one way to downsize....

is to move every 12 months!

in other thoughts:
I have been thinking more about the project I would like to do next year. For the last 6 months or so, I was set on "towards an ethic of contentment with specific application to singleness". Or some other ethics based project.
But my New Testament Theology mark was quite good in my recent exams, which has been prompting a few other thoughts.

I have been throwing around the idea of looking at a Pauline theology of singleness or such.

Any suggestions out there as to what I could muse on?

transcripts and averages

Many of you will be aware that I have been placing just a little pressure on myself regarding my end of year results.
After discovering that I had passed all my subjects, my next all important question was "what is my average?"
Hence begins the story of 3 academic transcripts for 2006 and 3 different averages.

Academic Transcript 1 - my average was 0.07 lower than last year. Not particularly fab, but once I had gotten over the annoyance, I realised that I was not really in any worse a position than last year. And considering that I had picked up Hebrew 1A this year, I think that it was a pretty good effort.

Academic Transcript 2 - I got an email from the registrar to the effect that there had been some mix up with Hebrew 1A results and we would get a new transcript. This was not particularly a big deal for me as I haven't sat the Hebrew final exam yet (Jan 22nd). So I didn't think that it would affect my average. Especially as Hebrew was an extra from my 3rd year subjects. But I got the new transcript in my pigeon hole today which indicated that my average had dropped another 3 marks.
But that is ok. I kinda figured that as long as I got 75% or above for the final exam, then my average should jump 5 marks or so. (I just wonder if 75% is wishful thinking)

Academic Transcript 3 - Just a few short hours ago, I got another email from the registrar to the effect that there had been another error with the calculation of Hebrew 1A results and that the overall averages were lower than what they should have been. I await this new transcript, and wonder if it will affect my average at all seeing as my mark for Hebrew sits on around 26% until I do the 70% exam.

We shall wait and see.

In other news, the packing is going ok. I have been kept busy and wonder where time vanishes.

progress

I should also note that exam results came in while I was away on sail camp.

I passed everything.

holidays, camps, and packing

I left for holidays. Heading north, I met up with some crew from college at Budgiewoi.
When that fun was over, I headed south for a family holiday with the Ould's and Tweety.
I stopped home for a night on my way back north for a week of sailing camp.

I'm back home now - for the moment. Mum is on her way over to help me start packing for the move.
So much mess. Where to start? And what shall I get Mum to do once she arrives?

Camp was fab. I got to see Max and his tractor again. He is an amazing man who is serving the Lord at the camp site. A huge encouragement to me during my time away.
I spent the week driving power boats and telling kids about the good news of Jesus. I was thankful that there were no major boating incidents, and for the opportunity to join in on discussion groups. It was a great reminder as to why I am at college, and the fact that I love hanging out with young people sharing the news of the gospel with them.

Mum's going to be here any moment.

My nomadic lifestyle continues on Tuesday.

I forgot to update you on the doctrine exam challenge.

I managed to slip the following into the exam:
It's all about Jesus
Totentanz

a brief return

After a few short, but relaxing days on the central coast, I am back in Sydney for the day before I head away tomorrow morning.

Our days were filled with talking, laying on the beach, painting (I took my paints and canvases up), going for morning walks, shopping and just enjoying people's company.

Hopefully I'll get some pics from JT or Kel when they get around to doing all that needs to be done with digi camera etc.

I'm off to see the wizard,


the wonderful wizard of OZ.





I'll be back in a while (but don't hold your breath)

much ado about nothing

Once upon a time I sat in room C.
I sat, and dreamed, and stared at my coke zero pyramid.
I dreamed of long hot days, of resting, swimming, playing and no exams.
I wait.
The days are coming when the sleepless shall sleep, when the weary will rest, and the birds will fly.

it's over

i didn't like today's exam

nothing else to say

one more sleep.....

actually, i don't know if sleep is the right word.
i'm back at home now.
trying to cool down in this hot weather.
the study room wasn't an option tonight.
hoekema and bloesch are my buddies for the night.
their knowledge will be transferred into my brain by morning.

--
one more sleep til....
exam of doom
summer holidays begin
my birthday
i start thinking about the hebrew exam i have to sit in jan
--

breathe in
breathe out
breathe in
breathe out

--
i am feeling a tad more confident about tomorrow's exam
i've been working on question diagnosis with badders
i went to mamma swans and we talked doctrine
i still am not quite grasping the connection between eschatology and ecclesiology (other than they are both about Jesus - yes, its all about Jesus)

exams: 5 down, 1 to go.....

well, whether i am a greek geek remains to be told.

i was slightly annoyed that i didn't get all the translation out (missed a couple of words here and there - really should have done more vocab throughout the year), so that could affect the outcome a little.
i managed to write a fairly substantial paper and only mention a couple of greek phrases. last year my problem was that i had too much greek and not enough theology and flow, this year i think it will be the opposite.
i wrote a paper on Romans 5:12-21, and Luke 1:5-17. there was a third question (a comparison question partway between theology and exegetical paper) which i didn't leave enough time for, so i think it was more a stream of thoughts rather than an essay.


--
5 down, 1 to go
2 days til doctrine exam of doom......

breathe the greek, hear the greek, sleep the greek, be one with the greek

greek is my friend

now say it together: greek is my friend

i can't hear you....

GREEK IS MY FRIEND!

exams: 4 down, 2 to go...

Today was New Testament theology.
There wasn't a fab selection of questions.
I'm sure glad that it is over.

Questions: 4, 8 and 11....

• What contribution does Paul's teaching on the Spirit in Romans 8 make to the whole letter?
• How tightly should the relationship between Luke and Acts be conceived?
• What is the essence of the 'New Perspective' understanding of Pauline theology?

Next up, NT exegesis tomorrow morning.
For those that are wondering: I never managed to slip anything interesting into todays exam. Much too pushed for time, and too desperate struggling to get a coherant answer out (which I am not sure I managed!)

--
3 days til doctrine exam of doom......

sleeplessness

6:30pm - church
9:00pm - study room
11:00pm - home
11:15pm - sleep
12:30am - awake, new testament thoughts running through mind
12:45am - sleep
1:30am - awake, very bizarre dream
2:00am - sleep
4:00am - awake, nightmare
5:45am - mum phoned, expecting to wake me up

now i will go for a walk

--
in 6 hours i will only have 2 exams left

--
edit: 6:15am
breathe in
breathe out
breathe in
breathe out

sunburn and study

yesterday saw me spend most of the day in a local cafe studying. my shoulders copped quite a bit of sun. thankfully most of the red has gone down this morning.
i had a little teeny panic yesterday about GPA's and next year, so its back to the study room for me this morning.

i love what i'm studying

--
5 days

3 down, 3 to go

to those of you who must know the answer....

yes, i did manage to get 'jam and scones' into one of my ethics essays in the exam.

i haven't been online a great deal. there has been a distraction, which i am trying to avoid!

--
any suggestions for something to get into the new testament exam?

3 down, 3 to go

to those of you who must know the answer....

yes, i did manage to get 'jam and scones' into one of my ethics essays in the exam.

i haven't been online a great deal. there has been a distraction, which i am trying to avoid!

--
any suggestions for something to get into the new testament exam?

jam, scones and ethics

it looks as though jam and scones wins the poll.
ethics is up this morning. in just 6 and a bit hours, i will be halfway through my exams!

my brain is already stewing away some possibilities to weave jam and scones into my exam.
somebody said to me yesterday: 'don't you find exams hard enough without setting yourself extra challenges?'
or course i find exams hard, i'm not exactly an A-grade student. but i do like setting some sort of goal (other than passing) in order to make them more enjoyable.

i had lunch with doylie yesterday. his challenge to me for the doctrine exam (of doom) next thursday is to get totentanz into one of my essays.

bring it on!

or make another suggestion in the comments...

highlight....

i did manage to get 'hokey pokey' into one of my answers today about Ezekiel!!

exam 2 of 6....

wow, it was a shocker. the one exam that i wasn't stressed about as it was my best mark last year, and i really enjoyed sitting the exam last year.
blech
i ended up writing some papers on passages i hadn't even studied. and what with the way that the modules were split up, i wrote answers to questions i hadn't even gone to the lectures for! (i did that as the passages i had studied weren't in there, or were shockers!)

now to get to ethics....

--
2 exams down, 4 to go....
8 days til doctrine exam of doom

OT exegesis is on today.
Not feeling overly prepared.
Not feeling overly stressed.

--
9 days til doctrine exam of doom.
9 days til my birthday :)

1/6

I'm glad that one is over!

