I'm sick of people bashing Hillsong.
I spent the day with David. And I'll tell you, he's sounding more and more like a good Evangelical every day. Next thing we know he'll tell me there were dinosaurs on the ark and women should cover their heads.
Still I had a good time. So that's ideal really.
I like his iPhone too.
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Monday, 28 July 2008
No Ice Cream For You
I've made a week of blogging.
And you were all wanting a Gaytime.
It shouldn't really be a big deal, a week of blogging. But in this uncertain climate of high interest rates, global warming and missing NRL players, it seems that regular blogging has become much harder to find in this community.
Speaking of Sonny Bill. I think forcing the man to honour his contract and keep playing for the Bulldogs seems a bit dumb. But then again, I don't think anyone is seriously considering it. It seems like people just want to stop him from playing in France, or making pay a lot of money for the privilege to do so.
This seems perfectly reasonable to me. I don't have a problem with busting people for breaking contract. Contracts are rather important, people should stick to their commitments. Even if they do get offered $3 million to break them. Though I can see how that'd be rather tempting.
Anyway, I know people don't read the blog for my insightful comments on the state of Rugby League. So I'll return you now to our regular programing.
Actually I think I might go reply to Ty's comment below. I think he's called me out and suggested that not everyone is as insecure as me. Of course they are, their self-esteem is just too high to notice.
And you were all wanting a Gaytime.
It shouldn't really be a big deal, a week of blogging. But in this uncertain climate of high interest rates, global warming and missing NRL players, it seems that regular blogging has become much harder to find in this community.
Speaking of Sonny Bill. I think forcing the man to honour his contract and keep playing for the Bulldogs seems a bit dumb. But then again, I don't think anyone is seriously considering it. It seems like people just want to stop him from playing in France, or making pay a lot of money for the privilege to do so.
This seems perfectly reasonable to me. I don't have a problem with busting people for breaking contract. Contracts are rather important, people should stick to their commitments. Even if they do get offered $3 million to break them. Though I can see how that'd be rather tempting.
Anyway, I know people don't read the blog for my insightful comments on the state of Rugby League. So I'll return you now to our regular programing.
Actually I think I might go reply to Ty's comment below. I think he's called me out and suggested that not everyone is as insecure as me. Of course they are, their self-esteem is just too high to notice.
Sunday, 27 July 2008
Nelson
Mum reminded me yesterday of this quote I have a problem with. People often stick this one up from Nelson Mandela and say it's their favourite:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
It's actually not by Nelson but by a woman named Marianne Williamson, which is good.
I think it's rather lovely but not particularly true. I don't know about you, but my greatest fear is not that I am powerful beyond measure. Even if it were my greatest fear, I'm not. My greatest fear could very well be that I am inadequate. That I miss whatever small measure of greatness has been alotted to me because I'm to busy being dumb.
My greatest fear might be that even I have underestimated how horrible I really am.
And I'll tell you, I don't shrink because other people will feel insecure around me. I shrink because other people make me feel insecure.
Not to mention the fact that as a reformed evangelical it's crying out for me to remind everyone about the "total depravity of man" (lucky women escaped that doctrine).
I could go on. But my point is, it's nice but a load of bunk in my opinion.
Nelson could have quoted me and said "You could do better, get on with it." And I would be much more inspired.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
It's actually not by Nelson but by a woman named Marianne Williamson, which is good.
I think it's rather lovely but not particularly true. I don't know about you, but my greatest fear is not that I am powerful beyond measure. Even if it were my greatest fear, I'm not. My greatest fear could very well be that I am inadequate. That I miss whatever small measure of greatness has been alotted to me because I'm to busy being dumb.
My greatest fear might be that even I have underestimated how horrible I really am.
And I'll tell you, I don't shrink because other people will feel insecure around me. I shrink because other people make me feel insecure.
Not to mention the fact that as a reformed evangelical it's crying out for me to remind everyone about the "total depravity of man" (lucky women escaped that doctrine).
I could go on. But my point is, it's nice but a load of bunk in my opinion.
