Stoked about sums it up.

So here I am, another Saturday night where I am reflecting on the day ahead of me tomorrow, and the awesome responsibility that it is to stand up in front of God’s people and teach His Word.

And I must say, that I am stoked. That’s elated for all you Americans out there. Stoked, bedazzled, inspired, star-struck, and spun out. Stoked by the opportunity to help people know God better, enthuse and excite their trust in Him, and motivate people to want to love Him more. Pray that my sermon on Psalm 13 will speak to people's hearts and minds.

God is good. I know it. You know it. Lets never forget it.

Good Times

Well good times are being had in the rectory at the moment... Tim is staying with me during his college holidays, and we are having a hum dinger of a time. Its nice to come home and hang out, talk about blokey stuff and just generally chill. Good times! Dynamite! And as JT would say, 'bring it on!'

Eeek! A Snake!

As I was coming home in the afternoon, there was a snake right outside my back door!! It was big and long and green. As soon as it saw me it slithered away into the bushes. Or maybe even under the house. I'm sure I saw it looking at me through the floorboards. At the moment every little noise when at home makes me think about that snake... Can anyone tell me- are the green ones dangerous???

Should I stay or should I go?

Last week I spent the week at CMS Summer School. I find it so challenging when I hear about missionaries who have given up so much to go overseas to take the gospel to places where it hasn't been taken. Its especially challenging when I know a lot of these missionaries personally. These are people that I was on a mission team with in Sydney's suburb of Liverpool- a hot, unattractive, ethnic suburb. These are people just like me who love their family, love living in Sydney, and love doing ministry. So why shouldn't I go?

Well to be honest, I can't think of a good reason. Except that I love my family. I love my city. I want the security of owning my own home one day. The thought of struggling with another language for a few years terrifies me. I get lonely, even here in Sydney. Am I emotionally capable? Am I thick skinned enough? I have just become an uncle. There are so many maybe's at the moment...

But what it boils down to is that there is a great need outside of Sydney for people to hear the gospel. Without Jesus, people are going to hell. And God has blessed me with a Polish heritage and I have a heart for seeing them saved. In my heart of hearts I really want to be a missionary. Pray for me. And pray for Poland.

New Orleans Jazz in Sydney...and Katrina.

Tonight was jazz in the Domain. I loved the exciting atmosphere and the misty rain that soothed the hot day. The New Orleans guys were great- they belted out some tunes which I'm sure could be heard in Blacktown. Its not often that there are good quality jazz concerts on for free!

Even though there was much dancing and merriment, there was also a tinge of sadness at the reminder of Hurricane Katrina. The only thing I didn't like was how New Orleans was presented as a city that would endure. As one singer said, 'No matter what they throw at us, we will continue'. Or something like that. Another form of trusting in men rather than trusting in God.

Speaking of Medicals...

My eye doctor goes to our church. On Friday I went to see him and there were other people from church in the waiting room, so while I was waiting, 2 or 3 people waved to me and called out my name and came over to talk.

Today I found out that the guy who saw the doctor after me was a little confused. When he went in to see the doctor, he asked 'who was that guy out there?'

The doctor explained that I was a minister. The guy said 'Oh! So many people in the waiting room knew him, I thought he was a rock star!'

I guess its about time for another hair cut eh?

Relevant Medicals

I've just had a medical done as part of the process for my up-coming ordination....which prompts me to ask...why do the Bishops etc need to know what's in my body fluids???

All Quiet

My house guests have gone home now. I don't know what to do with myself!

Just for fun, here is a conversation between Luca (almost 2 years old) and Jodie:
Jodie- Come here to Mummy.
Luca- OK.
Jodie- You have got such an obedient spirit, don't you?
Luca- No!

Welcome to the International Year of Deserts and Desertification.

If you know me, you know that I am a reflector. That's why I tend to like New Year's because it offers me the opportunity to do that which suits my personality- to think about the year that was, and to consider the year that will be. So today in church, I inflicted my 'reflectiveness' on the congregation. I had a series of questions which I have found very helpful in previous years as I have thought about what God has done the past year, and how I would like to grow in 2006. Hopefully you you also might find them helpful too!

Questions for Reflection:
1. What can you thank God for over the past year?
2. How have you grown in your relationship with Him?
3. How have you seen God answer prayers?
4. What have been your struggles?
5. How do you want God to help you overcome your struggles?
6. What can you pray for in the light of 2006?
7. How do you want to grow in:
- your knowledge of God?
- your godliness?
- in ministry to others?

Anyone want to share any answers?