victories and niches (because it’s the little things in life that really count), but on Friday night I feel that God had given me the greatest gift anyone could ever receive from His hand – namely that of a special someone =”) Me and my best female friend of three awesome (and turbulent (1)) years are now going out. And ever since then I have been walking differently.
Oh, and if that last sentence sounded odd, read it again in light of what I’ve just written. The words are simple, but the meaning is there.
Praise God, for His testing of those He loves. Praise God, for the blessings that follow. Praise God, for Him being God.
Notes:
(1) By ‘turbulent’, I mean that me and my friend have got perhaps the strongest friendship I’ve got with anyone out there. We’ve been through so much crap, it’s not funny! But we’ve always stuck it out, and have emerged stronger as a result. And now that we’re going out, if a problem arises, we know how to deal with it. Praise God for special friends like that!
What you have just read is a small and somewhat paraphrased version of a prayer I made to God a long while ago. When I speak of a ‘Golden Age’, I speak of a time when I was living life with all the energy in the world, where (almost) everything seemed to be running quite nicely, and if the enemy decided to wage war, I was able to ward off such attacks in the power of God. That time was at the start of this year, and has been lost since April. And the time that has followed hasn’t been all bad, but inwardly I had felt empty, that a piece of me was somehow missing or in need of restoration. Many times I had prayed similar prayers (like the excerpt above), because noone likes living under a dark cloud, so to speak. I had times where I hated my life. I wanted something more.
Then God showed up…
Recently, I returned to my place of work (see previous post), and have been having an absolute blast. I have regained a lot of energy since returning, and this has served only to lift me up. But it gets better. Last Tuesday I played Laser Strike with my teammates and we thrashed our opposition, paving the way for next week’s final against the top team. So I’m pretty stoked about that. And today I tasted – for the first time in ten months – a full-time wage, and am aiming to save as much as I can, as well as buying Christmas presents and a place ticket. So all these have also lifted me up, but these pale next to what really set my life spiraling upward! I don’t want to sound like a “spiritist”, but I really felt that God has blessed me, by not only giving me all these little victories and niches (because it’s the little things in life that really count), but on Friday night I feel that God had given me the greatest gift anyone could ever receive from His hand – namely that of a special someone =”) Me and my best female friend of three awesome (and turbulent (1)) years are now going out. And ever since then I have been walking differently.
Oh, and if that last sentence sounded odd, read it again in light of what I’ve just written. The words are simple, but the meaning is there.
Praise God, for His testing of those He loves. Praise God, for the blessings that follow. Praise God, for Him being God.
Notes:
(1) By ‘turbulent’, I mean that me and my friend have got perhaps the strongest friendship I’ve got with anyone out there. We’ve been through so much crap, it’s not funny! But we’ve always stuck it out, and have emerged stronger as a result. And now that we’re going out, if a problem arises, we know how to deal with it. Praise God for special friends like that!
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Is Your Heart At Risk?
Inspired by Lani’s blog, I decided to partake in the Cynicism test…
* * * * *
You scored 10, on a scale of 0 to 30. Here's how to interpret your score:
0 – 10: Risk-free. Your Cynicism level is very low.
11 – 20: Somewhat cynical. Your Cynicism level is probably high enough to be of some concern.
21 – 30: Severe cynic. Your Cynicism level is very high.
* * * * *
You scored 10, on a scale of 0 to 30. Here's how to interpret your score:
0 – 10: Risk-free. Your Cynicism level is very low.
11 – 20: Somewhat cynical. Your Cynicism level is probably high enough to be of some concern.
21 – 30: Severe cynic. Your Cynicism level is very high.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
What I'm Up To (In Brief)
With Bible College ceasing for the year, what has become of the J can be summed up in two words: Window Treatments. With the end of my study life comes the re-entering of my full-time working life, as I make a return to the place where I built my life. I am working there more or less until my second year gets under way, which isn’t for another ten weeks at the least. And here I am – as I said in my November 1 post – joining my ‘working family’ for the longest haul in the infamous W.T. Christmas Period. In a lot of ways it’s great to be back! I feel comfy and right-at-home in the W.T. atmosphere, so it’s great that I can hang out with my workmates like the days of old, and have a good hard slog at the same time. But on the other hand, I miss College life. But I know in time I will be back for the long haul. Can’t wait to see you all there in 2006.
As well as returning to workplace life, I also stamp my authority on the Laser Strike field as I return to my tourney team as well, much to their delight. We played the top team last night and lost to them, but only by 40 points! We went in with a ‘tactic’ and came out with brains full of ideas and refinements. Next week we play a team called ‘Tekken’, and if we play the way we played last night Tekken are going to get ripped to pieces. That’s the plan anyway, and plans always look good on paper, don’t they!
Tomorrow night I’m off to my Dad’s house after work for dinner and quality time, so that oughta be awesome…providing I can beat him in Darts. Difficult when he’s a Canterbury rep!
Anyways, off to host home group tonight, and I need to shave!
Peace out from the J =)
As well as returning to workplace life, I also stamp my authority on the Laser Strike field as I return to my tourney team as well, much to their delight. We played the top team last night and lost to them, but only by 40 points! We went in with a ‘tactic’ and came out with brains full of ideas and refinements. Next week we play a team called ‘Tekken’, and if we play the way we played last night Tekken are going to get ripped to pieces. That’s the plan anyway, and plans always look good on paper, don’t they!
Tomorrow night I’m off to my Dad’s house after work for dinner and quality time, so that oughta be awesome…providing I can beat him in Darts. Difficult when he’s a Canterbury rep!
Anyways, off to host home group tonight, and I need to shave!
Peace out from the J =)
Monday, November 28, 2005
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Ryan Sumner, Dip.BS
What a year it’s been! Here I am, more or less at the end of my first year at Bible College, and what a year it’s been! I started out on this journey of living with Jesus in early 2001, so I guess I’m coming up to my fifth birthday – even though I’m 22! I came from a background of partying, drinking copious amounts of goodness-knows-what, smoking, and on one occasion drugs. But all that’s in the distant past. I’ve often reflected on my past with a chuckle to myself thinking, five years ago I would never have thought of this whole God-thing that I’m doing! And I would never have picked this ardent ex-Atheist to be willing to give up full-time work to go to Bible College to study to become a Pastor. What a 180 that is!
So as I sit back and reflect on this past year, I remember that I’ve sacrificed so little in order to gain so much. I gave up full-time hours to put time in attending Bible College. I gave up earning $400 a week to pay $3000(+) for my dream. My relationship with my girlfriend at the time before College ended (long story), only to gain a whole heap of friends that I so see as something much, much more. Thank you guys for being my family this year. Thank you my Boss for letting me go to strive toward my calling (and still return for part-time work). And especially thank you God, for making yourself known to me in ways I cannot articulate. And that you’re still with me, even when life throws me curve balls.
And to everyone – roll on next year for another round! See you all there =)
So as I sit back and reflect on this past year, I remember that I’ve sacrificed so little in order to gain so much. I gave up full-time hours to put time in attending Bible College. I gave up earning $400 a week to pay $3000(+) for my dream. My relationship with my girlfriend at the time before College ended (long story), only to gain a whole heap of friends that I so see as something much, much more. Thank you guys for being my family this year. Thank you my Boss for letting me go to strive toward my calling (and still return for part-time work). And especially thank you God, for making yourself known to me in ways I cannot articulate. And that you’re still with me, even when life throws me curve balls.
And to everyone – roll on next year for another round! See you all there =)
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