Nelson could have quoted me and said "You could do better, get on with it." And I would be much more inspired.
Saturday, 26 July 2008
City
I was out in the city tonight. A guy vomited in the mop bucket in Maccas. I thought "They probably shouldn't clean the floors with that now." But they did.
56
56 of my Facebook friends changed their profile pictures. Was there a profile picture party that no one told me about? Doesn't matter, most of them probably aren't my friends anyway.
Friday, 25 July 2008
Car Conversion
I was listening to myself preach in the car yesterday. I do that so I can laugh at my own jokes and respond to my own alter calls. I forgot that I was getting my car serviced and left the cd playing. I stopped it last time I got the car looked at because I thought the mechanic might judge me for listening to Eric Bibb. Who knows what he thought of me for listening to myself rattle on about Jesus.
Still, he listened for a good 4 minutes. I know because when I hopped in the car, it was stopped four minutes after where I had left it. So if all goes according to plan he'll now remember that "the church isn't about us, it's only and always about Jesus."
When I went to pay exorbitant amounts for the car, the mechanic told me "There's nothing wrong with your car, except your brakes could fail at anytime." Apparently that's a bad thing. I guess it means now I can risk my life and drive recklessly without even breaking the speed limit. That's an achievement any young man oughta be proud of.
Still, he listened for a good 4 minutes. I know because when I hopped in the car, it was stopped four minutes after where I had left it. So if all goes according to plan he'll now remember that "the church isn't about us, it's only and always about Jesus."
When I went to pay exorbitant amounts for the car, the mechanic told me "There's nothing wrong with your car, except your brakes could fail at anytime." Apparently that's a bad thing. I guess it means now I can risk my life and drive recklessly without even breaking the speed limit. That's an achievement any young man oughta be proud of.
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Squeeze
The ABC has told me that there's a rental squeeze going on in Sydney. I'd noticed.
At staff meeting today we were encouraged to get our coffee early and start the meeting on time. This is a shame, because I usually use that coffee time to turn up 5 minutes late and still be sitting on the couch when everyone else is ready. It makes me look punctual.
I just watched Bra Boys which is kinda like a propaganda documentary for a gang. Though they seemed nice enough. I'm not sure why they keep punching people in the head, it seems like they just want to surf and help struggling teenagers. Perhaps the people they punch are the sorts that don't like you helping teenagers. That's the sort of people I punch too.
At staff meeting today we were encouraged to get our coffee early and start the meeting on time. This is a shame, because I usually use that coffee time to turn up 5 minutes late and still be sitting on the couch when everyone else is ready. It makes me look punctual.
I just watched Bra Boys which is kinda like a propaganda documentary for a gang. Though they seemed nice enough. I'm not sure why they keep punching people in the head, it seems like they just want to surf and help struggling teenagers. Perhaps the people they punch are the sorts that don't like you helping teenagers. That's the sort of people I punch too.
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Guy on the Train
I was on the way home the other day when I met a man who was rather drunk. He asked me if the next stop was Redfern. I told him it wasn't. He asked me what I did and he told me what he does "for a crust".
After he repeatedly told me his name, he told me we should catch up sometime. I said "That could be fun" or something non-committal like that. He gave me his number, then insisted that I call him to check it works. I couldn't think of a way out so I did. It worked.
He's called me about 10 times since then and I ignore it every time. I don't know what I'd say when he rang, especially if he asked to hang out. I feel bad though. I don't ignore anyone else for this long.
Next time he calls I might pick up. Jesus probably would.
After he repeatedly told me his name, he told me we should catch up sometime. I said "That could be fun" or something non-committal like that. He gave me his number, then insisted that I call him to check it works. I couldn't think of a way out so I did. It worked.
He's called me about 10 times since then and I ignore it every time. I don't know what I'd say when he rang, especially if he asked to hang out. I feel bad though. I don't ignore anyone else for this long.
Next time he calls I might pick up. Jesus probably would.
