World on Fire

I have blogged about Sarah McLachlan on a number of occasions (‘Angels’ clip here).

This weekend I have been listening over and over again to her “Afterglow” set...in particular the 'Fallen' and 'World on Fire' tracks.

I was going to reflect on the lyrics to these songs - but first had a blog read and by coincidence found a great site that I’d never seen before - “…lookingtothelight” with this AMAZING and THOUGHT PROVOKING video clip of “World on Fire”.

The clip says a lot more than I could express in words.

...And watch out for the single mum that sells oranges with Psalm 118:5-12 painted on the door. It makes you think.

I have had Afterglow for nearly six months and it gets played several times per week. Few albums are of this calibre in their entirety in my opinion.

Quotes: Sir Isaac Newton

This quote via Paul Benger's:

"Atheism is so senseless. When I look at the solar system, I see the earth at the right distance from the sun to receive the proper amounts of heat and light. This did not happen by chance."

- Sir Isaac Newton

Grace, Truth, Love and Error

There has been some 'hot' discussion on the Christianity Today website regarding the introduction of a "womens eucharist" by Episcopal Church in USA which is clearly aligned with pagan (druidic) rituals condemned in the Bible.

It also appears that even some of the Anglican priests/priestesses are actually druids or wiccans (article here).

I'm only a layman with an interest in theology - but even the introduction of a "Women's Eucharist" appears to be unscriptural and divisive. I thought the communion was to be shared for all of the Christian community - without division.

We all need to be able to discern truth from error. Yesterday I heard Mal Garvin on the radio say that "Truth without Love is not Truth at all, and Love without Truth is not Love at all".

It makes you think.

Please, if you see anything on my own Blog that is erroneous - or ungracious - please don't hesitate to comment.

One Perfect Day...

I often wrestle with my faith and am envious of those who just seem to get on with things. Ashamedly, there are times when I envy friends who remain ignorant of the spiritual things. whose life perhaps is lived with abandon.



Save for today. It was one of those few days that for no reason bar the weather being perfect that you find yourself on a soporific high. You comprehend that life is a gift and you’re firm in your faith. Today was a foretaste of an endless summer.

Driving to work in the sunshine. Playing obscure tracks like ‘Theo and Weird Henry’ from John Mellancamp’s ‘Big Daddy’ set – loud and on repeat. Listening intently to the guitars, the cow bells, violins and harmonies of his backing singers….Absorbing meaning from the inspired and gritty lyrics of a recalcitrant rocker who may well have a “Davidesque” relationship with God —and a veiled but deep comprehension of God’s grace.

Then picturing the Pharisee and the Tax-collector in my minds eye to blow away feelings of doubt about my security in God.

Home early to take my 6 month old to the beach. Watching the wonder on his face as he watches the gulls for perhaps the first time. Then the feeling as my 6 year old unexpectedly hugs me from behind and says without restraint - “I love you Daddy”.

Abba Father. It all falls into place.

Sunset -Spring-04

First Class Lives #4: The Football Captain

Last Saturday, after my son’s lesson at the local swimming club - I assisted an elderly gentleman relying on a walking cane to his car. He had accepted my offer to carry his bag and because he was still struggling a little - he remarked “You would not believe that I once was the Captain of the English Football Team, would you?”. This led to a chat about soccer, and what clubs he had played for in England, amongst other things...

He then asked me to reach into his bag and retrieve some scrapbooks to which I obliged. The two scrapbooks were filled with old newspaper articles about footballs cup victories and displayed headlines like “Rickaby was Superb”. (He was carrying these books to show his physiotherapist with whom he had an appointment).

He was a complete gentleman and his demeanour really humble in all of this. He also told me that he had also stormed the beaches in Normandy on D-Day during WWII. And just as he was leaving he said “I have written a book – it will be in the stores this Christmas – “Its easy to remember – “Up Over and Down Under””, before shaking my hand and leaving.

