Welcome to LivingRoom! Pull up a bean bag, grab a coffee and chat with us for a while about Emerging Church, Blogging, Faith and other General Silliness from South of the Equator.
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I would like to share with you a personal hurt that has caused me much pain and yet which spurs me on in a fight for truth, justice and the blogging way! I want to invite you to journey with me in my quest.
Nine months ago I changed the domain of this blog. Since that time many fellow bloggers have changed their blogroll listing to reflect this change.
Two have resisted the change. Perhaps it is because they prefer the blogger that I once was - I do not know. I've emailed both and left comments where possible on their sites to no avail - still my old blogspot address remains!
After many nights of tossing and turning due to the stress of this I feel it is time to step things up and begin a campaign to get them to change their links!
I will not rest until it is done - I shall leave no stone unturned in my quest. I'd like to call together a small band of faithful blog purists to join me in my pursuit. Be warned it may not be easy - these two against whom we toil do not seem to respond to the normal methods of persuasion - they stand firm in these times of change. It may take time, unconventional methods and even personal sacrifice to meet our goal to get Tall Skinny Kiwi and GinkWorld to change their links?
Will you join me my friends? Only the strongest and bravest need apply.
Update: SUCCESS...well in part. Tall Skinny Kiwi kindly changed his link after Alan Creech threatened him with an Aussie invasion in comments. Thanks Alan. Just one to go now.
I've previously posted about The Shaping of things to Come but have finally got my copy of it and am about to delve into it.
I always like to read the first lines in books - here is the first paragraph from the intro:
'In this book expect to encounter revolutionary ideas that will sometimes unnerve you. We hope to reawaken the latent apostolic imagination at the heart of the biblical faith and to exhort God's people to courageous missional engagement for our time - living out the gospel within its cultural context rather than perpetuating an institutional commitment apart from its cultural context. In writing this book we are advocating a wholesale change in the way Christians are doing and being the church, and because of this ours is not necessarily a popular message. We've become disturbingly aware through personal experience and observation that those who advocate such a thoroughgoing re-calibration of the church will not always be met with open arms by the prevailing church leadership. And yet we feel compelled to lovingly challenge the church to dismantle many of the arcane institutional structures it is now beholden to and to bravely face the future with imagination and courage.'
This looks like a worthwhile read - its called 'The Shaping of Things to Come' - its written by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch - it is published by Hendrickson and you can get it for as little as $13.60 (US) here.
I'm interested in what others who have read it think.
It has been a light day or two of blogging because we've been showing fellow blogger Rachel and her husband Regan around Melbourne the past couple of days. They are out for a week and its been really great to meet them as over the past 11 or so months we've been in contact most days online in one form or another. I'm not sure what their impressions are of us - I'll let Rachel blog on that one (that will be interesting) - but for me they have been very similar to what I think I imagined them being like (although it is early days yet! They still have time to turn into axe murderers).
This matches with my previous experience of meeting people in person whom I had previously only had online interactions with. 99% of the time people's online persona is similar to their real life one.
It is a little weird to meet someone you 'virtually' know pretty well in person - there is an element of having shared some parts of life with them - yet also the knowledge that you don't really know them in many ways. Its been nice to fill in some of the gaps.
Its been a long but good day. We went wine and cheese tasting this morning, did a bit of shopping this afternoon and tonight we caught up with Luke (who has just done a very cool blog redesign) and his wife for dinner in Brunswick St.
Its been a nice day - although quite warm to be out and about at 35 degrees Celsius. We shall all sleep well tonight.
Update: Luke just posted about it - with a photo. I've got a similar one I will post at some stage.
Every year we grow more and more dependent on the Internet. But would you know what to do if your connection suddenly went down?
This site has the answers! It's essential reading - perhaps we should all download it now because if we wait til the internet does go down we won't be able to access it.
Richard Hall is wondering about why people post about their blog statistics. It seems it was my 1st blog day post that got him wondering. I've questioned the same thing too over the last 12 months and ummed and ahhhed over if I should do it....
I left my comments on why I did at his blog - Interested in your thoughts. Leave them over at Richard's place.
I'm really intrigued and stimulated by a desription of a - Traveling Thanksgiving and church dedication show. It reminds me of a progressive dinner - but with a real focus upon prayer. Here is an excerpt:
'It was the Vine & Branches traveling Thanksgiving and church dedication show. Everyone made some kind of appetizer for all to eat. Eating is good. We started off at Matt's new place, hung out, ate, then prayed part one of the Evening prayer from the Common of the dedication of a church. So we blessed and dedicated Matt and his new place as an outpost of the Kingdom.'
They then went on to the next persons house and did the same thing.
Here is the prayer they prayed at each place:
'We, as a community of people drawn together in your Name, bless this house to be used as an outpost for your Kingdom here on earth. Give your grace to those who live in it, bless them, bless their guests, protect them from all evil, and fill these houses and these people with your Peace. In the name of the + Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.'
This is a great idea and something I'm looking forward to doing a version of next year! Thanks for sharing it Alan.
It reminds me of an idea we at Living Room have been toying with of visiting the workplace/university/school of each person in our group. To see and know more of where they spend most of their time - and where appropriate to pray for them there. I think this type of activity could be very empowering and moving.
Over the past year a number of people have asked how they can support what I do on this blog financially. Today I finally succumbed to the pressure of one reader and added a paypal button to the sidebar. It accepts most credit cards and will be used to help to cover costs of running this blog.
My vision for blogging is getting larger and there are about to be some changes/additions to what I do. Traffic has grown in recent months and I'm reaching the limit (if not exceeding the limits) of my current hosting package (my wonderful host is being most generous with me). If you would like to partner me financially and help meet some of these costs I'd be most appreciative.
I'm not wanting to pressure those not feeling they want to contribute financially, but to those who are moved to do so your contributions will be gratefully accepted. I'd also be grateful for anyone wanting to become a part of our prayer support team. If you'd like to receive my bimonthly email newsletter please shoot me an email and I'll add you to my list. Thanks for listening.
