Hi everyone ... My family and I will be taking some holidays during January. I have scheduled regular posts for the blog so there'll be lots of good content coming your way, at least every few days. This includes ten great questions to ask yourself as you start another year. Because I'll be taking some time … Continue reading BLOG Update
A Drummer Boy?
Some random Christmas musings from my mildly cynical wife, Nicole ... "This morning to my great horror I was humming that Drummer Boy carol ... This might have to do with the outstanding job that our creative arts team did with it at our recent Christmas production. As I was contemplating my fallen state of singing Christmas carols, I … Continue reading A Drummer Boy?
What Would Jesus Say to Santa Claus?
Have you noticed that Santa Claus has gradually been taking centre stage at Christmas of late and that Jesus has been forced to take more of a back seat? Who is this Santa guy and where did he come from? Christmas is the most widely celebrated holiday in Western world. It was Pope Gregory that established December 25th … Continue reading What Would Jesus Say to Santa Claus?
Christmas Humour
A funny Christmas story ... Terri asked her Sunday School class to draw pictures of their favourite Bible stories. She was puzzled by Kyle’s picture, which showed four people on an airplane, so she asked him which story it was meant to represent. "The flight to Egypt," said Kyle. "I see … and that must … Continue reading Christmas Humour
The Christmas Season
In a few days we will celebrate Christmas together. The early Christians did not celebrate the birth of Jesus and Jesus never asked them to. They focused on his death and resurrection, as well as his promised return. Christmas Day as it is celebrated today did not begin until the fourth century. Interestingly enough, Jesus … Continue reading The Christmas Season
Beliefs
All of us experience adversity in one form or another on a regular basis. We respond to adversity by thinking about it. Those thoughts rapidly form beliefs and these beliefs have consequences – in how we feel and what we do next. A simple example: Your best friend hasn’t returned your phone calls. In response … Continue reading Beliefs
Happiness
We live in a world where the pursuit of happiness is most people’s highest endeavour. Everyone wants to feel good, to have positive emotions, and to avoid negative ones. Studies on the subject of happiness have found that: Most people have a set range of happiness that they will return to even after good … Continue reading Happiness
Problems
Problems – no one likes them but the truth is that everyone has them. I use to think that the aim in life was to have no problems at all ... but then I discovered that as soon as I solved one set of problems, some new ones would arrive on my doorstep. After a … Continue reading Problems
Clarity in Uncertainty
Today we all live in fairly turbulent times. There is a lot of uncertainty and that can bring all sorts of fears and worries into our life if we aren’t careful. One of things you’ll discover in life is that you can’t always be certain but you can be clear. Uncertainty is a permanent part … Continue reading Clarity in Uncertainty
Border Control
I have been privileged to have traveled to a number of other nations now and every time I enter a country I have to go through customs or ‘border control’. Before they let you in, they want to know lots of things such as: who you are, why you are visiting, how long you are … Continue reading Border Control
Apostles of Fear
I am currently reading a recently released book by Morag Zwartz entitled Apostles of Fear. It is a tragic story about a number of events that have taken place over the years in two related churches: Melbourne Christian Fellowship (formerly called "Immanuel") and Brisbane Christian Fellowship, under the leadership of Vic Hall. The injustices done … Continue reading Apostles of Fear
7 Things To Do Before Christmas (Pt.7)
7. Plan Your Holiday. Hopefully, you're planning on taking some time off around Christmas and the New Year. Do something different and make it your best holiday yet. Shut down, turn off, and enjoy your God, your friends, and your family. I'm sure you have lots to do before Christmas, but hopefully these seven suggestions … Continue reading 7 Things To Do Before Christmas (Pt.7)
7 Things To Do Before Christmas (Pt.6)
6. Get Organised. Clean your office. Make an appointment with yourself. Block out plenty of time for this. Sort through any filing cabinets, shelves, or desk drawers. Clean out your email folders. Throw away as much as possible. Get your 2009 diary or calendar up to date. You'll feel much better for it!
7 Things To Do Before Christmas (Pt.5)
5. Do Some Pastoral Care. If you are a leader of other people, take a few moments to reflect on the 'people flow' in your area. Here are a few questions to ask: Who are the interested people who need hope and a vision? Who are the new people who need a welcome and some … Continue reading 7 Things To Do Before Christmas (Pt.5)
7 Things to Do Before Christmas (Pt.4)
4. Do Some Planning for 2009. Think about some of your main events or activities for next year. What's happening with - your life, your family, your friends, your work, and your church? Start doing some planning and organisation for the first quarter of the year. Create some personal life goals for 2009. What would you … Continue reading 7 Things to Do Before Christmas (Pt.4)