tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79866800489803655752024-03-13T06:47:59.399+02:00Coffee, Theology and HumourAnd now these three remain: Coffee, Theology and Humour. But the greatest of these is God.Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-20865584027851232322014-02-28T21:39:00.000+02:002014-02-25T22:30:18.762+02:00I am the man of the house: Thus I proclaim…I have decided to change my theology! No, “decided” is not strong enough. I was bullied by reality into change my theology. I have forced to review my interpretation of Ephesians 5:21:<br />
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... Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.</blockquote>
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I have always believed that this verse proves that men and women are equal and have equal rights; that it provides the key to the rest of the passage on marriage. As a result, decisions in our home were open to discussion, BUT not anymore! I have now determined that the man has the right to proclaim the laws of the house. You may ask what has happened to bring about such a dramatic shift in my theology? Here follows the chain of events that brought me to this decision.<br />
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About three years ago my wife got really sick, and I was obligated to take on the task of making sure that there was food on the table each evening. Before this we shared the responsibility equally when it came to cooking. Although buying groceries was totally her responsibility, I now had to take on this horrible task as well.<br />
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Being who I am, I bought myself a few cookbooks (Jamie Oliver) and read through them like storybooks, to the amusement of some. Then I packed them away and started out on the adventure of making my own recipes. My three boys helped me from the beginning, and it developed to the point where we love cooking different dishes.<br />
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(Al three my sons are capable of preparing different dishes, from Pizzas to Boerekos – Leg of lamb, ham, and all the necessary vegetables. And all three of them are Braai experts. For those who don’t know what a braai is, it is much more that a barbeque.)<br />
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This was all fine, but I hate doing shopping. I ended up delaying buying groceries as long as possible. Finally, my three sons and I sat down and came up with a new game plan. We would buy groceries once every month and half. We would buy everything we would need for the next month and a half, and we would do it efficiently.<br />
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We started timing our trips to Checkers, setting records for buying groceries that could not be equalled anywhere in the world. We would start the stopwatch when we got out of the car in the parking lot, and stop it when we got back into the car. Our best time stands at 35 minutes, during which we bought groceries for two months, two trolleys full. This is how we do it: I walk down the aisle, and Ben and Jörgen run behind me. Ulrich follows with the trolley. I grab the items we need and throw them over my shoulder while I’m moving down the aisle at a quick pace. Ben and Jörgen catch them and pass them to Ulrich, who stacks them neatly in the trolley. People would stand there gazing with open mouths at this efficiency. We transformed this terrible task into a fun and very quick necessity.<br />
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All was fine up to here! By the grace of God my wife is healthy and FIGHTING fit. But now the problems started. She demanded to do her share of the cooking, which is nice. But then she would use my ingredients leaving us (me and my sons) frustrated when we would be busy making something to eat and find the empty spots in the kitchen cupboards where we know we had stored the necessary items. We tried to keep her out of the kitchen but because I believed men and women are equal, I backed off every time when she demanded to cook something, leaving me and my boys a bit deflated. <br />
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BUT then she demanded to do the shopping with us. It took us not 35 minutes, not even an hour, but 1 hour 45 minutes! I was demoralized, I was totally drained, on the verge of tears. Who in their right mind strolls leisurely through a shop like Checkers, having light conversations with the different products? Remembering a long lost product in an aisle passed an hour ago and returning with something totally different, a new friend.<br />
At this stage both my theology and I were shattered! I stood up with angered determination, and demanded the headship of our house. I said:<br />
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<b>I am the man of this house: Thus I proclaim that my sons and I will do the cooking; my sons and I will purchase the groceries, and we will do the cleaning of the kitchen!</b></blockquote>
It really felt great, I felt proud. Boy, I sure have told that woman!Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-71570959610963467182014-02-27T09:06:00.000+02:002014-02-25T21:03:55.154+02:00Blotted tears and GraceIn 2001 I met Jenna (not her real name) at the hospital. Her mother called me: Jenna nearly died as she had been using heroin for over a year. Her mother was tired and worried. Jenna was a beautiful young girl, 22 years old and studying at University. During her third year, she had been experimenting with Heroin and became hooked.<br />
She had already been to rehab , but it had only taken two weeks before she started using again. Jenna was tired of this lifestyle and this last experience really scared her. She cried and told me that she knew that she needed Christ in her life. We prayed together and she accepted Christ into her heart. This was not a decision she took lightly, she started reading her Bible, attending church and altering her lifestyle.<br />
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The problem with a drug like Heroin is that only a very small percentage of users ever kick the habit. Jenna would arrive at my office eyes all puffy because she had been crying all night. She was so ashamed, the previous night one of her old dealers came by and left her a gift. She could not help herself. She would cry out asking me how was it still possible for God to love her. I would read her the scriptures about grace and she wrote them down. At one stage she asked me for a printout of all the verses on grace.<br />
Over the next nine months Jenna really struggled. She went to different programs, different doctors, but nothing helped. She kept on praying, kept on coming to church kept on crying about her inability to walk away from the habit.<br />
Then one night about 11 o’clock her flat mate called me. Jenna was not responding, she was not breathing. I immediately phoned the ambulance services and raced over to her flat. The paramedics and I arrived simultaneously at the scene. It was too late. She had died of an overdose, the needle marks between her toes.<br />
Her parents asked me to conduct the funeral which I did, I talked about the grace of God. But it felt so empty. At the grave we prayed together and her mother came forward and placed Jenna’s Bible on her coffin. We sang Amazing Grace, the wind blew softly, the pages of her bible where fluttering in the wind. When the song had finished, I looked down. The Bible was open at one of the verses about grace. You could see the spine of the Bible was used to open here. Romans 8<br />
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<sup>32 </sup>He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? <sup>33 </sup>Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. <sup>34 </sup>Who is he that condemns? <i>Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. </i><i><sup>35 </sup></i><i>Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?</i> Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? <sup>36 </sup>As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” <sup>37 </sup>No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. <sup>38 </sup>For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, <sup>39 </sup>neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7986680048980365575&postID=7157095961096346718" name="12ad79542b8b9632__ftnref3_6693"></a>This scripture was underlined in blue pen. But what stroke me, was the way the tears that had fallen from her eyes blotted the page. As she had sat over her Bible crying before God, her tears and the ink of the pen made the most wonderful patterns.<br />
What stood out was “Who is he that condemns?” and “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Have you ever sought Christ with tears blotting the bible and have you ever found grace, the type of grace that is enough even when you are not strong enough. Christ is waiting . He will never turn you away.<br />
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More stories of faith<br />
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1. <a href="http://paul-barnard.blogspot.com/2010/08/morning-i-met-jesus-at-petrol-station.html">The morning I met Jesus at the Petrol station.</a></div>
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<a href="http://paul-barnard.blogspot.com/2010/08/morning-i-met-jesus-at-petrol-station.html"></a>2. <a href="http://paul-barnard.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-prison-miracle.html">My Prison Miracle</a></div>
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3. <a href="http://paul-barnard.blogspot.com/2010/09/god-loves-tough-guys.html">God loves tough guys.</a></div>
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Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-20138467737369815472013-04-02T01:26:00.000+02:002013-04-22T00:08:09.024+02:00Coaching kids rugby as part of ministry!<div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:8747F07C-CDE8-481f-B0DF-C6CFD074BF67:ffd06e2b-04aa-43c4-8a00-8bda89ed47f6" style="display: inline; float: none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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We easily get caught up in all the “important” things we do. Running around with the kids on the field, laughing while learning and then enjoying it enormously are as missional as you can get. Spirituality happens when we don’t take ourselves too seriously!<br />
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Yes I coach the next generation of Springbokke! They teach me to be humble!<br />
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I must however confess that the Springbok prop-to-be carrying the ball in these photo's are my son!</div>
Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-60343387589049589812013-03-26T09:31:00.000+02:002013-04-22T00:08:42.078+02:00The Day Happy died!At the end of 2010, I had the privilege to become acquainted with Happy, a petrol station employee. The morning of our meeting was very special: I have told the story of how Happy gave his heart to the Lord, and the affect it had on me. <a href="http://paul-barnard.blogspot.com/2010/08/morning-i-met-jesus-at-petrol-station.html">http://paul-barnard.blogspot.com/2010/08/morning-i-met-jesus-at-petrol-station.html</a><br />
Since August last year I have visited him a few times, and his whole life has truly been turned around. He started living with joy and purpose. His co-workers became his congregation, and like a committed pastor, he has served them with love, care, and the Word of God. <br />
I recall that upon leaving him one time, I thought that this uneducated man, who had only known God for a few months, could certainly teach a class of theology students and pastors about living with a passion for Christ. Talking to him was exciting, but draining. He tried to ask a 1000 questions in an hour. He was so excited about Christ and the Word of God, reading, talking, and doing. Christ was his life! As I drove off, I thanked the Lord for this inspiration and the privilege of knowing this man.<br />
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Sadly, I met Happy the week his son was murdered. He told me the story of how three of his brothers died, and I was overcome with the painful reality of the poor (mostly black and brown) people of South Africa. You can talk to almost anyone from this background, and they will be able te tell you at least one horror story of a family member who was murdered, or died because they could not get the necessary medical treatment. <br />
On Sunday afternoon, a few minutes before I had to gave my sermon on 1 Cor. 15, I received a phone call that left me speechless. The voice on the other side was that of an elderly woman. She struggled to talk through the tears. I suddenly realised what she is trying to tell me. Happy had died earlier that morning: he was murdered for an old cell phone and fifty Rand, while on his way home from work. He didn't die immediately; he died waiting for help. By the time the emergency services reached him it was to late. <br />
Happy's last words were a prayer for his mother. He prayed that God will be with her, knowing that she already carry the pain of losing his three brothers, and her grandson. <br />
Happy's mother then told of his love for God; how he turned his life around; what a blessing he was to his family, and especially to her. There was a change in the tone of her voice: she became more quiet and serene, saying that for Mothers Day, she had received the ultimate gift. Her beloved son is with God --- he will know no more pain; he will be able to rejoice in the presence of God for all eternity. What more can a mother hope for? <br />
The sermon I had to deliver struck me with full force I am going to stand before the congregation and I am going to proclaim Christ has risen! What an amazing message of hope for a broken world, what a amazing message of hope for me. 1 Cor.15: 1-15 <br />
"The first thing I did was place before you what was placed so emphatically before me: that the Messiah died for our sins, exactly as Scripture tells it; that he was buried; that he was raised from death on the third day, again exactly as Scripture says;...Now, let me ask you something profound yet troubling. If you became believers because you trusted the proclamation that Christ is alive, risen from the dead, how can you let people say that there is no such thing as a resurrection? If there’s no resurrection, there’s no living Christ. And face it—if there’s no resurrection for Christ, everything we’ve told you is smoke and mirrors, and everything you’ve staked your life on is smoke and mirrors. Not only that, but we would be guilty of telling a string of barefaced lies about God, all these affidavits we passed on to you verifying that God raised up Christ—sheer fabrications, if there’s no resurrection. If corpses can’t be raised, then Christ wasn’t, because he was indeed dead. And if Christ weren’t raised, then all you’re doing is wandering about in the dark, as lost as ever. It’s even worse for those who died hoping in Christ and resurrection, because they’re already in their graves. If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we’re a pretty sorry lot. But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries." <br />
Peterson, E. H. (2002). The Message : The Bible in contemporary language (1 Cor. 15:16-20). Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress. <br />
Do you believe that Christ has risen? Do you live with the logging te be with Christ? Paul says in Phil. 1:21 "Alive, I’m Christ’s messenger; dead, I’m his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can’t lose." <br />
Peterson, E. H. (2002). The Message : The Bible in contemporary language (Phil 1:21). Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress.Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-16191305303939972672013-03-19T17:12:00.000+02:002013-04-22T00:10:08.350+02:00The day I was Baptized against my will, to the enjoyment of everybody.Years ago I worked at an interdenominational ministry in the inner-city of Pretoria. This was one of the best times of my life. I really enjoyed the honesty, the energy and the people.<br />
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I met Enrico at a local pool table arcade, where we became friends. Over the next three years he made his commitment to God, and started to live a life that was a inspiration to all around him. He joined the local Baptist Church, where he started serving in the youth ministry.<br />
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One day he came to see me about his Baptism. He had decided that the time was right for him to get baptized. He had spoken with his local congregation and they agreed that I would be allowed to baptize him the following Sunday. This was something new for me, but I could see that this would mean a lot to him. Since I had clearly seen what God had been doing in his life, baptizing him was a real honor.<br />
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Come Sunday morning, I pitched up with my Sunday Suit and my Leather Shoes. I immediately realized that I had made a mistake: the local pastor was clothed in his Baptismal robe. <br />
The Church was packed!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TJTIrrrLhwI/AAAAAAAAAic/hR4NDEAmPGQ/baptismrobe8x6.jpg?imgmax=800" rel="thumbnail" title=""><img border="0" height="200" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TJTItnRCRDI/AAAAAAAAAig/ZJ6clo7ha0Y/baptismrobe8.png?imgmax=800" width="122" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TJTIu_X-ulI/AAAAAAAAAik/Vce7cf30jDw/a8x6.jpg?imgmax=800" rel="thumbnail" title="I really wanted to enter into the spirit of the batism!"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TJTIw2VY2OI/AAAAAAAAAio/BfXpHXvBHBs/a19.png?imgmax=800" width="168" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TJTIykwtPnI/AAAAAAAAAis/YbUh3mMtTyg/rron280l8x6.jpg?imgmax=800" rel="thumbnail" title=""><img border="0" height="200" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TJTI1D8mKqI/AAAAAAAAAiw/akDHhLhC4QA/rron280l8.png?imgmax=800" width="164" /></a></div>
In the front, there was this absolutely amazing, beautiful Baptism bath. It was like a small swimming pool. It was situated at the centre of the stage, with glass sides, so that everyone could see each person fully as they were immersed in the water. The service was beautiful, and it was an almost perfect day. <br />
Then it was time for the baptisms. The local pastor got into the Baptism bath, and three people were baptized. Then it was Enrico’s turn. I was introduced to the congregation, and the pastor announced with a smile that the neatly dressed Reformed Pastor would be baptizing Enrico.<br />
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I went forward, and at the baptism bath, I took of my nice leather shoes, amidst some audible snickering emanating from the congregation. I got into the bath and only then realized how deep it was. The water reached up to the side pockets of my jacket, and I realized that by the time I had immersed Enrico, I would be completely wet, all over. It also struck me that I did not have a dry change of clothes with me and that I would have to walk, sopping wet, the three city blocks to where I lived. When Enrico climbed into the bath, I could see that this was a very special moment for him. I baptized him in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, immersing him each time. When he came up the last time, he hugged me, and I found myself thanking God for that moment.<br />
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Enrico climbed out of the bath, and I followed. I still had my socks on my feet, and as I stepped onto the upper step, I slipped! I fell back into to the baptismal bath, in what probably looked like a bad attempt to do a back flip. A tidal wave suddenly emerged, spilling over the edges of the bath --- to the utter amazement, and then amusement, of the congregation.<br />
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Well, there simply is no dignified way to pull yourself up out of a baptism bath in front of a church rolling around on the ground with laughter! To add to their amusement, the local pastor dryly commented that our Reformed brother is now also duly baptized as adult, even if it is against his will, adding mischievously, “God works in mysterious ways.”<br />
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Wisely he ended the service at this point. Not only because of the funny chaos I was responsible for, but also because all the musicians were running around frantically, unplugging all the electric equipment on stage, afraid of any problems or damage my tidal wave might have caused.<br />
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Till this day, Enrico's baptism counts as one of the most memorable ever done in that church.Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-14399551041808467112013-03-19T16:02:00.000+02:002013-04-22T00:09:10.561+02:00Miracles for sale - Derren Brown<div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:397d7175-5035-43e5-859b-caed0addd107" style="display: inline; float: none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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I Found this piece form Derren Brown on Miracles done by Faith healers. What is your take on this? What is your take on faith healing?<br />
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<em>I had to edit this article. One of the comments on this article that was placed on my blog, a story of parents who lost their child, need to be part of it. Please read their story at the end.</em><br />
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I believe in living life to the fullest! I also believe that life as we know it here on earth is not all there is.<br />