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
Batman and Desperate Preachers
Of course it has been awhile since I've blogged. This hasn't really been because I've been doing amazingly interesting things. I've kinda just been plodding along. Watching lots of West Wing. And I saw The Dark Knight on Friday night which was particularly awesome. Oh how I love superheros. And Batman. And this film was great. Heath Ledger was pretty amazing. As was Gary Oldman, and Christian Bale. Yep. It was a special experience.
I preached on Sunday in all three services. I was getting pretty good at it by the end of the day. The fun thing was that every service got a slightly different sermon as I swapped illustrations around for each service. I did another illustration in the evening about me and girls. I wonder if I keep doing it if people will start to think I'm desperate and dropping hints. Which would be a good plan, because there is nothing more attractive than a desperate preacher, using his sermons to pick up.
I'm still living in Chatswood and still really enjoying it.
So there's a catch up for you. I'm going to try and blog every day for a week. If I don't I'll buy you all an ice cream, except most of you. But ask and you might be the lucky winner.
I preached on Sunday in all three services. I was getting pretty good at it by the end of the day. The fun thing was that every service got a slightly different sermon as I swapped illustrations around for each service. I did another illustration in the evening about me and girls. I wonder if I keep doing it if people will start to think I'm desperate and dropping hints. Which would be a good plan, because there is nothing more attractive than a desperate preacher, using his sermons to pick up.
I'm still living in Chatswood and still really enjoying it.
So there's a catch up for you. I'm going to try and blog every day for a week. If I don't I'll buy you all an ice cream, except most of you. But ask and you might be the lucky winner.
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
More Theology
So the most important question I've thought of during my theology intensive has been this:
If Jesus' embryo in Mary had split making twins, would both of them be the Messiah? And would both of them be God? If not which one would be which? How could you tell? If so, if only one of them was crucified, would only half our sins be forgiven or would only half the people who want their sins forgiven get forgiven?
And when there were twins would the Trinity become a Quadinity?
And what would happen if the embryo didn't fully split and Mary had Siamese twins? Would both of them be the Messiah? How would you deal with the shared bits? If the non-Messiah bit sinned would that infect the Messiah bit?
I'm hoping this isn't disrespectful. I'm just trying to work out the metaphysics of it all.
If Jesus' embryo in Mary had split making twins, would both of them be the Messiah? And would both of them be God? If not which one would be which? How could you tell? If so, if only one of them was crucified, would only half our sins be forgiven or would only half the people who want their sins forgiven get forgiven?
And when there were twins would the Trinity become a Quadinity?
And what would happen if the embryo didn't fully split and Mary had Siamese twins? Would both of them be the Messiah? How would you deal with the shared bits? If the non-Messiah bit sinned would that infect the Messiah bit?
I'm hoping this isn't disrespectful. I'm just trying to work out the metaphysics of it all.
Gone with the Wind
I watched half of Gone with the Wind today. I had realised how annoying Scarlett O'Hara was till I watched. I certainly didn't get a past crush on her. Maybe she'll improve in the second half.
Saturday, 12 July 2008
Friends
I'm friends with all these people on Facebook who I don't even know. I'd ignore their requests but I'm scared I do know them but I've just forgotten who they are.
I've also lost my desire to play Scrabulous. I stopped winning, now it's no fun.
I want a digital camera so I can post photos of myself at arms-length.
I've also lost my desire to play Scrabulous. I stopped winning, now it's no fun.
I want a digital camera so I can post photos of myself at arms-length.
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Tuesday Joy
Usually my Tuesdays are relaxing but a little depressing, because I have my day off, but there is no one around to enjoy it with. Today however was a different story.
I work up early, pumped to buy a suit for the upcoming wedding in the Gong on Saturday. I walked into the first shop I saw, flirted with an older lady, and walked out 20 minutes later with a new suit, tie, shirt and a saving of $100! I'd like to say it was because of my flirting skills but I think it might have been the tag attached to the suit that said "$100 Off!".
Next it was off to Glebe to pick up Mil, so we could use my Van of Power to pick up a pink desk from my Marrickville place (the one I'm on the lease for but don't live in and don't know most of the people who actually do live in it). There we picked up a desk and Jemma, and headed back to Glebe.