Today is the anniversary of my first post at the Living Room blog.
My first words were 'The Living Room lives!'
Since that time I've posted 795 reflections and had 3106 comments.
Posts have covered everything from Living Room Developments to the War in Iraq to the Moon Walk being a fake to Beer to our overseas trip to ancient forms of prayer likeExamen and Lectio to my visit to a local Mosque to Blog Stats to stories about exclusion in church to Underbloggers to Mudcake Spirituality to Fart and Toilet humor to Models of Holistic Spirituality to Blog Tips to Emerging Church to blog crushes to a virtual tour of Melbourne.
In that time I've also start a second blog on Digital Photography and have begun planning a third - stay tuned for more info.
For some reason despite the variety in my posting readership has steadily climbed (and recently ballooned) over the past 12 months. I'm really enjoying the process of 'meeting' more people. I feel like I've gotten to know a number of those who come here really well lately and value the friendships that are emerging. Thank you to everyone who stops by here from time to time - I value the time you take to take a peek at my world and love the way we are able to interact with one another in this format.
Blogging for me is many things. It started off as an outlet for me to think out loud about my hopes and dreams for the birthing of a little community of faith. Since then it has become many other things. It is a hobby, its a way of connecting with others on similar journeys, it is a way of learning about the world I live in, it has been a spiritual discipline, it gives me a place to get feedback on my ideas, it is a creative outlet, it is a record keeping devise for ideas and experiences and it has been a way to keep my supporters informed of what's happening for me.
It has been a fun 12 months - I'm looking forward to reaching 24!
I've noticed this King of the Blogs competition was going on a little while back but didn't really look at the competitors too carefully. Today Adrian emailed to let me know about the comp and I realized I knew most of the six competitors blogs already.
Its an interesting idea. I'd been toying with the idea of a 'Blogger Idol' Competition at some stage (like the TV show but with bloggers) but have never gotten around to it yet. Could be fun.
Anyway, check out the competition at King of the Blogs.
Update: For more comprehensive information on UAVs check out the UAV Blog
Green Man has a fascinating post on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Technology is advancing but it doesn't seem 'right' to me. I don't know but the thought of unmanned planes hurtling around above is pretty freaky.
Here is some other UAV books and links.
- Books
- 21st Century U.S. Documents Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Roadmap 2002 to 2027 (pictured right)
- Global Hawk and Darkstar
- Introduction to Uav Systems
- Unmanned Air Vehicles: An Illustrated Study of UAVs
Links
- Civil Servant - Aussie Scientists make UAVs affordable for civil applications
- Nasa's UAV Site
- The Sky Has Eyes
- Aerovironment's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Page
- Expert assessment of developments in UAV technology
- Research on Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Robotic Aircraft
- Intelligence Resource Program's UAV page
- Fire Scout VTUAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
- Spy vs Fly
- Boeing to Build Fuel Cell Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles - Iraq's Secret?
- Unmanned Vehicles - Quarterly publication
- UV Online
- UAV Center
- UAV - UK
- Naval Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
- UAV videos and photos
- UAV News
- Micro Pilot
- Do it Yourself UAVs
- Bush wants to ban spy plane technology
- UAV Forum
Update: For some great information on UAVs check out the UAV Blog
A decade or two ago it could take years of hard work, research, building up of credibility, networking and a bit of luck to rise to the top of your field as an 'expert'. Things are changing.
This month I became an expert in two completely different fields by simply writing a few hundred words on a couple of topics and being clever about how I packaged them.
The topics I'm now an 'expert' on do not really matter in the scheme of things, in fact they are quite unimportant, however it has got me really wondering.
Why am I an expert? Is it because of my wealth of knowledge and years of experience? No. Is it because I am respected in the field and have a proven track record in research and writing about the topics at hand? No.
It is none of these things at all - I am an expert because Google says that I am. Not only that, but it is sending literally thousands of people over to this blog so that they can benefit from my 'expert' opinion.
The more I think about this the more freaked out I am. Let me share why.
One of the things that I became an 'expert in' is The Matrix. A while back I posted a list of links talking about the Matrix from a Religions perspective. I figured it might be helpful for some of us 'spiritual' types as we think about the movie.
A few others linked to it and it climbed the rankings in Google until the day before the Matrix Revolutions was released it was the number one ranking for a number of search terms. The day of the movies release I checked my blog stats to find I'd had a record number of hits. Suddenly I was receiving comments and emails from Matrix diehards asking me questions, sending me 3000 word essays for my critique and asking me if I speak at conferences on the topic. Matrix fan sites were linking to my post and critiquing it, one person even wrote an email to me today asking me if I was considering making a fourth film in the series!
Google made me a 'Matrix Revolutions Expert'. The disturbing thing is that weeks later I'm yet to see the movie.
I chuckle a little about this, but it also raises some questions for me. How many other such 'experts' are out there? Is there (or should there be) a way of filtering out the 'Google experts' and finding the real ones?
What are you a Google Expert in?
We had another great discussion last night on the Sermon on the Mount. I think we are all challenged by the way Jesus spoke in this passage. His call goes beyond the way Christianity is so often presented.
Sometimes I wonder if we water down the gospel for today and gloss over some of his central teaching.
Can't talk too much at the moment as I'm off to a day of important meetings - would value your prayers today. Big decisions to be made (not Living Room related) - might be able to share more soon.
By the way - thanks for your questions a couple of posts back - I am looking forward to answering them - feel free to add more!
I just did something I didn't think I'd ever have to do - I closed down/disabled comments on a couple of posts on this blog. Things were getting out of hand. Firstly people were getting rather aggressive to one another and the subjects of my posts and secondly the vast volume of comments was beginning to take a toll on the amount of bandwidth this blog is eating up. I think I'm going to have to upgrade my hosting package as we're likely to exceed what I'm allowed this month. Sorry to those who were genuinely and positively commenting on those threads, feel free to continue the conversation with me via email.