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Every time I visit an ICU I am reminded that life is short, some time’s life is brutally short! Small children slowly dying while their parents are crying and praying, young men and women who’s life’s ends in a tragedy. People in pain, calling out to God for miracles. I have witnessed <br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7986680048980365575" name="more"></a>some of these miracles and I rejoiced! Often I had to sit with devastated family and friends when the child, partner, parent or friend they had prayed for died. I don’t try to give answers because I don’t understand. I cry with them, but more, I cry with God. More than ever, in these times I experience the love of God as intense, overwhelming and tender. Sometimes I experience the pain of a loving Father who wants to take us in His arms and hold as close, but who are pushed away with the demands that He has to heal, has to make everything whole again. In the painful normality of death here on earth God wants to be there with us, comfort us and share in our pain. Death is sure, at one stage in our life we are all going to die. Nobody leaves this life alive! We know this and yet when somebody we love are dying, we call on God for a miracle. <br />
The wonderful thing is that we may call on God for a miracle, we can beg cry and even fight with God, as we would do with someone we love. Our responsibility is to be honest with God. To acknowledge what we see, to acknowledge our pain, longing and our desires. To acknowledge that we are at wits end. It is not our responsibility to believe somebody “healed”. Or pray somebody “healed”. Or faith somebody “healed” or renounced the reality of the situation “healed”. We have the privilege to run into God’s arms and HOPE. It is here, close to God where we will find the courage to live, whether God answer with a miracle or without. <br />
God rarely make sense to me, but I experience His love often. I do not understand when, why and how God heals, but I love Him. I’m not afraid of dying, I am just afraid that those I love would die. <br />
Some time’s I long to be with God and then I read what Paul wrote to the Philippians in Philippians 1<br />
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<sup>21 </sup>For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. <sup>22 </sup>If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! <sup>23 </sup>I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; <sup>24 </sup>but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.</blockquote>
I once had a privilege to pick up a old man walking on the road from Johannesburg to Randfontein. He told me he was 78 and that he was walking the 60km to go and visit his mother. On the question of her age he responded by saying that they do not really know. She does not have papers and was born at a time when things like that did not matter. But they believe that se must be near or over a hundred years old. Then he said “She longs to go to God, but He is very busy and did not have time to come and fetch her yet” <br />
My Grandmother a woman of 86, also longs to be with her maker. Her whole life consist of talking to God and about God. (And I must confess talking about me). It is very difficult for her to move around and she spend almost all her time in her small room, praying that God will come and take her home. Yet she lives to see another day while another young mothers who loves God, dies. We cannot choose our time, neither the way. We are not masters of our fate, we have faith in our Master. What we can choose is to live today close to God and use each moment to love those close to you. There will come a time when each one of us will die, that is un-avoidable normal.<br />
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A true story:<br />
We know the pain of ICU. You sat with us for three days. Three of the longest days of my life. Seeing my child dying slowly. The people storming in, claiming God's healing, telling us that if we belief God would heal our precious child. That it is not God's will that our child would die, but the work of Satan. People who told us to rejoice because God said to them that our child would be healed. <br />
Well, he died on the 28th of February 2008 after three days of hell. Not only did we experienced the pain of the event, but my wife has never again set foot in a church after that experience. She is angry with God, she believed everything that was said to her. She believed that he would be healed. She believed that the Christians who spoke so earnestly and with so much conviction was so spiritual and she acted as if our son would not die. God would surely not allow this to happen. <br />
Paul in these times you helped me to keep my sanity, to hope, but more to see a loving God. A God that is real, a God that is with us in our pain. <br />
On the 28th of February I did not only loose my son, I also lost my wife. She has lost her faith, her God and her reason to life. <br />
When I think back to those tree days of hell. I wish I had chased away all those people who came with their easy answers. Those Spiritual Christians who stole my wife's faith. I AM ANGRY! <br />
I know today that they could not handle the pain, that their fear for death was so big that they had to invent this god. <br />
Today I must confess that the pain and the longing is still there, but I worship a holy God who is with me in my pain. <br />
Paul thanks for your blog. This is my reality check. I will forward this article to as many people possible. I was there, this make sens. Pleas pray for my wife, <br />
A broken father, a broken husband.</blockquote>
Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-74895564469708187682013-03-12T13:18:00.000+02:002013-04-22T00:11:17.028+02:00The morning I met Jesus at the Petrol station.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TG5kU4aon8I/AAAAAAAAAgA/d8WqxAJETRg/s1600-h/tattoo_guy_giving_lady_ride_chopper_hg_clr%5B3%5D.gif"><img alt="tattoo_guy_giving_lady_ride_chopper_hg_clr" height="354" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TG5kin5z-JI/AAAAAAAAAgE/FWwhJ1eAKX8/tattoo_guy_giving_lady_ride_chopper_hg_clr_thumb%5B1%5D.gif?imgmax=800" style="display: inline;" title="tattoo_guy_giving_lady_ride_chopper_hg_clr" width="431" /></a> <br />
Today I was supposed to go to a seminar in Belville. On my way there I realised that my motorbike needed gas urgently. It was on reserve and can only go 20km on the 1litre reserve gas. I took the off ramp to Kuilsrivier hoping to find a Petrol station. I was relieved as I pulled into the station and in a bit of a hurry, not wanting to be late for the seminar. The attendant helping me was a man with the name “Happy”. Trying to make small talk I commented on his name, saying," Happy are you happy?" He looked straight into my eyes and I was shocked as I saw the sorrow staring back at me. He softly said “Nee meneer”( No sir) I could not help but to ask what was wrong. Tears started whelming up in his eyes and he said even more softly “hulle het my kind doodgemaak laas maand”(they killed my son last month).<br />
<a name='more'></a>We were staring at each another and as the tears rolled down his face I could feel my own tears starting to roll down my cheeks. At that moment I was so aware of God’s love for this guy that I got off my motorcycle and gave him a real bear hug. The sobs seemed to force themselves out of his body as he was trying to hold back. I took him by the arm and we walked to the station office. We found the owner and as I started to explain what had just happened and the fact that I am a Pastor, he interrupted with relief telling me that he was a Christian and how worried he was about Happy. He asked me to talk to Happy and said we could use his office. <br />
Thus we ended up in the office, Happy and I, with the owner serving us coffee and biscuits. Happy told me about the pain of his loss. How his whole life was brought to a sudden stop. He also told me about his mother and her devotion to God. How she always prayed for him and his brothers. He was the only one who had never given his heart to the Lord, his older brother who died in Taxi crash knew the Lord. His brother just younger than himself died at the age of 24 in hospital of an illness, also knew the Lord. Their youngest brother who died at the age of 12 of an illness, knew the Lord. His only living brother, two years elder than him, knew Christ. He told me that his son did not know Christ and then he started to sob uncontrollably. I was dumbstrucked by his story, a story of pain and suffering which is not unlike the story of many Africans. We sat there for an hour and a half as he spoke. My amazement was growing as I realised that he was building up his story to a point where he wanted to give his heart to the Lord. I said nothing,(and this is very difficult for a pastor) he just kept on talking and talking. It was as if the pain was draining through his mouth and the best I could do was to keep my mouth shut. <br />
Then suddenly he said “Pastoor ek moet regmaak met God”(Pastor I must sort out my life with God.) At that moment the Owner of the station stuck his head around the door to ask if we needed anything. I said yes he must join us for a moment. I told him that Happy wanted to give his heart to the Lord. Johan the owner was very excited until I told him that he must help Happy to give his heart to the Lord. Johan said he didn’t know how. I told him and Happy to kneel with me and then told him to lead Happy in the sinners prayer. I explained to them the sinners prayer and then Johan prayed the sinners prayer with Happy. All three of us were overwhelmed ending up embracing each other. I also explained to Johan that he needed to take Happy under his wing and start a process of discipleship with him. <br />
I now have an appointment with Johan and Happy once a month for an hour and a half to help them on the way ahead in their ministry at the Petrol Station. Johan insisted that I do not pay for my tank of petrol and said that each month when I visit I must make sure the tank is empty. If I help fill their tanks he would fill my bike’s tank.<br />
As I drove off I realised that I met Jesus at the Petrol station He was waiting for me, Happy and Johan. How many times had I missed Him before because I was in just to great a hurry to to talk to people around me.<br />
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More stories of faith:<br />
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1. <a href="http://paul-barnard.blogspot.com/2010/09/blotted-tears-and-grace.html">Blotted tears and Grace</a></div>
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<a href="http://paul-barnard.blogspot.com/2010/09/blotted-tears-and-grace.html"></a>2. <a href="http://paul-barnard.blogspot.com/2010/09/god-loves-tough-guys.html">God loves tough guys.</a></div>
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<a href="http://paul-barnard.blogspot.com/2010/08/morning-i-met-jesus-at-petrol-station.html"></a>3. <a href="http://paul-barnard.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-prison-miracle.html">My Prison Miracle</a> </div>
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Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-45995517749890413582013-03-05T18:39:00.000+02:002013-04-22T00:11:59.997+02:00My Prison Miracle<div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" contenteditable="false" id="scid:8747F07C-CDE8-481f-B0DF-C6CFD074BF67:4d7156ec-e62c-4d87-a615-835f273e3b47" style="display: inline; float: none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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While I was still studying theology I worked at the Prison Service in Pretoria during the nights to pay for my studies. I had the wonderful opportunity to work permanent nightshift from 1992-1994. The nightshift started at 22:00 and ended at 06:00 which meant that we had very little contact with the inmates. One of my friends and I decided that we wanted to share the gospel with those around us. The problem was that the inmates were not interested in talking to the guards and especially not about religion. Then one night we realised that if we were busy talking to each another in hushed voices while standing in the hallways outside the cells, the inmates would press up against the bars to try and listen in on our conversations. We then came up with the idea to move from the one cell to the next standing outside and sharing Romans 5 with each other. We would make turns to tell the other in a hushed excited voice: “I have read the most amazing piece of scripture” Then we would take out a Bible and read Romans 5 in a hushed voice. We could see how inmates where pressing against the bars straining to hear. After we had finished, we would move to the next cell and started again.<br />
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Sunday the 1st of August 2010 I had the privilege to preach the Meditation Service at our church. The text was Romans 5. Romans 5 is such a powerfull scripture and if you have the opportunity to read a peace of scripture to someone in need of redemption, then this is it. In the beginning of the sermon I told this story to accentuate this fact. At the end of the sermon as I was handing out the Communion I realised that the man taking the bread from me was standing there with tears streaming from his eyes. He went back to his seat and when the service had ended, he left before I could speak to him. That evening before I had to preach at the evening service I received a phone call from Henri, the man from the communion. He told me about a miracle.<br />
Today I had the privilege to spend time with Henri and we talked through 4 cups of Coffee. This is the story as he related it to me:<br />
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I grew up in a house where my Dad was absent. He was always busy with a scheme to make money, and to make money fast. He was in and out of the jail up to a point where my mother could not go on anymore. They got divorced when I was twenty five. Our whole family backed my mom, no we encouraged her, we were all fed up with my dad. In 1990 he was sentenced to ten years in Pretoria Central. We did not go to visit even though we were close enough because we came to the point where we could not trust him anymore and did not believe he was capable of love or change. In 1996 he was released for being a model inmate. We could not believe it! He came to us and immediately we realised something had changed. We did not trust him but there was definitely something different. He told us that while he was in his cell one night in May 1992, two wardens were standing outside his window and as he scuffled closer to hear what they were saying, one of them started reading Romans 5. He listened and while he had been listening, he experienced an intense need for this grace, this loving God. For the next few days he read Romans 5 over and over again until he came to a point where he asked a Christian inmate to help him give his live to Jesus. Then the miracle had happened, he made peace with God, with himself and then he started to focus on the needs of those around him. He always said “I was set free by being jailed”<br />
It took a while for us to really accept that he had changed, but with time came the reassurance that this was real. Slowly but surely he won us over one by one. He became a beacon of faith and hope for our family. He lived the rest of his life focusing on those around him, serving Christ. Henri said that he gave his life to Christ because of his dad. Early this year his dad died of cancer. At his funeral Romans 5 was read and Christ was glorified. </blockquote>
By now I was sitting in the Coffee shop with people staring at me in horror. A big ugly man like me crying of joy. I am sure some thought I had lost my mind, but I was past the point of caring what others were thinking. What a miracle! The Word of God changing lives, and than I recalled Hebrews 4<br />
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<sup>12 </sup>For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. <a href="file:///C:/Users/Paul/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/7EEE11031B1B/index.htm#_ftn1_7027" name="_ftnref1_7027"></a></blockquote>
What an amazing miracle that Henri ended up in my service 18 years later when I had been telling the half of the story I know. I truly believe that this miracle was for me. God does not need me to come up with wonderful sermons, He wants me to share His Word, He will do the rest. I also realised that it is my task to proclaim the gospel any way I can. It is in our nature to always look at the outcomes of our results. In moments like these I realise it is not about my results, but about God’s results. He wants me to live Christ, proclaim Christ and to realise that Christ is doing the rest. He is the God of miracles. When Henri left he took my hand in both of his and said with tears in his eyes: “Dankie, my pa het gelewe, hy moes gevang word sodat God hom kon vrymaak. Dankie.” (Thank you, my Father lived, he had been set free by being jailed, thank you)<br />
Tonight I thank you Lord for this miracle and that You have blessed me with the other side of the story.Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-37220760878753008922012-02-05T16:34:00.000+02:002012-02-06T00:20:53.547+02:00Stormers vs Cheetahs<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6822432071_3c79ddbccc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" height="152" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6822432071_3c79ddbccc.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="103" /></a>We are all looking forward to the 2012 Super 15 and things are looking promising for the Stormers. The Stormers ended their 3 games warm up with a lost against the Cheetahs. But then one must remember that this 22-14 loss was a show of depth. We played a full strength Cheetah team with our second and third choice players. Impressive is all I can say.<br />
The day started of with the DHL girls and again the thought struck me "Thank God I do not have daughters". Seeing your daughter on the field playing rugby would be easier to swallow than your daughter dancing seductively on the fields while guys and kids stand staring with eyes popping out. For any dad that would be enough motivation to start a embroidery group for men and never watch rugby again. <br />
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<a name='more'></a>The girls tried to be more acrobatic but this was definitely not their prime ability.The girls ended their routine with ripping of their little skirts to the great applause of many men. This was greeted by quiet staring from many women. <br />
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There was one girl who kept on dancing and she was greeted with friendly looks from her companions.<br />
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Then the game started! Nazeem Carr did a lot of running, but not a lot of passing.<br />
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Demetri Catrakilis did everything that was needed and his kicking was sufficient but still lacked that special spark. While Gerhard van den Heever was choked every time he touched the ball.<br />
<img height="151" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6822388739_53d110588b.jpg" width="223" /><br />
Schalk Burger is getting older and balder but definitely not softer. As usual he led from the front, made many tackles carried balls and played an imposing game.<br />
<img height="196" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6822687971_93a6fc4b4f.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="289" /><br />
Heinrich Brüssow is back at his best but while Siya Kolisi was on the field he did not have everything his own way. His frustration boiled over a few time in little skirmishes.<br />
<img height="264" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6822914529_ac07ebfe71.jpg" width="179" /><img height="262" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6822963743_2cc4b4bc1a.jpg" width="386" /><br />
<img height="220" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6825360691_761da69b4e.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="325" /><br />
Eben Etzebeth was impressive and while he was on the field the Cheetahs had their hands full. This young man definitely has a wonderful future ahead of him. <br />
<img height="355" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6823025143_b9ae4bf3ca.jpg" width="241" /><img height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6823081681_96d02bb520.jpg" width="354" /><br />
All in all it was a slow game where the Cheetah A team could only just managed to beat the Stormer backup players. <br />
And then to close: How close must a ref be to miss the fight?<br />
<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6825450369_53c6395492.jpg" /><br />
1. Deon Carstens<br />
2. Deon Fourie<br />
3. Frans Malherbe<br />
4. Rynhardt Elstadt<br />
5. De Kock Steenkamp<br />
6. Schalk Burger (C)<br />
7. Siya Kolisi<br />
8. Nizaam Carr<br />
9. Nic Groom<br />
10. Demetri Catrakilis<br />
11. Ederies Arendse<br />
12. Marcel Brache<br />
13. JP Du Plessis<br />
14. Danie Poolman<br />
15. Gio Aplon / Gerhard van den Heever<br />
Reserves<br />
16. Siyabonga Ntubeni<br />
17. Steven Kitshoff<br />
18. Brok Harris<br />
19. Eben Etzebeth<br />
20. Donovan Armand<br />
21. Nick Fenton-Wells<br />
22. Rohan Kitshoff<br />
23. Johannes Conradie<br />
24. Kurt Coleman<br />
25. Michael van der Spuy<br />
26. Berton Klaasen<br />
Referee: Craig <br />
JoubertPaul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-80434063710098246392012-01-11T13:03:00.000+02:002012-01-11T22:37:53.832+02:00Huweliksvoorbereidings kampe<strong>Huweliksvoorbereiding</strong> <br />
Die besluit om te trou is waarskynlik een van die grootste besluite wat ‘n mens neem, aangesien dit twee mense lewenslank aan mekaar verbind. Dit kan een van die wonderlikste ervarings wees of dit kan ’n nagmerrie wees. <br />
Geen huwelik is gewaarborg nie! Ons almal leef met vrae en benoudhede. Daarom is dit belangrik om voor die tyd te gesels oor die belangrike dinge. Deesdae lees ons dat ongeveer 58% van huwelike eindig met egskeiding. Ten minste 15% van die ander is ongelukkig. Iemand het eendag gesê dat as dit so moeilik is om gelukkig getroud te wees dan kry sy die jammer wat ongelukkig getroud is! Dit is genoeg om enige persoon twee keer te laat dink. Goeie kommunikasie en verstaan van mekaar se verwagtings saam met 'n intieme verhouding met God gee egter hoop. Die Huwelik is God se droom en maak die lewe net soveel meer besonder. Tydens die Huweliksvoorbereidings kamp wil ons saam werk om kwesbaarhede (rooi ligte) te identifiseer en bevredigend deur werk tot albei partye vrede daaroor het. <br />