In Glebe it was over priced lunch for the three of us from somewhere trendy with red couches, which Jemma liked, but they were probably made out of dead animal.
Jemma left us after some fair trade coffee, and Mil accompanied me to Broadway to buy some swanky shoes to go with my swanky suit. We did well, it's helpful having support, especially from a girl because girls know about things like looking good.
My final act in Broadway was to get my haircut, to remove the hair that doesn't go with the swanky suit and swanky shoes. It occurred to my that almost all the money I spent today was on improving my appearance. This is a little disconcerting. I'd better look hot on Saturday.
I headed back to the house of Mil and Martin, where I found Mil and Martin and Martin promptly invited me to dinner with them (and Ryan and Van). The movie, Happy-Go-Lucky, was lovely. Full of happiness and very little conflict. It had one of the most pleasant characters I have ever seen on film. And I did laugh much too.
Dinner was good too, full of discussion about inappropriate jokes. My favourite.
So my day as been full of people I like and fun things to do. Only down point was having to come home to do some reading for the theology intensive I start tomorrow (Was Jesus' post-resurrection body physical most of the time or just some of the time?) and finding out that I have be at college at 8:30am. Grr. 7:15 on the train. Grr.
Oh well, I'll do it for theology because I love theology. And I'll do it for Jesus. Though I feel I could glorify Jesus by sleeping too.
I work up early, pumped to buy a suit for the upcoming wedding in the Gong on Saturday. I walked into the first shop I saw, flirted with an older lady, and walked out 20 minutes later with a new suit, tie, shirt and a saving of $100! I'd like to say it was because of my flirting skills but I think it might have been the tag attached to the suit that said "$100 Off!".
Next it was off to Glebe to pick up Mil, so we could use my Van of Power to pick up a pink desk from my Marrickville place (the one I'm on the lease for but don't live in and don't know most of the people who actually do live in it). There we picked up a desk and Jemma, and headed back to Glebe.
In Glebe it was over priced lunch for the three of us from somewhere trendy with red couches, which Jemma liked, but they were probably made out of dead animal.
Jemma left us after some fair trade coffee, and Mil accompanied me to Broadway to buy some swanky shoes to go with my swanky suit. We did well, it's helpful having support, especially from a girl because girls know about things like looking good.
My final act in Broadway was to get my haircut, to remove the hair that doesn't go with the swanky suit and swanky shoes. It occurred to my that almost all the money I spent today was on improving my appearance. This is a little disconcerting. I'd better look hot on Saturday.
I headed back to the house of Mil and Martin, where I found Mil and Martin and Martin promptly invited me to dinner with them (and Ryan and Van). The movie, Happy-Go-Lucky, was lovely. Full of happiness and very little conflict. It had one of the most pleasant characters I have ever seen on film. And I did laugh much too.
Dinner was good too, full of discussion about inappropriate jokes. My favourite.
So my day as been full of people I like and fun things to do. Only down point was having to come home to do some reading for the theology intensive I start tomorrow (Was Jesus' post-resurrection body physical most of the time or just some of the time?) and finding out that I have be at college at 8:30am. Grr. 7:15 on the train. Grr.
Oh well, I'll do it for theology because I love theology. And I'll do it for Jesus. Though I feel I could glorify Jesus by sleeping too.
Friday, 4 July 2008
Jesus is my Fashion Consultant
The Vatican tells us, after speculation that the Pope wears Prada shoes, that the Pope is a "simple and sober man (who is) not dressed by Prada but by Christ".
I'm hoping Jesus can get me a new outfit too.
From here.
I'm hoping Jesus can get me a new outfit too.
From here.
Hairs
If all the hairs on my head are numbered, what is the numbering system? Is hair number one the first hair in a systematic counting? Does God count from the centre of the head and move outwards in a circular fashion? Does he count from the bottom left hand side and move from left to right, working his way up and forward?