In my upcoming blogathon I'm going to need to have some topics to blog about. One thing I'm keen to do is share a little more of who I am. The past couple of months have seen a bit of an influx of new readers to this blog I realize that newcomers don't know me as well as some of the 'old timers'.
So to borrow an idea from Rachel I thought I'd have an 'open mike' question time.
I'm feeling brave today. Feel free to ask me anything that you'd like to know. I won't promise to answer them all, but will answer as many as I can in the 24 hour blogathon next month. Ask about anything at all, from questions about life in Australia, to Living Room, to personal stuff, to blogging questions. I'll give anything a go.
I've been thinking for a long time that there was a desperate need for an organization like this and today i finally discovered the International Center for Bathroom Etiquette. There is some fantastic advice there including the Etiquette of:
- Talking in the Bathroom
- Bathrooms Equipped with Troughs
- Stalls without Walls
- Kiddie-Sized Urinals
- Urinals with Partitions
- Hanging the Toilet Paper
- Which Sink to Use
- What if you have to Pee Really Badly
I'll add my tip here.
When using public toilets in parks with doors at both ends of the urinal - beware of freaky gusts of wind when you're standing close to the guy next to you - especially if he's wearing sandals. It is not a situation you want to be in, trust me!
The pre release promotion is building over Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban movie and with it is sure to come the usual debate within Christian circles over whether its helpful for children (and adults) to read it or not.
I thought I'd post a collection of links that might help people think through such questions. I've posted the more positive ones towards HP in the first half and those taking a more negative stance towards the end:
- Searching for God in Harry Potter
- Harry Potter: A Christian Parents Nightmare?
- Harry Potter, the Pope and God
- Harry Potter's Christian Imagery
- The Christian Meaning of The Chamber of Secrets
- Searching for God in Harry Potter - Discussion Forum
- Harry Potter Movie Discussion Guide for Christian Parents
- What's a Christian to Do with Harry Potter? Harry Potter Movie Guide
- Let Harry Potter Conjure Up 'Gospel Magic', Says Christian Magician
Also check out similar lists of links on Lord of the Rings and The Matrix.
If you have found the information on this entry helpful please consider making a contribution to help keep this site running.I've decided to go ahead with the Blogathon idea outlined below.
Thank you for those who have indicated they will support it. I appreciate your encouragement. Hopefully it will be a fun day and that we'll be able to raise enough money to change the lives of a number of Filipino families.
I am currently setting up a PayPal account and will then identify a 24 hour period to carry it out. I'll keep updating my progress here.
Michelle wrote a post a day back that has had me thinking all day. She writes:
'My son has never met his dad - I last saw the guy when I was 3 months pregnant. It's unlikely he ever will.
I've been struggling with thoughts of how my son will see God as a Father, when he has no earthly father to relate to. How can I show him what a father is really meant to be, when he hasn't experienced it for himself?'
She talks about her desire for her son to have a Dad and finishes by saying:
'I think perhaps only God will be able to answer this one, in a way He has planned and that I have yet to see.'
Like Michelle I don't have any answers on this one. Its something that has been close to my heart for a number of years.
When I was in my late teens I went out with a girl whose sister was killed in a car crash. Her sister was a single mum of a baby girl and my girlfriend instantly became a mum. For the next three and a half years I became the closest thing that little girl had to a father. I was only 18 and I had no idea what I was doing.
I asked many questions of God in that period of my life, I still ask some of them. It was a very confusing period of life. Yet in the midst of the grief and pain I always had a sense that God had control of things and that I was in that place for that time for a reason.
I've been thinking about how to celebrate my first year of blogging.
I have decided to have a 24 hour blogathon here to raise money for a charity. Would people be willing to sponsor me? The charity I'd like to donate money to is International Needs (IN) who work with the poor in many third world countries. I'd specifically like to give money to a project in Manilla Philippines to provide poverty stricken families with the means to earn an income.
I want to raise at least $400 (Australian - which is about $270US) which is needed as seed money to buy a 'pedicab' (its like a rickshaw). The pedicab is then given to a family for one year. Over that period the family uses the pedicab to earn income (usually a reasonable income) - they make payments to IN for the pedicab and over the year are able to pay it off completely. At the end of the year they own the asset outright and have an asset which they can use to earn income on an ongoing basis. This is usually enough to break the poverty cycle for this family.
IN then takes the initial seed money ($400AU) and does the same thing with another family. Each year the money funds another family.
I like the model because it gives people a way to work their way out of their circumstances in a very empowering way. I've met some of these families. I know this works.
Anyway - this is what I want to do - I will blog for 24 hours non stop (heaven help us) if readers will sponsor me.
I'll open a paypal account and post a mailing address. I'll get a running tally of donations, and keep you posted on the response from IN.
What do you think? Up for it? I'm after some idea if this is worth doing or not - feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email if you I should go ahead with it.
Just a quick note to say that I've been having email problems for a while now - it has escalated to a point where my normal address is not working at all.
So if you've sent me anything in the last week or so and havn't heard back from please don't think I'm ignoring you. It also means I have not been reading everyone's comments on this blog - sorry if I've ignored a question or comment.
I've decided to start using my other email address now so if you want to email me shoot it to darren AT livingroom.org.au - (replace 'AT' with @ of course)
World Idol was officially announced last week. The competition will be held over the Christmas - New Year holiday period.
Get up to date News from around the world news sources on WI here.
In preparation for the series I thought it might be fun to get to know the contestants a little. Here is a very short bio about each. Feel free to add your thoughts in comments - especially for those from non English speaking backgrounds who I had more trouble finding information for. Also let me know if you know of links to hear or see your favorites perform so we can get more of an idea of what they are like.