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Daar is ‘n maksimum van 5 paartjies per naweek en die gesprekke vind plaas op ‘n gemaklike manier. Dit is nie net geleenthede waar julle toegespreek word nie, maar waar julle aktief deelneem aan die gesprek.<br />
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Ons gaan stilstaan by die volgende <br />
· Die belangrikheid van “commitment” <br />
· Hoe om julle verskille te identifiseer en te waardeer. <br />
· Die kuns van kommunikasie <br />
· Konflik hantering <br />
Die belangrikheid daarvan om tyd saam te spandeer en om julle vriendskap te versorg. <br />
· Om seker te maak die ander voel geliefd <br />
· ‘n Goeie seksuele verhouding <br />
· Om te gesels oor julle drome <br />
1. <strong>Kommunikasie.</strong> Dit is belangrik dat paartjies die belangrikheid van kommunikasie sal verstaan, maar ook hoe dit deur persoonlikheid, familie geskiedenis en omstandighede beïnvloed word. <br />
2. <strong>Commitment.</strong> Commitment gaan oor die hart van ‘n huwelik waar paartjies kies om hulle lewens so in te rig dat die ander persoon altyd eerste kom. Dit beteken ook dat daar gekyk word na wat het julle van mekaar nodig. <br />
3. <strong>Konflik hantering.</strong> Konflik kan ‘n huwelik vernietig of dit kan ‘n huwelik sterk maak. Daar word gekyk hoe woede hanteer word, verskille gevier word, kyk na die soek van oplossings. Daar word ook gekyk na wat vergifnis werklik is. <br />
4. <strong>Hou die Liefde lewendig.</strong> Hier gaan gekyk word wat nodig is binne julle huwelik sodat julle nader na mekaar kan groei. <br />
<b>5. </b><strong>Gedeelde waardes en lewens doel.</strong> Alhoewel die verskille gevier moet word, moet die paartjie doelgerig iewers heen op pad wees. Julle gaan genoeg tyd kry om oor die toekoms te praat tov. Kinders, diere, finansies en geloof.<b></b> <br />
<strong>6. </strong><strong>Mediese.</strong><strong> </strong>Danette hanteer ook die mediese geskiedenis van die paartjies en gee ook meer inligting oor voorbehoedmiddels.<strong></strong> <br />
<strong>Myers-Briggs</strong><strong> Persoonlikheids toets. </strong>Voor die naweek gaan jy geleentheid he om die gratis Myers-Briggs persoonlikheid stoets te doen wat ons dan gedurende die naweek gaan hanteer. <br />
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<b>Waar: Die kampe word by Ysterfontein gehou. Ons bly in n wonderlike plek teen aan die see met n pragtige uitsig.</b><br />
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<b>Wanneer: </b>23-25
Maart 2012, 31 Augustus –2 September
2012,19-21 Oktober 2012 en 2-4 November<br />
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<b>Kostes: R450 per persoon vir die naweek, ingesluit verblyf, kos en materiaal.</b> <br />
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<b>Bespreek gou BEPERKTE aantal plekke beskikbaar</b> <br />
Die Huweliksvoorbereidings kursus is ontwikkel deur Dr’s Paul en Danette Barnard. Hulle het die kursus die afgelope paar jaar in die Kaap aangebied waar dit van krag tot krag gaan. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F9FwGw5Zrk0UXo1dvy6vlX_bb4NvKuH33tSS21wgODF07ty0a7zHNNiDbEE7Ha6M3bpOxzkeu4kDLmVJCSPtMlQpD5R1I-KFenXCORmsHqnLfVc-h329SkBF3ftmorNjPhSvB6gyAaXc/s1600-h/clip_image006%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="clip_image006" border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksg3hGI4fBOK3bY0z7b6dJ83LCPxRcqYhu5rsIsgonmRD9ISTZaWeGALctHaLg5rM6isZmZaQbtk2yGVoDPdOw0TulaFjaBNZAjrhwfMUieBr_Kexi9VR5ak7COvZbXFNaSzYIgBvS_k5/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="clip_image006" width="119" /></a> Paul is voltydse Familiepredikant by Helderberg gemeente en het ook sy Doktorale studies in pastoraat voltooi by Princeton. Danette is ’n Mediese dokter en boonop nog ma van drie woelige seuns. <br />
Vir meer inligting skakel Paul Barnard by 0823749520 of stuur e-pos aan paul@nghelder.co.zaPaul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-89065292757499656602011-12-12T22:48:00.001+02:002011-12-12T23:26:18.636+02:00Evaluering HuweliksvoorbereidingskampNa 5 jaar se huweliksvoorbereidingskampe het ons op n punt gekom waar ons graag die kampe wou evalueer. Die afgelope twee weke kon mense wat in die verlede die kamp bygewoon het die evauleringsvorm op die web invul. Oor die afgelope 5 jaar was daar 125 paartjies wat deur die kampe is, maw 250 mense. Die reaksie wat ons op die evaluering versoek gekry het was 73 persone(paartjies) wat reageer het. Die punte toegeken en verwerk tot presentasie wat mense gegee het vir hulle belewenis. Die skaal loop dus van 0%(Sleg) tot 100% Uitstekend. Van die vrae het ook plek gehad vir terugvoer. Ons plaas dit dan ook so, soos dit deur die deelnemers geskryf is.<br />
Ek en Danette was aangenaam verras deur die uitkomste van die evaluering. Ons het voor die tyd gese dat ons die resultate hier sal weergee. Baie dankie aan almal wat deelgeneem het aan die proses.<br />
Hier volg die evaluering:<br />
<strong><u>Vraag 1: Hoeveel het die Huweliksvoorbereidings kampe julle gehelp?</u></strong><br />
97.26%<br />
<a name='more'></a><strong><u>Vraag 2: Hoe sou julle die kamp se kostes evalueer?</u></strong><br />
Die evaluering was hier 1(goedkoop) tot 5(duur)<br />
2.49<br />
<strong><u>Vraag 3: Hoe het die verblyf aan julle vereistes voldoen?</u></strong><br />
78.08%<br />
<strong><u>Vraag 4: Hoe sou jy die kos beskryf?</u></strong><br />
96.98%<br />
<strong><u>Vraag 5: Die eerste aand is daar gekyk na julle persoonlikheids profiele: Het dit julle gehelp in julle verstaan van mekaar?</u></strong><br />
94.24%<br />
5a. Kommentaar: <br />
<ul>
<li>Dit was vir my een van die hoogte punte van die kamp, alhoewel ek en my man volgens die toetse nie regtig " compatible" persoonlikhede gehad het nie, was dit wonderlik die manier hoe Paul vir ons verduidelik het die gevare waarvoor ons moet uitkyk en hoe ons sal moet aanpas om die beste uit mekaar te kan kry. My man herhaal nou nog Paul se woorde : "Ek is lief vir jou, maar ek verskil van jou" Dit het al male sonder tal stoom by my ore laat uitkom, maar daarna lag ons baie lekker! Dankie Paul! </li>
<li>Sien brief wat ons aan die kerkraad gerig het. </li>
<li>Baie dankie dit het dadelik n groot aantal issues waarmee ons gesukkel het verduidelik </li>
<li>het dit al van te vore gedoen maar om dit saam met my maat te doen was n "eye opener" </li>
<li>Sal dit graag weer wil doen. Ons ken mekaar nou beter en ek dink dit sal nou nog meer beteken </li>
<li>Was lekker ysbreker om mekaar (meer) en ander paartjies te leer ken. </li>
<li>Dis perfek! </li>
<li>Insiggewend </li>
<li>as ons dit vroeer gedoen het in ons verhouding sou dinge darem baie makliker geweet het. </li>
<li>Dit was lekker veral omdat ons soveel mense gehad het met dieselfde profiele. Lanklaas so lekker gelag, selfs vir myself. </li>
<li>Ek was nie baie opgewonde die eerste aand nie, want ek was gedwing om te gaan. Die saterdag het my egter gedraai. </li>
<li>Beide van ons het reeds die MBTI gedoen, dit was egter lekker om te praat oor hoe beinvloed dit ons verhouding.</li>
</ul>
<strong><u>Vraag 6: Die tweede sessie het gegaan oor hoe goed ken julle mekaar: Het dit julle gehelp in julle verstaan van hoekom die ander persoon soms optree soos hulle doen.?</u></strong><br />
94.52%<br />
6a. Kommentaar:<br />
<ul>
<li>Ek en my man ken mekaar al 17 jaar maar ons is nog net bietjie meer as 3 jaar 'n couple, maar tog die manier hoe so 'n kamp jou "vriendelik verplig" op 'n mooi manier dwing om oor sekere goed te praat, was daar tog ietsie hier en daar wat ons van mekaar kon leer. </li>
<li>Sien brief wat ons aan die kerkraad gerig het. </li>
<li>Die manier hoe ons dit gedoen het, die humor, die ern en eerlikheid was ongelooflik. Ek wou glad nie op diekamp kom nie, my skoonouers het ons hierin forseer. Maar hier het ek besef ek het nodig om hier te wees. </li>
<li>Die sal ek verwag sal beter wees op meer persoonlike vlak in plaas van groepsverband. </li>
<li>Dit was lank terug ek kan nie presies onthou nie, maar die kamp was vir beide van ons ongelooflik - elke sessie! </li>
<li>dit was n eye opener, besef hoe baie praat mens sonder om te praat </li>
<li>The session covered all the neccessary topics that needed to be discussed </li>
<li>Ons ken mekaar vandat ons 5 jaar oud is! </li>
<li>Agtergekom hoeveel dinge ek dink ek weet</li>
</ul>
<strong><u>Vraag 7: Die derde sessie het gehandel oor julle kinderdae en ouerhuis belewenis: Het dit vir julle insig gegee oor jou maat se optrede?</u></strong><br />
91.78%<br />
7a. Kommentaar:<br />
<ul>
<li>Ek weet hierdie een het baie ouens op die "spot' geplaas omdat ons dit in 'n groep behandel het en nie almal ewe gemaklik is om die seer te deel van hul kinder dae en ouerhuis nie. Alhoewel ek ongelooflike kinderdae en ouerhuis gehad het, het dit my opnuut net weer dankbaar en nederig gemaak en my laat besef hoe gelukkig ek is. </li>
<li>Sien brief wat ons aan die kerkraad gerig het. </li>
<li>Hierdie was die absolute hoogtepunt van my kamp. Nie net die feit dat ons oor ons eie ouerhuise kon praat nie, maar dat ons in die groep saam kon praat oor wat se effek ons ourhuise op ons het maak jou bewus van hoe groot verantwoordelikheid dit is om kinders te kry. Ek kon hier deal met die seer uit my kinderdae want daar was nog n persoon in die groep wat dieselfde as ek beleef het. Haar eerlikheid het gemaak dat ek vir die eerste keer oopgemaak het. Dankie. </li>
<li>Uit my eie ervaring het die aanbieder my glad nie op persoonlike vlak geken nie. As jy nie agtergrond van die persoon ken nie kan die vraag baie gevaarlike wees met moontlike ernstige reperkussies. As mens nie die kampgangers se geskiedenis ken nie moet die onder geen omstandighede in groepsverband gedoen word waar mense mekaar nie ken nie. </li>
<li>My kinderdae was baie sleg en ek het nooit daaroor gepraat nie. Hierdie sessie was vir my die hoogtepunt </li>
<li>The session covered all the neccessary topics that needed to be discussed </li>
<li>Ons was nie hier heeltemal eerlike nie(tot my spyt) ek moes hier gepraat het oor hoe baie sy ouers se inmenging pla) Ek het geweet dit is n teer sakie so ek het maar gemaak of alles reg is. </li>
<li>Ons ken mekaar al drie jaar en praat baie en oor alles. Maar ons is albei ver van ouers. Ons het net besef dat hierdie die een area is waar ons eintlik baie min van mekaar weet.</li>
</ul>
<strong><u>Vraag 8: Die vierde sessie het gehandel oor die wetlike aspekte(Huwelikskontrakte, testamente, finansies, living will): Het dit julle gehelp in julle besluite?</u></strong><br />
91.23%<br />
8a. Kommentaar:<br />
<ul>
<li>Ons was redelik bewus van al hierdie dinge omdat ons 'n goeie vriendin het wat 'n prokureur is, so ons het meeste van die goedjies klaar geweet maar ek dink vir iemand wat nie baie kennis dra nie, is dit verseker 'n moet op die agenda vir die naweek, want mens is so op 'n totale "high" van opgewondenheid oor doe hele troue idee / sprokie dat mens nie altyd nugter dink oor presies wat dit is was nou voorle as die stof eers gaan lê het nie. </li>
<li>Sien brief wat ons aan die kerkraad gerig het. </li>
<li>Ek dink dit het ons baie gled gespaar en ons gehelp om groot besluite te maak. </li>
<li>Ek het my artikels gedoen en het reeds baie van die dinge geweet, maar ek dink dit was goed aangebied. </li>
<li>Vir my persoonlike het dit niks gehelp nie aangesien ek reeds bewus is van wetlike aspekte maar kan vir ander persone hulpvaardig wees. </li>
<li>The session covered all the neccessary topics that needed to be discussed</li>
</ul>
<strong><u>Vraag 9: Die vyfde sessie het gehandel oor gesondheid, familie kwale en voorbehoedmiddels: Het hierdie sessie julle gehelp?</u></strong><br />
91.78% <br />
9a. Kommentaar: <br />
<ul>
<li>Dit was goed om lekker te kan gesels oor die verskillende familie kwale in almal se families en ook net weer te dink aan dit tipes siektes wat mens kan tref en hoe mens dit sou hanteer sou dit met jou of jou lewensmaat gebeur, want mens dink jy is jonk en die goed gebeur eers as mens oud is. Om oor voorbehoedmiddels te gesels is baie goed want sommige manne dink dis net die dames se verantwoordelikheid en manne is maar nie altyd ingelig oor die tipe goed nie, so dis goed om dit dalk bietjie meer in detail vir hulle te verduidelik. </li>
<li>Sien brief wat ons aan die kerkraad gerig het. </li>
<li>Ek het met baie vrese gesit oor die gesondheid situasie in my familie en dit het dit moontlik gemaak dat ek en my man daaroon kon praat en dat ons beplanning vir die toekoms kon doen. Dankie dit was baie spesiaal. Dit was ook hier dat Danette sommer in die gesprek iets opgetel het wat Dokters oor jare gemis het en na behandeling het my lewe verander. Baie dankie </li>
<li>Voorbehoed is persoonlike onderwerp en moet kampgangers geleentheid gee om ander aktiwiteit te doen as moontlik. <br />Voel ook die sessie het gewentel rondom persoonlike keuse van tipe voorbehoed middel in plaas van om meer algemeen te praat oor verskillende opsies en implikasies van opsies. </li>
<li>Veral die gedeelte oor die voorbehoedmiddels. Ek het baie daar geleer. My kennis daarvan was dat die vrou verantwoordelik is om pille te drink. Hierdie was Baie insiggewend </li>
<li>Maar altyd gedink dit is die vrou se verantwoordelikheid. Dit was baie interresant. </li>
<li>The session covered all the neccessary topics that needed to be discussed </li>
<li>Ons is beide uit baie gesonde families wat eers doodgaan in die 80s. Maar ek kon sien dat dit vir die ander baie beteken. </li>
<li>Nog nooit so oor familiegeskiedenis gedink nie, dit was n eye opener</li>
</ul>
<strong><u>Vraag 10: Die sesde sessie het gehandel oor die seksuele: Het hierdie sessie julle gehelp?</u></strong><br />
94.79% <br />
10a. Kommentaar: <br />
<ul>
<li>Hier het ek lekker gelag want 'n groep wat heelnaweek vreeslik spontaan deelgeneem het aan alle gesprekke was ewe skielik dood stil. Paul het dit sooooo goed hanteer veral toe hy gesê het mens word groot met die idee dat seks verkeerd, privaat en soms lelik is, maar dat ons ons persepsie hiervan moet verander en anders oor seks moet begin dink. Mens mag maar daaroor gesels, selfs met jou kinders, moenie die onderwerp doodpraat nie, gesels daaroor! </li>
<li>Weereens baie onsensitief en afdwingend gehanteer. Sien brief wat ons aan die kerkraad gestuur het. </li>
<li>Baie dankie, ek was nog nooit seksueel aktief soos van die ander nie. Hierdie was maar vir my n benoude saak, maar die manier hoe julle ons gehelp het was woderlik. </li>
<li>Ons het nog nooit hieroor met mekaar openlik gepraat nie en hierdie sessie het ons gehelp om sinvol te praat. </li>
<li>..hehehe, ja was baie behulpsaam :) </li>
<li>The session covered all the neccessary topics that needed to be discussed </li>
<li>Baie dankie! </li>
<li>Baie dankie, in ons groep was ek die enigste een wat nog nie voorhuwelikse seks gehad het nie en was maar skrikkerig vir die eerste aand en vir wat ek moet verwag. Dankie vir die eerlike manier waarop julle dit hanteer het. </li>
<li>Dankie dit was baie insiggewend, Danette dankie dat jy alles so mooi verduidelik het. Ek het gedink ek weet die meeste maar was verras. Dit was ietwat van n probleem in ons verhouding en ons kon hierna n paar dingetjies anders doen. </li>
<li>Baie dankie hier vir Danette vir die gesprekke na die tyd </li>
<li>WOW onverwags, maar WOW dankie </li>
<li>Hierdie het ons lewe verander baie dankie</li>
</ul>
<strong><u>Vraag 11: Die sewende sessie het gehandel oor julle verhouding voor God (insluitend die nagmaal): Hoe het julle dit beleef?</u></strong><br />
96.71% <br />
11a. Kommentaar: <br />
<ul>
<li>Dit was 'n wonderlike manier om die naweek mee af te sluit. En net weer stil te raak by die feit dat geen huwelik kan bestaan sonder God nie en dat daar slegs een 3de persoon in mens se huwelik moet wees en dat dit God is. </li>
<li>Sien brief wat ons aan die kerkraad gerig het. </li>
<li>Ek wil eintlik hier n ses op die skaal gee(skaal het tot 5 gegaan) </li>
<li>My ervaring was nie lekker gewees nie en my gemoed was verkeerd en het dus nie die nagmaal gebruik nie aangesien ek glo dit is verkeerd om nagmaal te gebruik as jou gemoed nie reg is nie. </li>
<li>awsome </li>
<li>Dit was baie spesiaal dankie </li>
<li>Baie belangrik! </li>
<li>The session covered all the neccessary topics that needed to be discussed </li>
<li>Dit was vir my die hoogtepunt van die kamp. Ek het verwag dat die hele kamp n bybel praatjie gaan wees. Maar die manier hoe julle dit gedoen het was awsome. God is nie net n stukkie geloof nie, maar betrokke in die werklike issues. Dankie </li>
<li>Die nagmaal was vir my die hoogtepunt van die kamp. Dankie </li>
<li>Die nagmaal was onvergeetlik </li>
<li>Baie dankie, ons is nou aktief besig in ons bediening. Ons het hier besef God roep ons. </li>
<li>ons het hier God beleef, dit was die hoogtepunt van n wonderlike naweek. </li>
<li>Hierdie kamp is in van die geestelike hoogtepunte van my lewe </li>
<li>Dit was heerlik om so saam in die berge tussen die wingerde te gaan sit en saam met jou maat nagmaal te kon gebruik</li>
</ul>
<strong><u>Vraag 12: Sou julle die kamp vir ander aanbeveel?</u></strong><br />
97.80%<br />
<strong><u>Vraag 13: Hoe het jy Paul as aanbieder beleef?</u></strong><br />
98.08% <br />
<strong><u>Vraag 14: Hoe het jy Danette as aanbieder beleef?</u></strong><br />
92.60% <br />
<strong><u>Vraag 15:</u></strong> Sou jy belangstel in n opvolg kamp?<br />
71 uit die 73 deelnemers het gese hulle sal belangstel in n opvolg kamp.<br />
<strong><u>Vraag 16: Enige kommentaar of kritiek wat ons op die pad voorentoe kan help?</u></strong><br />
Kommentaar: <br />
<ul>
<li>Miskien een vir hoe hanteer ons ons kinders </li>
<li>Dankie vir 'n great kamp, hou so aan! </li>
<li>Ek het vir Danette ook 'n 5 gegee maar sy kon ongelukkig nie ons kamp mee maak nie. Dit het tog gevoel of sy nogsteeds daar is omdat Paul gereeld met ons allerhande dinge wat hulle al moes deurmaak in hul huwelik met ons gedeel het. So kamp is wonderlik en ek sal dit ten sterkste aanbeveel want dis great om in 'n groep te deel en te hoor dat die dinge waardeur jy gaan, ander mense beleef dit ook net soos jy doen. Baie dankie vir 'n great ervaring, sal dit altyd koester en onthou! </li>
<li>Sien brief wat ons aan die kerkraad gerig het. </li>
<li>Baie baie baie dankie </li>
<li>Baie dankie vir al die moeite en liefde. Julle is baie special mense. </li>
<li>Baie dankie julle sal altyd n spesiale plek in ons harte he </li>
<li>Julle moet niks verander nie die kamp is puik! </li>
<li>Dankie ook vir al die hulp en bystand na die kamp! </li>
<li>Ons verlang na julle. Ons sit nou in Gauteng as julle opvolg kampe oorweeg laat weet ons asb vroegtydig sodat ons kan reel vir verlof, dan kuier ons sommer ook bietjie in die kaap. </li>
<li>Het reeds van ons vriende geborg om dit by te woon en hulle was net so opgewonde. Waar is die vraelys oor die troue? Ons het soveel komplimente gekry oor ons troue. Dankie vir die rol wat julle in ons lewens gespeel het en nogsteeds speel. </li>
<li>Ek dink n opvolg kamp sal great wees, as ons dit saam met die oorspronklike groep kan doen nog soveel beter. Indien jy dit sou oorweeg en hulp nodig het om dit te reel laat weet asb. Groete Sanet </li>
<li>Skoonouers het vir kamp betaal en ons vriendelik verplig. Ons het glad nie utigesien nie, dit was net iets wat moes gedoen word ter wille van vrede:) Ons het na die tyd vir hulle vertel hoe dankbaar ons was en ons het nie gejok nie. Dankie ek dink dit is n moet. Dankie ook vir die pragtige troudiens! </li>
<li>'n Opvolgkamp sal waardeer word! Dink daar is baie mense wat dit sal bywoon!! </li>
<li>Sal so lekker wees om julle te sien, vandat ons getrek het verlang ons baie terug na julle en die gemeente. Paul ons luister nog jou preke oor die internet. Ons het n oulike ds, baie oud maar oulik. Ons besef egter hoe geseend ons was met jou. Groete </li>
<li>Dankie vir die rol wat julle in ons lewe speel </li>
<li>Nee, baie lekker, opbouende & insig-gewende kamp gewees! Well done!!! </li>
<li>Dit is n absolute noodsaaklikheid om so kamp by te woon. Dankie vir die vriendskap </li>
<li>The relaxed informal environment is conducive to people opening up and sharing their feelings, all in order to get to know each other better. We really enjoyed the camp and recommend it to any couples that are engaged to be married. </li>
<li>Baie dankie vir al julle moeite. Die manier hoe julle omgee en op so n gemaklike ontstpanne manier van die moeilikste onderwerpe met soveel wysheid hanteer was werklik wonderlik. Julle egtheid het my weer laat dink oor kerkwees. Ek het vir julle gese dat ek aan God glo, maar dat ek nie meer kerk toe gaan nie tot my geliefde se frustrasie. Na die kamp het ek begin kerk bywoon(as Paul preek) en ek sien selfs daarna uit. Ons oorweeg om vir ons n motorfiets te koop en dan gaan ons nog bike kerk toe ook saam met julle! </li>
<li>Ek stel voor ons kry die oorpspronklike groep bymekaar en hou dit by dieselfde plek. </li>
<li>Ons verhuis nou na Engeland. Sal julle baie mis. Ek sal kontak hou op facebook en seker maak dat ek die preke op die web kry. Dankie dat julle vir ons so baie omgegee het en Paul vir al die raad en bystand. </li>
<li>Se net wanneer die opvolg kamp is ons is defnitief daar. Julle is kosbaar! </li>
<li>Paul baie dankie dat jy altyd beskikbaar is. Jou foto's op facebook is pragtig. Ek wil ook eendag soos jy foto's neem. Hou die kamp asb net so! </li>
<li>Paul dankie vir wat jy alles vir ons gedoen het. </li>
<li>Ons is nou in Swede vir die volgende drie jaar, ons gaan julle baie mis, baie dankie vir die kamp en al die gesprekke. Julle voorbeeld is vir ons n inspirasie. </li>
<li>Sien jou die 17! Min dae! </li>
<li>Lief vir julle </li>
<li>Miskien moet julle nou n kamp reel om ons voor te berei vir doop. Van ons groepie wat gegaan het is ALMAL nou of swanger of die afgelope 6maande n babatjie gekry! </li>
<li>Julle is n wonderlike span, dankie vir al die moeite en die lekker kos. Ds Paul een van die goed wat my die meeste getref het was hoe jy kos maak, skoon maak bedien, dit alles terwyl jy met vreugde aanhou omgee. As ek aan jou dink, dan is dit die prentjie wat ek onthou. Iemand wat aanhou om homself te gee met vreugde sodat ander gevoed kan word - geestelik en fisies. Dit is andres as die prentjie waarmee ek groot geword het van predikante wat dink hulle is so belangrik. </li>
<li>Dankie dit was soveel meer as wat ons verwag het. </li>
<li>ja julle moet ons weer saamvat anders gaan die kampe glad nie weer so lekker wees nie </li>
<li>Baie dankie vir n baie spesiale naweek. </li>
<li>Dankie dat julle werklik in ons belang stel en omgee. </li>