Or are hairs numbered chronologically? Is hair 1 the first hair to grow? Will it be the last to fall out? Or are hairs numbered in order of importance according to some divine system for determining the value of each particular hair? Does hair one change depending on its ranking?
These are the important questions of Jesus' teaching.
Can you tell I'm reading a lot of theology at the moment?
Or are hairs numbered chronologically? Is hair 1 the first hair to grow? Will it be the last to fall out? Or are hairs numbered in order of importance according to some divine system for determining the value of each particular hair? Does hair one change depending on its ranking?
These are the important questions of Jesus' teaching.
Can you tell I'm reading a lot of theology at the moment?
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Theology
I have been doing theology readings for college lately and the theologian was saying that the orthodox position on Jesus' omnipresence is that when he became incarnate he didn't cease to be omnipresent. This was an odd thought which I had never thought about before, I had always assumed that he ceased to be omnipresent because part of being human is about only being in one particular space. If figured the Father and Spirit could fill any necessary gaps in the Universe left by Jesus' incarnation. A little bit of omnipresence rostering could sort out that issue in the Godhead.
But alas, Raymond, Calvin and many other people, disagree. Jesus was both in one place and everywhere at the same time. I'm not sure how they support this biblically, but I'm sure someone could tell me. I feel like this thought is a little bit of a let down, it feels like it diminishes the significance of the incarnation, like taking away Superman's cape without realising that he can still fly.
Anyway, if there is anyone inclined to think theologically out there, tell me what you think.
But alas, Raymond, Calvin and many other people, disagree. Jesus was both in one place and everywhere at the same time. I'm not sure how they support this biblically, but I'm sure someone could tell me. I feel like this thought is a little bit of a let down, it feels like it diminishes the significance of the incarnation, like taking away Superman's cape without realising that he can still fly.
Anyway, if there is anyone inclined to think theologically out there, tell me what you think.
Semester of Achievement
So I decided that the first 6 months was a bit of a failure. I've been thinking about this for a little while. I had plans this year to do good at college, learn Kung Fu, keep running and be the best youth minister in the world.
In actual fact I managed to stop running, fail the only subject I was doing at college, not do Kung Fu, become homeless and accidentally move back in with my parents, and not do half the things I wanted to do as a youth minister (though I think ministry was where I failed least).
So I've decided that as depressing as it is to realise you're a failure (please no comments to the contrary, unless you're hot and a girl), it does give me an opportunity to improve. And now that I pretty much suck, all I have to do is finish this year not sucking so much.
So here is what I want to achieve by the end of the year, I want to be unhomeless, I want to not fail college, and I want to maintain my current level of mediocre youth ministry. So really I'll still be less amazing than I was at the beginning of the year, but at least I'll do better than I did these last six months.
It did just occur to me that I have no memory of what I did for the last New Year's. I wonder if I had a good time. I might go check the blog. I was probably watching a DVD or something.
Update: For the record I was at Avalon with people from Church and I really enjoyed myself. In fact I'm feeling fond memories right there in that fond memory bit of your torso. Actually, my torso, I've never felt anything fond in your torso in my life.
In actual fact I managed to stop running, fail the only subject I was doing at college, not do Kung Fu, become homeless and accidentally move back in with my parents, and not do half the things I wanted to do as a youth minister (though I think ministry was where I failed least).
So I've decided that as depressing as it is to realise you're a failure (please no comments to the contrary, unless you're hot and a girl), it does give me an opportunity to improve. And now that I pretty much suck, all I have to do is finish this year not sucking so much.
So here is what I want to achieve by the end of the year, I want to be unhomeless, I want to not fail college, and I want to maintain my current level of mediocre youth ministry. So really I'll still be less amazing than I was at the beginning of the year, but at least I'll do better than I did these last six months.
It did just occur to me that I have no memory of what I did for the last New Year's. I wonder if I had a good time. I might go check the blog. I was probably watching a DVD or something.
Update: For the record I was at Avalon with people from Church and I really enjoyed myself. In fact I'm feeling fond memories right there in that fond memory bit of your torso. Actually, my torso, I've never felt anything fond in your torso in my life.