I just thought I would ‘google’ his name—“Stan Rickaby” to find that his book has already been published in the UK. Interestingly his football victories and Normandy were only part of his high achieving life journey.

The synopis reads:

"This book traces the story of "Up over" (Northern Hemisphere) where Stan Rickaby was born, to "Down under" (the southern hemisphere - Australia to be exact), where he lives today. The former England International and West Bromwich Albion Footballer looks back at his childhood, wartime experiences, footballing career and his new life down under. It encompasses his childhood growing up in the industrial North-East of England, wartime experiences as an infantry soldier in the Normandy invasion and a career in football, allowing Stan the great honour to play for his country. Not content with just hanging up his boots, he goes on to experience the cut-throat commercial world as a UK director of a famous controversial international investment company, with colleagues including James Roosevelt, son of Franklin D. As a complete contrast to this fast pace world Stan Rickaby took a decision to emigrate to Australia, living in Aboriginal communities on a tropical island in the Arafura Sea and the vast and remote Northern Territory working with the indigenous people. Then working for the Probation and Parole Department to open the first bail hostel in Australia".

It appears as though this gentleman really has led a first class life. (Good thing I now know where he lives - I'm about to order a copy... and will be honoured if he might sign it for me).

Interesting comment regarding this mans life - the synopsis of the book ends with:

"Through his tapestry of life runs a thread of religion, his Christian faith has carried him through from baptism to the present time, where his life now takes on a more serene role in North Beach, Western Australia".

Late Night Boring Stuff

I cant help myself. Ive got no self-control. Recently, I promised myself I would not buy anything at Dymocks Bookstore but walked out with a copy of 'The Birth of Plenty: How the Prosperity of the Modern World was Created' By William Bernstein.

I read his book 'Against the Gods - The History of Risk Management' a couple of years ago. Bernstein is much like my other favourite author - Phillip Yancey ('Whats so Amazing about grace' etc) - the writing style is so fluid and so eay to read - you can't put the book down (Sense my envy?).

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Anyhow - I'm sitting here with a laptop 'Watching this is your life' featuring the Crocodile Hunter - Steve Irwin.

He is so funny...dont worry - I wont be taking any of his advice on child-minding!. I remember the first time I watched the show - he was scuba diving with sharks in his safari suit and I thought he a was an idiot! Since then he really has grown on me. Apart from feeding his kids to the crocs he is a great Australian icon.

Project Management: Meetings

It makes me laugh.

it is common knowledge that there are many people in this organisation that are ALWAYS in meetings. So much so that they never seem to get any work done...

I just walked past a conference room to notice that they have hired an external facilitator to help them have more effective meetings.

I wonder if my company is the only oragnisation that has to have a meeting about meetings...

Very 'DILBERT' indeed!

Project Management: On Procrastination

"Man who waits for roast duck to fly into mouth must wait very, very long time." - Chinese Proverb

Quote: On inquisition

"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers." - Voltaire

[NB. I dont agree with Voltaires worldview - but I just thought this quote is particularly insightful.]

Back From The Big Chill

Back from the SouthWest – but did not catch that trout as the Karri Valley trout fram has been closed for a couple of years - but had a brilliant time with the family.

Highlights from the Road-Trip:

• Driving through small country towns like donnybrook, Bridgetown, Pemberton and Nannup – where the General store still has not been replaced by a chain supermarket and someone still serves you at the petrol bowser.
  
  
• Walking through the forests of Pemberton and Karri Valley, where the trees are second only in size to the Redwood trees in California (I’m told). Climbing the massive Gloucester Tree and trekking through the forest to see Beedelup Falls.

• Visiting a farm where the kids could feed the llama’s, alpaca’s, goats, sheep, swans.
  
  
• Staying in a secluded bush cottage at Margaret River complete. Waking up on first night thinking somebody was breaking in – only to realize the heavy ‘thump, thump, thump’ was actually a large kangaroo bouncing around outside.
  