<li>Dit was so n groot ervaring dit is baie moeilik om dit so te evalueer. Al wat ons kan se is dat ons baie dankbaar is dat ons die voorreg gehad het om so n kamp te kon bywoon. </li>
<li>Baie dankie ons praat nog steeds oor die kamp al is dit al drie jaar </li>
<li>Die manier hoe julle dit gedoen het was great. Ook om te sien hoe julle, julle kinders akkomodeer en hanteer was n wonderlike leerskool </li>
<li>Dit is moeilik om vir enige iets nie volpunte te gee nie. Dit was n great kamp. </li>
<li>Asseblief sal bitter graag weer wil kamp saam met julle. Op voorwaarde Paul moet weer kos maak. </li>
<li>Julle kry dit reg om die naweek op n baie hoe vlak aan te bied, maar tog dit so te doen dat almal ontspanne en gemaklik is. Paul jy het n besondere gawe en kan lekker kos maak. </li>
<li>sal bitter graag weer wil kamp </li>
<li>julle is kosbaar vir ons dankie </li>
<li>ons sal baie graag weer saam met julle wil kamp. Groete vir die seuns. </li>
<li>Ek gee maar vir alles 5 anders daag jy dalk nie op met ons troue nie:) Nee ek speel dit was uitstekend. Ek beveel al my vriende aan wat wil trou om op een van julle kampe te gaan. Wanneer gaan die datums beskikbaar wees vir volgende jaar? </li>
<li>Skitterend </li>
<li>Danette dankie vir die privaat gesprek </li>
<li>Ons het heerlik geeet, maar Johan doen nie wat jy ons geleer het nie. Hy maak nie kos en was nie skottelgoed nie, ons sal maar moet kom vir die opvolgkamp. </li>
<li>Ek stel voor dat die opvolg kamp fokus op ouerskap!</li>
</ul>
<br />
Baie dankie vir al die terugvoer. Dit was waarlik vir ons oorweldigend omdat ons glo dat God ons roep om op hierdie manier n verskil te maak. Vir al die mooi boodskappe, baie dankie. Ons is werklik jammer oor die een paartjie vir wie dit n slegte belewnis was. <br />
Ek en Danette is en bly beskikbaar vir almal, onthou ons uitnodiging. Ons deur sal altyd vir julle almal oop wees. Indien jy die oorspronklike terugvoer spreadsheet wil sien gaan na <a href="https://dl-web.dropbox.com/get/Public/Trou%20Blog/Huweliksvoorbereidingskamp%20terugvoer..xls?w=aa970f07">https://dl-web.dropbox.com/get/Public/Trou%20Blog/Huweliksvoorbereidingskamp%20terugvoer..xls?w=aa970f07</a>Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-10884975504258032822011-05-05T16:19:00.000+02:002011-05-05T17:19:49.357+02:00Stormers vs Crusaders Photo story<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">A photo story look at last years game between the Stormers and the Crusadares!<br />
The day started surprisingly when the Crusaders coach said that even if the Stormers stood on their heads they would not win this match. This was taken literally by some Stormer players. All the intellectuals (the forwards) immediately stood on their heads and proofed him wrong! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6nDmUtVoUrZAjB470I5W9A65BkSgvccU3bjhcnSVF50SDpL_M5lKaqlS3CUZOCq4XDsr9ih4rsNkkSk51vjbVaT_a9FNPt9ZDYsAvipPCs1ukG6EdmcUABAns4N_BOQq03Z915cMWqE/s1600/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6nDmUtVoUrZAjB470I5W9A65BkSgvccU3bjhcnSVF50SDpL_M5lKaqlS3CUZOCq4XDsr9ih4rsNkkSk51vjbVaT_a9FNPt9ZDYsAvipPCs1ukG6EdmcUABAns4N_BOQq03Z915cMWqE/s400/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The next surprise came when it became apparent that DeJong was asked to do the kicking. He started with his kicking routine and when he took aim the poles 48000 people at Newlands watched in unbelief.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7986680048980365575&postID=1088497550425803282" name="more"></a></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukv4XIfUmvxMQIjI-fo0oqkMzpBDj_cxUu2Pr2pBSDGaLNHouN8ccM_9bPtPLDKiqRy39XSuijfRgVcyi2y6tusbLz8VaBSBkjOpO1cuCgI4sXKRq0tXcN0ZfHunfEJOm9CUmBoyRsdM/s1600/Stormers+teen+Cursaders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukv4XIfUmvxMQIjI-fo0oqkMzpBDj_cxUu2Pr2pBSDGaLNHouN8ccM_9bPtPLDKiqRy39XSuijfRgVcyi2y6tusbLz8VaBSBkjOpO1cuCgI4sXKRq0tXcN0ZfHunfEJOm9CUmBoyRsdM/s400/Stormers+teen+Cursaders.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">Although the kick was good it was decided that it would be better if Peter Grant did the kicking.</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3W72b3BhHfMoeTlu3pokaFecS1B4cTOCgxdUXdel4I1vEdS3wTWkaYIRISg08djmq0MKf4GVMPtXrT0ZExs3GBVL8tdBQ5ozIg1a3iMWhfUjlYy3JRNI_EEjEvpiKa_BLSfHLCtJAtQ/s1600/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3W72b3BhHfMoeTlu3pokaFecS1B4cTOCgxdUXdel4I1vEdS3wTWkaYIRISg08djmq0MKf4GVMPtXrT0ZExs3GBVL8tdBQ5ozIg1a3iMWhfUjlYy3JRNI_EEjEvpiKa_BLSfHLCtJAtQ/s320/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_10.JPG" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">Conversions: Peter Grant (2). Penalties: Peter Grant (8).</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">Brian Habanna went for a new look but was chased of the field by gangsters who claimed that they have rights on this look and he may not use this look until he is willing to join the gang.</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlLPUXIOJcYXJ1M98KYEZbdLAsg9ND-9SpOE02fNkkISctnUb06JGvdjnSZjJcqiipL78hkaFA7pVWKgUXl28xbMO2jnE_eMu29sUJQez0RLe62ZmTTR4CSOIG0kGVqvc5xvyvRYlx_g/s1600/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlLPUXIOJcYXJ1M98KYEZbdLAsg9ND-9SpOE02fNkkISctnUb06JGvdjnSZjJcqiipL78hkaFA7pVWKgUXl28xbMO2jnE_eMu29sUJQez0RLe62ZmTTR4CSOIG0kGVqvc5xvyvRYlx_g/s320/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_1.JPG" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">Richie McCaw also went for a new look. </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h4ALFDc9hlx_ON09x3dnlHOXlar4JFg6nnELFe_-88snLjyW2xfPLgITUJGL1iSw9i6wveRWZwEqwou35NCsqd1c32mmY53bVYjfOzEXUKuSituk-kZM4EMmCoNsg3aWEJl1qYJvTW0/s1600/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h4ALFDc9hlx_ON09x3dnlHOXlar4JFg6nnELFe_-88snLjyW2xfPLgITUJGL1iSw9i6wveRWZwEqwou35NCsqd1c32mmY53bVYjfOzEXUKuSituk-kZM4EMmCoNsg3aWEJl1qYJvTW0/s320/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_24.JPG" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">But this led to being yellow Carded by the Ref. He said this look is faul play, and that he could not stand it for one more moment.</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5yPfJqWCM4nyNfKt6NymyjuAFmB8WBihgfMmzwrmII_G8wjwXzXoj7f4hXX1BAI-K_E820qjHKqh7KkBj5VxcmojUFTBG6N8yyzSilPCal3k1UldXt_Zj8eoSWBtYC5jRka3TrUPU3Q/s1600/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5yPfJqWCM4nyNfKt6NymyjuAFmB8WBihgfMmzwrmII_G8wjwXzXoj7f4hXX1BAI-K_E820qjHKqh7KkBj5VxcmojUFTBG6N8yyzSilPCal3k1UldXt_Zj8eoSWBtYC5jRka3TrUPU3Q/s400/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">Then Jaque Fourie scored two tries using his new look. Breaking through players and planting the ball behind the poles. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4jl3qIRoacNch1lB8zf2iJZrdc3bpivuHNSLRPfT8Ee-1LIlL4zfh-jHxSi4L2eqolg3VuXpfjoNbRpHlDsTFEjuA4WVL70h5fLNLhoXkx6nMObalOh8E3LTDENlDrvHPB8qWcvoQGo/s1600/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4jl3qIRoacNch1lB8zf2iJZrdc3bpivuHNSLRPfT8Ee-1LIlL4zfh-jHxSi4L2eqolg3VuXpfjoNbRpHlDsTFEjuA4WVL70h5fLNLhoXkx6nMObalOh8E3LTDENlDrvHPB8qWcvoQGo/s400/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_21.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4jl3qIRoacNch1lB8zf2iJZrdc3bpivuHNSLRPfT8Ee-1LIlL4zfh-jHxSi4L2eqolg3VuXpfjoNbRpHlDsTFEjuA4WVL70h5fLNLhoXkx6nMObalOh8E3LTDENlDrvHPB8qWcvoQGo/s1600/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>He went for the “bullfrog” look and left defenders crying.</div></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh451_qW_lbQLZthzm8YZBfyC3gMHK83LlZzUP7CKSsRBJBGuAJy8wLbaN2X3OriAiwg9hygZOGh8zNMtJ6NLU1jyfIXdvlDhAGusJbh7QzmdDgid-OuwSAp1xRsvNUV8Lq4YbGGtfu3iA/s1600/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh451_qW_lbQLZthzm8YZBfyC3gMHK83LlZzUP7CKSsRBJBGuAJy8wLbaN2X3OriAiwg9hygZOGh8zNMtJ6NLU1jyfIXdvlDhAGusJbh7QzmdDgid-OuwSAp1xRsvNUV8Lq4YbGGtfu3iA/s400/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemmQQoz37IXKbnllVP_OgYJMs14hUirUmd0b0c23q0Gwc6IOOjAJPrpCw7V4ekpZwD5AOgllWZWwe22z_5nzDj95_do2i5e4RNwdVLr5F2N1cmYqRtEMmi92oKJTkx1EXKx6UmTfwsts/s1600/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemmQQoz37IXKbnllVP_OgYJMs14hUirUmd0b0c23q0Gwc6IOOjAJPrpCw7V4ekpZwD5AOgllWZWwe22z_5nzDj95_do2i5e4RNwdVLr5F2N1cmYqRtEMmi92oKJTkx1EXKx6UmTfwsts/s400/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">He couldn’t believe his luck that his new facial expression is so effective.</div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh986lW1qMk3hKlMjm1ULCB8_RQPg9GwU2TARQcwQ_-fww4HeeCgElDEgDwkGOaCewhW6Cdnu2dIis8rCzs1w7oiRvN-89vRi2ZTX7xj2Hf3tp7s0gOLZ17ov6A0zOugT5VSJ2B-Xg-L5Q/s1600/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh986lW1qMk3hKlMjm1ULCB8_RQPg9GwU2TARQcwQ_-fww4HeeCgElDEgDwkGOaCewhW6Cdnu2dIis8rCzs1w7oiRvN-89vRi2ZTX7xj2Hf3tp7s0gOLZ17ov6A0zOugT5VSJ2B-Xg-L5Q/s400/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_17.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The Stormers won 42-14</div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSAbPKjTpQ9TUw0tRFU2xIMwDj0mp3wUrntMzinwtNiP-v9ywcjwnLrIzeYqsT_FNgu2oWSZtAELBVySw8X_IDG1oZUPoQryNN4Q5MgZNEg13mlVu4kU7n6lXAJznwsOFDZbhjANpfh4/s1600/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSAbPKjTpQ9TUw0tRFU2xIMwDj0mp3wUrntMzinwtNiP-v9ywcjwnLrIzeYqsT_FNgu2oWSZtAELBVySw8X_IDG1oZUPoQryNN4Q5MgZNEg13mlVu4kU7n6lXAJznwsOFDZbhjANpfh4/s400/Stormers+teen+Cursaders_27.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;">The 2011 photo story will be published shortly.<br />
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</script></div>Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-77687088968703722162011-03-30T11:00:00.001+02:002011-03-31T11:38:30.080+02:00Books I have read in 201119. <u>Becoming the Answer to our Prayers</u><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJIkz_5mhI/AAAAAAAAAw4/9t5y9shMvXQ/s1600-h/51oj98YdbyL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="51oj98YdbyL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJInDOCTtI/AAAAAAAAAw8/Ua7b32rplIM/51oj98YdbyL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01__thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="51oj98YdbyL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" width="244" /></a> <br />
The most powerful statement in the book is: “We don’t do great things, we do small things with great love!” This is a very good book. <br />
<ul><li><b>Paperback:</b> 125 pages </li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> IVP Books (September 3, 2008) </li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English </li>
<li><b>ISBN-10:</b> 9780830836222 </li>
<li><b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-0830836222 </li>
<li><b>ASIN:</b> 0830836225</li>
</ul><h5>From Publishers Weekly</h5>This latest publication from the new monasticism movement is the third book each for the two young Christian activist-authors, and it offers fresh insight on the well-worn topic of prayer. Some themes are repeated from earlier works, but the book deftly succeeds in drawing the reader out of the weeds of daily life and into a more spacious field. The text is structured around three New Testament prayers: the Lord's Prayer, Christ's intercessory prayer in Chapter 17 of the Gospel of John and Paul's prayer in the first chapter of Ephesians. From the very first pronoun of the familiar Lord's Prayer ("our"), the authors extract a compelling sermon on the power and centrality of community in Christian life and thought. The dominant theme--that prayer invites human beings into a partnership with God in answering prayer--is enlivened with earthy tales from the authors' own lives, wrenching stories of service and redemption from the people they know and lesser-known anecdotes from Christian history and sociology. Readers will never see prayer or community in quite the same way again. <i>(Oct.) </i> <br />
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.<br />
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<h5>Review</h5>"Not everyone will agree with every particular detail of biblical interpretation in this book by Claiborne and Wilson-Hartgrove, but <em>no one</em> can deny the truth of their main argument: God is calling each and all of us to be eager agents fulfilling His purposes in the world! This book compels us passionately to ask, in the power of the Holy Spirit, 'How am I "putting legs on my prayers"?' This is a tested book and a necessary one!" (Marva J. Dawn, teaching fellow in Spiritual Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, and author of Unfettered Hope, Joy in Divine Wisdom and My Soul Waits )<br />
18. <u>Collider: The Search for the World's Smallest Particles</u><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJIpI_quSI/AAAAAAAAAxA/bUHC6YKeDp0/s1600-h/51cnqdplCTL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="51cnqdplCTL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJIrnyrxZI/AAAAAAAAAxE/OBQC9LMb4cE/51cnqdplCTL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01__thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="51cnqdplCTL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" width="244" /></a> <br />
Long winded, nice but what it promised.<br />
<ul><li><b>Paperback:</b> 288 pages </li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> Wiley (September 22, 2010) </li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English </li>
<li><b>ISBN-10:</b> 0470643919 </li>
<li><b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-0470643914</li>
</ul><h5>From Publishers Weekly</h5>Halpern (What's Science Ever Done For Us?), professor of physics and mathematics, makes particle physics accessible in this look at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) "and the extraordinary discoveries likely to be made there." Beginning with the philosophers and scientists who shaped our understanding of the universe over centuries, Halpern explains complex topics and theories concisely, frequently drawing on deft analogies: the "fleeting nature of neutrinos is akin to a featherweight, constantly traveling politician... neutrinos never hang around long enough to make enough of an impact to serve as uniters." After tracing a path from Boyle and Newton through Mendeleev, Maxwell, Rutherford and Einstein, Halpern discusses modern discoveries and details the equipment utilized, from cloud chambers to various kinds of particle accelerators. The bulk of the text focuses on particle physics studies from the past four decades, in the U.S. at Fermilab and the costly but uncompleted Superconducting Super Collider, and in Europe at CERN in Switzerland (responsible for the LHC). Halpern makes the search for mysterious particles pertinent and exciting by explaining clearly what we don't know about the universe, and offering a hopeful outlook for future research. <br />
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. <em>--This text refers to the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470286202/sr=1-1/qid=1301431884/ref=dp_proddesc_2?ie=UTF8&n=283155&qid=1301431884&sr=1-1">Hardcover</a> edition.</em><br />
17. <u>Adventures in Missing the Point How the Culture-Controlled Church Neutered the Gospel</u><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJItjOpc6I/AAAAAAAAAxI/w6HmcMPC-aQ/s1600-h/adventures-in-missing-point-how-culture-controlled-church-tony-campolo-hardcover-cover-art%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="adventures-in-missing-point-how-culture-controlled-church-tony-campolo-hardcover-cover-art" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJIvQh5flI/AAAAAAAAAxM/hhpsKAHUQZg/adventures-in-missing-point-how-culture-controlled-church-tony-campolo-hardcover-cover-art_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="adventures-in-missing-point-how-culture-controlled-church-tony-campolo-hardcover-cover-art" width="166" /></a> <br />
Brilliant book! Two great men of God from the opposite sites of the spectrum teaches us how to disagree and embrace one another. Relevant subjects and great questions at the end of each chapter. Great book for a small group! Wonderful, insightful and will definitely evoke conversation.<br />
<ul><li><b>Paperback:</b> 304 pages </li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> Zondervan/Youth Specialties (January 24, 2006) </li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English </li>
<li><b>ISBN-10:</b> 0310267137 </li>
<li><b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-0310267133 </li>
<li><b>Product Dimensions: </b>8.9 x 5.9 x 1 inches</li>
</ul><h4>Editorial Reviews</h4><h5>Product Description</h5>How the Culture-Controlled Church Neutered the Gospel If you're brave enough to take an honest look at the issues facing the culture--controlled church---and the issues in your own life---read on. Do you ever look at how the Christian faith is being lived out in the new millennium and wonder if we're not doing what we're supposed to be doing? That we still haven't quite 'gotten it'? That we've missed the point regarding many important issues? It's understandable if we've relied on what we've been told to believe or what's widely accepted by the Christian community. But if we truly turned a constructive, critical eye toward our beliefs and vigorously questioned them and their origins, where would we find ourselves? Best-selling authors Brian McLaren and Tony Campolo invite you to do just that. Join them on an adventure---one that's about uncovering and naming faulty conclusions, suppositions, and assumptions about the Christian faith. In Adventures in Missing the Point, the authors take turns addressing how we've missed the point on crucial topics such as: salvation, the Bible, being postmodern, worship, homosexuality, truth, and many more. <br />
<h5>From the Back Cover</h5>If you’re brave enough to take an honest look at the issues facing the culture–controlled church–and the issues in your own life–read on. <br />
Do you ever look at how the Christian faith is being lived out in the new millennium and wonder if we’re not doing what we’re supposed to be doing? That we still haven’t quite "gotten it"? That we’ve missed the point regarding many important issues?<br />
It’s understandable if we’ve relied on what we’ve been told to believe or what’s widely accepted by the Christian community. But if we truly turned a constructive, critical eye toward our beliefs and vigorously questioned them and their origins, where would we find ourselves? Best-selling authors Brian McLaren and Tony Campolo invite you to do just that. Join them on an adventure–one that’s about uncovering and naming faulty conclusions, suppositions, and assumptions about the Christian faith. In Adventures in Missing the Point, the authors take turns addressing how we’ve missed the point on crucial topics such as:<br />
16.<u> Great Themes of Paul Life as Participation</u><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJIxwppQZI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/kGLKkAQLcd4/s1600-h/51pRI6hpgcL._SL500_AA300_%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="51pRI6hpgcL._SL500_AA300_" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJIz-dbNoI/AAAAAAAAAxU/WvBJGJnQFSI/51pRI6hpgcL._SL500_AA300__thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="51pRI6hpgcL._SL500_AA300_" width="244" /></a> <br />
Definitely the best book on Paul a ever read. Richard Rohr as Scholar, Christian and person not only inspires me, but he astonish me every time I have the privilege to read his works or listen to his recordings.<br />
<ul><li><b>Audible Audio Edition</b></li>
<li><b>Listening Length:</b> 10 hour(s) and 37 min. </li>
<li><b>Program Type:</b> Audiobook </li>
<li><b>Version:</b> Unabridged </li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> St. Anthony Messenger Press (March 5, 2010) </li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English </li>
<li><b>ASIN:</b> B003B51JNI</li>
</ul><h4>Editorial Reviews</h4><h5>Product Description</h5>In language that Paul might use if he were preaching and writing today, Rohr presents Paul's all-embracing vision and invites us to enter into the mystery of Christ and be transformed. Rohr breaks new ground by applying up-to-date theories of our universe, integrating them with Paul's revolutionary thinking about sin, saints and spirituality.<br />
Deep and complex, Paul may seem to be full of inconsistencies: arrogant but also humble, a fervent believer but a probing, critical thinker, a mystic but also a missionary community builder. Rohr admits the difficulties in understanding the short excerpts of Paul's letters read at Sunday Mass. He analyzes the letters and explains the great themes. He challenges our usual understandings and invites us to imitate Paul and enter into the mystery in organic solidarity with the Risen Christ. Rohr sees us as partaking in the incredible transformation of the whole cosmos that struggles with the pattern of descent and ascent that is revealed and affirmed in Jesus.<br />
©2002 Richard Rohr, O.F.M.; (P)2002 St. Anthony Messenger Press<br />
15. <u>Jesus Drives Me Crazy!</u><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJI1vTGUxI/AAAAAAAAAxY/EFe_V9Y-RTk/s1600-h/41Xpp05M2LL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="41Xpp05M2LL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJI3RW2dpI/AAAAAAAAAxc/qMDjm6zS5ME/41Xpp05M2LL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01__thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="41Xpp05M2LL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" width="244" /></a> <br />
Money spend on any book from Leonard Sweet is money well spent! <br />
<ul><li><b>Paperback:</b> 176 pages </li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> Zondervan; 1 edition (June 1, 2003) </li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English </li>
<li><b>ISBN-10:</b> 0310232244 </li>
<li><b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-0310232247</li>
</ul><h5>Product Description</h5>This book calls Christians to the World According to NUTS . . . where NUTS is an acronym for Never Underestimate the Spirit. <br />
<h5>From the Back Cover</h5>The gospel presents a life-changing NUTS wisdom that conflicts with normal ways of making sense of the world. There is the World According to Normal. There is the World According to NUTS . . . where NUTS is an acronym for Never Underestimate the Spirit. The wisdom of Jesus is a NUTS wisdom. —From the book <br />