Out of a possible 12 questions, 3 were on the paper and one unseen question.
Here's what I wrote on:

1. Evaluate the textual and theological significance of the Septuagint version of Jeremiah. (Unlikely as it may seem, this was the one that I knew the most about!)
   
2. Evaluate the significance of the poetic for of the Psalms for their theological message. Illustrate your answer with examples.
3. Critically and theologically evaluate Stephen Cook's approach to apocalypticism and the literature associated with it. (Not really sure whether I managed a comprehensive answer on this one).
4. Unseen Question - In what ways, if any, does the standpoint of the writer (sixth or second century B.C.) affect the theological interpretation of the book of Daniel?
   (I think I managed to string together a coherant answer for this one)

I didn't manage to slip any interesting phrases into this exam paper. Bummer. I think this is only the second time that has happened in any of my exams whilst at college. I'll have to try harder tomorrow. Although, I did write about Jesus whilst talking about apocalyptic literature!

Now it is time to head out to a coffee shop to sit outside sipping coffee reading over my notes for tomorrow's exam.

7 of 7

very productive...

OT theology up in the morning. Feeling prepared as I'm ever going to be.
Still much to be done for OT exegesis on Tuesday.


now to sleep some restful dreams!

some days are diamonds.....

stuvac day 6 of 7

mildy productive

achieved:
4 of 12 OT theology questions under control
2 hour afternoon snooze
washing

and there are still more hours in the day!!

stuvac - day 5 of 7

quite productive

highlights:
going home to see my family for Dad's birthday dinner
Uncle K and Aunty J were there, visiting from QLD
finding a tape of the sound track to Top Gun in my car

lowlights:
Uncle P is quite ill

I have quite a large extended family. Both my Mum and Dad come from large families.
My Mum is the youngest with 4 older brothers. Uncle's K, P, B & D. Uncle's K and D live in QLD, and there is quite a large age spread between siblings. Hence my Mum was an Aunty at age 8, and some of my cousins on that side of the family have kids my age.
My Uncle B died from cancer mid last year. My Uncle P has also been diagnosed with cancer. 2 weeks ago, after much treatment, he had a major operation to remove some of his organs. I went to see him last week and he was doing ok. In the last few days he has taken a turn for the worse.
Things aren't looking all that good.

4 of 7

very productive!
I think I managed to condense the entire ethics course (or at least the modules I am studying for the exam) onto 2 double sided A4 pieces of paper.
And then I explained them to Tweety. I'm feeling quite good about Ethics now. For me it all lay in the "can I explain it to someone else?". If I can't, then I don't know it. BUT, I could!! woot
this esp holds joy for me as I'd like to take an ethics direction for next year's project.

Went back to greek geeking this arvo/tonight. I really need to stop looking at that and focus on OT for next monday and tuesday exams!

tomorrow: some meetings; greek geeking with RJG; dinner with family (I haven't seen them in a month or so and it is Dad's birthday dinner tomorrow night); wake up call from mum at 6am (erk); and hopefully some OT exegesis and theology.
but probably not in that order

14 days til my birthday
14 days til exams finish

3 of 7

6:15am wake up call from mum

much new testament study done
a little old testament study done
not enough ethics or doctrine

quite a productive day
not enough hours, much to be accomplished

dinner was lovely
washing in the machine
clean sheet night

tomorrow i will be even more productive
tomorrow i might decide on a job for next year
tomorrow i will

2 of 7

Not as productive as day one. I came to the realisation that everything is eschatological. (I fear hyperbole will be used a great deal in the coming weeks)

Tomorrow, I will be more productive. Tomorrow, I will get back on target. Tomorrow, Jesus might return. Tomorrow, I will prepare for the Old Testament theology paper. Tomorrow, I will finish my notes on doctrine of eschatology. Tomorrow, I will have dinner with Trinity at 'that other college'. Soon, I will see my parents. Soon, it will be summer. Soon, very soon, I will decide on a job for next year!

and who'da thought, the Ethics I was studying tonight - it was eschatological!

But right now, I shall see what bizarre dreams await me!

bizarre dreaming

I have been having some bizarre dreams of late.

A couple of weeks ago, I dreamt that I was in prison. For something I did not do! (of course everyone says that). For some strange reason there were kids in the prison, who also had not done anything wrong. Using an apple corer, I broke us out. I didn't know where to take them, so I took them to my parents house in suburbia. I had all the kids safe. Then the police arrived to catch me. But it wasn't the police, it was 2 of the women's chaplains from the women's section of college.
But they couldn't catch me!
I kept jumping from balcony to the roof and back on my parents house. I even tried to jump the fence next door, but our neighbours huge Rotweiler, Zack, wouldn't let me get in.
I woke up relieved that the women's chaplains couldn't catch me, but confused as to why they were trying.

Then 2 nights ago I again dreamt that I was in prison. But then I realised it wasn't prison, it was a boarding school. I was the oldest child in my family, and had heaps of younger brothers. We were all at the same school. Our youngest brother was having a heart transplant and was dying, but the people who ran the boarding school wouldn't let us go and see him.
I woke up with tears streaming down my face because I was so devastated that they wouldn't let us go and see our dying brother.

--
Back in reality, my youngest brother was back in hospital yesterday for a dislocated shoulder. I'm glad it wasn't open heart surgery!!

I'm sure there is much that you could read into these dreams. Anyone want to give interpretation a shot?

that's what its all about

First year my exam motto was:
"Its allright, Its OK, Jesus loves me anyway!"

Early in second year I started saying:
"Its all about Jesus."

Third year, and I'm still saying:
"Its all about Jesus."


Jesus - the reason I'm at college.

Yes, its all about Jesus.
He died and rose again that I might be forgiven - how awesome is that?!

the sweet melody of procrastination

An amusing post from Lady Design...

Following her tips, here are the results of my Procrastination Technique #342.

Original Post:
Today I moved into Room C. I have set up camp, and for the next 3 weeks will live there. I fear it is past the time of day for a nanna nap, yet my body strongly suggests that I must do so. Instead I will wander back to Room C and continue my studies for the upcoming exams of doom!

After steps 3-7:
Today I am gone in installed in hall C that for tents, and for which 3 next weeks he will live there. I fear that he place has over, which maintains peels of nanna, however my body suggests strongly that I must make in such a way. On the other hand I will curve again at hall C and become i continue my studies for i imminent exams the fate through-cross!

And finally after steps 3-7 in reverse:
Today I attacked within gone in to hall the c that for stretches here and what 3 following weeks lives he. I fear that it has puts more rueber, the river basins nanna maintain, however my body proposes strongly that it must form in such a way. Of other part I still encircle over hall the c and place far away to become my studies for the examinations that threaten the Durchkreuz destiny directly!


--
I really should get back into it
:p

Seifenoper, Kino und Ängste

einer meiner Freunde beschrieb mein Leben wie das heute:
Leben ist eine Seifenoper. Gerade als Sie denken, dass das zu Ende ist, ein anderes Drama kommt mit.

Ich hoffe, dass nächstes Jahr ein wenig glatter sein wird.

Und ich erinnere mich an Römer 5:3-4
Nicht allein aber das, sondern wir rühmen uns auch in den Bedrängnissen, da wir wissen, daß die Bedrängnis Ausharren bewirkt, das Ausharren aber Bewährung, die Bewährung aber Hoffnung.

--
auf einer verschiedenen Plattform.
Heute Abend beobachtete ich Kinder von Männern.
Ich genoß es ein großer Betrag. Ich setzte fort, überall an die verschiedenen Arten zu denken, wie dieser Film verwendet werden konnte, um Dinge im Jugendministerium zu illustrieren.

--
es ist eine Weile da ich blogged auf Deutsch gewesen. Ich fürchte, dass sich mein Gebrauch verschlechtert.

the joy of creating

see some of my most recent artwork...
here
and
here (the one on the left)

I love painting - especially for a person, with them in mind.

prayer, provision and repentance

Friday College had a morning of prayer. It was great to spend a few solid hours praying. I also found it hugely encouraging praying for all the exiting students.

God's grace and provision continues to blow me away. I have been waking up quite early of late. I think it is because the sun has been getting up earlier and earlier. I'm looking forward to daylight savings starting tomorrow. But this past week, as I have been waking up between 5 or 6am, I stretch out, look at the ceiling and pray and give thanks to God. Try it sometime, it has been awesome.

--
I got to thinking over the last week about the pain and grief that comes with death. I then thought about the death of Christ. How painful that must have been for God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit in their perfect perichoretic relationship when Christ died. It has reminded me of enormity of what occurred when God sent his only Son to die for us.

I again come before my maker and repent, give thanks and turn my life to him for molding.

