wishes

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Your comments here

What would you like to see at Coffeegrind in 2006?

At the start of 2005, I revamped the look but this time I want to ask you, the reader, would you like a change of pace or topic to go with your coffee?

your thoughts please.......

Current read & listen

Decided to read & listen to something different just to expand my interests & world........

Currently listening to The Veld's self titled ep - these guys are from Central Coast, NSW, Australia, have signed up for distribution through Sony BMG & the singer is 15 I believe?! (not my usual style, but enjoying a few songs).........

also reading "Phaic Tan" a Jet Lag travel destination parody guide by the team of Working Dog who brought us the movie "The Castle"& "The Panel" tv show. It's a knee-slapper!



What are you reading or listening to?

Samurai

Have been taking some time out over the Christmas break.....have been shopping, doing some Sudoku, drawing some manga (particularly samurai) & tonight I think I may watch the first episode of Samurai 7 (an anime inspired by Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai, 1954)

Would love to hear from people who either watch or draw anime/manga

Merry Christmas Coffeegrinders

light blogging.....apologies.....hope I still have some readers *gulp*

A new year awaits...................... love, peace & best wishes to all

This Christmas, remember that Jesus didnt remain a baby in a nativity scene

and Fear Santa! LOL

Apology

I would like to use this communication channel to publicly (globally) say that I am sincerely sorry for my thoughts, words & deeds on/thru the internet that may have offended anybody.

Particularly, today I felt convicted about a thread that I posted on several times on another persons blog 11 months ago. I re-read it today & regardless of POV & who is right, I didnt like the "tone" or the heart behind what I was reading.

I ask God to forgive me but I also thought it was appropriate to use this same type of forum to say sorry to the (internet) world.

Matt 26:28 (MSG) - "This is my blood, God's new covenant poured out for many people for the forgiveness of sins."

Melbourne

I'm off to Melbourne next month.......the band I am managing has won thru to the grand final of a battle of the bands comp.....if any Coffeegrinders are up for a coffee, let me know

HAPPY BLOG BIRTHDAY!!!

WOW! Coffeegrind is 1 year old! Thanks to all of the Coffeegrinders, lurkers and commenters. Thanks for the encouragement. When I tried this out a year ago I never knew how richer my life would become by making friends from around the globe.

What a year! A year of overcoming, moving forward, great victories, slayed giants & seeing young people give their lives to Christ, grow in their leadership abilities and reach out to others in practical ways.

(Sorry I havent posted regularly lately......please keep in touch - you are appreciated)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Big Exoday

The Big Exoday is on tomorrow! I have organised a bus to take a crowd of youth there. It is going to be awesome.

I have people still asking for seats on the bus - a good problem to have!

See you on the other side of it. Have a mug & don't forget to smile!

Consistency

Exodus 27:21 MSG "In the Tent of Meeting, the area outside the curtain that veils The Testimony, Aaron and his sons will keep this light burning from evening until morning before GOD. This is to be a permanent practice down through the generations for Israelites."

A consistency needs to be built in my own life ( a lifestyle pleasing to God) so I can hand a HOT baton onto the next generation.

Keep the fire burning!

Parts of the whole

Exodus 26:6 MSG - "Then make fifty gold clasps and join the tapestries together so that The Dwelling is one whole"

1 Cor 12:12 MSG - "You can easily enough see how this kind of thing works by looking no further than your own body. Your body has many parts--limbs, organs, cells--but no matter how many parts you can name, you're still one body. It's exactly the same with Christ."

"Teamwork makes the dream work" - John C. Maxwell

We are Rock stars!

Matthew 5:14-16 MSG "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand--shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."

1 Cor 10:4 MSG - "They drank from the Rock, God's fountain for them that stayed with them wherever they were. And the Rock was Christ."

Reflect the light of Christ - be a Rock star!

Giants

Happy Anniversary!

It's our 3rd wedding anniversary today! Can you feel the love?

Revival

Revive def.

1. To bring back to life or consciousness; resuscitate.
2. To impart new health, vigor, or spirit to.
3. To restore to use

There is a great discussion going on about revival over at Phil Baker.

Any thoughts in the context of a youth group or church?

A Jesus View

When we are faced with a giant in our life or a challenging circumstance, we sometimes struggle with it because we are simply in "it".

You would have heard how its good to get an opinion of an independent party who is outside the situation or to even look at the bigger picture for the solution.

How about a "Jesus View"?

Psalm 110:1 (MSG) - "The word of GOD to my Lord: "Sit alongside me here on my throne until I make your enemies a stool for your feet."

From where He is seated, things look clearer. The good news is that we can consult He who has this view. We can talk to Him in prayer & we can read His Word. A murky worldview clouded by the circumstance or a Jesus view?!

Neglected blog

Busy time.....and purposely also trying to spend time with family.......5 salvations last weekend at the new youth experience we started about 7 weeks ago!......doors opening up in the community.....good reports soon.....thanks to you all for continually dropping by even when there was nothing fresh......I hope to blog something inspiring over the weekend....love & peace

For granted

Don't take things for granted, it gives the devil an opening. Don't become too familiar. Appreciate what is right in front of you

Tribe Last Night

At Tribe last night, we discussed John C. Maxwell's 5 Levels of Leadership - Position, Permission, Production, People Development, Personhood.

We also had 5 new guys pop in which was cool. Wonder what everyone thought of it?