Here they are in the order of their current betting odds (favorite to least favorite) at My Betting:
Kelly Clarkson - USA - current odds 5/2. 21 year old Kelly (pictured left) was the original American Idol. She grew up in Texas. After winning Idol she released a double A side single Before Your Love/A Moment Like This which shot to number one. Since then she's released her debut album Thankful (review) and has been touring extensively world wide promoting her single Miss Independent. She is getting close to releasing her next single Trouble with Love is. Also check out Kelly Clarkson's official Site and a more detailed Biography. get samples of Kelly's music here
Will Young - UK - current odds 3/1 The original 'Idol' from the UK series Pop Idols, Will Young (pictured right) is a 24 year old originally from Berkshire. Before Idol he studies Politics. His debut album was From Now On which has sold over 850,000 copies. He also holds the record for 2nd highest selling single in the UK for Evergreen / Anything Is Possible.
Will has had a bit longer than other contestants to establish himself as an Idol and is being promoted in the British press as being a hot favorite to take our World Idol. His other singles include Don't Let Me Down, Light My Fire / Ain't No Sunshine / Beyond the Sea and Friday's Child.
Will Young's official site is here and here is a more detailed Bio (and another here). Please let me know of any links to him performing.
Guy Sebastian - Australia - current odds 6/1 - Guy (pictured left) is the most recent Idol having just won Australian Idol. He's 21 years old and from Adelaide in South Australia. Guy was a music teacher before Idol. He's just released his debut single Guy's Single - Angels Brought Me Here this and his debut album Just as I Am. His trademark is his 'Afro'.
Check out Guy's new official site or the Australian Idol - Guy Page. Here him sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow, What a Wonderful World and When Doves Cry. Get Guy's Single - Angels Brought Me Here
Heinz Winckler - South Africa - current odds 8/1. 25 year old Heinz (pictured right) was a law student before his Idol journey began. After winning Idols he released his debut single, 'Once in a lifetime' and a debut album, 'One Step Closer'.
Heinz's Winckler's official site is here and a more detailed bio is here. Please let me know of any links to him performing.
Alexander Klaws - Germany - current odds 8/1 - Alexander (pictured left) is 20 years old. He has released a number of singles since winning Idol including Take Me Tonight, "Stay With ME" and "Free Like The wind". He's also released an album - "Take Your Chance".
Also check out Alexander Klaws Official Site. Please let me know of any links to him performing.
Ryan Malcolm - Canada - current odds 10/1 Ryan is 24 years old and is from Kingston Ontario. Ryan is about to release his debut album Home on 9 December after the success of his single 'Something More'.
Check out Ryan's official site. Ryan has a fair bit of web presence - for example here is an interview with Ryan. Also download three of Ryan's songs here. (thanks Katya for the link).
Jamai Loman - Netherlands - current odds 10/1 - Jamai was only 16 years old when he won pop idol, he's now 17 and very popular in his home country. Since winning Idol his debut single Step Right Up went straight to number one and stayed there for 7 weeks. It was the fastest and biggest selling single since the 70's. His first album is 'Jamai'. (thanks to my new Dutch friends and ZlatkoT for the information!)
Jamai's official site can be found here - follow the 'pics/clips' link to audio and video of Jamai performing. Also listen to his Number 1 song from the finals here and listen to him sing Elton John's Your Song here.
Alicja Janosz - Poland - current odds 14/1 My Polish is non existent so all I can really gather at this point is that Alicja (pictured right) is 18 years of age and born in Pszczynie Poland.
Also check out Alicia's Bio and her official site. (All in Polish) Apparently there are some downloadable snippets of Alicjas songs here and also here.
Peter Evrard - Belgium - current odds 14/1 - Peter (pictured left) is one of the older World Idol competitors at 29 years of age. He's been singing with bands for years including a heavy Metal band Disobedient. His Debut single after idol was 'For You'.
Peter's official site is here. Peter Evard MP3s are here.
Kurt Nilsen - Norway - current odds 20/1 Kurt (pictured right) is 25 years old. From what I can put together he has two children. Kurt has a band called Fenrik Lane which are very popular in Norway.
I can't find an official site for him but Kurt's Fan Club is site is here. Let me know if you find his official site. Check out some of Kurt Nilson's Mp3's here
Diana Karazon - Lebanon - current odds 20/1 - 19 year old Diana (pictured left) won the Arab version of Idol - Superstar earlier in 2003. Diana is from Jordon and since winning Superstar has released a self titled Album.
Check out Diana Karazon's Official site. (its a good one - required Flash) You can listen to some of Diana's songs here.
Who do you think will win World Idol? What more can you add to these bios? Please refrain from personally attacking contestants or one another in comments - personal attacks and flaming will not be tolerated.
Get up to date News from around the world news sources on WI here.
Check out this site for more information on each competitor. Also check out this similar review of the idols and their lead up to World Idol.
UPDATE: Hi all - I'd like to thank you for your contributions to this topic. However having just read through the comments that have been left I have decided to disable the commenting features on this post indefinitely.
My reasons for doing this are these;
1. First and foremost I have been a little disturbed by some (its a minority) of the comments. Despite me asking for things to be kept civil in the comments you leave there have been a number of you who have been abusive in what you have written. The purpose of this article was to highlight the positive things about each of the competitors. Each have made it to the final on their own merits and in my books deserve some respect. This respect has not been shown by a number of comments here. I'm ashamed that it has been largely Australians and Guy supporters who have taken this approach. Can I suggest that you do Australia and Guy himself a disservice by being arrogant and abusive in writing of your support for him.
2. I can not keep up with the large amount of comments that this post is generating. Each comment ends up in my email inbox so that I can moderate it. I am a busy person.