There is no sunshine without the sun and there is no sun in a cave but you will find darkness, cold and wet, nothing at all is like brew, you, fun, tea, cocktails and budgies go to the zoo to watch the tigers come from Africa does not like to watch us play violins and volitional moods go well together is the opposite of separate, but it does start with the same letter as today is gonna change the world for there is no tomorrow, there is nothing but sunshine on my fingers and toes, bending and stretching my back to front and topsy turvey mr men and women are swimming in the sea of love and happiness is good for the soul, spirit, life, just do it for the love of money doesn't rule my world pollution does not want me to go home tonight I have a date with some seaweed is good for your skin not nose piercings are hot and spicey food to cook tomorrowor else nothing will go away on holidays are coming soon but exams are sooner.

so they threatened

The waves threatened to overwhelm this week.

The week started on Monday morning with a tute on abortion and ended with a guest lecturer on the same topic.

It saddens my soul to tears.

I hope and pray that I will always be devastated by this topic, and never calloused or even apathetic.

--
It has AGAIN made me realise the importance of what we teach our young people. We teach about sexual purity, but often we forget to teach about the importance of life (a Christian perspective on abortion/euthanasia etc).

itty-bitty fishing boat

Today we looked at Christology in Luke-Acts. I continue to be amazed at Luke's rich and vibrant description of our Lord and Savior. There is just so much to be learnt. Sometimes I feel like a small fishing boat let out to sea in a storm. I'm being bombarded with information day after day, night after night. No chance to recover from the last wave when the next one hits!

I want to learn it all, but realise all too quickly that this is an imposibility. I know that college is only just a small part in what I hope is a lifetime of learning and loving God more.

And now it is time to turn back into those waves...

is it a 'gospel' issue?

Picking up on David's comment in the previous post, I thought I would ask the question: Is it a gospel issue when women preach/teach/lead biblestudy in a mixed setting?

By this I mean, is a woman sinning when she teaches a man?

I have heard it taught that it is a sin. That in fact it is sin in the same way that Eve sinned in the garden, ursurping the God-given order of creation.
I feel the tension. The jury is out in my decision making, but surely if it is a sin, then it is a gospel issue.

And what do we mean by gospel issue anyway?!

And if it is a gospel issue, how does that work itself out? Can a woman lead a service, read the bible in church or even pray in church? what about leading singing in church, is that teaching? and what about youth ministry?

pragmatics or theology

So the gender debate is being tabled at Synod. There are many facets to how this pans out. This post is not aimed at taking a position regarding the ordination of women to the priesthood, but at what we do with our position on certain aspects of the gender debate.

We need to let our theology dictate our ministry not pragmatics. This is all areas of ministry, but here for this post I am thinking about women teaching to men and women.

If a biblical pattern of male headship is being held to and women are not to teach in a mixed setting then this needs to be held across the board. Here in Sydney we are so blessed to have an abundance of well theologically trained people to teach in our churches. Elsewhere it is not the case. Yet why do our churches which take a stand against women preaching in mixed settings so willingly support and allow women to go overseas and teach in mixed settings?
Some people say that this is because there is a great need, and if there are no men to teach and there are women willing and able to go then they should. But I question what this says about our doctrine of humanity.
Are the men in those places somehow less 'manly' and it is acceptable for them to sit under a woman's teaching? What are we really saying when we allow women to preach 'over there' and not here?

We cannot allow pragmatics to rule our theology. If we take a stand against women preaching to a mixed setting here in the abundance of Sydney, then we have to take the line that they cannot teach to mixed settings overseas as well.

sporadic

My blogging has been a little sporadic of late.

There are so many thoughts swirling around in my head that I haven't had time to sit down and write (also dodgy internet and PC giving me grief). I do my best thinking when I am moving about. So one good thing to come out of all this thinking as that the house is clean and my bedroom is tidy. I even managed to rearrange and there may be room for another bookcase in my bedroom.
Now to find one within the budget!

I've been reading about abortion for the ethics tute today. I hope to post some thoughts on it after the tute.

Current thoughts consuming brain waves:

• women's ordination to the priesthood (it is being tabled at Synod over the next 2 weeks)
• women's ordination to the deaconate (is there a relationship between this and the above)
• 1 Tim 2
• contentment and blessings
• bioethics

the same old storage story

4 bookcases full of books. Crates of them overflowing under the bed, beside the desk and out of the wardrobe. Piles in the hallway, hidden under couches, above the fridge, under the table.

I have evacuated all non-essential literature to my parents house (and they thought that they had got rid of me).

Surely there are more spots I can find in my bedroom to put them!

the power of blog...

an interesting/amusing article on why you shouldn't blog - here.

What do you think?

artiste

Today brings about a new era in my life. I have my first commissioned piece of artwork (paid that is)!!!! Naughty has asked me to do something for her room. OK, so it isn't the first painting that someone has asked me to do for them, but it is the first time someone has given me cash up front to cover materials.
Perhaps it is time to be rethinking college....
--ok, so perhaps going from financially struggling theological student to financially struggling painter may not be the way to go.

But someone suggested I could sell them on ebay. Perhaps I should put some thought into that to help fund my final year and a bit of college....

God speaks - He is not silent.

You might was to read Psalm 19 first.

Have you ever hugged a tree and expected it to talk to you? I often talk to my plants and pets, but I never expect them to talk back. I read these verses and wonder what an earth is going on.
How can creation talk? How do the trees and rivers speak up? What are these verses claiming?

The Heavens declare the glory of God. The skies proclaim the work of his hands.
It’s a bold opening. Creation cries out, declaring praises to its creator.
Creation has a voice. It declares the glory of God. It displays knowledge. There is no language that it does not speak, and its voice goes out to the end of the earth. God has spoken, he isn’t silent.

Heavens, skies, speech and voice. What do they remind you of? Think about it.
Where do they take you?

God created the heavens and earth. God spoke. It was with his word that the heavens and earth were created. David is not just reflecting on the expanse of heaven.
He is not merely sitting under the stars and looking at them for that moment alone. He has an understanding that goes all the way back to the creation of the universe. David is not saying anything new. This is no new and strange concept. God has always spoken.
Look at verse1. Look at the balance. It flows off your tongue. The Heavens declare the glory of God. The skies proclaim the work of his hands. It has the effect of us seeing how the glory of God is the work of his hands.

Check it out. The story that the heavens is telling is not just contained to daylight hours, it is day and night.
Day AND night. This heavenly message speaks twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, for all eternity.
The nightly knowledge is the same is the daytime speech. Day and night. Morning and evening.

The work of creation may be finished, but it’s message continues.
God speaks, he is not silent.

David doesn’t mean that creation speaks in English, Aramaic, Hebrew, or even Greek. Even so, it is a profound communication. Just look at verse 3.

3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.

If you are a tree hugger you don’t expect the tree to talk back to you. But just because we don’t hear it, doesn’t mean that it is mute. There is no part of humanity, no matter what language, that has escaped the proclamation, what the heavens declare about their creator.
This proclamation of God is so profound that humans are held responsible for not listening. Romans 1:18-23. Paul writes that no human anywhere has any excuse for failing to recognize God. Because of the testimony of creation.

In creation, God speaks. He is not silent.
His speech goes out to the ends of the earth. Verse 3 picks this up, and you can’t miss it in verse 4! Although the speech, words and voice of the heavens may be inaudible to human ears, they still have a voice.

So how does creation speak? How does creation proclaim?
David goes on in the next couple of verses to give an example.
He has described the big picture of what creation is doing. And here the psalm focuses in. From the general to the specific.

We see the picture of the sun living in a tent pitched in the heavens by God.

In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.


I went to a friends wedding recently. And as I was sitting there, the bridegroom came out the door from the side of the church to wait up the front. You couldn’t wipe the smile of his face. He was beaming with joy. Today was his wedding day. I’m sure many of you will have witnessed the same thing.
Now culture is slightly different these days, for we normally see the bride arrive and go the bridegroom. It’s the opposite here. The bridegroom is the one goes to the bride.

The triumphant sweep of the sun through the heavens displays the glory of God like a bridegroom. He is dressed in his finest and beaming with joy at the occasion. He leaves his tent, the place of preparation. The public nature of this occasion would involve everyone. EVERYONE.
NO ONE could miss this event.
And you know what it is talking about?

The revelation of God.

And to even take this one step further: if you were absent from the wedding it would show that you were either indifferent toward the family or had some type of badwill toward them.
God created the heavens and the sun. It’s through this that he making himself known to all, to everyone in joy and glory.
And the sun is not only described as a bridegroom, but also as a warrior, a champion. Someone who is fearless and stretching out to the end.
Through all this, God speaks, he is not silent.