All people are different, but some are more different than others. Christians are meant to be the most different of all. Yet we often "normalize" God. We judge what is a successful Christian and a successful church by the world according to Normal, not the world according to NUTS, the wisdom of Jesus. In Jesus Drives Me Crazy!, Leonard Sweet reminds us of the "crazy wisdom" of Christ and how our lives and our churches can and should be different from the way "normal" people live. He says, "Jesus wants to drive you crazy . . . crazy in love with God, with life." Jesus Drives Me Crazy! challenges you to make the upside-down wisdom of God your own, inspiring you to live an extraordinary Christian life that does not conform to the world, but transforms the world. When you truly grasp the freeing truth that we do not have to conform to this world, then you can become the crazy, zany, unpredictable, but powerful force for Jesus you were intended to be. Jesus Drives Me Crazy! shows how, by losing your mind, you can find your soul.<br />
14. <u>Lessons from San Quentin</u><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJI5ugggDI/AAAAAAAAAxg/OWj_E-iHnTA/s1600-h/lfsq_book%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="lfsq_book" border="0" height="224" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJI8UlM1oI/AAAAAAAAAxk/QTJEFMfxRos/lfsq_book_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="lfsq_book" width="148" /></a> <br />
If you <strong><em>don’t </em></strong>have anything else to read, read this book. <br />
<ul><li><b>Paperback:</b> 240 pages </li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (May 24, 2010) </li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English </li>
<li><b>ISBN-10:</b> 9781414326573 </li>
<li><b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-1414326573 </li>
<li><b>ASIN:</b> 1414326572</li>
</ul><h5>From Publishers Weekly</h5>The CEO of Church Communications Network wraps his story of going to prison around the core principles of life he learned there. With coauthor Barna, a researcher and cultural critic, Dallas tells stories of people he meets in San Quentin prison; the group he learns the most from are the Lifers, those sentenced to life terms in prison. One of the long-term men Dallas meets who shapes his experiences is Vy Le, a Vietnamese immigrant who conquered revenge through a relationship with Jesus that began in an isolation cell. A central feature in the book is a section in each chapter with principles that center on humility, determination and trust in God. Otherwise good stories are told with a lack of suspense and drama in favor of highlighting principles. Readers will also find a challenging series of questions to help them discover how self-absorbed they are. Those looking for riches-to-rags-to-success stories will find a passionate case for avoiding the pitfalls of the financial crime Dallas committed and living a principled life. <i>(Feb.)</i><br />
13. <u>Reimagining Church</u><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJI-fzDhhI/AAAAAAAAAxo/qj0Um-NT74Y/s1600-h/51hs08ulZdL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="51hs08ulZdL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJJAVc8ghI/AAAAAAAAAxs/5HboQDyUgXw/51hs08ulZdL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01__thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="51hs08ulZdL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" width="244" /></a> <br />
Good book, I am not sure “House Church” is the answer, but we need to learn to respect our people more, and to trust them more with ministry. Power systems need to be deconstructed.<br />
<ul><li><b>Paperback:</b> 320 pages </li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> David C. Cook; New edition (August 1, 2008) </li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English </li>
<li><b>ISBN-10:</b> 1434768759 </li>
<li><b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-1434768759</li>
</ul><h5>From Publishers Weekly</h5>Viola (<i>Pagan Christianity</i>), a leader in the house church movement, believes the church as we know it today is nothing like what God intended it to be. According to Viola, the first-century church, which should be our pattern, met in homes without any official pastor. All members of the church were involved in worship, spontaneously breaking out with teaching or song as they were moved. Decisions were not made until everyone reached consensus. There were no official leaders or elders, but there were men who served and taught and helped others, thus leading by example. Viola believes that to bring the church back on track, both clergy and denominations must be completely abolished. Churches should not have buildings nor should they worry about doctrinal statements. Such radical ideas will best be received by Emergent and postmodern readers. Skeptics will cringe at Viola's strident tone and all-or-nothing approach. More concrete examples of what Viola has seen work well in his 20 years of house church work would have greatly strengthened the book. <i>(Aug.)</i> <br />
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.<br />
<b>Average Customer Review:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reimagining-Church-Pursuing-Organic-Christianity/product-reviews/1434768759/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1" name="reviewHistoPop_1434768759_5403_star__contentDiv_reviewHistoPop_1434768759_5403">4.6 out of 5 stars </a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reimagining-Church-Pursuing-Organic-Christianity/product-reviews/1434768759/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1" name="reviewHistoPop_1434768759_5403_button__contentDiv_reviewHistoPop_1434768759_5403">See all reviews </a>(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reimagining-Church-Pursuing-Organic-Christianity/product-reviews/1434768759/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1">72 customer reviews</a>)<br />
12. <u>Pagan Christianity</u><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJJBzeIKvI/AAAAAAAAAxw/tQnv0g9cIP0/s1600-h/412zfKKsfPL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="412zfKKsfPL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJJEprE1-I/AAAAAAAAAx0/ZD9zp9NikOY/412zfKKsfPL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01__thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="412zfKKsfPL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" width="244" /></a> <br />
Very good book, but you have to read with a open mind. You need to be critical and take the good and leave the bad.<br />
<ul><li><b>Hardcover:</b> 336 pages </li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> BarnaBooks (January 1, 2008) </li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English </li>
<li><b>ISBN-10:</b> 141431485X </li>
<li><b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-1414314853</li>
</ul><h5>Product Description</h5>Have you ever wondered why we Christians do what we do for church every Sunday morning? Why do we “dress up” for church? Why does the pastor preach a sermon each week? Why do we have pews, steeples, choirs, and seminaries? This volume reveals the startling truth: most of what Christians do in present-day churches is not rooted in the New Testament, but in pagan culture and rituals developed long after the death of the apostles. Coauthors Frank Viola and George Barna support their thesis with compelling historical evidence in the first-ever book to document the full story of modern Christian church practices.<br />
<b>Average Customer Review:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pagan-Christianity-Exploring-Church-Practices/product-reviews/141431485X/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1" name="reviewHistoPop_141431485X_3866_star__contentDiv_reviewHistoPop_141431485X_3866">4.1 out of 5 stars </a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pagan-Christianity-Exploring-Church-Practices/product-reviews/141431485X/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1" name="reviewHistoPop_141431485X_3866_button__contentDiv_reviewHistoPop_141431485X_3866">See all reviews </a>(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pagan-Christianity-Exploring-Church-Practices/product-reviews/141431485X/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1">356 customer reviews</a>)<br />
11. <u>A Million Miles in a Thousand Years</u><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJJGtxgceI/AAAAAAAAAx4/OuWFSlUR0a0/s1600-h/images%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="images" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJJIii-zBI/AAAAAAAAAx8/fIuQid4OE08/images_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="images" width="162" /></a> <br />
Good, not as good as Blue Like Jazz<br />
<ul><li><b>Hardcover:</b> 288 pages </li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> Thomas Nelson (September 29, 2009) </li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English </li>
<li><b>ISBN-10:</b> 0785213066 </li>
<li><b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-0785213062</li>
</ul><h5>From Publishers Weekly</h5>Miller, the accidental memoirist who struck gold with the likable ramble <i>Blue Like Jazz</i>, writes about the challenges inherent in getting unstuck creatively and spiritually. After <i>Jazz</i> sold more than a million copies but his other books didn't follow suit, he had a classic case of writer's block. Two movie producers contacted him about creating a film out of his life, but Miller's initial enthusiasm was dampened when they concluded that his real life needed doctoring lest it be too directionless for the screen. Real stories, he learned, require characters who suffer and overcome. In desultory fashion, Miller sets out to change his own life—to be the kind of guy who seeks out his father, chases the girl and undertakes a quest. Along the way, he comes to understand God as a master storyteller who doesn't quite control where his characters are going. An unexpected bonus of this book is Miller's insights into the writing process. Readers who loved <i>Blue Like Jazz</i> will find here a somewhat more mature Miller, still funny as hell but more concerned about making a difference in the world than in merely commenting on it. <i>(Oct.)</i><br />
<b>Average Customer Review:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Million-Miles-Thousand-Years-Learned/product-reviews/0785213066/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1" name="reviewHistoPop_0785213066_4699_star__contentDiv_reviewHistoPop_0785213066_4699">4.5 out of 5 stars </a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Million-Miles-Thousand-Years-Learned/product-reviews/0785213066/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1" name="reviewHistoPop_0785213066_4699_button__contentDiv_reviewHistoPop_0785213066_4699">See all reviews </a>(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Million-Miles-Thousand-Years-Learned/product-reviews/0785213066/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1">375 customer reviews</a>)<br />
10. <u>Blue Like Jazz</u><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJJKQhIpQI/AAAAAAAAAyA/yH9dBxoe8zg/s1600-h/51Cz0M-w-xL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="51Cz0M-w-xL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJJMOZuvuI/AAAAAAAAAyE/Gn1rjI3cB0g/51Cz0M-w-xL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01__thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="51Cz0M-w-xL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" width="244" /></a> <br />
Very good book. If you are connecting with modern day people, this is a must read.<br />
<ul><li><b>Hardcover:</b> 338 pages </li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> Thorndike Press (August 23, 2006) </li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English </li>
<li><b>ISBN-10:</b> 0786288434 </li>
<li><b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-0786288434 </li>
<li><b>Product Dimensions: </b>8.6 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches</li>
</ul><h5>From Publishers Weekly</h5>Miller (Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance) is a young writer, speaker and campus ministry leader. An earnest evangelical who nearly lost his faith, he went on a spiritual journey, found some progressive politics and most importantly, discovered Jesus' relevance for everyday life. This book, in its own elliptical way, tells the tale of that journey. But the narrative is episodic rather than linear, Miller's style evocative rather than rational and his analysis personally revealing rather than profoundly insightful. As such, it offers a postmodern riff on the classic evangelical presentation of the Gospel, complete with a concluding call to commitment. Written as a series of short essays on vaguely theological topics (faith, grace, belief, confession, church), and disguised theological topics (magic, romance, shifts, money), it is at times plodding or simplistic (how to go to church and not get angry? "pray... and go to the church God shows you"), and sometimes falls into merely self-indulgent musing. But more often Miller is enjoyably clever, and his story is telling and beautiful, even poignant. (The story of the reverse confession booth is worth the price of the book.) The title is meant to be evocative, and the subtitle-"Non-Religious" thoughts about "Christian Spirituality"-indicates Miller's distrust of the institutional church and his desire to appeal to those experimenting with other flavors of spirituality. <br />
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. <em>--This text refers to the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785263705/ref=dp_proddesc_1?ie=UTF8&n=283155">Paperback</a> edition.</em><br />
<b>Average Customer Review:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Like-Jazz-Nonreligious-Spirituality/product-reviews/0786288434/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1" name="reviewHistoPop_0786288434_5226_star__contentDiv_reviewHistoPop_0786288434_5226">4.0 out of 5 stars </a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Like-Jazz-Nonreligious-Spirituality/product-reviews/0786288434/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1" name="reviewHistoPop_0786288434_5226_button__contentDiv_reviewHistoPop_0786288434_5226">See all reviews </a>(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Like-Jazz-Nonreligious-Spirituality/product-reviews/0786288434/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1">549 customer reviews</a>)<br />
9. <u>Finding Our Way Again </u><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJJOHE8bKI/AAAAAAAAAyI/tCxkwIEJ6yk/s1600-h/514BA2aLHEL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="514BA2aLHEL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJJP5UIODI/AAAAAAAAAyM/L0gEsudtDnk/514BA2aLHEL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01__thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="514BA2aLHEL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" width="244" /></a> <br />
Good to fair book. Hoped for more.<br />
<ul><li><b>Hardcover:</b> 240 pages </li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> Thomas Nelson (May 6, 2008) </li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English </li>
<li><b>ISBN-10:</b> 0849901146 </li>
<li><b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-0849901140</li>
</ul><h5>Product Description</h5><b>Shines a practical light on the spiritual disciplines that have been in use since the time of Abraham.</b><br />
In a sense, every day of our lives is labor. It is questionable if you can ever be exactly the same person waking up on two consecutive days. How are spiritual sojourners to cope with the constant change? Many are beginning to explore the ancient Christian spiritual practices that have been in use for centuries, everything from fixed-hour prayer to fasting to sincere observance of the Sabbath. What is causing this hunger for deeper spirituality?<br />
Brian McLaren guides us on this quest for an explanation of these spiritual practices, many of which go all the way back to Abraham and the establishment of Israel. In the midst of contemporary Christianity, we discover the beauty of these ancient disciplines and the transformation through Christ that each can provide.<br />
<b>Why have certain spiritual disciplines been in use for centuries and why is it important?</b><br />
It is questionable if one can ever be exactly the same person waking up on two consecutive days. How are spiritual sojourners to cope with the constant change? Many are beginning to explore the ancient Christian spiritual practices, such as fixed-hour prayer, fasting and sincere observance of the Sabbath. What is causing this hunger for deeper spirituality?<br />
Brian McLaren guides us on this quest for an explanation of these spiritual practices, many of which go all the way back to Abraham and the establishment of Israel. In the midst of contemporary Christianity, we discover the beauty of these disciplines and the transformation through Christ that each can provide.<br />
8. <u>A Short History of Nearly Everything</u><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJJRkT402I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/jRK7rlnnvTE/s1600-h/414h3%2Ba4tiL._SL500_AA300_%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="414h3 a4tiL._SL500_AA300_" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZJJT6EqtzI/AAAAAAAAAyU/ZR4PIeoYEHo/414h3%2Ba4tiL._SL500_AA300__thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="414h3 a4tiL._SL500_AA300_" width="244" /></a> <br />
<ul><ul><li>Great book to read. Really enjoyable!</li>
<li><strong>Paperback:</strong> 624 pages </li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> Broadway; Ill Spl Re edition (October 5, 2010) </li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English </li>
<li><b>ISBN-10:</b> 9780307885159 </li>
<li><b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-0307885159 </li>
<li><b>ASIN:</b> 0307885151 </li>
<li><b>Product Dimensions: </b>10 x 7.9 x 1.2 inches</li>
</ul></ul><h5>From Publishers Weekly</h5>As the title suggests, bestselling author Bryson (In a Sunburned Country) sets out to put his irrepressible stamp on all things under the sun. As he states at the outset, this is a book about life, the universe and everything, from the Big Bang to the ascendancy of Homo sapiens. "This is a book about how it happened," the author writes. "In particular how we went from there being nothing at all to there being something, and then how a little of that something turned into us, and also what happened in between and since." What follows is a brick of a volume summarizing moments both great and curious in the history of science, covering already well-trod territory in the fields of cosmology, astronomy, paleontology, geology, chemistry, physics and so on. Bryson relies on some of the best material in the history of science to have come out in recent years. This is great for Bryson fans, who can encounter this material in its barest essence with the bonus of having it served up in Bryson's distinctive voice. But readers in the field will already have studied this information more in-depth in the originals and may find themselves questioning the point of a breakneck tour of the sciences that contributes nothing novel. Nevertheless, to read Bryson is to travel with a memoirist gifted with wry observation and keen insight that shed new light on things we mistake for commonplace. To accompany the author as he travels with the likes of Charles Darwin on the Beagle, Albert Einstein or Isaac Newton is a trip worth taking for most readers.<br />
<b>Average Customer Review</b><br />
4.5 out of 5 stars (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Short-History-Nearly-Everything-Illustrated/product-reviews/0307885151/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending">858 customer reviews</a>)<br />
7. <u>Deep Church</u> <br />
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</u><img align="left" alt="Deep Church: A Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51dmpJplgPL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" /> <br />
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<ul>This is a very level headed book. A must read for everyone who wonders about the future of the church. It talks about the Emerging church as well as the main stream church in a very fair and objective way. I have enjoyed it immensely. - Paul</ul><ul><li><b>Paperback:</b> 233 pages </li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> IVP Books (August 7, 2009) </li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English </li>
<li><b>ISBN-10:</b> 0830837167 </li>
<li><b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-0830837168 </li>
<li><b>Product Dimensions: </b>8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches </li>
<li><b>Shipping Weight:</b> 14.4 ounces </li>
<li><b>Average Customer Review:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Church-Beyond-Emerging-Traditional/product-reviews/0830837167/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1" name="reviewHistoPop_0830837167_2928_star__contentDiv_reviewHistoPop_0830837167_2928">4.5 out of 5 stars </a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Church-Beyond-Emerging-Traditional/product-reviews/0830837167/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1" name="reviewHistoPop_0830837167_2928_button__contentDiv_reviewHistoPop_0830837167_2928">See all reviews </a>(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Church-Beyond-Emerging-Traditional/product-reviews/0830837167/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1">45 customer reviews</a>)</li>
</ul><h5>From Publishers Weekly</h5>Passionately, articulately and with sometimes winsome self-confidence, Belcher seeks to chart a third way between the often divided factions within the traditional and emerging wings of American evangelicalism. The author, founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, Calif., asserts that it is possible to forge a new ecumenism and unity based in creedal orthodoxy, while also respecting the particularities of denominations and faith communities. After defining what impels the emerging church movement, he analyzes the seven protests leveled by the movement against traditional churches within the evangelical movement, from being too caught up in the rationalism of the Enlightenment, to overemphasizing doctrinal purity and an unwillingness to engage modern culture. Following that, he responds to each critique with an alternative solution that blends both reform and tradition to create a new body of Christian gospel–centered believers. A caveat: readers who think that mainline Protestantism has anything to contribute to this dialogue will not find any encouragement. Focused on the internal struggle within the American Christian evangelical wing, Belcher barely mentions this other flank of Christianity. <i>(Sept.)</i> <br />