3. The more comments the more my hosting costs. This site is not my job, it cost me more than it makes to keep it running. If someone wants to donate some money to me to cover it I'd be happy to set up a blog/forum specifically for this topic to be discussed. If you feel so moved to donate to help me cover some costs do so at this paypal button
I hope that I do not offend anyone by suspending comments, if you would like to talk to me about this or have any suggestions for information you'd like to see added to this post please feel free to email me. Thanks to those who have been sending me info and links - especially ZlatkoT, keep sending your ideas to me at darren AT livingroom.org.au
Finding good fresh content for your blog will make it more attractive to your readers. There are a number of great online tools that I have used to come up with up to date content that might be useful for others.
Let me say first up that the relevance of these tools will vary from blogger to blogger....
This blog tip on Content Tools has been relocated to Pro Blogger - Blog Content Tools
Here is a great article on Weblog Ethics.
The remainder of this blog tip has been moved to Pro Blogger - Blog Ethics
I'm watching the AFI (Australian Film Industry) Awards on TV as I write this. Its no academy awards thats for sure - but interesting. Japanese Story won best film.
Almost every person accepting an award made comment on how the Australian Federal Government is using culture as a bargaining chip in free trade talks with the United States.
'Filmmakers say their worst fears were borne out yesterday at a meeting with Federal Government officials, where it was confirmed that local content regulations for TV and new media will be traded-off and used to extract concessions in the free trade agreement.
"Australia has handed over its cultural policies to the United States, which effectively means our cultural policies will now be determined by the major US studios," said the executive director of the Australian Screen Directors' Association, Richard Harris.'
Also in the paper today regarding Australia/US relations at present is US hid vital war data from allies.
Thanks to Ganns from Super Blessed for my first ever blog award in the category of Most Enjoyable Male Christian Blog. Thanks Ganns for your kind words - thanks to the academy....sorry blogosphere.... for your votes - thanks to my parents who were responsible for making me a Male and therefore not up against Sue and Irene in the female category - and thank you to whoever invented this blogging thing in the first place - its a real hoot and I'm enjoying the journey immensely.
"The image of much contemporary christianity could be summarized as holy people coming regularly to a holy place on a holy day at a holy hour to participate in a holy ritual led by a holy man dressed in holy clothes for a holy fee. Since this regular performance-oriented enterprise called 'worship service' requires a lot of organizational talent and administrative bureaucracy, formalized and institutionalized patterns developed quickly into rigid traditions. Statistically, a traditional one or two hour 'worship service' is very resource hungry but produces very little fruit in terms of discipling people, i.e. in changing their lives. Economically, it is a 'high input, low output' structure. Traditionally, the desire to worship 'in the right way' has led to much deominationalism, confessionalism and nominalism. This not only ignores the fact that Christians are called to worship 'in spirit and in truth', rather than in cathedrals holding songbooks. It also ignores the fact that mots of life is informal, and so too is Christianity as 'the Way of Life'. Do we need to change from being powerful actors and start acting powerfully?"
Wolfgang Simson - Houses that Change the World
Today's quiet day went really well. We spent the morning alone in silent prayer and then the afternoon sharing our mornings with each other. Thanks to those who prayed for me today that I'd have a rich time - I did.
One of my colleagues started our morning off with a reflection using the metaphor of a 'river' to think about our lives. It launched me into a worthwhile couple of hours of contemplation.
I'm not going to share it all except that I felt led to Psalm 1 and found the imagery of the trees growing on the banks of the river to be a really encouraging and helpful image to think about where I am at and where the Living Room is also.
The passage talks about seasons of bearing fruit. This got me thinking about fruit trees. The amount of time in a year that they actually bear fruit isn't that great. The majority of the year is spent in preparation for the crop.
The sense I got from God today is that this past year has been a time of preparation for me and Living Room. Its been a time of putting down roots, of growing and forming. The fruit hasn't all come at once, but the work that we've been doing has been incredibly important for the season ahead.
A lot of what I sensed God saying today was about plugging into him - preparing for what is to come by building solid foundations etc. I'm not sure what is ahead for me and us as a group - but I am excited by the possibilities.
Every couple of weeks I get together with three or four other local baptist ministers for prayer and support of one another.
Today we're going on our quarterly quiet day/prayer retreat.
I'm really looking forward to spending the day at a local retreat center as life has been quite hectic lately with extra work/end of year pressures etc. I'm afraid my prayer life has probably suffered as a result. Isn't it easy to get to this point - I'm sure if you were to track my prayer life you'd notice a few things in times like these.
1. Less prayer in an overall sense
2. More telling and asking prayer
3. Less listening prayer
4. Less praying for others
5. More praying for me
I'm not proud of this list and confess it to you - perhaps I need to be kept a little more accountable in this area of my life.
Guy won. I have nothing left to say except to say thanks for your hardcore AI readers who've been stopping by my site and thanks to my regular readers for allowing me to post on the topic. Also congrats to Guy and Shannon who I'm told via email have both read some of these posts and their comments (I hope they are not too offended).
To sum up this series here is the complete collection of my Australian Idol reflections for 2003 in order of most recent to oldest (comment numbers in brackets as of 11pm today):
Keep up to date with season two of Australian Idol at Australian Idol Blog.
Tonight is the night that Australian Idol fans will find out who the winner will be.
Regular readers will note that I think Guy Sebastian should win - my personal opinion is that he is the better singer and performer. I don't mind Shannon but prefer Guy.
One thing that I have purposely not mentioned to this point is that Guy is a Christian. Early on in the series V and I had an inkling that perhaps he was but it was confirmed one night when they showed him worship leading in his church. (a rather large AOG church in South Australia called 'Paradise').
Since that time Guy has been questioned many times about his faith. He's been quoted as saying that the only book he's read is the bible (this was headlines in one magazine) - he's also talked about how he is still a virgin (again headlines and getting a lot of attention).
I think he's handled himself pretty well when it comes to talking about his Christianity. To my knowledge he's never used his exposure to bible bash anyone - his approach is very gentle on the topic. He shares about it like any of the other contestants have shared about anything in their lives that have been important to them. I respect his approach.