David has the pointed reminder that the sun shines on all creation, on all humanity. We can’t live without sunlight. And there is nothing that can escape the watchful eye of the God who created the sun. The sun moves from one end of the heaven to the other. It warms and illuminates all that humanity does.
This is a subtle reminder. The word warm or heat actually has undertones of anger - the judgment of God. The sun is a constant scrutinizer and assessor of all human activity.
Even those activities that we think are hidden.

The glorious sun – which mirrors God’s glory – constantly arcs overhead so that none escape both the blessings and judgment implied by its heat. But we can’t stop there. We have this great proclamation of creation, but then again we haven’t responded to it.

HOWEVER, there is something even greater. And David writes of this in the next few verses.

Listen to what he says now:
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.

I just love those words.
God has spoken. He isn't silent.

We see a whole bunch of words describing the character of the Torah, the Law of God. Each description also has a phrase revealing how the Torah impacts humanity.
It is not just about what the Torah is, but it describes what it does. Can you see the subtle difference? The difference between what David has said about creation?

The law of the LORD is perfect.
It's whole.
It's trustworthy, it's right, pure, certain and precious.

Perfect… reviving. It calls the faithful to repent and return.

Trustworthy… making wise. Like the warning signs on the freeway telling you to slow down, or even those signs you see on the harbor bridge exits saying ‘wrong way go back’, the Torah warns of dangerous and slippery conditions.

Right… giving joy. These precepts are not described as restrictive, but bring joy.

Radiant… giving light. Like the sun descibed earlier, it describes God’s command as pure light, lighting the way.

Pure… enduring forever. The pattern has changed. No longer a list of attributes, but it introduces the theme of human response which the Psalm goes on to fill out.

Ordinances… sure and altogether righteous. God doesn’t change his mind. He is not manipulative. God is trustworthy.
He is reliable, permanent and faithful. There are no one minute this, one minute that with the LORD. There is only a secure and permanent view of what ought to be. These standards are in and of themselves righteous.

Not only that, they are more precious than gold, pure gold. Sweeter than honeycomb.
Think about those words for a second. More precious than the purest of gold. Sweeter than the freshest of honey.

The creation may cry out. But the Torah actually achieves something. It achieves something which creation does not do. Look at those descriptions again.
The Torah revives.
Makes wise.
It gives joy and light.

And we can see how precious the Torah, and of course all Scripture is, in verse 11.

11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

Scripture is so important because not only does it warn, but it guides.
God speaks, he is not silent.

Too often we think of the Scripture, and even more so the Torah, as being legalistic and purely restrictions of behavior. That it must be obeyed under pain of divine punishment.
This is an incorrect view. Psalm 19 declares the law not to be an onerous burden, but a source of wisdom, joy and light.
It is precious and pleasurable.
We need to incorporate this positive view of the law into our understanding of the Old Testament. Rather than it being a heavy burden, it was the guide to continued life and restoration of communion with the holy God.
Jesus himself accepts and upholds the goodness of the law when he says in Matthew 5:17 that he did not come to abolish the law or the prophets… but to fulfill them.

David’s spent time marveling at the revelation of God declared through the heavens and sun. And he’s rejoiced in the admonition and guidance of the Scriptures. He at last turns to the appropriate human response. “fear of the LORD”. Only on the understanding of the Scriptures comes this proper attitude.

David now moves to talk about himself. The I language makes this clear, and ever so personal. Then will I be blameless, words of my mouth, meditation of my heart, my Rock and my Redeemer.
People sometimes look at these verses and reckon that we can achieve a state of sinless perfection. That is not what the psalmist means in verse 13. Being right with God is not from keeping the Torah. It is not about what I do. It is about what God does.

We see this in verse 14. It provides a wonderful conclusion to the movement we have seen across the psalm. It is a plea for the way of submission.
The LORD is the David’s rock, redeemer and the one in who hope resides. The LORD is to be our rock, our redeemer, the one in whom our hope resides.

So I have to ask: what does it all mean for us?

How can I know God?
Creation declares the praises of God, but it is not enough to take someone outside and tell them to hug a tree in order to know God.
The sun, the work of creation all speak of the glory of God, yet this Psalm moved us to show how God speaks through Scripture. And of course, its Scripture that ultimately points to the revelation of Christ. Christ is the radiance of God’s glory, the exact representation of his being.

God speaks, he is not silent. The heavens have declared his praises. And even more than that.
He has spoken and given guidance through the Torah, the Scriptures, and the fullness of his glorious revelation has come in Christ.

God in Christ, is revealed through the Scriptures. People can’t know God by hugging trees or looking at the heavens. People know God through the perfect, sure, right and pure words of God in Scripture. Pointing us to Christ.
If we want to point people to Christ we don’t turn to trees. And we don’t tell them to turn to the trees. We turn to the Bible. It is the Bible that revives the soul.

In our Youth groups, it’s not that games that convert.
It’s the Scriptures.
In our churches, it’s not the flashy powerpoint that revives the soul.
It’s God’s word.
In our one-two-ones, or our small groups, or anything else, we can’t point them to nature, to hugging trees and tell them to find God. It’s through the Bible that God in Christ is revealed.

Everything that we do MUST come from Scripture. Because ultimately that’s where God speaks.

completed

my sermon is finished for Chick's Chapel tomorrow morning which is a nice feeling. I had hoped to deliver it with no notes, but it isn't quite there yet.
I'm trying to explore different delivery modes. (part of the whole no notes thing) I will at least stick clear of the lecturn!

I'll post it up sometime tomorrow...

go figure

I came home tonight to find that someone had broken into our backyard (not that it would have taken much effort) and stolen my weather worn tarp that was covering my beat up washing machine that won't fit in our laundry. I figure they must have been pretty desperate as it had many holes in it. I do hope that it keeps them warm and dry. I just wish they hadn't almost broken the whole fence down while they were at it.

--
just tying the threads together for tuesday's sermon on Psalm 19. Almost there!

libraries

One of the great things about living on campus and studying at college is the library. Who'd of thought I would say that 2 years ago??
There are so many books I want to borrow, only 10 books allowed at a time, and so few hours in the week!
I started reading The rare jewel of Christian contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs this morning.

You never learned the mystery of contentment unless it may be said of you that, just as you are the most content man, so you are also the most unsatisfied man in the world.

godly desires - idolatry?

One of the things that has stemmed out of my wrestle with the topic of contentment is the place of desire.
Is it possible to be content whilst still desiring something? I want to say yes. But I also know that the tension is hard to hold. I'm sure it is possible to hold that tension and not allow desire to consume and become an idol. I just haven't quite figured that one out yet!


But for now, my thinking on contentment must stop, as I finish writing my assignment on confession for class tomorrow.

YOU

I have been thinking a fair bit lately about the tension between contentment and desire and the place of human responsibility.
MPJ is planning to write a book. He has a blog where he would love for you to interact with him on the topics that he is posting. An explanation of what it is all about can be found here.

He has been writing some posts on dreams which have continued to provoke my thoughts on the topic of contentment.
Dreams, What do we dream about....?, Frustration, Being there..., The dream of God and Dreaming with God.

Go visit here and have your say. After all, the book is entitled YOU.

field of tulips

I spent some time painting this weekend. Painting with Jedi Master on Saturday. Finger painting with Charis this morning. And painting on my own this arvo. I am satisfied with some of my completed works. One being a 3 panel piece for JT, and this field of tulips for Dave O.

Bedroom is almost tidy, clean sheets on bed - the thought of sleeping through the night. That is contentment!

contentment

the state of being contented; satisfied.
happiness with one's situation in life.
a state of peaceful happiness or satisfaction.
to one’s heart’s content-to the full extent of one’s desires.

I think 1 Tim. 6:6 and 2 Cor. 9:8 are pretty clear about contentment as part of the Christian life.

But I am wrestling with what this looks like. Should the Christian be totally content with their life? What does that mean for our eschatology?

Are the above definitions missing something?

And I don't mean contentment as a dutiful acceptance of life just becuase things are the way that they are.

So many thoughts....

So many questions....

brain freeze, study and jobs...

After another remedial hebrew session with Athas, I felt as though my brain was squished. I'm starting to get slightly concerned about the upcoming final exam. It makes me question the foolishness at having picked this subject up. But then I remember the fun that I have when I feel as though I have decoded some translation.
(I call that fun - what has happened to me?!!)

Term 4 is well underway, and with only a few short weeks until the exams, I'm going to have to dig deep. I'm thankful for the public holiday next monday. I think I'm going to use it to get some study papers under my belt and to finalise my study program for the next 6 weeks.