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. <br />
<h5>Review</h5>"Smart, passionate, thoughtful, hopeful and Jesus-centered--this is the Jim Belcher I used to hang out with in the early nineties (like it was so long ago!) at the Huntington--and this is the Jim Belcher in this book. Lots of people are going to find this book very helpful." ----Rob Bell, pastor, Mars Hill Bible Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan, author, Velvet Elvis <br />
"Jim Belcher shows that we don't have to choose between orthodox evangelical doctrine on the one hand, and cultural engagement, creativity and commitment to social justice on the other. This is an important book." --Tim Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City <br />
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6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Color-Magic-Discworld-Novel/dp/0060855924/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3">The Color of Magic: A Discworld Novel</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Color-Magic-Discworld-Novel/dp/0060855924/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3"><img align="left" height="400" src="http://www.lspace.org/ftp/images/bookcovers/uk/the-colour-of-magic-1.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" width="300" /></a> <br />
I have read the whole Discworld series, and have enjoyed every one. This year I have decided to read one a month just for the enjoyment. To my surprise I have enjoyed it more than the first time years ago. Terry Pratchett is one of the most brilliant Authors I have ever read. <br />
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<h4>Product Details</h4><ul><li><b>Paperback:</b> 240 pages </li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> Harper Paperbacks (September 13, 2005) </li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English </li>
<li><b>ISBN-10:</b> 0060855924 </li>
<li><b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-0060855925</li>
</ul><h4>Editorial Reviews</h4><h5>Amazon.com Review</h5><i>The Colour of Magic</i> is Terry Pratchett's maiden voyage through the bizarre land of Discworld. His entertaining and witty series has grown to more than 20 books, and this is where it all starts--with the tourist Twoflower and his hapless wizard guide, Rincewind ("All wizards get like that ... it's the quicksilver fumes. Rots their brains. Mushrooms, too."). Pratchett spoofs fantasy clichés--and everything else he can think of--while marshalling a profusion of characters through a madcap adventure. <i>The Colour of Magic</i> is followed by <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0451162412/$%7B0%7D">The Light Fantastic</a></i>. <i>--Blaise Selby</i> <em>--This text refers to the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/086140324x/ref=dp_proddesc_1?ie=UTF8&n=283155">Hardcover</a> edition.</em> <br />
<h5>Review</h5>"Ingenious, brilliant, and hilarious." -- <i>Washington Post</i> <br />
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5. Lig op ‘n Chirug se Pad <br />
Hierdie boekie wat geskryf is deur Dr Muller Botha is ‘n getuienis van hoe God in ‘n mense se lewe ‘n werklikheid is. Oom Muller is iemand wie se lewe getuig van hierdie noue verhouding met God. Dit is ‘n bemoedigende boek vir elke gelowige. Hierdie boekie is ongelukkig nie beskikbaar in die boekwinkels nie. Indien jy belang sou stel in die boek is jy welkom om met my kontak te maak en ek sal vir jou Oom Muller se kontak nommers gee. <br />
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4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Time-Being-Annie-Dillard/dp/0375703470/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294824516&sr=1-1">For the time being.</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Time-Being-Annie-Dillard/dp/0375703470/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294824516&sr=1-1"><img align="left" alt="For the Time Being" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41D8ZB59VPL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" /></a> <br />
Annie is brilliant and honest! I was introduced to her(as to so many others) by Breda Ludik who is one of my Mentors. If you want to read art, faith, pain, love in words. Then this Author is a must read. Her best book according to me is Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. <br />
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<h4>Editorial Reviews</h4><h5>Amazon.com Review</h5>Over the last three decades, Annie Dillard has written about an uncommon number of things--predators and prose, astronomy and evolution, the miraculous survival of mangroves. Yet the sheer range of her interests can be deceptive. Whatever the subject, Dillard is always (as she wrote in <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060915447/$%7B0%7D">Living by Fiction</a></i>) practicing unlicensed metaphysics in a teacup, always asking the fundamental questions about life and death. And this epistemological interrogation continues in <i>For the Time Being</i>. Here Dillard alternates accounts of her own travels to China and Israel with ruminations on sand, clouds, obstetrics, and Hasidic thought. She also records the wanderings of paleontologist and spade-wielding spiritualist Teilhard de Chardin, whose itinerary (geographical <i>and</i> philosophical) has certain similarities to her own. But as she ties together these disparate threads with truly Emersonian eloquence, it becomes clear that God's presence--or absence--is at the heart of her book. <br />
There are, of course, facts aplenty here: the author is among our keenest living observers of the natural world (check out her soft-core account of two snails mating in chapter 7). But all roads lead Dillard back to God, who seems to be practicing a divine variant of benign neglect: <br />
<blockquote>God is no more cogitating which among us he plans to be born as bird-headed dwarfs or elephant men--or to kill by AIDS or kidney failure, heart disease, childhood leukemia, or sudden infant death syndrome--than he is pitching lightning bolts at pedestrians, triggering rock slides, or setting fires. The very least unlikely things for which God might be responsible are what insurers call "acts of God."</blockquote>Natural calamity is an old fascination of the author's, going clear back to <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060953020/$%7B0%7D">Pilgrim at Tinker Creek</a></i> and <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060915439/$%7B0%7D">Holy the Firm</a></i>. Here it allows her to make her strongest argument yet on behalf of the Almighty's laissez-faire policy--while suggesting that His immanence in fact depends on our belief. <br />
Yet even in her earnest pursuit of holiness, Dillard tends to hit the occasional speed bump. At one point she throws up her hands in exasperation and declares: "I don't know beans about God." This is hardly the stuff of an airtight theological argument, is it? But happily, Dillard possesses the same quality she ascribes to Teilhard, "a sort of anaerobic capacity to batten and thrive on paradox." So her contradictions are worth more to the reader than her consistencies. They enrich her narrative, yanking her back from the precipice of easy (or even moderately easy) belief. And Dillard's penchant for paradox ensures that <i>For the Time Being</i>--which aims, after all, to encompass God and all his works--always operates on a human, heartbreaking scale. <i>--James Marcus</i> <em>--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.</em> <br />
<h5>From Publishers Weekly</h5>Writing as if on the edge of a precipice, staring over into the abyss, Dillard offers a risk-taking, inspiring meditation on life, death, birth, God, evil, eternity, the nuclear age and the human predicament. This unconventional mosaic, portions of which were first published in different form in Raritan, Harper's, etc., interweaves several disparate topics: the travels of French paleontologist and Jesuit priest Teilhard de Chardin in China and Mongolia, where his team in 1928 discovered the world's first fossil evidence of pre-Neanderthal humans; the life and teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, the 18th-century Ukrainian Jewish mystic who founded modern Hasidism; a natural history of sand?an epic drama of rocks, glaciers, lichen, rivers?and of individual clouds as witnessed by painters, poets, naturalists, scientists and laypeople. Rounding out this fugue are Dillard's visits to an obstetrical ward to watch healthy newborns emerge; her survey of tragic, horrific human birth defects; random encounters with strangers; her trips to Israel, where she visited Jesus' birthplace, and to China, where, at the tomb of the first Chinese emperor, Qin?mass murderer, burner of books, Mao's idol?she inspected the terra-cotta army of life-size soldiers who guard Qin in the afterlife. Dillard's unifying theme is the congruence of thought she detects in Teilhard, Kabbalists and Gnostics: each impels us to transform, build, complete and grant divinity to the world. Her cosmic perspective can seem like posturing at times, yet it succeeds admirably in forcing us to confront our denial of death, of the world's suffering, of the interconnectedness of all people. Her razor-sharp lyricism hones this mind-expanding existential scrapbook, which is imbued with the same spiritual yearning, moral urgency and reverence for nature that has informed nearly all of her nonfiction since the 1972 Pulitzer Prize-winning Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. 60,000 first printing. <br />
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. <em>--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.</em> <br />
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3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/To-the-Point-ebook/dp/B004DNVXAG/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294823983&sr=1-2">To the Point</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/To-the-Point-ebook/dp/B004DNVXAG/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294823983&sr=1-2"><img align="left" alt="To the Point" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DVowvCqqL._SL500_AA266_PIkin3,BottomRight,-18,34_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" /></a> <br />
If you are a cricket lover this is a very good, sad, funny and inspiring book. I just realised that we need to pray much more for these young men and woman who have the wonderful opportunity to be hero’s for our children. The Author Steve Smith did a wonderful job. <br />
<h4>Editorial Reviews</h4><h5>Product Description</h5>There’s something about Herschelle Gibbs – a certain quality that has endeared him to cricket fans in South Africa and around the world. Despite the frustrating on-field inconsistencies of this towering talent, and the messy and very public personal troubles that have tracked him through the years, Herschelle remains one of South African cricket’s best-loved sons In To the Point, Herschelle talks very frankly about the ups and downs of his personal and professional life. He covers the big cricketing moments – from that dropped catch at the 1999 World Cup to the famous ‘438’ game against Australia and the six sixes at the 2007 World Cup – as well as controversies off the field – the marijuana-smoking incident in the Caribbean, his problems with alcohol and his stint in rehab, his divorce, the multitude of women and the strip-club video. He also deals honestly with the match-fixing controversies … and their repercussions.Herschelle gives his opinions on his teammates and the best players he has encountered over the years, and describes what it’s been like to be part of the Proteas set-up for the past fourteen years, through the controversies of its various captains and coaches.To the Point is, of course, a spicy story of excess – women, alcohol, money … and plenty of runs – but underlying it all is a warm and generous man who wears his heart on his sleeve. <br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7986680048980365575&postID=7768708896870372216" name="productDetails"></a> <br />
2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ragamuffin-Gospel-Brennan-Manning/dp/159644133X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294823598&sr=1-1">The Ragamuffin Gospel</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ragamuffin-Gospel-Brennan-Manning/dp/159644133X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294823598&sr=1-1"><img align="left" alt="The Ragamuffin Gospel" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517QCQCXNCL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" /></a> <br />
This is one of those books that explain the gospel in a true and honest way. If you are in need of grace this is for you. If you are tired of church and feeling you are not making it. This book is for you. I have enjoyed this book and is planning to give it as a present to some of my fiends. <br />
<h4>Editorial Reviews</h4><h5>Amazon.com Review</h5>Brennan Manning wrote <i>The Ragamuffin Gospel</i> "for the bedraggled, beat-up, and burnt-out," the marginalized folks to whom Jesus ministered: the children, the ill, the tax collectors, the women. In other words, the ragamuffins. Manning understands better than most that behind our facades of order and self-assurance are inadequacies that can find healing only in Jesus. While the powerful and religious elite challenged him, Jesus embraced and healed and fed the needs of the ragamuffins. Jesus delivered love, healing, and, most of all, grace. <br />
Grace is defined as "the freely given and unmerited favor and love of God." But, as Manning points out, we have "twisted the gospel of grace into religious bondage and distorted the image of God into an eternal, small-minded bookkeeper." In reality, God offers us grace immeasurable. Brennan Manning gently encourages us to embrace that grace in the face of our greatest needs. And Manning certainly knows whereof he speaks, having taken a journey from priesthood and academic achievement through a collapse into alcoholism. Manning came face to face with his need, finally abandoning himself to grace. And he invites us now to join him in a life of grace. <br />
Manning is without doubt one of the most eloquent writers on the subject of grace because he openly shares his own pain and struggle to help readers deal with failure and inadequacy. And he sweetly challenges them to do the same. <i>--Patricia Klein</i> <em>--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.</em> <br />
<h5>Review</h5>"Brennan Manning does a masterful job of blowing the dust off of shop-worn theology and allowing God's grace to do what only God's grace can do--amaze." -- <i>--MAX LUCADO Bestselling author of Come Thirsty and The Gift for All People</i> <br />
"So much religion is conveyed to us as bad news or bland news that we are immensely grateful when it is spoken freshly as good news. This is a zestful and accurate portrayal that tells us unmistakably that the gospel is good, dazzlingly good." -- <i>--EUGENE PETERSON Author of The Message</i> <br />
<h5>Product Description</h5>A Furious Love Is Hot on Your Trail! Many believers feel stunted in their Christian growth. We beat ourselves up over our failures and, in the process, pull away from God because we subconsciously believe He tallies our defects and hangs His head in disappointment. In this new edition--now with a foreword by Michael W. Smith, testimony by Rich Mullins and the author's own epilogue, "Ragamuffin Ten Years Later," Brennan Manning reminds us that nothing could be further from the truth. The Father beckons us to Himself with a "furious love" that burns brightly and constantly. Only when we truly embrace God's grace can we bask in the joy of a gospel that enfolds the most needy of His flock--the "ragamuffins." <br />
<h5>About the Author</h5>Brennan Manning is often on the road, speaking of God's unconditional love at church retreats and conferences. A popular author, his other books include The Signature of Jesus and Abba's Child. Brennan and his wife, Roslyn, make their home in New Orleans. <br />
<h5>From <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/?docId=1000027671">AudioFile</a></h5>Manning's work comes with a foreword and a testimony, both evidence of its power. That's a heavy load, but the book largely lives up to it. Scott Brick's delivery helps; it may even be better read aloud than silently because Manning writes so much for the ear. Sounding like an educated but folksy minister--he is pitching his account to the "ragamuffins" of the world, after all--Manning piles image upon vivid image. Brick picks up this cadence and pounds away at Manning's message of an all-embracing love that emphasizes grace over judgment, perhaps grace even over dogma. Brick's voice is both dramatic and reassuring. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- <i>Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine</i> <br />
1. <a href="http://windowslivewriter.spaces.live.com/">Healing the Violance</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Violence-Through-Journey-Centering/dp/B003B51JS8/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1294822963&sr=8-7-spell" title="Healing the Violence: Through the journey of Centering Prayer"><img align="left" alt="Healing Our Violence Through the Journey of Centering Prayer" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PgWL6pDPL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" /></a> <br />
I have read this twice and certainly would read it again. This is a must read/listen. <br />
<h4>Product Details</h4><ul><li><b>Audible Audio Edition</b></li>
<li><b>Listening Length:</b> 6 hour(s) and 8 min. </li>
<li><b>Program Type:</b> Audiobook </li>
<li><b>Version:</b> Unabridged </li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> St. Anthony Messenger Press (March 5, 2010) </li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English </li>
<li><b>ASIN:</b> B003B51JS8</li>
</ul><h4>Editorial Reviews</h4><h5>Product Description</h5>Two internationally known spiritual guides explore integrating our inner and outer journeys. They challenge us to confront our inner and social violence and bring it to healing and transformation in a sacred and ecumenical context. Rohr and Keating each give insights on awakening to God's friendship, coming to know God and ourselves, growing in love through centering prayer, facing evil around us and our demons within us as well as opening our deep selves to divine therapy which heals our wounds. They invite us to become who we already are. <br />
These conferences will appeal to those beginning and those more seasoned in centering prayer. The deep wisdom of two spiritual masters is a sacred and transforming gift plunging us into the ocean of divinity that surrounds us. <br />
©2002 Richard Rohr, O.F.M. & Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O.; (P)2002 St. Anthony Messenger PressPaul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-85740456594974699642011-03-29T20:54:00.002+02:002011-03-29T20:57:07.395+02:00How do we communicate the gospel, and what do we communicate?<h4><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JesusNeedsNewPr/~3/yjX3Wzw8kNk/">I think this is a brilliant article by “Jesus needs new PR”. What is your opinion</a>?</h4><h4> </h4><h4>My thoughts on Mark Driscoll’s hell… </h4><h4> </h4><div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:cf8c1f20-6d44-4f25-8d32-c31fadd1a183" style="display: inline; float: none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div id="78611c97-c824-432c-9b7f-5fbb5dcd235c" style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XicnbW06fbk" target="_new"><img alt="" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('78611c97-c824-432c-9b7f-5fbb5dcd235c'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/XicnbW06fbk&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/XicnbW06fbk&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TZIqxRGQ_WI/AAAAAAAAAw0/Lj3Q9EDvE8g/video438cebe833f5%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" /></a></div></div></div>I watched it. And then I re-watched it. And then I woke up this morning and watched it again.<br />
And I’m just going to share a few thoughts…<br />
Now, before I do that, let me offer a disclaimer:<br />
<br />
A) I don’t know Mark Driscoll personally. But I’ll be very honest: Mark’s public persona rubs me the wrong way. Seriously, I think the man could be discussing nursery rhymes and I’d somehow be just a little irritated by it. And while I do think that some of my frustrations are warranted, I do realize that a part of the reason that Mark’s public “voice” gets under my skin is my problem (not his). So I think it’s only fair to confess that upfront.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Okay, now for my thoughts.<br />
Arrogance isn’t faith. And Mark’s arrogance makes me cringe. Again, that could be me. Regardless, the truth is, standing up on a platform and yelling “Yes! Yes! Yes!” does not make “yes” the answer to the question. Mark’s certainty for who will go to hell only implies his perspective on the text. Millions of Christian people agree with Mark. And millions of Christian people disagree.<br />
<br />
But let’s face it; shouting and stomping and swinging your arms around like you’re the one who gets to make these decisions doesn’t make your perspective correct. Mark <em>believes</em> that, if you don’t ask Jesus into your heart (or engage in some relationship with Jesus in some way, shape, or form), you will go to Hell. And he can present it as plainly loudly “lovingly” as he wants, but he doesn’t get the final say in such matters. Thankfully.<br />
<br />
Passive aggressiveness isn’t faith. Mark brings a big ole elephant in the room by mentioning a “pastor… an author…” who goes on national television and doesn’t present Mark’s version of the truth like Mark thinks he or she (but mostly Rob Bell) should. But guess what?! Mark will tell you his truth! He’ll scream his truth! He’ll jump up and down and get all red-faced and tell you his truth!! And that makes Mark better than those wimps (psst: Rob Bell) who don’t scream and shout and frankly tell the world that Mark says they’re going to hell.<br />