  
• Seeing the main break at Margaret River in good form – waves of double head height and glassy, watching some ‘tow-in’ surfers at the ‘Bombie’, and also seeing a whale breaching beyond the breakers.
  
  
• Visiting the Margaret River Chocolate factory, Westwood Winery (where I picked up a case of clean skin red ‘quaffer’) and having a couple ‘chilli’ flavored beers and Nacho’s at the ‘Wicked Ale Brewery’.
  
  
• Driving around listening to a belated birthday present 'Rebirth of Cool' (from my sister who we visited in Bunbury) which just brilliantly captured the moment in music. Ray Charles’ – ‘Out of My Life’ is definitely the song of the moment for me. (Do youself a favor and buy the album!).
  
  

In a nutshell- You’ve got to get away to really ‘Chill-out’.

Real Chill time cannot be replicated at home. There’s always something to do, work tomorrow, friends to see, family events. You need a different environment. The absence of distractions, fresh air, winding roads and a cold beer and barbecue.

Its really given me some time to think through some bigger issues regarding career directions and talk them over with my wife…

Batteries now recharged - ready to kick-start the Group Financial System upgrade project tomorrow. This will last 6 - 8 months then it may be opportune to embark on a new adventure!

And as for those chores around the house - well about 40% completed...

Gloucester Tree

Recreation: Leave Going Too Fast!

Two week's leave is going just too fast. And Spring is living up to its reputation.

Took both my boys to "Granny's Pool" early this morning. Then had some "Father Time" and took an old body board to Trigg and the surf was superb. Then back home to lunch - a lamb shank hot-pot (which was left on a slow heat over-night so that the meat was falling off the bone...mmm...) and a glass of complementary red wine...Then off to Hillary's Marina (Sorrento Quay) to let my son practice his new bike riding skills in the carpark - and for an obligatory daily coffee...Then off to see my God son for his 2nd birthday.

Anyhow, we've been invited to use my sister's holiday house in Margaret River which did not rent - so at late notice we are off tommorrow for one night in Pemberton (hope to catch a trout)and two nights in Margaret River...butI can't take my board - it's still broken :-(

It's been quite a while since we got out of town.

But how will I cope being back at work next week?...

So bye - until Tuesday!

Granny's Pool Spring 2004

6 yo Now Riding at the Marina

Sorrento Quay Spring 2004

Proverbs Ch 3:7-10

"7Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. 8It
will be health to your flesh,[1] And strength[2] to your bones.

9Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the first-fruits of all your increase; 10So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine". -NKJV

I think that God uses coincidences as signs to tell you something or to reinforce a point. I went to a local café to start thinking through my finances in light of current circumstances (new house, new baby, loss of second income) and also to catch up on the Bible reading plan. But upon opening Proverbs - verses 9 and 10 really impressed upon me.

My thoughts on these verses:

1) Keep Proper Perspective: vs 8-9 follows on from ‘lean not on your own understanding’ don’t be an independent thinker apart from God. Don’t rely on your own intellectual ability to solve problems. You are nothing without God. God is the giver of wisdom. The moment you think yourself wise you have lost all perspective – and stepped back into the territory of foolishness.

2) The Principle of the First Fruits: vs 9-10 I may be wrong here, but personally, I do not believe that as Christians we are under the obligation of old the testament laws per se – including compulsory tithing (I think Martin Luther would turn in his grave if I did - "We are under Grace not Law"). Also, I don’t think tithing is a principle in itself (e.g. I put 10% in the bucket – I’ll get a guarnteed return of "my investment" plus more back!).

But I do believe in the general principle of ‘sowing and reaping’ and also the virtue and obvious benefits and outcomes of generosity. And I agree that we should not ignore the practices and traditions of the OT - which were designed as practices for Better Living and to improve our relationship with God.