I've started thinking about positions for next year. (I can't remember if I have mentioned that in previous posts). Although I was in discussions with some people about some full-time positions, I have decided to remain at college for next year. I'd really like to spend some more time thinking about contentment, and if I don't get approval to do a project on it then I will do my new testament issues paper on it. So unless there is a position that comes and bites me, which I just cannot walk away from, my plans are to remain and do 4th year.

Please pray for me as I seek a position.

More questions than answers...

Where is human responsibility? What is the place of human responsibility in dating?

Following on from my previous post, I have been wondering about the place of human responsibility.
My premise for contentment, and specifically contentment in singleness, is found in God’s sovereignty and God’s goodness.
But simply because God is in control, it doesn’t absolve human responsibility.
Imagine if we were to take the attitude of ‘Well, if God wants it to happen, then it will happen’ with evangelism. If this attitude is taken, then it is easy to sit back and not take part. So what does this mean for the dating scene?

I speak about contentment in singleness, marriage, financial matters, every area of your life. When people allow their desires to consume them, they not only become discontent, but they make those things their idols.
I am wrestling at the moment with the place of human responsibility in the dating scene. I am also wrestling with the place of discontentment in the life of the believer. What does it mean to be discontent? Is it ok to be discontent with sin in your life? What about being discontent with being in poverty?
But what does all this look like?

church visiting and dating

Last night I visited St Paul's Castle Hill. I really enjoyed it. They had a visiting preacher from the US, and the topic of the sermon was dating. Overall, I think he did a great job. Though I was left with many questions.
I approached him after the service and got his email addy. I'm looking forward to processing last night's data and then sending him an email with all my questions.

Many people say that you 'just know' when you have met the one.
So how do you know when it is the one? What is the X-factor?

It's up and running

I finally have put together a schedule and my Barth readings should now have a little more direction (ie - helping me for my exams).

music review

Here are some of my fav Christian CDs of the moment:



Mike Begbie's debut albumn, Promises. Available here.





Check out Garage Hymnal here.







For more info on Sovereign Grace Ministries and Music click here.

holidays

It is always cold, but each year I look forward to the first swim of the summer season. Today was the day. Although it isn't summer yet, the temps hit 30c on Friday.
Dad and I headed down to the beach this arvo to dive into the cold salt water. There were quite a few people down there. But not many in the water. We didn't last all that long either. The sun was tickling our skin, so we sat down and watched the water and talked about life, love and politics.

Tonight I headed back to an old stomping ground. I went to Nan0c's 30th birthday do. It was heaps of fun to catch up with people. I didn't stay too late as the essay nights of last week are haunting me.

So I sit here, laptop on my knees and think about stuff. Where will I be when I turn 30? What can I get Mum for her birthday? Should I get a cat next year? Or maybe a fish to replace Moe and Joe? Where should I work next year? Should I go to bed?

Psalm 19

I'm preaching on Ps 19 in Chick's Chapel in a couple of weeks.

I went to visit some friends tonight. When we read through this Psalm, one of them pointed out that I could talk for hours just on that one Psalm. Which is exactly how I'm feeling at this point. There is so much to say, and only a short 20-25 mins to say it in.

Why don't you have a read and tell me what you think?

--
Ps 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

doctrine essay in tatters

I spend 2 1/2 hours with MDB this arvo going through my doctrine essay. After giving him permission, he tore it to shreds. It was all very depressing. But at least I know how to improve. Apparently its not so much my thinking, but my writing skills.
blech

completion

3289 words on paper.
Done - finally!

1040 words to go.....

downhill slide

1500 down
1500 to go

--
ok, so its sounding a little less like a sermon since i added this sentence:

On deeper investigation, this connection is not an
anthropological-soteriological statement so much as a
Christological-cosmological distinction that Paul is highlighting.

hope... where are you?

it is in severe danger of sounding more like a sermon than an academic essay on Christian hope....

1200 words
1800 to go

deadlines come and deadlines go...

800 words
2200 to go

326 words written
2674 words to go

slowly, slowly

158 words
2842 to go

contentment and blessings

I heard it said that it is when you give your struggles over to God, then, and only then, he will bless you.
I’ve heard it said that when you learn to be content with who you are, when you learn to love yourself, then God will bless you with someone to love you.
I’ve read that the secret of contentment is when we distract ourselves from our worries, giving these things to God letting him deal with them, then God will bless us beyond our wildest imaginings.

This is not the case.
The above statements are dangerous. Yes, they may be said with good intentions, and people genuinely wanting to give you a piece of comfort. But all this does is lead to a works based faith and mentality. If I do this, then God will give me this. And even if we aren’t thinking it out loud, it becomes immersed into our sub-thinking. God doesn’t require that we attain a certain level of being before he blesses us. He gives all gifts - freely. Just like salvation, it is not something to be bought, earned or bribed. It is something given in God’s infinite mercy and grace.

Yes, we need to focus on God.
Yes, we need to give our concerns to him and not hold on to them.
Yes, we need to learn contentment with who we are as a child of God.
Yes, we need to learn contentment with all areas of our lives.
BUT
we cannot and must not affix the expectation of a blessing to these things.

/endrant

the countdown begins....

I interrupt your regular program to announce:

1. 73 words, 2927 to go.
2. 10 weeks til summer break.
3. 8 weeks til exams.
4. 40 hours til essay is due.

Ich habe eine Struktur für meinen Aufsatz!
YAY

Jetzt muss ich finden, dass dreitausend Wörter es ausfüllen

reconsiderations

Essay week always makes me reconsider whether I should continue studies. I would much rather give 10 sermons than write an essay. -- Its normally in hindsight that I can reflect and enjoy what I have learnt during an essay.

I picked a question on Christian hope. It looked nice enough on face value. Scratching the surface, I have realised that it is asking about the new perspective - arrrgghhhh
I will look back once this is handed in and realise that it is has been good!

But it still makes me ask the questions that I have asked many times before....
Should I really do 4th year?
If I do 4th year, should I do a project?

--
I would dealy love to finish up study at the end of this year. I feel that I have been a student for eons. I know that there is only slim chances that I will escape and not continue studies into next year, but it makes me wonder if I should pursue some of the options that have come my way in terms of fulltime work for next year.

--
Ethics essays came back. This was the one that I frantically emailed in from holidays. I am quite happy with it all things considering. AJC marked it. I found his comments helpful. Escpecially his comment on the section about english expression. He said that there were only some minor glitches, but I should try to make sure that each sentence includes a verb!!!
I can laugh about this becuase it is so typical of me.

encouraging moments

Last year, my eldest brother (the one pictured here) became a Christian. To see the way in which God transformed a stubborn 30year old has been amazing.
He has never held a job for more than a couple of months, yet now he is in his second semester at uni. As I sit here and look over at his study space, I am encouraged to see that plastered around his computer are prayer points. He has changed from being an inward looking man, to being a man who prays that he would be outward. He has changed from being a man who would rarely talk to anyone, let alone talk about God, to being a man who seeks to have conversations wtih you and wants more than anything to talk about God.

I am encouraged. I hope this encourages you. For he was someone who was completely anti-God for the first 29.5 years of his life!!! Take hope. You may have someone in your family or friends who seems to be so completely closed to the good news of the gospel, but nothing is impossible for God.

waiting

for a break in the rain
for the ice cream to melt
for a hug from a friend
for a smile to shatter
for the waves to stop moving
for the sand on your nose
for you to come home

Reading Through the Church Dogmatics

click the above link - go on, you know you want to

laughable exam experience

when we turned the paper over in friday's exam, there was a general burst of laughter and even a few groans.
it hasn't been since first year doctrine that i have looked at an exam and had such a complete lack of knowledge. and there wasn't any choice in the questions, you had to answer what was in front of you!
i am pretty sure that they are going to be kind markers though.

so who the heck is archbishop laud anyway, and what were his litergical aims?

you say it best when you say nothing at all

it has been a week of radio silence from me.
to sum up - stuff happens. (which is my one rule for doing hebrew, but i'm seeing a very versatile application to that philosophy)

stuff happens:
(no particular order, and i'm sure there was more stuff in there - like class)
dinner with trinity
heeb with mamma swan
laughable exam experience
cleaned my room - yes, would you believe it??? you totally wouldn't recognise my room. i actually have carpet!

now to forecast the coming week:
severe crisis
new testament essay
predictions of catastrophic elimination

God - a school teacher on playground duty?

Last week I had a conversation with a friend of mine.
She said:
"God is like a school teacher on playground duty. He doesn't let things get completely out of control, but He watches the bad stuff that we do to one another, but isn't really in control of it all."
I can understand that this statement comes from her looking at bad stuff that happens and what role God plays in all of that.

Is God like a school teacher on playground duty? Is God really in control? What does it mean if we are to say that God isn't in control?