Current Read

"Winning With People" - John C. Maxwell

Faith quote

"Faith is an attitude that laughs at impossibilities"
- Phil Pringle, Hillsong Conference, Sydney, 2005

Isaiah 58:10-14 (MSG)

If you are generous with the hungry

and start giving yourselves to the down--and-out,

Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,

your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.

¹¹I will always show you where to go.

I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places--

firm muscles, strong bones.

You'll be like a well-watered garden,

a gurgling spring that never runs dry.

¹²You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew,

rebuild the foundations from out of your past.

You'll be known as those who can fix anything,

restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate,

make the community livable again.

¹³"If you watch your step on the Sabbath

and don't use my holy day for personal advantage,

If you treat the Sabbath as a day of joy,

GOD's holy day as a celebration,

If you honor it by refusing "business as usual,'

making money, running here and there--

¹⁴Then you'll be free to enjoy GOD!

Oh, I'll make you ride high and soar above it all.

I'll make you feast on the inheritance of your ancestor Jacob."

Yes! GOD says so!

Isaiah 54:14-17

"In righteousness you will be established:
Tyranny will be far from you;
you will have nothing to fear.
Terror will be far removed;
it will not come near you.

If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing;
whoever attacks you will surrender to you.

"See, it is I who created the blacksmith
who fans the coals into flame
and forges a weapon fit for its work.
And it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc;

no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
and this is their vindication from me,"
declares the LORD."

Hillsong Conference Experience Day 5

Friday was awesome.....I randomly met with some more people that I knew - how cool.......Today I went to sessions by Bobbie Houston (Cultivating an irrestible response to the goodness of God), Gary Clarke (Mighty men of David - 2 Samuel 23) and Gary Clarke/Donna Crouch (How to make dynamic services 52 weeks of the year)......more soon....love & peace

Hillsong Conference Experience Day 4

Today was a short one for me due to coming home early to pick up my daughter......still a great time invested......Reinhard Bonnke preached about (have a guess) souls!!!!......Joyce Meyer preached on "Being yourself & not going beyond your anointing".......then I attended Brian Houston's session on your answer to the question in Psalm 24:8-10 "Who is the King of glory?" impacting your life, church, fruitfulness, attitude, outlook, prayer, etc......more tomorrow : )

Hillsong Conference Experience Day 3

Wow! Top day all round!......I saw people that I hadnt seen in years (1 that I didnt even know was following Jesus!)...this was happening in little groups all throughout the day, it was so emo.....I also got to have a few words with John Maxwell & thank him for his ministry.......Joyce Meyer spoke on Confidence......Jack Hayford brought a prophetic word from Exodus 3......John Maxwell taught how to prioritise & adding value to people.......Gary Clarke & Donna Crouch did a session about our purpose determining all of our processes at church......I attended the Shine afternoon tea & was the only bloke there, but I am glad I went cos my wife is getting vision about starting this locally so I got to take some info & inspiration back to her (& its all youth related anyway)....God loves people, so love what He loves!......I then left early to get back for our Tribe (youth connect group) & State of Origin (go the Blues, go Hindmarsh, go Tahu!!!!) Awesome day!

Hillsong Conference Experience Day 2

Today was excellent for me.....I have heard a few negatives in the "crowd" regarding other delegates being rude & ushers being "pushy" (Hope I wasnt rude to anyone).......Brian Houston opened today's preaching with Psalm 23 & Overflow......I then took notes at John Maxwell's session on "5 Levels of Leadership" which reinforced stuff from his books that I have read, but can honestly type that it was well worth it & I needed it!..............I finally started the youth flavour of my conference experience by attending 2 youth electives - first was Phil Dooley teaching about dreaming really big & Ephesians 3:20 then Scott Samways teaching on thinking bigger than what you see - awesome stuff, lots of keys to use!!!!!!.....went home before night session to be with my daughter as my wife had to work unusually late tonight & our son is spending school holidays at Grandma's.....more soon....appreciate comments from lurkers & conference delegates : )

Hillsong Conference Experience Day1

I went to the 5pm opening.....James Morrison on trumpet, Nubian Gents dancing, Hillsong music team & preaching by Jack Hayford on Genesis 15:1-6......a great opening to STRENGTH......I'm wondering what people thought of NSW Premier Bob Carr's address.....any comments?

Hillsong Conference

Here it comes....next week.....annual leave....its my third Hillsong Conference after 1998 & last year......1998 was when I first learnt from Dr John C. Maxwell & he is back again this year.....after 12 years of leading youth I am finally attending the Youth elective!......I should blog the whole experience live next week but I won't promise anything as it may end up light instead!....I will be sure to get something up but it may not be the same day

Alice Cooper on "Enough Rope" (TV)

Here is the transcript of Alice Cooper on "Enough Rope with Andrew Denton" on Australian TV last week

From defiled to defined

This is the basis of what I am presenting on Sunday......any thoughts, comments or illustrations would be appreciated

Defile def. make filthy, dirty, unclean, unfit, violate

Define def. give meaning to, form

Re-define def. give a new definition to (Grace!)

Daniel 1:11-15 "Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food."

LTG

Today is the start of our LTG (Life Transformation Group).....we are meeting for coffee/breakfast & accountability....it's a group of 3 & we will ask each other a set of Character Questions & also pray together for some salvations - awesome!