And whilst not a principle in itself, I do believe that the tithe is both a good standard or a measure of a principle in action– (a Key Performance Indicator or benchmark of priorities in action so to speak) - to which Christians should aspire with the objective of resourcing God's work. It is fair that people should aim to contribute equitably (I wish our tax system worked like that).

It is clear that the 10% first- fruits principle was used by Godly people such as Abraham to give back to God – well before the introduction of the Law. In modern times, possibly it should be seen as a standard of excellence to aspire to for Christians (possibly if one gave 100% they may be close to perfection in this area(?) Matt 19:21). To be honest - I'm currently way of the mark in my giving I and know in my heart that I need to get my own act together again in the whole area of giving and generosity.

What I do know is that generous people prosper – (and not necessarily in monetary terms). Their vats do in fact overflow – because the give with their hearts and not as a matter of compulsion - their faces glow, they are graceful and secure in both themselves and God. Its also apparent that adequately resourced Christian organizations do great things – because of the generosity of their benefactors.

This world is only a better place as a consequence of generous people.

Stingy people are quite the opposite – they are like a vacuum - consitently taking all that they can - and more than they give. I’ve come across a really good article on budgeting from Crown Financial Ministries to help me work through these issues and to realign my financial priorities, make some decisions and take some action.

"Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, "What's in it for me?" Author: Brian Tracy

Values: Wealth and Insecurity

This Quote from From Baggas Blog.: "Being truly wealthy does not require having many things; rather, it requires having what one longs for. Wealth is not an absolute. It is relative to desire. Every time we yearn for something we cannot afford, we grow poorer, whatever our resources. And every time we feel satisfied with what we have, we can be counted as rich, however little we may actually possess."

~ Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1754) quoted by Alain deBotton in Status Anxiety

I found this quote remarkedly insightful. My meandering thoughts - are that this so true.

I watched Alain debotton on SBS. And Yes, his hypothesis is correct. We all feel so insecure when we compare ourselves to others in so many way. The attractiveness and charm of their wife, the suburb they live in, the income we summize that they recieve each year, the title on their business card, the number of people now reporting to them, the car they drive.

In our world - the strongest survive, the fittest survive....Win what? Survive what? The 'Up and Out Process'?... Get What? - Respect, Noterity, Fame, Admiration, Wealth, 'Love' ?... But we all feel so insecure. Even Winners do. Everyone is always on 'the edge'. The World's value system. Everyone compares themselves to the Peers or their reference group. This is why Wealth is relative.

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Jesus' value system turns everything on its head. The first shall be last. The peace makers rewarded. The meek blessed. But there is more than this upside down value system than meets the eye...

I think that the Beatitudes which describe Jesus' upside-down value system are all about "being real". Yes "Real People being Real People". People secure in themsleves, crying, mourning, stepping in to mediate a resolution, people who are not aggressive in their pursuit of winning the things of the world. People not too insecure to speak-out about their faith.

Jesus value system means "Real People" are content with themselves, who they are - and what they have got at any given point in time. This means that they are truly free to be themselves - and free from insecurity.

Don't get me wrong. I love success. I want to be successful. But success is not found in competition. Success is found in 'Being the Best That You Can Be' - Not trying to be better than the next guy. Its found not by being a 'try-hard' in a position that you're not cut-out for. Its about being true to yourself. Its about being real. Its about colloborating as part of a mult-disciplined team.

To get a three-dimensional understanding of The Beatitudes - one needs to be couple this teaching with the 'Parable of the Talents' in Matt 24:25.

Jesus Sermon on the Mount is as much about timing as about action, I think so anyway. Real people, taking real action at a time when required. The Parable of the talent is about a persons responsibility to optimise the use of their talents and gifts to find purpose and value, not only for themselves - but to use them for the benefit of others and ultimately for He who gifted us with our talents.