Open Theism is a danger for the church. It undermines our very confidence in God. My friend feels the tension that lay between God's goodness which she knows, but also that evil happens. Open Theism is attractive to people who struggle with working out why evil happens.

A reformed approach says that God knows in advance everything that will happen, every exact and precise detail. God knows the suffering and evil that will occur. This does not in any way mean that God is responsible for sin. God uses suffering for his good purposes (Rom 5:1-5).

Open Theists argue that if God cannot know about the evil and suffering that will occur. They want to absolve God from any moral responsibility of creating or being involved in sin and suffering. They say that their God is one who wishes that suffering and pain does not occur, and when we foolish humans do things that cause suffering, then God is there to provide us with the strength and endurance to get through it.

This is why it is persuasive. And dangerous.

So why do bad things happen to good people? Can God really be in control? If God knows exactly what bad stuff is going to happen to us, then surely he must bare the responsibility for setting it in place, and as such cannot be a loving God? Surely it is not for our good?

The following is a list of what open theists say about pain and suffering:

• God does not know in advance the future free actions of his moral creatures
• God cannot control the future free actions of his moral creatures
• Tragic events occur over which God has no control
• When tragedies occur, God should not be blamed, becuase he was not able to prevent them from occuring, and he certainly did not will or cause them to occur
• Suffering is gratuitous and pointless, ie suffering has no positive or redeeming quality to it all, so that God should never be seen as intending suffering in order to bring some good from it

Bruce Ware, Their God is too small: Open Theism and the Undermining of Confidence in God (Crossway: Illinois, 2003) 67-8

You see, I can understand and feel weight of this arguement. But as I said to my friend, once you start saying that God is not in control, there are some pretty serious implications.
If God is not in control, then who is? satan? no one or nothing?
Is God omniscient or omnipotent?

I believe this arguement for God stems from a misunderstanding of God's goodness.
BY NO MEANS is suffering good in and of itself. The very fabric of this creation is torn and groaning for a release from its suffering (Rom 8:18-24). Suffering is not something that is part of the way that God created things, that is why there is the hope of future re-creation, the hope of glory.
Open theists will say that suffering is not designed by God and has no good. But I disagree. I believe that God uses suffering for good. I believe that he ordains suffering to serve a purpose. A good purpose.

And since when has God promised that life as a Christian would not have suffering?

So is God like a school teacher on playground duty? Is your God in control of the good, the bad, the small and the large? If he isn't, who is in control of those things?

--
a few initial thoughts, I'm sure there will be more to come later, but i didn't want too long a post.

Now what do you think?

dreaming

floating
watching
waiting
crying
smiling
running
sharing
hating
loving
wishing
dreaming

awwwww

spring is here

I saw pumpkin head yesterday, and she was wearing a skirt, she reminded me that it was the first day of spring. The weather certainly reflects that. It has been glorious. I have slight feelings of trepidation for the coming summer and lack of rain.

I went around to the Ould's this morning to pick up my fruit and veg from them. I ended up going on an impromtue picnic with them to centenial park. It was a lovely day. The sun shone, we had a BBQ lunch, I played with Charis in the playground, we fed the ducks (and eels), and generally enjoyed a Saturday day off.

It was all good.

--
caffiene detox has gone by the wayside (i only lasted 2.5 days - oh well)

why is it

that it is always after midnight when i realise that i have mountains of washing that needs to be done?

C is satisfactory

It is what i must keep reminding myself.

Today we got our long awaited doctrine 3 essays back. They were our first essay to be returned this year. I cannot help but be dissapointed with my mark. I spend much time researching, but it seems that my skills are not up to scratch.

In first year, I was happy with C's. So why am I upset with this mark? I suppose that it is because my marks went up last year. I suppose that when my marks went up, I saw that I was capable of more than C's. I suppose it is because I put a many hours into the essay. I suppose it is because I felt that I grappled with the topic well. I suppose it could be that external factors have pulled me away from my studies in a way that I am frustrated about. I suppose many things.

It is not a marks-pride thing. It is more that I am putting pressure on myself so that I can keep my grade point average up so that I can do my project next year. My mark today has done nothing to help that.

I must remember, C is satisfactory.

headache?

day two, caffiene detox over

but just how much caffiene is there in one incey teeny square of lindt 70%?

random and not much else

it is hard to believe that wednesday is almost over and i haven't blogged. i have so many thoughts wrapped up in my head at the moment, but none complete enough to put down here in a coherant manner. i haven't even felt like blogging the non thoughts of life.

i am a bit scatty at the moment. not really wanting to sit for more than a few minutes, which kinda makes studying for the exam next week and prepping the essay for the week after a little hard.

i also have a coffee headache. i haven't had a cup all day. but i figure that detox is good for me so that next week and the one following, i can have minimum coffee for maximum outcome. at least the herbal teas have been getting a workout.

(the problem with eating dinner at 5:30pm is that i am starting to feel a little peckish but snacking now is not favourable)

sleep on the other hand is favourable. unfortunately i haven't finished my greek homework for my tute with RJG tomorrow. (surely one glass of diet coke won't hurt.... no..., must..., be..., strong)

hebrew with mamma swan today was a real encouragment. bubba swan was adorable. and when i got to doing some translation exercises, they seemed to come easier than they have done in the past.

current thoughts going around head that i have started writing on and one day (soon) hope to blog on (perhaps the second advent, or finishing college, or getting an essay back might come sooner, but the intention is there)

• complementarianism and 1 Tim 2
• is God in control? or is He like a school teacher on playground duty?
• the X factor

back

and it wasn't all that cold.
It was pretty.
I feel rested.
I had some laughs.
My assignment is done for tomorrow - bonus.
I got to visit my old church on the way home - double bonus.

hospitality

One of the great things about living close by to college this year is that English Lass and I are able to be hospitable (albeit not as much as we would like - I can't believe that I just used albeit in a sentence).
Last night A Kempis, The Ploughboy and Nix came down for dinner. I enjoyed myself. I was impressed with the boys turning up with flowers. The flowers now grace our hallway. It's amazing how they brighten up the place. I can feel another painting binge coming on. The paints and canvases are there waiting.

Today saw the first of the tri-college soccer series. I didn't get down to see the games as I had my regular greek tute session with RJG. We finally finished Romans 8 today.
We had a combine college BBQ after the games. Trinity and Jax came (and many others). We ate. (I ate my fill of meat - save me buying any meat for a while!)

Now what on earth am I going to wear to this wedding in Wagga? The Ploughboy told me it has been getting down to minus 3 at nights. I have pulled a dress (yes one of my three that I own) out to wear. I am still going to back my jeans and scarf and stuff.

the pin stripe effect

When I went to get in my car this arvo, I noticed with dismay that it had been defaced. (Thankfully I am not that precious about my car as when I was given it, it had plenty of character, I mean dents). Someone had drawn down the entire drivers side with a bright pink paint pen. (It came off with some elbow-grease).

The joys of living in the city.

More of Barth's wisdom

I just can't stop reading it.....

In speaking to me God has chosen me, as the man I am, to be the man I am. The new quality I acquire though the Word of God is my true and essential quality. Only God can judge me. I am wholly and altogether the man I am in virtue of the divine decision.

Barth, CD 1/i, 161-2

Gold.
--
Schnitz, you still interested in having a book club to read through the CD?

Romans is the goods

Sunday night I had the joy of listening to Dean Jensen preach on Romans 7. It was gold. (awesome revision for NT3 as well!)
I had heard him the previous week on Romans 6, but unfortunately was a little out of it. I'm hoping that I can dig it up on mp3 somewhere so that I can listen to it again. Also, I wouldn't mind listening to the firt sermons of the series that I missed. Another reason for hoping that the Cathedral records the sermons. I am heading to Wagga this weekend for a wedding so I'll miss church.
I'm really looking forward to this weekend. I'm gonna get to hang out with people from my old church for a sustained period of time. It's gonna rock. And, as well, we get to celebrate our friend getting married. How cool is that?!

I had the realisation whilst talking to a friend tonight that it is going to be cold in Wagga. I'm not really sure what to wear. I also realised that I won't be able to wear my normal foot attire either. hmmmm. Guess somethings must change.

English Lass isn't feeling too well at the moment. I feel bad for her.

finally

and so she finally gets her act into gear and updates some links....

check em out

running late - as usual

And so I couldn't sleep last night. Which meant that I ended up watching 3 episodes of Alias. As each one finished, I tried to sleep, but it didn't work. It was well past 3am by the time I nodded off. I even tried reading some of Calvin's Institutes but it didn't work.
The roll on effect...
Having set my alarm for 7am to make it to my 8am class, I woke up at 8:24am. Hmmmm - Not happy.
At least I made it to chapel. Begbie was great. Hi wife, Smeals, is having her wisdom teeth out next Monday. Please keep her in your prayers. As Trinity will tell you, it is no fun at all.
But then I bumped into KJC, who I needed to get some advice from. It ended up blowing out timewise and I missed Ethics.
Well I did make it to NT and to the youth ministry discussion.
The food fairy left me some food (yay). And I went to Miss Eliza's place for dinner and Catan with her and her hubby.
Now it is time for more Alias....

where did it go?