I see this as being a stretch as far as time goes, but I see value in being held accountable so I am making room. As John Maxwell says " You have to give up to go up"

"You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another" - Prov 27:17 MSG

Quote - Cynics

"Nobody ever built a statue to a cynic" - Mal Fletcher

Quote - Dreams

"The poor man is a man without a dream" - Henry Ford

I Heart Youth with Action

This week.....a young girl from a small town south west of Sydney catches fire at a party......she is transferred to the burns unit of a hospital north of Sydney.....2 school girls make the long trek one week night to the hospital.......deliver the girl a basket of chockies, fake flowers, girly stuff etc......touch the hearts of other school girls & the parents......the father tears up - he is experiencing love in action......champion girls who bring an experience of what they believe not just talking it up......they are verbs.....they are authentic....onya girls! : )

Don't be caught napping!

"Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping." - 1 Peter 5:8 (MSG)

"When he came back to his disciples, he found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, "Can't you stick it out with me a single hour?" - Matt 26:40 (MSG)

To Satan

"The Devil who deceived them will be hurled into Lake Fire and Brimstone, joining the Beast and False Prophet, the three in torment around the clock for ages without end."

- Revelation 20:10 (MSG)

Imagine

"That's why we have this Scripture text:

No one's ever seen or heard anything like this,

Never so much as imagined anything quite like it--

What God has arranged for those who love him"

- 1 Cor 2:9 (MSG)

Busy weekend

Wow! It was non stop but I enjoyed it.......Friday night we went straight from work, taking one of our youth to a "Generational Evening" at our Sydney church.....then Saturday I was at the Uni being trained up to be a youth coach from 8am-7pm, then off to the Bistro for a 8pm dinner with friends......Sunday I was back at Uni from 9am-5pm for more youth coach training, then off to Youth Church (which also started at 5pm) to speak on Acts 2.
.......now it's Monday morning & I am looking for more fun..........

"Some Things Never Change" Bride song

Lyrics by Dale Thompson. Performed by Bride.

Here's some lyrics from the song......

"I believe in incarnation, virgin birth & jubilation
I believe in restoration, eternal life & celebration
Spirit filled intoxication, it is not imagination
Genesis & revelation, pray for His acceleration
Don't believe in suffocation, can't you hear my demonstration
Not brainwashed indoctrination, give us strength in tribulation
Knows our thoughts & situations, there's one hope & one salvation
It is for our generation, God is high for exaltation"

Love it!

Another Hillsong Conference 04 quote

Here's another one from my notes from last year, in anticipation of this year's conference

"God only has one gear - forward!" - Joyce Meyer (Hillsong Conference 04)

Quote - Order & Pay

"Whatever our spirit orders, our soul has to pay for" - Paul Scanlon (last year's Hillsong Conference)

Current read/listen

Its a read but also a listen! Listening to "All Marketers Are Liars" by Seth Godin (read by the author)

Speaking

Last night I spoke to youth about "Upsizing your life"........this Sunday the topic is "Be transformed by the removal (oops, renewing!) of your mind"

fun times!

Castle

We just returned from the trip I previously blogged about. Besides picking up a Commodore SV6 with 9kms on the clock, this was one of the highlights of which there was many.....spending a night in a castle on 4000 acres 35 kms from everything!

Cheezu

Quote - Demon dogs

"Demon dogs hunt in packs" - Steve Penny

GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!! He shoots - He scores!

Thanks to all my supporting readers & encouraging friends. Special mention to my wife, Pastor Bill, and Francesca & Judit @ Sureslim - you all helped spur me onto the top of the mountain!!!

Cheezu

Batons - Next Generation

(thanks to Mitchell who prompted this @ Youth last night)

It is my responsibility & desire to hand over a hot baton - not a cold one.

"Don't hand over something dead & tired. Hand over something valuable" - Darlene Zschech

Random thoughts: REDemption

REDemption, REDeemed
Red - Blood - Chi - Life
Gen 3:15 - Snake head crusher - the crucifixion - leading to new life! we are redeemed because of this selfless act of love! : )

Absolutes

"Absolutes - we absolutely need them!" - Ps. Bill Kirby

Trip

Our new car is ready, only catch is that it is in Queensland. So as an early anniversary, my wife & I are flying to Brisbane to collect the car & drive it back.

Secret is that I have booked us into a castle for dinner,bed & breakfast (pretty safe to blog it cos she doesnt read blogs, dont tell ok ssh!)

My wife loves that whole scene of castles, the UK etc so I was so happy to find it & book in.

It's gonna rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Conference

Today I am off to our Pastors & Leaders Conference with my Senior Pastors. It's gonna be so cool to hang with them today. We are also going to be having lunch on a cruise on Sydney Harbour! That's gold!

One week to go!

Today I weighed in at 81.1kgs - lost 0.9kgs this week.....so 1.1kgs til goal, down from 115kgs 6 mths ago! .........so close.....aah : )

Lost & Found

In Luke 2:49, Jesus' parents had lost him. Where was he found? In church! Doing His Father's business!

Where are you & I found?

Place our lives before God

^{ROMANS 12 (MSG) - " 1}So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. ²Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

³I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

⁴In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. ⁵The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, ⁶let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.

If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; ⁷if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; ⁸if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face. ⁹Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. ¹⁰Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

¹¹Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, ¹²cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. ¹³Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

¹⁴Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. ¹⁵Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. ¹⁶Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

¹⁷Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. ¹⁸If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. ¹⁹Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

²⁰Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. ²¹Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good."

Spectacular

Anything less than spectacular is a waste of time!

Smile!