Its a nice situation when you think about it. Find security through desiring to be and being Real. Finding purpose and value in optimising our unique gifts to altruistically and genuinely 'add-value' to those who require our gifts. Things like fame, wealth, status and power while reamining secure in oneself are distrubuted then only 1) if there is a natural requirement for them 'as part of the job', 2) The gifts and talents are being used properly a result of getting both of the variables in this formula right - A) Being Real and True to oneself - and B) optimising the use of your gifts and talents.

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I'm fast coming to the realisation that I have giftings in uniquely specialised areas. These need to be used wisely. I need to realign my desire for places within our organisation because they bring the status, power, income (because they feed my insecurity) to one of desiring to get the most out of what I am designed and built for.

In other words, I need to use my talents wisely - in a way that optimises their inherent value both to me and to my employer. Then I will truly be secure in whom I am, find purpse in what I do and peripheral desires such as wealth or status no longer rate.

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Its late -off to bed. Finally back to Proverbs tommorrow....

Super-Attitude

Got to admit to feeling a little saddened at hearing of the death of Superman (Christopher Reeve) - one of my childhood heroes.

It is so coldly ironic that the icon of a superhumanity lived much of his life dependent on others for day to day needs. Still, the real person is probably more inspirational than his onscreen persona when you are exposed to his post accident life-attidude:

CNN reports:

"In 2000, Reeve was able to move his index finger, and a specialized workout regimen made his legs and arms stronger. He also regained sensation in other parts of his body. He vowed to walk again.

"I refuse to allow a disability to determine how I live my life. I don't mean to be reckless, but setting a goal that seems a bit daunting actually is very helpful toward recovery," Reeve said".

Superman

My Current Favourite Quote

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths that you take...

- Rather it should be measured by the number of moments that take your breath away"

-Chalkboard Wisdom from the Purple Goat Cafe (North Beach).

River Thames London - (From the London Eye) Dec 2002

Out Of The Comfort Zone

This afternoon we were treated by two regular bloggers at Phil Bakers site to a fantastic roast dinner for lunch. We had the opportunity put faces to names and alias' with some of the people with whom we have blogging for nearly one year now.

No surprise, surprise - I am not not a silver haired 50+ year old after all! Just going silver :-)

It was a long drive to our hosts home from where I live but well worth the effort. It was a really mellow, entertaining afternoon - and both my son and I really enjoyed ourselves.

More often than not it really pays to step outside your comfort zone.

Welcome to Zombieland

Day Two of Leave: Had great fun this morning. Due to one of my mates back problems we went surfing at Trigg. Nice. Offshore. Hollow. Due to weakness in my board when I damaged it on the reef I lost one of the fins and surfed like a dog.

Anyhow, today I am venting my anger at the Trojan / Spyware programmes that got through Vet antivirus program. I've become a Zombie. Possibly from one of the guys on the Chris Rea mailing list or possibly from a link I’ve followed thru via a Blog. Maybe from the spam that is hitting my PC in droves.

Foolishly when setting up my wireless connection - I thought the firewall on the PC that the modem is attached to would offer the needed protection. You actually need a firewall on every pc.

I’ve now:

Installed Mozilla Firefox – It’s a better Browser the IE – stops adverts
Intalled spybot, ad-aware, spyware doctor free from cnet.com
Intalled a second firewall – Sygate – free from cnet.

I’ve also since learned that there are some inncent looking sites that can’t be trusted. After running these programmes – apparently the ‘Lego’ online-store installed a tracking cookie – to watch my internet activity and purchase behavior on my PC by stealth. Not impressed.

Something I also have learned from my own foolishness is never to respond to spam senders – either abusing them (even in a nice way of course). This simply lets them know that your email address is active – and they will use it to perpetuate spam.

I’m now probably a pawn in cyberspace selling free-meds; Viagra and cheap loans - from my company's email address.

Ocean Stuff: Spring Swell @ Toms #2

First day of leave...and what a morning!.

As predicted by the swell forecast - 5 days in advance - a 3-4m swell and offshore winds. It was great to be out in the water - but was quite lumpy and I have to confess a tad dangerous.

