So I’m in 4th year at Moore College, I’m not really getting enough sleep, I’ve been struggling with my health for at least 3 months and I’m looking for a job in the Anglican church is Sydney for next year. This term I have something due weekly be it an assessment task, a sermon or both. Consequently I’m a little stressed!

I had a huge realisation the other day in regards to this. I can handle being tired; I can struggle on and operate when I’m a little under the weather; I can handle stress related to meeting deadlines. When I’m tired, unwell and stressed all at the same time I get very depressed!

Lessons to learn for life and ministry:  Life continues to happen irrespective of how we are and it can’t be stopped just because it’s a bad day or week.  I need to learn how to cope with the stresses and how to ‘release’ them.  So yesterday I went home, collected the family & visited the nursery to buy some veggie plants.  My almost 2 year old had a great time wandering around the nursery and ‘smelling’ the flowers (he doesn’t understand that you need to breath in through the nose to smell them).  Later he and I kicked a ball around the backyard.  Nothing else changed, but I feel so much better about life now.

Other areas I need to ensure I stay focused on in my life are prayer. Bible reading and getting to bed early.

Late addition:  Just been having lunch and a chat with some other people in 4th year.  So refreshing in a way to hear other people admit that ‘the stress is almost paralysing’ to the extent that the other day he decided to ‘just go have a sleep’.  Yes, the future church is in safe hands! LOL

Whilst I haven’t read the new book by Stephen Hawking, The Grand Design (2010), one of the big claims that it seems to make is that God did not create the universe.  Rather, the Big Bang occurred simply as a result of the laws of physics.

England’s Daily Mail Newspaper placed an interesting article online in reply to this claim by a Christian Professor, John Lennox.

It probably comes as no surprise that I’m in agreement with John Lennox.  From my understanding Hawking argues from the stand that science and religion are not compatible and that belief in one will undermine the other.  Lennox on the other hand sees no reason why science and religion cannot sit side by side on the same shelf saying:

Isaac Newton was also a scientist who believed in God writing:

‘Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who set the planets in motion.  God governs all things and knows all that is or can be done.’*

Science will never be able to disprove God, and neither can it prove His existence.

* as quoted Tom Frame, Losing my Religion: Unbelief in Australia (Sydney: UNSW Press, 2009), 135.

As they led Him away, they seized Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry behind Jesus.  A great multitude of the people followed Him, including women who were mourning and lamenting Him.  But turning to them, Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and your children.  Look, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed!’  Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Two others– criminals– were also led away to be executed with Him. When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided His clothes and cast lots.

The people stood watching, and even the leaders kept scoffing: “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One!”

The soldiers also mocked Him. They came offering Him sour wine and said, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!”

An inscription was above Him: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS

Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!”

But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”

And He said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.”

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun’s light failed. The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle.   And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I entrust My spirit. ” Saying this, He breathed His last.

When the centurion saw what happened, he began to glorify God, saying, “This man really was righteous!” All the crowds that had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, went home, striking their chests. But all who knew Him, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

There was a good and righteous man named Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, who had not agreed with their plan and action. He was from Arimathea, a Judean town, and was looking forward to the kingdom of God. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.  Taking it down, he wrapped it in fine linen and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever been placed.  It was preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with Him from Galilee followed along and observed the tomb and how His body was placed. Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

As we went on a little wander, I found a small rock platform with a little drip falling into a small rock pool check out these amazing pics and the distortion made in the water.

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Romans 1:20

Dear All,
Before we get down to the happy business of singing Christmas Carols this month, the following are some things to consider from an Elfin Safety point of view:-

Jingle Bells
Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
O’er the fields we go
Laughing all the way

A risk assessment must be submitted before an open sleigh is considered safe for members of the public to travel on. The risk assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly if passengers are of larger proportions. Please note, permission must be gained from landowners before entering their fields. To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.

While Shepherds Watched
While shepherds watched
Their flocks by night
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around

The union of Shepherd’s has complained that it breaches health and safety regulations to insist that shepherds watch their flocks without appropriate seating arrangements being provided, therefore benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available. Shepherds have also requested that due to the inclement weather conditions at this time of year that they should watch their flocks via cctv cameras from centrally heated shepherd observation huts.
Please note, the angel of the lord is reminded that before shining his / her glory all around she / he must ascertain that all shepherds have been issued with glasses capable of filtering out the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and Glory.

Rudolph the red nosed reindeer
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw him,
you would even say it glows.

You are advised that under the Equal Opportunities for All policy, it is inappropriate for persons to make comment with regard to the ruddiness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from the Reindeer Games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence. A full investigation will be implemented and sanctions – including suspension on full pay – will be considered whilst this investigation takes place.