"A man without a smiling face must not open a shop" - Chinese Proverb

..............smile!!!!!!!!!!! : )

Current meditation

What I am pondering right now ----->
(comments encouraged & welcomed)

"Turning my potential into potency"

The Day of Miracles Never Ceases

Today we got the call from Wales......a good report......Sarah (my wife's brother's wife) is pregnant!!!.......I blogged that prayer point some time ago re: the years waiting to conceive- thanks for your prayers......after growing up as an only child I could never imagine hearing "Uncle Jason" LOL......We are just seeing so much breakthrough right now - how icebox!

Grace ...

....redefines

A brand new bursting out

Isaiah 43:18-19 (MSG) - "Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands."

Start preparing the celebration party

I weighed in today at 83.9kgs.......that was a loss of 1.6kgs for the last 7 days.......a total loss of 31.1kgs since December 04............3.9kgs to goal!.......WOOHOO

Coffee calories

Over at News.com.au I read the following -

"Choice surveyed major cafe chains including Starbucks, where a coffee frappucino contains 1445kJ, McCafe, where an iced coffee delivers 1704kJ and Gloria Jean's, which sells the creme brulee with 1872kJ."

I knew it! Stick with Starbucks. I have noticed from my diet that removing milk from my many cups of coffee each day has had a huge impact on my waistline. Something in this! Creme Brulee's are a treat not an every day meal.

Recipriocity

I have been thinking about recipriocity. I heard some audio of Robert Cialdini talking about it in the context of influence. He mentioned the importance of doing something for somebody first instead of doing it in response to someones action.

Whatever "name" you want to call it (giving, generosity, sowing & reaping, karma etc), I think it is a great thing to build into your life & mine.

What can you & I do today to build up somebody's life? to encourage? to invest? who can you help? Give first.

"When we begin to forget ourselves by reaching out to others, a spirit of usefulness and encouragement invades our lives" - John Maxwell

The boys

My wife & daughter have gone south for a "girly" conference for a few days......right now I am podcasting/Godcasting outside under the pergola in the beautiful autumn sunshine......our 6 year old & I are going to have some "bloke times" this week as we fulfil all his action- fantasy adventures (well not quite! but we will have fun)......I am sure there will be a trip to Krispy Kremes in there, a wrestle, some footy, some Playstation challenges, Daddy's cooking (look out!), & some spontaneous car rides with no planned destination.....it's like a holiday at home!

Flamin' Habanero

We went to the Appin Market today & the Chilli Factory had a stall there.

My wife bought me Turbo Supercharge, which is a Habanero Paste. They rank it 10++/10. We came home & I had it on my lunch. It was good - the lips were starting to numb, but there was no hiccupping, gagging or sweats.

(Their website has a few laughs on it too)

Totally Wild - Noodling

It's Noodling!

Check out the movie clip for more info.

WILD!

Rugby Ebay Google?

A mature aged techno-phobe today suggested that Rugby Union results can be found by visiting ebay.....did he mean Google?......or even here

Test Audioblog

hope this works

* thanks to Levitikus for hosting the file

UPDATE - It worked! So, please let me know......do you want to read me , hear me or a bit of both? Feedback is encouraged....love & peace

Tech advice needed

Sorry for the lite blog readers.....I really need some user-expert advice......I am trying to set up a digital element to a new building with limited budget......here is the scenario - 3 rooms on the one level (an office, a sound room & a dark room).......the current office computer in the old building has died......I am thinking of obtaining 3 machines (1 for each room) that are capable of web/admin tasks & of course sound & picture stuff.

Have been checking out Apple cos they are offering iLife suite preloaded which has the sound & pic stuff on it.....has anyone got any thoughts? used it?......the idea is that youth will come and learn the software, create their own songs, movies, etc & do the entire thing from production to cover art/jewel case displays etc.......ultimately I am saying what should I use? thanks in advance.....love & peace

Rugby League & Faith

Good article I read today - "If rugby union is the game they play in heaven, God has not forsaken rugby league, with ever more players drawing inspiration from their faith......."

read more over at Sydney Morning Herald

Current read

"Who says elephants can't dance? - Inside IBM's Historic Turnaround" - Louis V. Gerstner Jr.

Nearly at goal!

Weight loss........lost 30kgs - 5 to go! woohoo!

I am so pumped about this.....what is interesting is that I think it has worked cos of the "built in" accountability......why couldnt I do this before?.......why is it that I blogged my weekly weigh ins & text it to friends as soon as I jumped off the scale & then it worked!!!! hmmm.....

Christian Youth forum...

(link)

notes - "Location, Location" - Bill Kirby 24/4/05

We have changed our address in Christ.

*change of household - Eph 2:19
*change of nationality - 1 Peter 2:9
*change of terrestrial location - Heb 11:13-16
*change of environment (surroundings, conditions, influences)
The 3 greatest environmental changes -

1. Adamic age - Gen 3:16-19
2. Noachian age - Gen 7:1
3. Christian age - Luke 4:18-19

*our transformation - Romans 12:2

*our focus - 2 Cor 4 :18

*countenance changes - Exodus 34:29, Matt 17:1-2

*Stephen's change - Acts 6:15

*change your image - 2 Cor 3:18

*global change - 2 Peter 3:7

*life change - John 5:24

Blowfish

Blowfish (fugu) is only prepared by licensed chefs in Japan & the USA who have studied under a sushi master for a very long apprenticeship.