Technology is taking the guesswork out picking the days and times.

Got caught on the inside more times than I want to admit and dragged along the reef a few times. But its what the game is all about.

Tommorrow will be slightly smaller - but the shape will be better...so I'm off to my favourite local break tommorrow with a few of the boys - "Dewars" at Yanchep - about one hour North of the City.

I'm trying to negotaite a leave pass to go down south next week with the lads.

Double Click Images to Enlarge...

No Blog Comment Tonight:

Left for work before 7.00am - rode to train station...left work @ 7.00pm...rode home from train station in rain!

Wet! Hungry! No time to Blog. Catch up tommorrow.

Values: The 5 Virtues of Kofi Annan

Se eye ndzeye pa enum yi a, na eye barima (Gather the five virtues, then you are a man) --Fante tribal proverb

In September 2000, “TIME” magazine published an article BY JOSHUA COOPER RAMO about Kofi Annan who I think personifies statesman-like diplomacy. I kept a copy for my son when he gets older but wanted to transfer my thoughts to my Blog.

The article exemplifies the impact that a father can have on the life of his son. Of Annan’s own father - the article states:

“In Ghana, Annan's father is still revered. His name was Henry Reginald Annan--the first and middle names were a legacy of British colonialism, when ambitious Africans named their children as if they were bound for Oxford. Annan happens to be a sturdy Scottish name, and from time to time business associates believed that H.R. Annan was a Highlander--until they met him. In fact, Henry Reginald Annan was a noble of the Fante tribe. He was possessed of a legendary personal reserve. His son recalls seeing him steam up only once or twice--including the day of the cigarette lecture. "He was a man who was very centered, very secure," Kofi says. "His intuitive dignity was almost innate."

The Five Virtues instilled in Kofi by his father were:

1). Enyimnyam (Dignity)
2) Awerehyemu (Confidence)
3) Akokodur (Courage)
4) Ehumbobor (Compassion)
5) Gyedzi (Faith)

This is clearly a great set of virtues to embody in the character of your son. Over the coming weeks, I plan to draft some thoughts on each of these Virtues – based on this article.

Of note is the fact that manhood his defined by recognising a complete set of virtues successfully nurtured in an exhibited by a man – not by other factors that define success by our standards such as career or social status, income, wealth, sexual/sporting conquests or fame.

Kofi Annan

Reading: Jack Welch C1: "Building Self Confidence"

“Confidence gives you courage and extends your reach. It lets you take grater
risks and achieve far more than you thought possible. Building self confidence
in others is a huge part of Leadership”. –Jack Welch.

Jack Welch starts his autobiography with the chapter ‘Building Self Confidence’. I infer that this means he believes it is the foundation of his own success. He credits his own mother with building his own level of confidence and overcoming his shortfalls – such as his speech impediment.

Instilling confidence (encouraging) someone is probably one of the greatest gifts you can give someone – particularly your own children.

Leave: Fake Holidays

I start my break officially on Tues - however due to pressing deadlines I will likely start during next week.

Just looking at the surf report - I better work hard and get everything off my desk - as Thursday forecast is for a big swell and offshore winds in the morning.

We are having "fake holidays"...a little more eating out - but staying at home to save accomodation and fare money. A few movies, waterslides, beach - maybe even some scuba diving it the weather permits and I can get a leave pass.

A mate of mine is a chalkie who loves his surfing and diving (he is a gun at catching crays...but its not cray season). Its also a good time t catch up on reading and planning.

Other non-stuff that needs doing over break:
1) "Family Plan" (sounds corny I know) - redo family budget in light of higer interest rates
2) Paint fences (H)
3) Remove all rubbish from yard (M)
4) Put up bike rack in garage (M)
5) Build work bench in garage (L)
6) Refit Chopping Block in kitchen (H)
7) Organise limestone retaining wall (H)

H = High Priority and I will be hung, dried and quartered if tasks not accomplished.