<br />
To support his belief, Mark uses John 14:6, the verse where Jesus is quoted as saying, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This is where Mark and I agree. I believe wholeheartedly that Jesus is the only way to God. I believe that what Jesus did on the cross was a powerful (and yes, strange) miraculous event. But I also believe that it’s not my job or my right to limit that miracle, to put definitions around the “who” and “what” and “how” that miracle affects Muslims or Buddhists or atheists. Many of us Christians speak of an “irresistible grace,” but then we put fences up around that grace and protect it or we add stipulations to it and define it to fit into our worldview. Because our faith MUST fit into our worldview or it might change us or make us uncomfortable. In a way, we sort of make the grace we proclaim rather resistible.<br />
<br />
But what about all of the verses within scripture that seem to imply a truly irresistible grace?<br />
John 17:2: For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. <br />
Luke 2:10: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for <em>all</em> the people. <br />
In John 1:9, the gospel’s author writes: <em>The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.</em> <br />
Romans 5:18: Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for <em>all men</em>, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for <em>all men</em>. <br />
Romans 8:20, 21: For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. <br />
Acts 3:21: For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets. <br />
1 Timothy 4:9-11: This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that <em>we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men</em>, and <em>especially of those who believe</em>. Command and teach these things.<br />
<br />
And I could go on and on. But my point in listing those verses isn’t to argue theology, it’s only to point out that there IS indeed biblical support for Jesus-centered redemption that is bigger and more merciful and gracious than what most evangelical theologies proclaim.<br />
<br />
Do we believe that Jesus is good news for all men?<br />
Or do we believe that Jesus is good news for all men who ask him into his heart?<br />
Or do we believe that Jesus is good news for all men who follow some sort of evangelical equation that proclaims (in an earthly sense) that he’s a follower of Jesus?<br />
Who are we to put limitations around the words “all men” or “all people”…<br />
I’ve said this before, but I think sometimes the “evangelical God” we boast about is quite small. Or at least… how we talk about him is small.<br />
<br />
Of course, Mark could be right. The God that we boast about, that we love, that we worship could be ready and willing to send BILLIONS and BILLIONS of people to the flames of hell. All in the name of justice baby! But then why does God ask us to care for the sick, the weak, the hungry? Why does he tell us to love one another? Why does he care about the relationships we pursue and value? How can we boast about a God who values unborn life but is fully willing to send 11-year-olds from India to eternal torment?<br />
Now, I know all of the pat answers that evangelicals give to these questions. But rather than offering answers to these questions because our current faith so often hates unanswered questions, let the questions simmer a bit.<br />
<br />
I’ll end with this (because this post is getting long!).<br />
I’ve probably heard some version of this exact sermon more than 500 times over the course of my lifetime. People respond to these kinds of messages. They’re compelling and passionate and emotional. Why? Because ETERNITY is at stake! And any time somebody as direct and certain as Mark stands up and loudly proclaims “truth” as he sees it, people will respond. And I’m sure this talk moved people to make decisions for God. (And there’s nothing wrong with people making decisions for God.)<br />
But are people responding because they love God?<br />
<br />
Or are they responding because they fear Mark is right? <br />
Are people responding because they believe that God offers a hope that will restore them? <br />
Or are they responding because nothing sells God better than hell? <br />
Are people responding because Jesus is the way, truth, and life? <br />
Or are they responding because Mark says that followers of Jesus have nothing to lose and those who don’t follow Jesus have everything to lose?<br />
<br />
Is that our good news? Is that any way to introduce somebody to the way, truth, and life? Does that put hell above Christ?! Hosea 13:14a says, <em>I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death</em>.<br />
<br />
Does that sound like a God that’s planning to send a multitude of people (the majority!) to Hell?<br />
In truth, it’s hard for me to believe that.<br />
I believe in a God who makes things right. I believe in a God who will leave the 99 to find 1 lost soul. I believe in a God who is my shepherd. I believe in a God who manifested himself through Christ to bring redemption to the world.<br />
I believe I shouldn’t redefine that God.<br />
Let’s face it; this spiritual truth that we seek through Jesus is not an easy equation that we can simply learn to factor, because equations don’t set people free. The kind of spiritual truth that sets people free isn’t the kind you chain yourself to and defend come hell or high water; it’s the kind that you never stop seeking, the kind that is considered and then reconsidered, questioned and then re-questioned, and it’s a kind that, in the end… might be wrong.<br />
I tend to think that, more than knowing what’s absolutely true, having faith is becoming okay with what you don’t.<br />
But then again, I could be wrong.<br />
<a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/my-thoughts-on-mark-driscolls-hell/">My thoughts on Mark Driscoll’s hell…</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/">Jesus Needs New PR</a>Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-45345871337235507092011-02-25T23:53:00.002+02:002011-02-25T23:58:45.046+02:00Video Night at Helderberg 2011-03-10 – Screening SoloistWe all accept the fact that being a Christian demands that we get involved in the lives of those around us. We see the need and we have a lot of plans, but usually It is very easy to say that you are really going to get involved in some ones life, but getting involved is a bit more difficult. Have you ever experienced the frustration of trying to help someone, and ending up discouraged. Then you must join us at the Helderhoekie Familie-sentrum on the tenth of March 2011 at 18:30 for 19:00. We are going to watch the movie and then there will be time for discussion. <br />
<a href="http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&cp=-34.0662~18.8356&lvl=17&style=r&sp=aN.-34.06646_18.83572_Helderberg%2520Familie-sentrum__http%253a%252f%252fwww.nghelder.org.za%252f&mkt=en-us&FORM=LLWR"><img align="right" alt="Map picture" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TUXr8nZXf-I/AAAAAAAAAoI/dyz0S1pYBec/map-8a19760fc4a3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&cp=-34.0662~18.8356&lvl=17&style=r&sp=aN.-34.06646_18.83572_Helderberg%2520Familie-sentrum__http%253a%252f%252fwww.nghelder.org.za%252f&mkt=en-us&FORM=LLWR"></a><br />
A movie for kids will be available in the adjacent room. We hope to see you there. <br />
<strong>Cost: FREE</strong> <br />
<strong>RSVP: </strong>email me at <a href="mailto:paul@nghelder.co.za">paul@nghelder.co.za</a> there are only space for the <strong><u>First </u></strong>30! <br />
<a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wit/"></a><br />
<h6><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TWgk2s-V7pI/AAAAAAAAAow/0mT5V2C0E9A/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img align="left" alt="image" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TWgk5VRJnHI/AAAAAAAAAo0/beBVRcwNbYo/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="image" width="167" /></a> </h6><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/movie/browser.php?movietype=1&genre=9"></a> <br />
A Los Angeles journalist befriends a homeless Julliard-trained musician, while looking for a new article for the paper.<br />
<h6>Director:</h6><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0942504/">Joe Wright</a> <br />
<h6>Writers:</h6><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0335666/">Susannah Grant</a> (screenplay), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2311134/">Steve Lopez</a> (book) <br />
<h6><a name='more'></a>Stars:</h6><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004937/">Jamie Foxx</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000375/">Robert Downey Jr.</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001416/">Catherine Keener</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3497984025/">Watch the trailer</a><br />
<h4>Storyline</h4>In 2005, the only thing hurting Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez more than his face from a recent bike accident was his pressing need for story ideas. That is when he discovers Nathaniel Ayers, a mentally ill, homeless street musician who possesses extraordinary talent, even through his half-broken instruments. Inspired by his story, Lopez writes an acclaimed series of articles about Ayers and attempts to do more to help both him and the rest of the underclass of LA have a better life. However, Lopez's good intentions run headlong in the hard realities of the strength of Ayers' personal demons and the larger social injustices facing the homeless. Regardless, Lopez and Ayers must find a way to conquer their deepest anxieties and frustrations to hope for a brighter future for both of them.Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-37110528839298776492011-02-12T16:49:00.002+02:002011-02-12T23:18:39.318+02:00The Christian app I would rather skip!<a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/confessionx-large.jpg"><img alt="" height="464" src="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/confessionx-large.jpg" title="confessionx-large" width="274" /></a><a href="http://theamericanjesus.net/">Image found at The American Jesus.</a><br />
You’ve probably heard: The Holy Catholic Church has blessed an iPhone App called “Confession”. <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12391129">If not, here’s the news link from the BBC.</a><br />
<strong>Some of its features include:</strong><br />
<blockquote><em>-Custom examination of Conscience based upon age, sex, and vocation (single, married, priest, or religious) <br />
-Multiple user support with password protected accounts <br />
-Ability to add sins not listed in standard examination of conscience <br />
-Confession walkthrough including time of last confession in days, weeks, months, and years <br />
-Choose from 7 different acts of contrition <br />
-Custom interface for iPad <br />
-Full retina display support</em></blockquote>This app is taking of like mad. Why go to church if you have a iphone. <br />
<br />
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<br />
<strong>1) You have to sign up for an account</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1977.png"><img alt="" height="480" src="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1977.png" title="IMG_1977" width="320" /></a><br />
2) Your confessions/sins are password protected!<br />
<a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1979.png"><img alt="" height="480" src="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1979.png" title="IMG_1979" width="320" /></a><br />
3) After signing in, you examine your conscience using the Ten Commandments.<br />
<a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1966.png"><img alt="" height="480" src="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1966.png" title="IMG_1966" width="320" /></a><br />
Unlike the real Ten Commandments, Confession's Big 10 come check lists. See images below for detail...<br />
<a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1967.png"><img alt="" height="480" src="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1967.png" title="IMG_1967" width="320" /></a><br />
For instance, if you select Commandment 6--You shall not commit adultery--you receive a checklist of sub-sins that the Catholic church categorizes under commandment #6 (see below)...<br />
<a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1971.png"><img alt="" height="480" src="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1971.png" title="IMG_1971" width="320" /></a><br />
If you've committed one of these sins since your last confession, you simply touch the little box next to the sin and Confession will remember it for you!<br />
<h4>4) Select your sin(s)</h4><a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1969.png"><img alt="" height="480" src="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1969.png" title="IMG_1969" width="320" /></a><br />
This is the checklist categorized under "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife"...<br />
<a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1970.png"><img alt="" height="480" src="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1970.png" title="IMG_1970" width="320" /></a><br />
This is what guilty looks like...<br />
<h4>5) Now, it’s time to confess! You begin this process by selecting the “confession” option…</h4><a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1972.png"><img alt="" height="480" src="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1972.png" title="IMG_1972" width="320" /></a><br />
I'm not Catholic, which is why it's been so long since I last went to confession...<br />
<a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1973.png"><img alt="" height="480" src="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1973.png" title="IMG_1973" width="320" /></a><br />
Then, you receive a list of your sins...<br />
<a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1974.png"><img alt="" height="480" src="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1974.png" title="IMG_1974" width="320" /></a><br />
Repent...<br />
<h4>6) You are FORGIVEN…</h4><a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1973.png"></a><a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1975.png"><img alt="" height="480" src="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1975.png" title="IMG_1975" width="320" /></a><br />
<h4>7) Then you receive a nice quote from a saint!</h4><a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1976.png"><img alt="" height="480" src="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_1976.png" title="IMG_1976" width="320" /></a><br />
And you’re done…<br />
And the words of <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/mhick/status/35348822758662144">Tweeter Mike</a>…<br />
<em>A confession app for Catholics. Now Midwestern Protestants need a “let’s not talk about it” app….</em><br />
<em>Maybe we are taking things a little bit to far.</em>Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-70903149869039365952011-01-31T00:53:00.002+02:002011-01-31T01:01:24.873+02:00Video Night at Helderberg 2011-02-10 – Screening Wit<a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wit/"></a><br />
Have you ever experienced the pain of Cancer, the not understanding of the different stages. Then you must join us at the Helderhoekie Familie-sentrum on the tenth of February 2011 at 18:30 for 19:00. We are going to watch the movie and then there will be time for discussion. My wife a medical doctor would be at hand to <br />
<div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:84E294D0-71C9-4bd0-A0FE-95764E0368D9:f71362cf-3c9f-48b4-ba99-de02a4cff06d" style="display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a alt="View map" href="http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&cp=-34.0662~18.8356&lvl=17&style=r&sp=aN.-34.06646_18.83572_Helderberg%2520Familie-sentrum__http%253a%252f%252fwww.nghelder.org.za%252f&mkt=en-us&FORM=LLWR" id="map-2c0d482a-27ab-4f3c-a6cb-7600175ff9a3" title="View map"><img alt="Map picture" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TUXr8nZXf-I/AAAAAAAAAoI/dyz0S1pYBec/map-8a19760fc4a3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" /></a></div>answer some of the medical questions and I will facilitate the conversation about the spiritual and emotional aspects.<br />
A movie for kids will be available in the adjacent room. We hope to see you there.<br />
<strong>Cost: FREE</strong><br />
<strong>RSVP: </strong>email me at <a href="mailto:paul@nghelder.co.za">paul@nghelder.co.za</a> there are only space for the <strong><u>First </u></strong>30! <br />
<a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wit/"></a><br />
<h6>MOVIE INFO</h6>Genre: <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/movie/browser.php?movietype=1&genre=9">Drama</a><br />
Wit starring Emma Thompson <br />
<a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wit/"><img align="right" alt="Wit" height="480" src="http://content6.flixster.com/movie/97/10/18/9710184_det.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="Wit" width="268" /></a><br />
Emma Thompson stars in this dramatic adaptation of Margaret Edson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play about a woman with ovarian cancer.<br />
<a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wit/"></a><br />
Vivian Bearing (Thompson) is a disciplined, esteemed, rather tough English professor dealing with a sensitive issue - her health. After being diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer, Vivian is forced to reassess her life and decide what's really important. WIT also tells the stories of the people Vivian touches, including her healthcare team.<br />
<h5>Wit is Wisdom</h5>WIT is the adaptation (teleplay by Emma Thompson and Mike Nichols, who directs) of Margaret Edson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. Although the title evokes an assumption of humor, its true intent is to express the concept of human intellect. It’s an intensely emotional, heartbreaking story that portrays the devastation of one woman’s battle with not only her terminal illness, but also with her own self-perception.<br />
Vivian’s oncologist, Dr. Kelekian (Christopher Lloyd), <br />
<a name='more'></a>outlines in very technical terms the extent of her cancer and his desire that she should undergo an eight-treatment course of experimental chemotherapy. As her treatment progresses, Vivian’s illness and the side effects of her treatment become more debilitating, but she valiantly and stoically endures the ‘full dose’ that Dr. Kelekian insists upon.<br />
Since Vivian is undergoing experimental therapy, the physicians who interact with her concentrate solely on how the treatment is working, rather than on how Vivian is feeling. The film’s opening line (“Hi. How are you feeling today?”) is repeated by various caregivers over the course of Vivian’s hospitalization, but it’s key to the heart of the story that those who ask really don’t care about her answer. Vivian’s standard response is “fine,” when in truth she isn’t fine at all.<br />
The one person who seems to be more interested in Vivian’s state of mind and physical condition than in her value as a research subject is her nurse, Susie (Audra McDonald, <i>Gray’s Anatomy, Private Practice</i>), a compassionate young woman who does everything she can to make Vivian’s final days as tolerable as possible.<br />
<h5>A Unique Perspective</h5>In large part, Vivian tells her own story, addressing the audience directly in a narrative monologue style. Incorporated throughout are flashback scenes, in which Vivian recalls her interactions with various people over the course of her life – including her father, her mentor, and one of her students – as well as present time scenes where she interacts with her caregivers during her treatment. The flashback scenes are cleverly staged in a fashion that renders them all the more poignant.<br />
From the opening line to the point at which her character slips into unconsciousness, Thompson gives a stellar performance. She delivers Vivian’s dry and ironic dialogue with flawless charm and shows the vulnerability of Vivian’s pain and loneliness with a pathos that is both tangible and touching.<br />
<h5>This is not a feel-good kind of movie, and it actually may be a bit too intense for some. But the issue it addresses is an important one, and the excellence with which it is told makes the story gripping and timeless.</h5>Starring Emma Thompson, Christopher Lloyd<br />
Avenue Pictures Productions, 2001 (HBO)<br />
Directed by Mike Nichols (<i>The Graduate, Charlie Wilson’s War, The Birdcage</i>)<br />
Rated PG-13<br />
99 minutesDistributor:HBO Video<br />
<a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/emma_thompson/"></a>Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-41328900474618083892011-01-16T20:57:00.006+02:002011-06-23T22:55:23.833+02:00Beggars for a begging Christ!God used 2 Corinthians 5:20 to touch my heart, soul, and mind, in a way far more than just on a logical level. Over the last two months, I had the privilege to be present at various occasions where people gave their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ. Every time I have the privilege to experience this miracle, I am overcome by God’s love, mercy and grace. But 2 Corinthians 5:20 showed me the heart of God, and my world came tumbling down. <br />
<blockquote><sup>20</sup> Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech<i> you</i> by us: we pray<i> you</i> in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. (<i>The Holy Bible : King James Version.</i> 1995 (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version.) (2 Kor 5:19-20). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.)</blockquote><br />
<a href="" name="more"></a>The word translated as “beseech” παρακαλέω (<i>parakaleō</i>), is actually better translated as “beg or plead.” It is the same word found in Luke 8:41: <sup>41</sup> And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and <b><i>begged </i></b>him that he would come into his house: <sup>42</sup> For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. <br />
<br />