I was so tired earlier that I struggled to keep my eyes open. Now where did that sleepiness get to?
I've been laying in bed, but I can't sleep.
The General lent me his copy of season one of Alias, so maybe I will watch an episode of that.
hmmmm, it's going to be hard to get up in the morning.
OT first up, and then community chapel which I am so looking forward to. Begbie is doing some / all of the music. I went to his albumn launch a while back. I wrote about it here and here. Promises (his CD) rocks!

McCleod's and dinner parties

For a while now, I have been going to that other college on a Wednesday to catch up with Trinity and co for dinner followed by Mcleod's Daughters.
Confession to make:
I watched Mcleods this week, without visiting Trinity and Co.
Ummahh

This week's episode had a song in the closing credits about rules and following them even when it costs. Profound. Very profound. What can I say but that it spoke to me *wink wink nudge nudge giggle giggle*

Tonight Trinity, Squadron Leader and acf came over for dinner.
Fun times.
I love being able to invite people over.

lifted

I have said it before, and I will say it again... there is so much to say, but no way of saying it other than:

God is good, his steadfast love endures forever.

--

I cried out to you from the depths,
From the pit you heard,
You lifted me and retrieved me,
You sustain, protect and uplift.
I cried out to you from the mud,
From the pit you heard,
You lifted me and retrieved me,
You provide, save and cleanse.

I guess I'll follow the poll...

Well, although it was the one I was leaning toward, seeing as the poll has spoken, I will follow its instructions!!

The essay question I will be starting to research this week is:
According to Romans 5-8, what is Christian hope and in what sense does it encompass the individual believer as well as the church and even the whole creation?

I'm looking forward to it. Now to get the exegetical done for tomorrow...

Ich bin ein kleines bisschen enttäuscht, dass dieser Kurs während meiner Überprüfungen am Ende dieses Jahres laufen wird.
Ich kann nicht finden, dass Deutschkurse im Laufe des Sommers studieren.

Das Frustrieren!

some bed time reading

Earlier this year I splashed out and bought Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics. I wondered where on earth I would put them. Calvin sleeps on my pillow during summer, and who helps me to sleep! But it has been Barth who has been sleeping on my pillow of late (not that I can see my bed at the moment!). Whilst although I dip into him for the topical reading, it is my dream and hope to work through the Church Dogmatics. Averaging only 10 to 20 pages a week, this may take a while.
So some words from my reading today....

God's Word is not a thing to be described nor a term to be defined. It is neither a matter nor an idea. It is not "a truth," not even the very highest truth. It is the truth as it is God's speaking person, Dei loquentis persona. It is not an objective reality. It is the objective reality, in that it is also subjective, the subjective that is God. God's Word means the speaking God. Certainly God's Word is not just the formal possibility of divine speech. It is the fulfilled reality. It always has a very specific objective content. God always speaks a concretissimum. But this divine concretissimum cannot as such be either anticipated or repeated. What God speaks is never known or true anywhere in abstraction from God Himself. It is known and true in and through the fact that He Himself says it, that He is present in person in and with what is said by Him.
Karl Barth, Church Dogmatics, 1.1 Doctrine of God (London: T & T Clark, 2004), 136-7

the days roll by

so much to say, i don't know where or how to start

so instead i will take a poll as to what people should think i do my new testament essay on...





these are the ones that i am most interested in

so what is the fascination with my sunnies anyway?

note of relax

I spent the morning with my dad and brother whilst they fixed things in the house.

It was lovely.

I had coffee with a Melkite Catholic from Syria (whom I had never met before) who is thinking about becoming a priest and who is being encouraged by his bishop to find a wife.

It was interesting...

I had hot chocolate with the Ould's. (Which came with a side of cuddles from the kidlets!)

It was soothing.

Tonight brings cooking dinner for Lady Design, acf and Jacs as they come over for board games.

All of this amounts to:

a note of relax

just one more task for the week

OT essay - check
Hebrew test - check

just the youth group talk tonight, then time for a sleep in

--
for those of you out there, if ou ever become landlord/real estate agents, one top tip from me...
never, ever tell your tenants that they can walk up the road to the local hotel to use their toilet!!

our toilet broke on wednesday night so i rang the real estate agent who is looking after the place while our landlord is away (who is very good mind you). He told me that i could wait til morning and walk up the road (dark alleyway in inner city suburb) to the hotel to use their toilet at night if i needed to.
he felt the wrath of b to say the least.

thankfully i have a brother who is a plumber!

ahh to know sleep again

to know: to understand: to comprehend: to obey

sleep

6 glorious hours last night

--
i have been thinking a fiar bit about eschatology. i was discussing some of them with mamma swan last night.

here's a question for you....

word count: 2960

it is in the box. it went in at about 9:25, a whole 35mins early so you gotta be happy with that.

been over at mamma swan's for a heeby lesson this arvo. time for a nanna nap now, then back round there for some more.

--
looking forward to a saturday lie in.

word count: 2649

time to start tidying it up a little

word count: 2337

eyes won't stay open much longer

word count: 2018

--
downhill slide

word count: 1934

what do you get when you cross a crocodile with a sheep?

word count: 1641

--
is it time for sleep yet?

i can feel the purple zone

well i have hit the purple zone, the words are flowing, creative (or not so creative) juices are flowing....

word count: 1499

i have emailed what i have written to the Tooth Fairy for her to proof read.
i have started with a series of questions and then go about answering them. i have answered several, and have the final chunks, but still need to fill out the centre.

anyone out there know anything about english literary criticism. i am pulling apart plot and characterisation at the moment.


--
feeling very snoozey, but mustn't give in or else there is no chance it will be put in the box in the morning. thanks to SPAR i am stocked up on V, PMAX and rice crackers.

--
mum, if you're reading this, i know when i spoke to you today you freaked out that i haven't slept (other than nanna naps) since saturday night, please don't. i am ok, yes i am looking after myself, and yes I am eating properly (I went to Mikey & Lil's for stew tonight). I'll see you on friday.....

grrrr

thanks for the encouragement guys.
for the second time in two days i have completely scrapped my essay. long, long story

anyways, hopefully this will be a brilliant one, so it will be worth all the pain :)
word count: 404

and we got our half yearly academic transcripts back today. the only result on mine is philosophy as none of our other subjects are semesterised. i passed! thanks be and only because of God's grace, as i wasn't too confident.

sleep is not an option

this time instead of going home for a snooze, it is time for me to head home, shower, change of clothes and some brekky, then straight back to Nat Jones for me.

word count: 722

normally finding them are painful, but i don't think i've had one this slow

word count: 490

the horse is out the gate

word count: 193

2807 to go....

through the rose coloured glasses

Nat Jones welcomes me back for a second night in a row. I'm actually thankful that I didn't get it written last night as I had missed a pretty major point....

Supplies for the night ahead.
Target for the next 10 hours is 3000 words, definitely doable - or at least that is what I keep telling myself.





This is what life looks like when I wear my red sunnies....















When there are blue skies, they turn a wicked purple colour. I have been wearing them all day, my rose coloured glasses certainly change your perspective of the world

snooze time

it is light out now, so I feel ok to walk home down the alleyways.
time for a nap before class.
word count sits on 53 as it has done for last few hours.
stress levels rising (but that is good, I need the stress to get it done)
chatted to MPJ briefly about essay, feeling a little better about it.

words

they're gone
not a trace
not a remnant
not even a glimmer


--
my same old problem is arising
i can talk it
but i can't write it

i think i need to track someone down to talk through it with them. it will have to wait until lunchtime, which is well after when i wanted it finished. or at least to have a couple of thousand words.

It's time to start writing!

I just gotta bite the bullet and start or else this thing will never get done. (either that, of Jesus will come back first)

Discuss the characterisation of God in the Ezekiel 'narrative'.

.....
there is always more to be read, and I stand (sit) here in trepidation that what I have read will not be sufficient to answer the question.

to stir the pot

There was a small amount of procrastination yesterday...

Seeing as I lost the battle here, and then conceded the war effort here, I adopted 'goldingay'. You can feed him by clicking on the jar of food next to his tank. Hopefully goldingay will cope with the cold of my inner-city shack better than Moe and Joe.