Little Donkey
Little donkey, little donkey on the dusty road
Got to keep on plodding onwards with your precious load

The RSPCA have issued strict guidelines with regard to how heavy a load that a donkey of small stature is permitted to carry, also included in the guidelines is guidance regarding how often to feed the donkey and how many rest breaks are required over a four hour plodding period. Please note that due to the increased risk of pollution from the dusty road, Mary and Joseph are required to wear face masks to prevent inhalation of any airborne particles. The donkey has expressed his discomfort at being labelled ‘little’ and would prefer just to be simply referred to as Mr. Donkey. To comment upon his height or lack thereof may be considered an infringement of his equine rights.

We Three Kings
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star

Whilst the gift of gold is still considered acceptable – as it may be redeemed at a later date through such organisations as ‘cash for gold’ etc, gifts of frankincense and myrrh are not appropriate due to the potential risk of oils and fragrances causing allergic reactions. A suggested gift alternative would be to make a donation to a worthy cause in the recipients name or perhaps give a gift voucher.
We would not advise that the traversing kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their destinations and suggest the use of RAC routefinder or satellite navigation, which will provide the quickest route and advice regarding fuel consumption. Please note as per the guidelines from the RSPCA for Mr Donkey, the camels carrying the three kings of Orient will require regular food and rest breaks. Facemasks for the three kings are also advisable due to the likelihood of dust from the camels hooves.

Away in a Manger
Away in a Manger No Crib for a bed

That’s enough ….. Quick …. call the Social Services.

It was an evangelical church, the Bible was read, the Gospel preached and applied in context.  I had no problem with any of this – it was great to see people being challenged by the word of God and shown that it has a very redy aplication to todays world.

The singing however left me feeling down and empty – upon much contemplation of why I realised that it was a very simple reason why – the band was too loud!  I’m not trying to say that you cant have loud music in church – dont get me wrong – I love the music to fill the whole church with praises to our God and Saviour!

My issue that I have was that as the band played and sung, you couldn’t hear anyone else in the church singing.  I couldnt even here the person beside me singing even though I could see there lips moving. 

What is the point of congregational singing, - which I believe is an important part in our church services, a way of together sharing as the people of God in praise and worshuip of our God – what is the point of it when you can no longer hear other people singing. It becomes a rock concert and not a part of congregational praise.

Please, turn the master volume down so that together, all the people of God can lift their voices and be heard as we give praise and honour to our God Almighty!

Psalm 150

That sums up how I feel with the birth of my first child Rhys William.

There were minor complications, but thanks to God and modern medicine my wife and I have a beautiful son

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20

There are many theological debates on Baptism which I will not go into instead, I’m going to raise a slightly more pragmatic issue on the same subject based mainly on my experience.

As a future Anglican Minister here in Sydney I will be bound by the 39 Articles or Religion which clearly endorse infant Baptism & I have no problem with this.  In An Australian Prayer Book (for the Anglican Church) we read:

 ‘Children are Baptised on the understanding that they will be brought up as faithful members of the church, to follow Christ … to be confirmed… when they are of age to take upon themselves the promises you are about to make on their behalf.

‘As they grow up they need encouragement, teaching and the help of a good example, so that they may learn to worship God, Pray to him, to put their faith and trust in him and to take their place in the life of the Church.’*

My big issue with infant Baptism however is the way that I have experienced them over the last 18 or so months.  Large service where 3 or 4 children are baptised together; probably going close t0 50 Children in the last 18 months.  The majority of parents bring their child to be baptised because in their limited affiliation to the church it is ‘the right thing to do’.  Probably only 5 of those families will come on a semi regular basis. 

I think this sort of service looses a lot of its meaning when done like this.  It’s no longer your special day for the parents or the child instead they have to share it with others.  On top of this, and I’m being pessimistic, most of those children will probably grow up not knowing the truth of the Gospel Message.  Their parents and God-parents will probably not fulfil the promises they made before the Church & before God.

That said, my wife & I have decided to get our child baptised.  Our Senior Minister  doesn’t want to lump us in with the rest – it will be our special day standing before our church family telling them that we do intend to raise our son knowing the message of Jesus death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.

*An Australian Prayer Book, Sydney: Standing Committee of the General Synod of the Church of England in Australia (1978), 518.

A few weeks back I pulled out all the weeds and the dying pees, dug in composted cow manure and planted a few tomato plants & a Capsicum,as well as sowed the seed for some  rocket, pak choi, carrots & spring onions.  The rocket and Pak Choi are both up and today I planted seed for baby beetroot, and snow peas as well as some sage as my sage plant kicked the bucket in the pot it was in.

When i came to the Basil pot I was amazed that there are a few plants that have survived winter (Basil normally dies in winter) and are starting to re-grow.  I put in a few seeds for the black basil that didn’t survive so in a month or so that will be growing again as well.

I cant wait to see the plants grow and taste their goodness in a few months time.