The various organs of the blowfish contain a dangerous toxin. Ingestion of even a few milligrams will result in paralysis & death in about 15 minutes.

Get Behind Me Satan

This is the title of the forthcoming CD from The White Stripes.

"Jack describes this record as an exploration of "characters and the ideal of truth."Track listing for Get Behind Me Satan is: 1.Blue Orchid 2. The Nurse 3. My Doorbell 4. Forever For Her (Is Over For Me) 5. Little Ghost 6. The Denial Twist 7. White Moon 8. Instinct Blues 9. Passive Manipulation 10. Take, Take, Take 11. As Ugly As I Seem 12. Red Rain 13. I'm Lonely (But I Ain't That Lonely Yet)" -via

Gig part deux

the last 2 nights went well.......both were approx 140 ppl at each......early reporting reveals we may break even on the event...more soon

Gigs

Light blogging - I am in the middle of my event of 4 nights of rock for Youth Week.....opening night we had 200 youth......last night we had 70 youth & the equipment died AAAAAAAAARGH!........2 nights to go......catch up with you soon.....love & peace

Jezebel - notes

Killing off the Lord's prophets (1 Kings 18:4).........450 prophets of Baal & 400 prophets of Asherah eat at Jezebel's table (1 Kings 18:19).........death threat to Elijah (1 Kings 19:2)

note Rev 2:20

False prophets, false authority, false direction

Manifest in sexual, leadership, political & economic circles.

Thought snackage

Don't let circumstances determine your commitment. Let your commitment determine your circumstances.

Lead out of action, not reaction. Lead out of vision & revelation.

Scremo Punk band

Another adventure in my "portfolio" of youth is that as of yesterday I am now a manager of a 4 piece scremo punk band!!!! ROCK N ROLL!!!!!!!!!

They have a gig tonight at the local high school.......then playing in a band comp at the Campbelltown Show on Sunday......and playing in Youth Week before preparing to record a new CD.

If you are booking any events & need a scremo punk band for your bill - let me know. All gig enquiries welcome!

UPDATE: They won the band comp today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Easter Show

Light blogging lately : ( Yesterday I was part of a Japanese teenage delegation trip to the Sydney Royal Easter Show.....we broke up into groups & I led 3 boys around the place.....here is one of them walking around in his new mask!......they were in awe of many things like the size of a Clydesdale, things we take for granted. Great day out! A dirty job but someone's gotta do it!


Cheezu

Tennis

Well, my body passed the test.....my wife & I beat our exchange student & another teenager 6-0 6-2 6-2 to take the inaugural Easter Classic Championship.....I even served up a few aces! : ) This was the first time that my wife & I had ever played tennis together.

White Stripes?

Usually listen to P&W or metal....yeah I know thats a wide range...today I thought I would expand my listening boundaries & have been checking out some tracks by White Stripes, The Hives & The Vines......any thoughts on these or others?

recommendations?

Exchange student

2 days until our exchange student Mut-chan arrives from Japan. She is coming out with a delegation as part of our sister city relationship. SUGOI NE!!!!!!!!

Our son lost his first tooth eating grapes!

Cheezu

Weighed up

Results just in.....now at 92kgs (from 115kgs at Dec 04)......awaiting results from repeat cholesterol test.....I was at mid risk.....will post result soon......playing tennis on Easter Monday public holiday for first time in years......let's see how this new body can handle the court LOL

Get stuffed!

capsicum stuffed with cabbage, mushrooms, onion, squash, sweet yellow chili & served with a tender chicken breast, and a nectarine

Cheezu

Of God or man!?

Acts 5:38-39 (MSG)

"If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it--and you better not be found fighting against God!"

168 hours a week

We all get 168 hours a week!

Ecclesiastes 9:11 - "The race is not to the swift
or the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
or wealth to the brilliant
or favor to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all. "

Choose

Deut 30:15-20 (MSG) -

"Look at what I've done for you today: I've placed in front of you
Life and Good. Death and Evil. And I command you today: Love GOD, your God. Walk in his ways. Keep his commandments, regulations, and rules so that you will live, really live, live exuberantly, blessed by GOD, your God, in the land you are about to enter and possess.
But I warn you: If you have a change of heart, refuse to listen obediently, and willfully go off to serve and worship other gods, you will most certainly die. You won't last long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.
I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love GOD, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself, a long life settled on the soil that GOD, your God, promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."

Hot stuff

Reading about tabasco, cayenne, jalapeno, chipotle, salsa etc.....stuff that I love to eat.....great properties for the body.......today I found about Scoville Heat Units (SHU) - a scale developed nearly 100 years ago for measuring "hotness" of these foods......hottest is the Habanero red Savinas pepper......going to check out what it does to endorphins & then hit the market

Parable of the Sower

Does the sower chase the birds away? NO. If he did, he would stop sowing! .....hmmm

Quote - Temple

"Your body is a temple of God - treat it like a temple, not a woodshed" - Ted Broer

Quote - Vision

"Goals can be energising when you win. But a vision is more powerful than a goal. A vision is enlivening, it's spirit-giving, it's the guiding force behind all great human endeavours.