Nathaniel Jones, oh how I've missed you

English Lass and her parents are back tonight. 4 people in a 2 bedroom terrace. Hmmmmmm. I don't think that will work well with my planned nocturnal habits tonight.

So, tonight I am going to see my mate Nat Jones. It has been a while since I have visited. I haven't been since exam time 2 years ago. I wonder if the vibe will have changed. No Whitey sitting on the steps with me. No Snitzal frantically doing the last chapters of his project. I think I will stay over tonight.

Ahh Nat Jones, how I have missed the gentle hum of stressed bodies. The comraderie. The joys, the dissapointments. The broken windows. The golf and bocce at 3am. The knowledge that you aren't alone in your current pain.

semi-production

sometimes I fear that I have become a coffee snob, then I relax knowing that that isn't a bad thing, and then I have another coffee.

Working at the cafe today was productive until Tweety and I were interrupted by Mr Gould. We spent over an hour in discussion/defending Christianity with him. He is a very well read and knowledgeable man. I hope he continues to engage with Christians, with Christian literature, but most of all, I hope and pray that he will engage with God's word, the Bible.

Needing a breather, I headed back to the shack.
Not up to the writing stage yet, but hope to be there by tomorrow arvo (the writing stage that is).

I am slightly concerned that my essay seems to have a simple answer. I can't find any complication, which I am thinking can't possibly be right. I must have missed something.

removal of distractions

Determined to face my readings, not to be sucked into the distractions of internet, cleaning or TV, Tweety and I are heading out to a cafe for the morning. We aren't doing the same topic and we aren't allowed to talk to oneanother.

pure reading time....

the rosebush man

I met a man the last week, hereafter known as 'Rosebush Man'. Most days as I walk to college, I have been praying for the people in the houses that I walk past. I have been praying that somehow, if they don't know of God's gift of grace in Jesus, that they would.
As I walk down our little laneway, there is one beautiful garden I admire each day. It has this amazing rosebush which reaches all the way up to the second story of the terrace. It isn't a rose climber, but it is a bush!

Anyways...
There is a lovely older gentleman who is often out tending his garden who I have often said hello to. Last week I stopped and had a chat with him. He is 75, lives alone, and his garden (imagine if you will, 4ft by 2ft area) is his passion. He planted the rosebush in 1962. It is amazing.
What is even more fantastic is that he asked me the question - 'so what do you do?'. Answering: 'I'm studying theology.' We launched into a great discussion on spirituality and life. He is talking with some Muslims, a Catholic priest and a hindu lady at present.
Please pray for rosebush man that God would open his heart.

--
God is good, God is faithful
He answers all our prayers
I despair in my unfaithfulness
I turn, I cry out to Him
He draws me near
My Provider
My Comforter

dinner at that other college

I always enjoy going and having dinner with Trinity at that other college. Good times, hugs, fluffy toys and silly times...

--
God is good.

routine can be good

classes have been back two days and although those two days have been punctuated with various meetings (of the unusual kind), it is good to be back. i am hoping that the rountine of class will spur me on!!

i dropped round to see the chileans this arvo for a quick coffee and catch up. it is suprising that although i have all these friends who live within a couple of minutes walk, i can go weeks without visiting.
this is a piccie of chilean bubba number 1's feet


on a geeky note - hebrew and greek continue to bring me joy. the pain is worth it.

currently working on my old testament essay...

einige Menschen wissen von den schwierigen Schäfersituationen, dass ich mich befasst habe.
es gibt denjenigen, der besonders gequält hat. leider hat es Entwicklungen gegeben. Gebet ist sehr erforderlich.
an diesem Nachmittag kann ich schieben müssen, um etwas tun zu lassen. es ist dabei, schwierig zu sein, aber es ist, was richtig ist.

beten

--
Die Eltern des englischen Mädels kommen vom Vereinigten Königreich heute Abend an. Sie bleiben in unserer winzigen Terrasse. Es sollte seit interessanten 3 Wochen machen.

goodbyes

Last Monday night we said farewell to CT who had been on exchange from a college in the UK for 6months. It will be a little bizarre to not see him around this coming semester.
PS generously opened her place up for us to use as a venue. The views were amazing from her balcony. It was on the 24th floor!!!


Does anyone else get the urge to throw themselves from great heights when they are atop of tall things?

tagtäglich tropfen der Regen und Leben dadurch. es ist eine gute Woche gewesen, Freunde einzuholen. in dieses freudige Wetter ist mit Angst von Finanzdruck eingestreut worden.mein Auto ist für Papiere erwartet. ich habe kein Geld. obwohl ich gestutzt habe und fast nichts für Lebensmittelgeschäfte oder lustige Dinge ausgebe, balanciert es noch nicht. ich bedanke mich bei Gott für meine Eltern, die tun, was sie können. aber sie haben viel nicht.
ich habe Angst über das nächste Jahr. mein Budget ist $7500 im Rot.

auf einem helleren Zeichen. ich habe jemanden anbieten gelassen, um für mich zu zahlen, um die Deutschkurse zu tun, die ich an Sydney uni. tun will sie sind dafür als ein Steuerabzug zahlungsfähig. ich denke nicht, dass es klug sein wird, es im letzten Teil dieses Jahres zu tun, so werde ich fragen, ob das während der Sommerurlaube auf sein wird.

Contentment

this was the topic I spoke on at youth church tonight.
It was a great reminder for me. God is good. God is in control.
I'm looking forward to youth group starting back up this week.

gotta go, inbound call on the mobes....

back to the shack

well it may have been a day or two later than planned, but i made it back from my parents place on the beaches to my humble abode in the inner west.

a cup of tea with jedi master, hebrew with mamma swan, followed by dinner with Miss Eliza, her hubby and child. i am rested from my hols, but oh how easily one can slip back into the pattern (all except for that thing called study of course).

walking home from the compendium, i bumped into the tooth fairy who gave me some money toward my recent dental expenses. words won't express my thanks. i am now almost 1/6th of the way into paying it off. i know i shouldn't worry about finances, as God has everything in hand, but giving that over to God has been tough lately. things are tight, i got a reminder to pay the electricity in the mail today. God has shown me time and time again that he provides. if you are of the praying sort, please pray for me that i will trust in His provision.

other than that, procrastination is still rampant. i still struggle to see parts of my bedroom floor, desk, filing system, bookcases.

some exciting news... our house has another bookcase. i know it may not seem like much, but it is in the hallway, which means that i can get rid of some of the stacks of books in my room!!

tomorrow:

• clean room
• write talk for youth church on sunday
• clean room
• clean room
• enjoy a friday night with no youth group
• clean room
• ummmm, and perhaps finish cleaning room?

es gibt Zeiten, wenn Langeweile zügellos ist
Zeiten wie heute Abendes gibt Momente in der Geschichte, wenn Sie darüber nicht lesen wollenes gibt Regentropfen auf dem Fenster
Licht vom fluro
Tränen vom Mixer
kein Geld in der Bank
Freunde, um anzurufen
Kuchen, um zu backen
Brot, um zu stehlen
wo ist das speziell?
wer ist diese Person?
wo sind meine Schlüssel?

german speculations

Manchmal will ich sterben
Manchmal denke ich an Leben
Manchmal weiß ich nicht, warum ich bin
Manchmal liebe ich
Und Manchmal weine ich

--
Bekommen Sie den falschen Eindruck von diesen Wörtern nicht. Ich spiele mit Tönen, Rhythmus und Reim von deutschen Wörtern einfach.

frisbee

i discovered a new sport whilst i was away. late in the week i was walking back from my thinking rock and some of the girls were throwing around a frisbee. i discovered i could actually throw a frisbee. i was promptly instructed as to how to do fore-hand throws, and i can even catch with one hand (well, most of the time anyway).
Thursday arvo frisbee at college, here i come!! (i may have to squidge my remiedial lessons in the afternoons somewhat)

the thinking rock

I'm back in the real world. I didn't want to come back. I think there were a few others on the trip who were thinking the same thing. Apparently Pumpkin Head told Jacks to turn right and head north instead of coming back to Sydney. Lady Design and I were debating the benefits of doing something similar whilst on the freeway.

But it is good to be back. Holidays are to be savoured like a fine wine, and good cheese!
I am at my parents for a couple of days. Spending time catching up on washing, and writing a talk for this weekend.

One of the most relaxing things about the week last week was that I found a 'thinking rock' nearby. I walked up most mornings, and/or afternoons and spent time thinking. Mainly thoughts about basking in God's creation, but also thoughts like 'what on earth am I doing at college?', 'what does it look like for the sun to rise inland and set over the ocean unlike in these eastern states?'.....

and lots of other random things