Proverbs Ch 3:5-6

“5Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on
your own. 6Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's
the one who will keep you on track”. -Msg

“5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths”. -NKJ

One of those “stand-out” scriptures - Friends of mine used this as the cornerstone scripture for their Wedding. My Thoughts:

1) Rely on God, even more than wisdom itself. (Maxwell). Naturally we seem to rely on our own capabilities, our own comprehension of the things that are happening around us.

2) Don’t leave him out of the equation when trying to make sense of things.Don’t forget God in the pursuit of knowledge. That’s like trying to understand the composition of water – and leaving the 'O' out of 'H2O'. God is the fundamental variable in every equation.

3) There is always a ‘faith’ gap between what we know and what we have to believe. It’s called faith.

There are no formulaic answers to many of life’s problems. I get paid to solve business problems and implement solutions. And I agree wholeheartedly with Jack Welch as he states – “there are rarely black and white answers. More often than not, business is smell, fell and touch as much as or more than numbers. If we wait for the perfect answer, the world will pass us by”. (“Jack” pp 18).

Use wisdom as a foundation for decision making. Leverage Wisdom but seek God’s small voice and be confident that as the Message states ― he will keep you on track.

"Some people think only intellect counts: knowing how to solve problems, knowing
how to get by, knowing how to identify an advantage and seize it. But the functions of intellect are insufficient without courage, love, friendship, compassion and empathy". - Author: Dean Koontz, American horror author

Proverbs Ch 3:1-4

"1 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; 2For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. 3Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 And so find favor and high esteem; In the sight of God and man." -NKJV

My thoughts:

1) Dont Forget Whay I Say: "Dont forget, keep in your heart" - Always be mindful of, let my commands - become part of your very being...apply my principles (ie. from previous - "go with - not against" my truths "otherwise you will be crushed by them") - and you will live a better, fuller longer life. (Generally speaking I assume)

2) Mercy must be Coupled with Truth: Cling to mercy and truth - (interestingly this is the first time Mercy / Grace is mentioned) - the understanding and application of the Gods ('graceless' - merit worthy - principles laws and truths) - must be coupled with mercy - Grace?. There appears to be a head and a heart attitude aligned iwth the application of wisdom.

3) The Outcome is Growth and Recognition of Character: Jesus "grew in stature, and in favour with both God and Man".

"I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen. - -Author: Ernest Miller Hemingway (1899-1961), American writer, journalist, adventurer, expatriate

Ocean Stuff: Spring Swell @ "Toms"

Spring Swell - "Toms"

Proverbs Ch 2:16-22

16To deliver you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words, 17Who forsakes the companion of her youth, And forgets the covenant of her God. 18For her house leads down to death, And her paths to the dead; 19None who go to her return, Nor do they regain the paths of life-- 20So you may walk in the way of goodness, And keep to the paths of righteousness. 21For the upright will dwell in the land, And the blameless will remain in it; 22But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it. -NKJV

My take-out:

A continuation from Yesterday – Wisdom will give understanding to enable you to make the right choices. In this case, its protection from consequences of adultery. It is saying – be astute, wake-up to yourself, don’t be sucked in by her promises – she cant even be true to the most important commitment in her own life...It will only lead you into despair. The cost is not worth it. Have you seen anyone who has changed for the better as a consequence of being unfaithful?.

The destination is both different better for those who make the right choices – the emphasis today on remaining faithful in marriage.

As I have said before the people I admire most have in common (amongst other things) is a long, committed and faithful marriage.

I hope to emulate that – it is such an important legacy to teach love, affection, committment and respect for your wife to your sons.

By the way something that I have found really great is if you are out walking with your sons, teach them to pick and bring home flowers for their mother...they soon learn that their mum responds to it and then they soom learn to do it themselves...it helps keep the house really mellow.

Off to work...busy day then off to the Ballet tonight...