Vision is about shared energy, a sense of awe, a sense of possibility"

- Benjamin Zander, conductor, Boston Philharmonic Orchestra

Podcasting

Podcasting allows people to subscribe to automatically download audio files for listening at a convenient later time by means of software. Cool for presentations/speeches/sermons

Have been checking it out.....only on the computer though.....haven't put any files on the iPod

check out www.ipodder.org

Blog lite

Light blogging....sorry....very busy....run down....daughter teething (see previous post)....no excuse......weighed in today @ 94kgs even.....still losing...YAY!.......might be going to the NRL first round game on Sat night @ Tesltra Stadium (Parramatta v Wests)......hey thanks all for dropping by even when its a light blog.....I am curious about some of the domains of lurkers & seeing where you are reading me from.....would love to know more - please comment or email sometime ....love & peace

Power nap

Daughter is teething....unsettled....here we are finally relaxed

Cheezu

Wisdom

Acumen & common sense & discernment & savvy....some definitions but can you really box & market wisdom?!

hmmm......to use what we already know is a good start but to also aim for continued growth & development is another (be teachable)......but yeah I don't have a clue....don't want to try & pigeonhole it - is it the REAL X FACTOR?!

Chili

Today my wife picked the first (and second) chilis off our plant at our house......yummy ; )

Fasting News Article

Read this article on news.com.au this morning about a study on fasting.

20 in 3

Weight loss update........1st Dec 04 I weighed in at 115kgs........1st March 05 I weighed in at 95kgs YEAH!

Hillsong CD live recording

To respond to a previous comment.....the Hillsong CD live recording experience was fantastic......we had the kids babysat......drove to Hills campus & got on the bus......the host on our bus was a fun guy & kept us entertained.....he also handed out chocolate.....my wife was blessed due to my diet!.....The Revelation "warmed us up" with an interactive lesson in clapping, a drummer & singer comp & a chronological "discovery" of Darlene's lift.......recording was awesome......knew the songs from being there over the past year which made it very easy to participate......i wonder how visitors got on with that.......for Coffeegrinders reading from overseas get ready for a great release which I guess will be available in July @ Hillsong Conference

New Youth Ministry

I was part of Vision Sunday yesterday & presented the vision for the youth.......we are having a fun time imagining future possibilities......to avoid just "fluff & buzz words" we are getting down to business & will be having a prayer meeting at 6am this Wednesday on top of a hill......a 16 year old is joining in before school - what a champion!.....I look forward with anticipation & expectation.....the genesis.......love & peace

Exploits

"And such as violate the covenant he shall pervert and seduce with flatteries, but the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God]."
-Daniel 11:32 (Amplified)

Conference

Attending the Saturday session of INFUSION conference at Sydney Superdome this weekend.
Speakers include David McDonald, Paul deJong & Russell Evans.

Japanese mobile trend

Apparently it's not cool to send emails to friends anymore in Japan especially if you are a youth.

They write down a message on a piece of paper, take a photo of it and send it as a picture message to their friends from a handy phone (or cell or mobile)

Anyone do this?

Speaking schedule

This morning I am speaking at Mission Australia to "Youth At Risk" about goal setting

Sunday morning I am presenting as part of Vision Sunday at Macarthur COC

Going home

Thanks to all of our Hillsong bro's & sisters for all of the wonderful encouragement & love.....my family & I are "going home" this weekend to be part of a new thing...........2 churches have combined (one was my in-laws) and I will be heading up the youth ministry......we will be at the Hillsong CD recording & on the bus this Sunday & hope to pop in from time to time......thanks again......love & peace

Resources (next up)

Next up on the pile of resources I have here are

Malcom Gladwell's "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Make A Big Difference"

Louis V Gerstner Jr's "Who Says Elephants Can't Dance?"

& Phil Baker's Building Leaders 1 CD set

mmmm......food.....

Social epidemic

Thinking about Pentecost, church growth, revival etc.......a social epidemic......rapid growth & spread.........what were/are some elements?

Acts 1 & 2

The people were obedient to Jesus who said not to leave Jerusalem until the promise "was delivered" (Are you & I obedient to what promises Jesus has made to us?)

The people prayed together (how is your prayer life?)

The people ate together (a great team builder & great fringe benefits for the taste buds!)

The people were together in one place (unity?!, where there is unity God commands a blessing)

Action Man

John 1:14 - The Word became flesh & made his dwelling among us

Made his dwelling - action.

Jesus came to earth as a child. The Word can dwell among us today by way of revelation. It's action is manifest in revelation of the written word, church, spoken word & in our quiet time. Then we are required to take action also.

Be doers of the Word. (James 1:22)

Family time

Light blog....conscious of being away & busy so spending some quality family time....teaching my 6 year old son about domino toppling....always fun when I was a kid....later...love & peace

Back

Just returned.....dinner & off to see some bands at the PCYC....some of them are helping me out for Youth Week so going to check them out & lend some support.....see you tomorrow

Off to Erina

Light blogging......off to Erina in a few minutes to visit a youth centre in the shopping centre up there.....back tomorrow arvo......a few more books arrived in the post - Malcolm Gladwell's "The Tipping Point" & Louis V. Gerstner Jr's "Who Says Elephants Can't Dance?".......yesterday I was asked to speak for Mission Australia next week - great opportunity for me!

well see you all when I get back......it's 5:47am and I am going to leave now to get up there for a late breakfast.....blog on!