In the last three days I've received four separate emails (actually they are more like chain-mail emails) asking Aussie Christians to unite in support of 'our Guy'. I don't know the original writers of any of these emails - but they all are from Christian people (some from pastors) around Australia passionately urging us to forward the email to as many people as possible.
I feel uneasy about these emails. While I am not a 'Guy supporter' because of his faith (for me its his performing abilities) I admire the way in which he's been open, but not 'preachy' about his faith. However I worry that the pressure that Aussie Christians are putting upon him is unfair.
A lot of the language in these emails (and in conversations I've had with Christians) is very possessive. He's referred to as 'Our Guy' - its like he's been claimed or something.
I also worry that these emails talk about how Guy is a key to revival among young people in Australia. Ok - this may well be the case, perhaps God will use him in this way. But none of the authors of these emails have asked Guy about this. I wonder if Guy's expectations and hopes of his Australian Idol journey line up with some of the things I've been hearing people say about him. Perhaps he just wants to sing and expand musically?
I'm also a bit worried that if Guy wins that people will claim its because 'the Church' was dodgy in its support for him. These emails don't encourage people to vote for Guy if you think he's good - but vote for him because he's a Christian.
I understand that many Christians will be fans of Guy out of admiration of his talent and also because they feel some affinity with him on a faith level, I don't have a problem with that. I'm sure similar things can be said about Shannon (ie I know a lot of country people relate to him because he has that shared background - in fact I've heard of similar emails going around asking people to support Shannon the 'aussie battler). My concern isn't that people are partly basing their support upon shared life experiences as Guy and Shannon, but that the attitudes of Christians will place unnecessary pressure on Guy.
I've seen this happen many times before when sporting stars, TV personalities and musicians have been 'claimed' by the church as its new found saviour - only to see them crash and burn because they could not live up to those expectations.
Perhaps we should just let Guy be Guy and Shannon be Shannon and allow them to naturally do their thing and see what happens???
What do you think? (please be nice in comments - personal attacks will not be tolerated)
It was hot again today. Last I heard it hit 35.5 which is rather warm for November here - we don't usually heat up until January/February.
Of course to me it felt a little hotter than that because I was unloading electrical appliances in a warehouse (tin shed) where one of my colleagues measured the temperature at 44.6 at one point this afternoon.
I think I might go pass out in the bath (cold) for a while.
Last night at Living Room we continued our discussion on parties. We decided to have a Living Room Christmas Party.
Our hope is that it will be more than just an end of year breakup but that it will something of a Redemptive Party.
There are three main ways we want to be intentional about this:
1. We will be inviting those on the fringes of our group in an attempt to let our world collide a little. We hope this will help us to get to know one another's friends and allow us to explore more of what it is to do evangelism as a community and not just individuals.
2. There will be a simple reflection/worship experience for party goers to participate in at their convenience during the night. This will probably take the form of a candle lighting ritual (around the theme of the 'light of the world') and perhaps some reflections (both written and artistic) to be posted around the party rooms for party goers to be stimulated as they party.
3. Party goers will be invited to bring a gift for a child. These presents will be donated to a Melbourne organization that works with refugees, the poor and displaced people.
It is unlikely that there will be any formal time where the party will be stopped so that we can do anything planned corporately - rather its hoped that the above elements will enable the night to not only be fun but a meaningful and life giving experience to all concerned.
Interested in your thoughts.
Angels Brought Me Here was originally released by Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian. More recently it was sung by American Idol 4 finalist Carrie Underwood.
Update: Guy's Album Just as I Am is out. Get it here.
Here are the lyrics of Angels Brought me Here - Guy Sebastian's first single. Get Guy's Single - Angels Brought Me Here
Composed by Jörgen Elofsson and John Reid
It's been a long and winding journey
But I'm finally here tonight
Picking up the pieces
Walking back into the light
To the sunset of your glory
Where my heart and future lies
There's nothing like that feeling
When I look into your eyes
My dreams came true
When I found you
I found you
My miracle
If you could see what I see
You're the answer to my prayers
And if you can feel
The tenderness I feel
You would know
It would be clear
That angels brought me here
Standing here before you
Feels like I've been born again
Every breath is your love
Every heartbeat speaks your name
My dreams came true
Right here in front of you
My miracle
If you could see what I see
You're the answer to my prayers
If you could feel
The tenderness I feel
You would know
It would be clear
That angels brought me here
Brought me here to be with you
I'll be forever grateful
(Oh forever grateful)
My dreams came true
When I found you
My miracle
If you could see what I see
You're the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel
The tenderness I feel
You would know
It would be clear
That angels brought me here
(x 2)
Read Other Australian Idol links
Get Guy's Single - Angels Brought Me Here
update from Guy Sebastian Fans: Guy's New album is titled Just as I Am and will be released on December 7th!
The track listing according to BMG is
- Angels Brought Me Here
- So I
- Can You Stand The Rain
- No One Can Compare (To You)
- All I Need Is You
- What A Wonderful World
- My Beautiful Friend
- Something Don't Feel Right
- When Does Cry
- Just As I Am
- 3 Words
Tonight at Living Room we are continuing our series on The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) by looking at Mtt 5:13-16 (and maybe Mtt 17-20 if we get time).
The words 'You are the Salt of the World/Earth' have struck me afresh as I've contemplated the passage this morning in preparation. A number of things are buzzing around my little head:
1. We don't get any choice in the matter - we are Salt. The choice comes in how (and if) we express this saltiness.
2. We are the Earth/World's salt. Our relationship to the world is central to Jesus in this description.
3. Salt is useless unless it interacts with another substance. On its own it does very little. It cannot enhance food's flavor or preserve food (as it was used in Jesus day) unless it comes into contact with that food. As Salt we are useless unless we interact with our World (or as some have said - get out of the salt shaker).
4. My memory of chemistry is that salt is a stable compound that can't lose its 'saltiness' by itself. The only way it can lose it's taste is to be diluted and mixed with other compounds. (water, dirt...anything) The danger in 'interacting with our world' is that we become diluted as we mix into it.