The words translated as “we pray you,” δεόμεθα (deomai), can also be rendered “begging.” It is the same word we get in Luke 5:12: <sup>12 </sup>In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean. <br />
<br />
So, 2 Corinthians 5:20 may be better translated thus: <i><b>“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beg you by us: we are begging you for Christ sake, be ye reconciled to God”</b></i> <br />
<i><b></b></i> <br />
<i><b> <br />
</b></i> <br />
<div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:8747F07C-CDE8-481f-B0DF-C6CFD074BF67:68fcfdc3-2901-4374-92c9-c8958aa404d3" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TTM_RIyNGsI/AAAAAAAAAns/4B7sxenKm1Q/89331977_e67d7b05f4-8x6.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TTM_RIyNGsI/AAAAAAAAAns/4B7sxenKm1Q/89331977_e67d7b05f4-8x6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" /></a></div>Imagine God almighty on His knees with tears in His eyes begging those who do not know Him to be reconciled with Him! Imagine the Almighty maker of heaven and earth, the creator of perfect love, broken-hearted about you, me, and all the people out there, that His Son died for. The God of grace longing to pour out His grace on us. <br />
When this picture formed before my eyes I not only wanted to praise and worship this God. I needed to run to Him and throw my arms around Him. Crying, holding on, I wanted to say everything will be alright. But then I saw my God’s heart --- how can everything be alright if His beloved children don’t know Him; don’t know Him for who He is? How could everything be alright, if so many of His beloved children are broken or in pain? <br />
<br />
I sat down sobbing, feeling hopeless, but then I saw the hope in God. We are God’s hope! Therefore we must go out, begging people for the sake of Christ, to be reconciled to God. We are not suppose to be the beggars, begging God for more. We are suppose to be the begging God’s beggars, begging the lost to come to Christ. <br />
<br />
To serve this loving amazing God, is the one thing I want to do with all my heart, mind and soul. We do not proclaim theology, institution, or morals. We proclaim Christ! Christ who died on the cross, so that we could be reconciled with God. It does not matter who you are, or what you have done. God does not want to judge you, He loves you. He wants to be reconciled with you. <br />
<br />
We don’t proclaim because we know it all, or because we are commanded. No, we proclaim because we saw this loving God, and He has touched our hearts. We don’t proclaim because we want to notch up another conversion. We proclaim because we saw God’s love for others. <br />
<br />
How can I turn away from this God, and those He loves? What is worth doing in this life that is more important than this? <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7986680048980365575&postID=4132890047461808389#_ftn1_4829" name="_ftnref1_4829"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Acts</span></a> 4:31 <sup>31 </sup>After they prayed(παρακαλέω begged), the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. <br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7986680048980365575&postID=4132890047461808389#_ftn1_8218" name="_ftnref1_8218"></a>Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-6797405192997399292011-01-12T14:09:00.002+02:002011-01-18T16:30:19.548+02:00The Pastors Job Description<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TS2Y1MLi7TI/AAAAAAAAAnM/9sqO2Mjcs1I/s1600-h/alg_pastor_valnord%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="alg_pastor_valnord" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_yeH6r-3XUBw/TS2Y27E9j9I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/eCLpYrleXB4/alg_pastor_valnord_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="alg_pastor_valnord" width="244" /></a> If you could write your Pastor's Job Description, how would it look? <em><b>What things would you expect your pastor to do?</b></em> What are the most important things that he/she MUST do?<br />
<br />
I recently spoke with a very talented and committed pastor who has left the ministry, because he was pressured to do a lot of nice things. In the end, he concluded that he was so busy with church work (administration, meetings, reports, playing manager), that he did not have time for God, his family, or his passion – proclaiming the word of God. He works in the banking industry now, and here is his report: <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<blockquote>“It is wonderful to live a normal life! The best part is, I have enough time for my family. I have enough time to study the word of God, and because I am not tied up at church all the time –<em> I am able to be the Church in the world</em>.” </blockquote>He concluded by saying that as pastor he had an office at the church, and everyone expected him to be there 5 days a week, preaching on Sundays, going to meetings, and visiting people in need during the evenings. He ended up estranged from the world outside the Church building. <br />
It all came to a halt when his congregation started to accuse him of having no clue of the reality of the real world.<br />
<br />
Today, pastors are consumed with the things we believe the congregation expects from us! Many of these expectations are there because Pastors themselves try to do everything! (If we don’t do it, who will?) Many such expectations even date from many years ago, and are really 'out-dated.' <br />
What are your expectations concerning your pastor? <br />
If you should consider these expectations, please list the 5 most important ones, and the amount of time you believe a pastor must spend on them.Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-54999755784380620632011-01-11T13:51:00.000+02:002011-01-13T13:52:41.949+02:00Cricket 2011 World Cup Schedule<p>To all my friends who love sport. Here are the Calendar events of the 2011 Cricket World Cup. It is in Excel format and you can download it, save it and import it into Outlook, all the times are correct for South African viewing. Enjoy!</p> <p><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2348184/ICC_World_Cup_2011_GMT%2B2.xls">Cricket 2011 World Cup</a></p> Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-73073990293776614162011-01-11T13:50:00.000+02:002011-01-13T13:50:36.242+02:00Rugby World Cup 2011 Schedule<p>To all my friends who love sport. Here are the Calendar events of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. It is in Excel format and you can download it, save it and import it into Outlook, all the times are correct for South African viewing. Enjoy!</p> <p><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2348184/RWC2011_outlook_SuidAfrika.xls">Rugby World Cup 2011</a></p> Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-81317762013168661742010-11-08T10:21:00.002+02:002010-11-08T10:28:17.881+02:00The Can of WormsTwo weeks ago I had the wonderful opportunity of spending time with a soft spoken lady. When I was introduced as a Pastor, I could see the pain and fear on her face. She told me the story of their family's struggle. This is her story.<br />
<br />
THE CAN OF WORMS (Anonymous) <br />
How long have I been walking with this can of worms, the lid tightly sealed? 10 years? <br />
After a second visit to the psychologist, having been diagnosed with a terminal disease a month before, I realised with astonishment that the disease was not my biggest problem. My major problem is, and has always been, the church, and the loveless and judgemental attitude so many Christians have towards gay people. <br />
How many times have I written this story in my head? Every time someone makes a negative comment towards homosexuality, every time there is an article in the newspaper on homosexuality. <br />
<a name='more'></a> <br />
ARE WE AS FAMILY THEN BANNED FOREVER TO THIS SPIRITUAL NO-MANS' LAND? HOW MUCH LONGER AM I GOING TO BE HELD PRISONER IN THIS DESERT BY THE CHURCH? Our Father in heaven knows that we now desperately need Him. We need spiritual guidance, and the love of Christians: NO MORE CONDEMNATION, PLEASE LORD! <br />
Why, after all these years of not going to church, do I still feel that we need THEIR approval? WHY DOES IT STILL HURT SO MUCH? WHY DO I STILL CRY ABOUT IT ALL THE TIME!!!! <br />
My friend and I had a long discussion today, and I once again stand astonished at how much emotion and bitterness comes out of this opened can of worms. Am I to accept that there will never be clear, black and white answers? That we won't meet everyone's approval? That we DON'T NEED everyone's approval! <br />
I don't have answers and I can't help it: IT HURTS. I am crying – AGAIN. Is this the result of our Calvinistic, Reformed, National Party upbringing? Am I moulded according to this perfectionism where no questions ever dared to be asked; where nobody ever dared to be imperfect. Am I a perfectionist? <br />
I feel that the church failed me when I needed them most. When my kid came out. I feel that our (living) parents failed us when I had need of their support. And they didn’t even know! I had never discussed it with them. They were to old; they would not understand. <br />
All I know is that we need the Lord desperately in our lives. NOW. ESPECIALLY NOW. EVER SINCE. I cannot stumble along in this desert any more. My soul needs water. My soul MUST GROW! <br />
We bought a book two weeks ago, written by a well-known pastor. It is supposed to be an introduction to a new spiritual life. After all, we could identify with him. But then I made the crucial mistake of reading through the index, and started with the chapter on HOMOSEXUALITY. Two sentences. I closed the book quickly. I know it's APPREHENSION that causes me to do this. <br />
Why couldn't I, like other people, read the book from the beginning and simply appreciate the good (I'm sure there is)? DO I WANT TO SUFFER? <br />
I don't want to suffer any longer. I am too tired. These worms are devouring my soul. I WANT to grow spirituality. PLEASE HELP ME GOD! <br />
The can's lid is off, and all the worms must OUT!Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-76853849405697170332010-10-21T01:20:00.001+02:002010-10-21T01:21:39.398+02:00Church - I need a better church!<img src="http://www.weblogcartoons.com/cc/mypew-blog/sermons-2.gif" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.8333px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">The Perfect Church</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">If you should find the perfect church</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">Without one fault or smear,</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">For goodness sake! Don’t join that church:</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">You’d spoil the atmosphere.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">If you should find the perfect church</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">Where all anxieties cease</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">Then pass it by lest joining it</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">You’d mar the masterpiece.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">If you should find the perfect church</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">Then don’t you ever dare,</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">To tread upon such holy ground;</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">You’d be a misfit there.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">But since no perfect church exists</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">Made of imperfect men,</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">Then let’s cease looking for that church</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">And love the church we’re in.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">Of course, it’s not a perfect church,</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">That’s simple to discern</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">But you and I and all of us</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">Could cause the tide to turn.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">What fools we are to flee our post</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">In that unfruitful search</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">To find at last where problems loom</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">God proudly builds His church.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">So let’s keep working in our church</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">Until the resurrection.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">And then we each will join that church</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">Without an imperfection.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">–Mavis Williams</div>Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-32926291230918997152010-10-08T12:15:00.003+02:002010-10-08T14:30:11.572+02:00Give meaning to your stuff.We have been trapped by the idea of success according to the Western Culture. You stuff does not give meaning to your life – YOUR LIFE GIVES MEANING TO YOUR STUFF! One of my favorite authors Don Miller wrote the following article on his blog <a href="http://donmilleris.com/2010/10/08/how-to-give-your-home-and-your-home-meaning/">http://donmilleris.com/2010/10/08/how-to-give-your-home-and-your-home-meaning/</a> If you decide that you want to follow in his footsteps, let's network and make sure that everyone knows of the opportunities. For example, I know a missionary family in Gauteng who is in dire needs of a vacation but who are not able to afford this. Let's network and start a community of care and love.<br />
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<strong>This past week a friend hosted several pastors and I for a hunting trip on His ranch in Central Oregon. </strong>We were there for a few days, but while we were there our friend treated us like Kings. He guided us up and down the mountains, making sure each of us got a buck. He and his team paddled us across the lakes on his property, making sure each of us caught a trout. All the while, he never fired a shot or put a hook in the water. One early morning while watching the sunrise from on top of a hill, scouting for deer, he mentioned he’d only shot at one buck the entire time he owned the ranch. He simply said <em>I like guiding more than hunting. It’s more fun.</em><br />
<em></em><a href="http://donmilleris.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/NBarElk-lg.jpg"><img alt="" height="167" src="http://donmilleris.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/NBarElk-lg-300x167.jpg" title="NBarElk-lg" width="300" /></a><strong>The experience got me thinking, once again, about how Jesus told us He’d gone to prepare a place for us, a place where we could some day be together.</strong> I imagine Jesus preparing a place for my friend, a place for Him to hunt, to cultivate land, to entertain friends. Jesus is creating an existence, a material place for wonderful things to happen. It made me think about how cool it was that my friend, in preparing a ranch for others to be together and to be with God, was imitating the heart of God without, perhaps, even realizing he was doing it. As he planned his ranch, his lakes and ponds and fields for deer and elk to graze, he wasn’t thinking about himself, he was thinking about others.<br />
<em><strong>I don’t have a ranch. In fact, I only have a small condo. </strong>But I don’t want it to be a place just for me. I want the stuff in the condo and the food in the pantry and the furniture in the guest room to be for others. I’ve been able to do a little of that in the last year, convert my home into an imitation of God’s place, and in so doing, I’ve discovered a little secret my friend with the ranch must have discovered a long time ago: Managing God’s stuff for the enjoyment and comfort of the people God loves is a blast. It gives meaning to your things, and a feeling of importance to the places you get to live within.</em><br />
<em><strong>My friend with the ranch has a simple home outside Portland, </strong>but it’s a home with a barn attached, and he’s built another barn, not for himself, but so he and his wife can host weddings and events for youth groups. How much better would our homes feel if the living room were the place where that pastor and his family from Eastern Europe came and shared a meal and interacted with our neighbors, or the yard was the place where the soccer team from the school across the street had their barbecue? Our homes would be charged with meaning and character and, well, life! Our entertainment center wasn’t designed so we could watch movies, but so neighbors could come together and watch football while we serve them hamburgers. What if we managed our homes like little meeting places God used to bring people together?</em><br />
<strong>I heard Dallas Willard say recently that we have been asked to rule </strong><em><strong>for God, under God.</strong></em><em> </em>I loved that picture. I get to manage God’s condo for God, according to the desire of His heart, that many lives would be saved, enriched with meaning and special moments and community.<br />
<strong>What are the things you’ve done to convert your home into God’s home, a place you get to manage for Him?</strong>Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986680048980365575.post-54720881055970665762010-10-05T10:48:00.001+02:002010-10-05T11:01:03.469+02:00Ask a atheist or agnostic if you need help on the Bible.<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="374" id="ep" width="416"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="movie" value="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/apps/cvp/3.0/swf/cnn_416x234_embed.swf?context=embed_edition&videoId=living/2010/09/28/nr.faith.vs.religion.cnn" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><embed src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/apps/cvp/3.0/swf/cnn_416x234_embed.swf?context=embed_edition&videoId=living/2010/09/28/nr.faith.vs.religion.cnn" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="416" wmode="transparent" height="374"></embed></object><br />
People all across America were asked some basic religious en Bible questions in a recent study. Here are some of the results, as reported by CNN:<br />
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<blockquote>Those who believe the Bible to be the literal word of God, scored slightly under average, while those who say it is not the word of God, scored slightly better.</blockquote><a name='more'></a>How disturbing it is that people who would fight when it comes to defending the belief that the Bible is the literal word of God, scored worse than those who say it is not the word of God. How is it possible that they who do not believe, spend more time reading the Bible than those who claim that they believe God Almighty Himself inspired the Bible?<br />
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<blockquote>It's not evangelicals or Catholics who did best when it came to knowledge about what Christians and other religions believe --- it's atheists and agnostics.</blockquote>One of the worst traits Christians display is that we dismiss other religions without even trying to understand what they are about. Therefore, we as Christians are viewed as arrogant, ill informed and self absorbed.<br />
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<blockquote>The think tank also asked a handful of general knowledge questions - such as who wrote "Moby-Dick," and who's the vice president of the United States --- and found a link between religious knowledge and general knowledge.</blockquote>Thus they came to the conclusion that most atheists and agnostics have better general knowledge and were better educated.<br />
<blockquote>Jews and Mormons were close behind atheists and agnostics as the group who did best overall on the religion questions, while white evangelical Protestants also tended to answer correctly more than half of the questionnaire.</blockquote><br />
Religions where the Parents are primarily responsible for the the religious teaching of their kids, are those that scored the best. Where "Sunday-school" or similar systems are used as the primary point of teaching kids about God and religion, those religions yielded the worst scores.<br />
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My opinion is that many people misunderstand one thing of great importance: religion is not the relationship between you and your knowledge, or you and the church --- it is the relationship between you and the God you believe in. I don't care how much anyone knows about some basic facts of religion --- if they don't understand its meaning, then it's pointless.<br />
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I suppose this study group feels that the more informed one is about religion(s), the more tolerant of other people and their religions one will be. Well, I don't have to do a study to find that this is not true. How often do the bad actions of a few cause most people to color the entire group negatively? Come on, be honest. It happens all the time. And for people who are trying to argue that religious people are better people than non-religious people (eg. atheist), and vice versa, that's a load of garbage.<br />
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One's religious beliefs, or lack thereof, have nothing to do with how good a person they are. It is not because of WHO YOU ARE, but WHAT JESUS DID FOR YOU; it is not BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU HAVE DONE, but BECAUSE WHO JESUS IS. Therefore, knowledge of the religion is not what is needful: all you need to do is to call out to Christ, and He will save you.<br />
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It is easy to accumulate a great amount of knowledge, but without passionately loving God, it is worthless. When loving God passionately, one cannot but help to love those around you. Loving people means that I have to respect them for who they are, and for what they believe. Only when I respect them, can I share my beliefs and faith in love. In such a loving, respecting relationship, the gospel rings true.<br />
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What do you think of this study's findings?Paul Barnardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16620720744267980721noreply@blogger.com7