Weight loss progress

(Background info here, here & here)

Today 96.85 kgs - total loss since Dec 1st 18.15kgs

Valentines Dinner

Valentines dinner tonight was at home for ease with the kids....I cooked (write that in the history books!) to give my wife a night off from the kitchen....apparently I did alright....I knocked up a veal tortellini with tomato & garlic sauce with herb bread & a drop of merlot......of course I had to have something else due to diet.....I made myself a salmon salad

Also gave my wife a pack of Tim Tams, Aero bar & some strawberry chupa chups - really blessed her taste buds this year! (she likes those things)

Parable of the Big Brother?

Just considering the Parable of the Prodigal Son (please read Luke 15:11-32)

Let's take our focus of the prodigal for a moment. An interesting attitude to look at is that of the older brother.

When someone returns (eg. to church) what is our response? welcoming? hmmm.....

Living A Life of Opportunity

Re-read part of Brian Houston's book "Get A Life" today....chapter 9 - Life is an opportunity......5 steps to living a life of God-inspired opportunity...just thought I would share them........

1. Desire
2. Decisions
3. Position
4. Endurance
5. Initiative

This is the current meditation for me right now. I am at about 2.5 today on something in particular.

Conceptual age

Concepts.....faith.....reality

Blog Forum in Australia

Just surfed across this info......inaugural BlogTalk Down Under Forum to be held at the yacht club at Rushcutters Bay (Sydney) on 20-21/5/05. Cost is 175AUD.......makes me wonder how much Aussie contribution is in the blogosphere.....hmmm.....have we taken it up?

Chantico

The coffee giant Starbucks has a drink called Chantico. It is a chocolate drink. I believe they will change chocolate drinking experiences just like they did with coffee.

I am not aware of it being available in Australia. Only USA & Canada? Paul & Kerche - have you had one yet? Please comment on it. Not yet? Here's a project for you if you choose to accept it. Sample & comment here on the experience.

I believe it is not for the diet conscious & is basically a dessert in a cup.

Let's see them change the hot choc world! Look forward to opinions on this one.

Submission 2

Here are highlights of my second submission....will let you know if it gets in....issue theme is "When something happens" (about change)

"“When something happens…..” Something always happens. Something just happened! You, too? Something changed. Change always happens & generally writing, humans hate change......."

".......Change is inevitable. The zillion dollar question is “how do you & I react to change?” This will be the key to our success. Will we be frozen by fear? Stunned by indifference? Restricted by our inability to communicate our ideas? Bound by our lack of sales skills to sell an idea?

Or will our strength come from our positive reaction? (or should I write “action”?) And our mindset that recognises the opportunities that change hands to us?

I once feared change. I was comfortable with familiarity, mediocrity & apathy. Now I often embrace change. Sometimes I even initiate it. Hey- I’m a broker of change & you can be too if you aren’t already!

In some circles, I have heard it mentioned about the importance of being contemporary & even the term “being on the cutting edge”. We need to be prescient. We don’t just need to be on the cutting edge. We need to create a new edge."

Submission

.....no not a wrestling hold but an article for a magazine.....here are some highlights of an article I recently submitted for a secular youth mag....I thought the issue was about Faith & Belief so wrote accordingly but it is not so won't be included...so here is some for you....thanks to Paul for his critique, yours is welcomed also (hey its the only way I will learn how to write better)

"Faith has been described as an assurance of the things we hope for & those things that we don’t yet see. For me, that ties in with personal vision, dreams & the high hopes we have.

What do you hope for? Do you have faith to see it come into being? Can you see it yet?

Apparently, a group of executives stood looking at the wonder of Disneyland. One commented, “It’s a shame Walt Disney isn’t here to see this”. The reply came – “He saw it already, that’s why it’s here!”

Observations have shown that faith in something bigger than yourself is very healthy.
Get involved in something more than going to school & having a sleep at night so you have energy for school. Or for the older people - going to work, to buy food, to make you strong so you can go to work. Life is worth more than these cycles.

Have faith for something bigger than this. What can you connect with? Contribute to? Your school? Your sports club? Your place of worship? Your Youth Centre? Your community? "

Blog feeders/readers

Hi all...for any Coffeegrinders that subscribe to this thru a reader/feeder - can you recommend any in particular? I want to know more of your experiences & might hook up with one that you mention.

New book

I just heard Seth Godin's new book "All Marketers Are Liars:How To Tell Authentic Stories In A Low Trust World" will be out in the first half of the year.

Can't wait.....I have 6 of his previous works & I recommend church/ministry leaders have a read if you haven't already done so!

Recommended reads:
Permission Marketing: Turning Strangers Into Friends And Friends Into Customers

Free Prize Inside: The Next Big Marketing Idea

Unleashing The Ideavirus

Survival Is Not Enough: Zooming, Evolution & The Future Of Your Company

Labels

Proverbs 18:21 (MSG) - " Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit--you choose"


Today another label was ripped off me & tossed in the trash! Yes, that's right Coffeegrinders -
I AM NO LONGER OBESE!
For my height, obesity is 100kgs+ , today I weighed in at 98.6kgs.



I was always the fat kid growing up. Labels stuck, labels hurt. 12 years ago I lost 45kgs but this wasn't healthy or deliberate. I did it grieving the death of my father.



Over the last 12 years I increased to 115kgs & maintained at that level for several years. In fact my wife says she has never known me at this lighter weight! This time it is deliberate, disciplined & I believe long term. I still am just short of half way to my goal.



Labels are thrown at us. Sometimes they are just plain nasty. Sometimes they contain fact. Yes, this one did.....I WAS obese. It required action on my part to change it.