5. As I look at how many Christians interact with the world today I wonder if many fall into two camps. Either they remain in the 'salt shaker' (or their holy huddles) and don't interact with the world they live in for fear of being contaminated or they become so mixed up with the world that they become somewhat diluted. Instead of having an impact on the world the world dominates them and they lose their saltiness. I guess balance is sometimes hard but so much of Jesus message calls for it.
Thoughts?
UPDATE
I really enjoyed tonight's discussion on Mtt 5:13-16 (yeah we only got through the four verses). Some really great things came out of our discussion - here are some of things we discussed:
In addition to the above we talked a lot about the struggle that all of us have to find that balance between losing our saltiness and removing ourselves from the 'earth' altogether. Its all very nice in theory but when it comes down to living it its bloody hard.
A few other things that came out of our discussion:
6. In the context Jesus was speaking into both salt and light were very valuable commodities. Salt was even used as currency and was seen in ancient Greek culture as divine. When we hear that we are 'salt and light' I think we miss some of the significance of what that means as we take both for granted.
7. Similarly both salt and light were essential components of life in Jesus day (as they are today). Those listening to Jesus would have known the implications of a life without access to them. Without salt they would not be able to preserve food - meat would rot within hours. To say to his followers that they were the salt and light of the world is actually to say to them that they are to play central roles in the world. He bestows on them (and us) an incredible honor, privilege and also responsibility.
8. When added to food salt gently permeates it and brings out the flavor of what is already there. When you serve up the meal you generally can taste the effect of the salt but would be pushed to identify where it is - you can't see it too much. Perhaps this is a model of how we should approach our world - mix through it - permeate - draw out the flavors and be a part of enhancing it.
Thanks for your comments so far - feel free to leave of your reflections.
Here is another worthwhile article on weblog design and layout from How to Save the World. His 9 main points are:
The remainder of this blog tip has been moved to Pro Blogger - Good Weblog Design and Layout.
With the upcoming release of Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King I've noticed a few Christians asking questions about the trilogy. Some ask about the religious symbolism in the movie, others are talking about Tolkien's understanding of faith and others are wondering whether Christians should go see it.
Following is a few Lord of the Rings links and books that attempt to answer some of these questions (and more) - enjoy.
Faith Journey Through Fantasy Lands
Lord of the Rings: Christian Myth at Work - At Islam Online
Lord of the Rings: Judeo Christian Ethics and Mythos
"Lord Of The Rings" Based On Christian Beliefs?
Finding the Lord, in 'Lord of the Rings'
Why The Lord of the Rings Is Dangerous
The Lord of the Rings: Christian or not?
Tolkien's Lord of the Rings: A Christian Classic Revisited
Lord of the Rings: Tolkien's Christianity - Lord of the Rings -- A Christian Classic?
The Lord of the Rings and the Christian Faith
Sacred Texts: Sources of Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings and Philosophy- One Book to Rule Them All (Book)
Does The Lord of the Rings Teach Salvation By Works?
The Lord of the Rings rooted in racism: Academic
Lord of the Rings Two Towers - Spiritual Connections
Tolkien's Lord of the Rings: Truth, Myth or Both?
Lord of the Rings - Return of the King Review
Did Tolkien Intend for Gandalf to Represent Christ?
Lord of the Rings - Fellowship of the Ring: Review at Hollywood Jesus
Frodo's Quest Inspires a Search for Allegory
I hope that there is something there that interests you - feel free to suggest your own links or comment on the questions raised in comments.
You may also be interested in a similar collection of links about the Matrix and also Harry Potter
If you have found this entry helpful helpful please consider making a contribution to help keep this site running.Richard Hall has started a Blog Wiki. No its nothing to do with Wicca....its a Wiki!
What's a Wiki? I'll let Richard describe it:
A Wiki is a collaboratively-edited website which many people also view as an anarchistic publishing tool. The distinguishing feature of wikis is that they typically allow really all users to edit any page, with full freedom to edit,change and delete the work of previous authors.
This Wiki is dedicated to discussing the topic of blogging - so check it out and contribute.
V and I saw a movie that was full of suspense, drama, humour and wonderful characters this afternoon. No it wasn't the Matrix — Keanu was no where to be seen.
The movie — documentary actually — was 'Spellbound' and it is an excellent piece of film-making about the high pressure world of Spelling Bee championships.
The clever documentary follows the lives of eight young 'Spellers' and gives the viewer an insight into their family life and preparation for the National Spelling Bee to be held in Washington DC.
I found the film fascinating — the young stars and their families couldn't have been much more diverse and showed a fascinating cross section of American society today. Let me introduce you to them:
First there was Angela who lives in Texas and is the daughter of an illegal immigrant ranch hand and his wife neither of whom speak any English. Her dad justifies his lack of English after 20 years in America by saying that 'he works with cattle, none of whom speak English either'.
Harry is an eccentric little fellow who doesn't stop talking. He pulls the most wonderful faces and occasionally breaks into 'musical robot' impersonations during his interviews.
April is a self proclaimed pessimist who in the lead up to the championships studied her dictionary 5-8 hours a day. She's pretty serious about the task at hand and is beautifully supported by parents who could have been taken out of many American sitcoms.
Neil is from a long line of champion spellers. His sister was a top 10 speller in previous years and his dad has his strategy all worked out — including paying 1000 people back home in India to chant matras for Neil during the competition.
Ashley is from Washington DC. She's the daughter of a single mum both of whom ooze with confidence until the championship starts. Like some of the others she's a bit of a loner — but boy can she spell.
Ted is a boy of few words but many brains. He too finds it hard to fit in with peers and seems to spend most of his time with his brothers playing with crossbows in the countryside outside his parents trailer. His older brother is more interested in guns and explosives than spelling.
Nupur is from Florida who beats three very funny boys in her local spelling bee to make the championships. She's of Indian background and really appreciates the opportunities that America offers her and her family. The spelling bee seems to encapsulate everything she likes about America.
Emily lives in suburban Connecticut placed 10th last year and she's back for more. Her mother makes the comparison between spelling bees and child abuse — a thought that stayed in my mind throughout the doco. Emily is a pretty well rounded, happy child from a pretty middle/upper class family.
Spellbound was pleasantly surprising film. I went to the cinema expecting a laugh (which I definitely got) but I also found myself drawn into the drama and suspense of the bizarre and quirky world of Spelling Bees. I'd rate it as among the best films I've seen this year. 4.5stars out of 5.
Meet the Contestants for World Idol
Get the Latest World Idol News Here
World Idol will be held and televised around Christmas time this year.
There have been rumors floating around for a while about world idol but now it seems to be a reality.
Australian Newspapers announced World Idol earlier this week. They announced:
'In the show, British winner Will Young will take on American Idol Kelly Clarkson and another nine winners.
The two-part special is to be staged in London and broadcast around the world, the first part going out "in late December".
Viewers in each country will choose the winner through a phone vote with the results broadcast over New Year.'
This takes 'Reality TV' to a whole new Global level.
There are a whole heap of articles springing up about it including:
- 'World Idol' airdates set
- World Idol Smackdown Coming Christmas Day
- Clarkson favourite for 'World Idol' win
- "Idol" worship in Christmas Day
- World Idol is Definitely a Go
- Will Young to take on international Idol winners
- The World's a stage for Idol
- World Idol Coming During the Holiday Season
- BIG 'IDOL' SHOWDOWN ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT
- Get ready for 'World Idols'
- Will limbers up for World Idol
- Kelly Clarkson To Vie For Title Of 'World Idol'
- Will v The World as Pop Idol goes global
- Canadian champ to compete for World Idol titl
- Pop Idols tackle global showdown
- World Idol show airs on holidays
- Heinz eyes the global stage
- ‘World Idol’ May Air in December
- 'World Idol' competition planned for holiday season, with eleven 'Idols' and world-wide voting
- Idols take on the World
Meet the Contestants for World Idol - includes photos and short bios
Australian Idol is almost over. Wednesday is the final show. After that this site can return to normal. The question on every Aussie idol fan's lips is - 'who will win?' Will it be Guy Sebastian or will it be Shannon Noll?
Since I started posting on the topic we've had about 7500 hits on my Aus Idol pages and have 396 comments on them. I thought I'd wade through them and see who the favorite is based on them. Each person only got one vote (ie double or triple commenters only got counted once). The results of this little polls were
GUY 63%
Shannon 37%
This is also reflected in this poll.
Maybe thats a hint of things to come?
The University of Wisconsin is running a Course on Blogging next year. Check out the open source syllabus and add your own thoughts. There are some great links there already.
The Evangelical Outpost is doing some analysis of the Top 10 Bloggers in the Ecosystem. He has come up with 9 things you can do to become a Top 10 Blogger. Its an interesting post - here are his headings.....
This post has been moved to Pro Blogger - How to be a Top 10 Blogger
Australia 22 - New Zealand 10
Home forwards show spark as they douse Kiwi fire
At last the Wallabies stand up
Just read an excellent reflection by Karen - Raw Faith about the idea of 'Church'. Karen is a 'new-er' Christian and has a fresh style of writing that gets you thinking. She sums up very well what a lot of us struggle with when it comes to Church. Here's her first paragraph:
'Well, I'm having another spiritual crisis. As a new-er Christian you can probably set your watch, or at least your sundial, by my spiritual crises. Five months into her walk? She's processing through the whole is God a man or a woman thing, right? Eight months into her walk? She thinks she wants to be a priest right? One year into her walk? She's thinking of going back to atheism, right? Two and a half years into her walk? She doesn't get church, right? Right' Read more
However today I got to wondering what life would be like if I was PRO SPAM? If instead of filtering out and deleting those annoying emails I actually followed their recommendations what would my life be like?
In looking at the last two days emails I've begun to get a picture of the answer to that question.
Finances
I would be RICH! Firstly if I had any debt - my friendly 'Christian Debt Relief Company' would help me out. Once that is sorted I'd have no end of ways of making millions of dollars in 'no risk investments'. Share trading online could make me millions, so could learning the skill of illustration for Children's Books for which I would enroll in a course for.
Of course investing is not the easiest way to make money because today i received an email from a nice Nigerian Barrister (who was recently converted by Benny Hinn) who has $10,000,000.00 (US) to donate to a Christian Ministry willing to give him all their contact and banking details. Strangely enough I got almost a word for word email from a very nice Kuwaiti woman yesterday.
Oh and of course if I sent a kind gentleman $25 I would soon have thousands of other people sending me $25 from all over the world also - its guaranteed to earn me $71,000 in just five years.
I'd own a brand new laptop (with 1995 specifications), I would have free cable television I would be buying Mini Remote Control Cars & Boats for all my family and friends for Christmas, I would own a brand new Transcendent and funk-filled Zen Bhuddist CD and I would have a great collection of Hustler magazines including all the back issues I don't already have in my collection.
Lifestyle
My life would be hassle free and exciting! What an amazing array of experiences and services spam offers. One of the biggest changes in my life would be that I would have a three foot long penis! (after the 12 or so procedures I'd have to follow) Not only that but my orgasms would be enhanced and my Libido would be elevated.
I'd have a brand new 'Christian T-shirt' and could win $1000 for my youth group, I could get a Bachelor degree, Masters or PhD without attending any classes or doing any exams, I would be in a 'prayer relationship' with a Kenyan man who will only charge me $100US for the privilege and I could get my colon cleaned.
Lastly I would be friends with some very nice young ladies including Candy, Bindy, Sandy, Randy, Lindy, Barbie, Shelly and Matilda who are all keen for me to have a look at some of their photos. Must be some holiday snaps.