I determined to work it, knowing that I needed to tap into God's resource for supernatural discipline every day. This is a partnership & we have succeeded at this initial goal. God wasn't going to let the side down & thankfully I did my part.



As I stepped toward the scales this morning, I paused in great confidence & thanked Him before I got on the scales. I stepped up & waited for the digital screen to settle on a final figure - 98.6kgs! I anchored it in by making a fist & pulling my arm in toward my body, letting out an excited "YES!"........



ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!!!!



*Thanks to all the people who have been so supportive....your words have given life!

Repentance

I once discovered the Greek word "metanoia" as it was the name of an Australian Christian metal band. I then found out that it meant repentance. I thought I would try a little exercise. I asked a non-believing Greek man what "metanoia" means with no further info given & this was his reply.......



"To turn around from something that you can't stand being in the presence of & running as fast & hard as you can in the other direction"



Sounds like your life depends on it? Running hard and fast. Well, yours & my life does depend on it!



Repentance is more than sorry. It's turning around & getting away from that thing. Changing location. Remember when Jesus offered forgiveness & He then said "Go & sin no more"



Where are you & I running to? Are we running as if our lives depend on it? Somethings are not good for us in our presence. Others things are. Time to check ourselves.

So what do ya eat Jason?

I gave you a quick list of what I have cut from my intake over the last 60 odd days......here's an idea of some ingredients that I do eat -

Seeds (pipitas, sesame, sunflower, flaxseed), olive oil, tamari, tabasco, chili's, balsamic vinegar, beef, lamb, chicken, salmon, sardines, tuna, egg, cheese (Edam), lettuce, celery, tomato, mushrooms, capsicum, zucchini, cucumber, alfalfa, bok choy, broccoli, squash, onion, spinach, mango, apricot, apple, strawberry, blueberry, nectarine, peaches, natural low-fat yoghurt, almonds, black coffee/tea, water (sometimes with liquid chlorophyl)

That gives you some idea.....definitely not starving.....there are obviously measured amounts for various foods that I am taking in......timing also plays a part as well as at least 2 litres of water a day.......hope to have a mega good report about all this on Tuesday.

Intimate with God

Intimate def. close, very personal, deep, familiar

James 4:8 (AMP) - " Come close to God and He will come close to you"

Don't just give God your updated "shopping list" each day. Spend "real time" with Him. Requests are good, it's important to ask but don't just place an "order" & run away.

Spend time with Him like you would with a spouse, parent or close friend.

We need to have a dialogue, not just a monologue. Learn to listen. Invest time.

tonight

Cool chat session with kerche tonight - thanks kerche.....I know I havent posted a "devotional/inspirational" type for a few days so I hope to deliver for you all tomorrow.....are you filled with anticipation? LOL

Attending Forum today

Today I will be at University of Western Sydney attending a forum regarding young people & shopping centres.

We will be looking at new and innovative strategies for considering the needs of young people in accessing shopping centres, legal perspectives on banning young people & the success of local protocols.

Should be interesting as the new building we are moving into (possibly next month) is across from an existing shopping centre & an approved cinema complex (to start being constructed in the next 6 months).

See you tonight or on the weekend!

Just a quick note

I think I have it sorted & more ordered (regarding yesterday's post)....took some time to prioritise & set some smaller milestone deadlines along the way to help me make the way look less cluttered & daunting......Paul - regarding yesterday's post about the writing opportunity I have, I was hoping that you could have a read when it's done before I submit, maybe I could email it & we could discuss on Skype!?!?!

Vision Weekend at church this weekend...looking forward to it!

Thanks Paula & Addison for coffeegrindin'!!!!!!!!!!!

Coming up.....

Getting busy.....aaaargh......to do lists, diaries, deadlines, etc.......have 2 presentations to put together, one is constantly being worked in my head.....it's for the council & is called 'The Youth Service That I See".......also today I got an opportunity to submit an article for consideration in a local youth magazine....the theme is faith & beliefs....hmmmm......going to a forum on Friday at UWS......going up to Erina next week (might have to can it cos of things to do??!?!?)
Could be light blogging ahead......please send me emails......are you still visiting? let me know.....love & peace : )

So close

Today's weigh in result - 100.5 kgs...........not quite breakin' the 100, still obese & about 45% toward goal.....but absolutely happy with losing 14.5 kgs in 2 months C'MON!!!!!!

Current listen & read

Just loaded some more messages onto the iPod last night. Yesterday I was listening to Mal Fletcher speak on influence. Now I have new messages by Robert Fergusson, Phil Dooley, Donna Crouch & Christine Caine.

Haven't read any other books since The Tom Peters Seminar a few weeks back (except for The Word). Another Tom Peter's book "Reimagine" is on its way in the mail.

What are you reading and/or listening to? Any recommendations?

Breakfast seminars

I am currently considering going to some breakfast seminars particularly my church's Enterprise Development Breakfast & also Phil Baker's Business Breakfasts.

Anyone got any reviews or even heard the CDs of Phil Baker's? I have previously attended my church's brekkies.

The shorts testify!

For those following my weight loss progress.........I have been wearing size 40 shorts this summer & they have been getting baggier & saggier.......today I "moved into" a new pair that are size 36! WOO HOO!

Blogging mentioned in church

Donna Crouch preached a fantastic message in church yesterday called "Born To Belong".

She mentioned a list of things or tools available to us to help us connect with people such as blogs.

She also talked of being isolated even with the availability of these things.

Are you & I truly connected with people? GET CONNECTED!

He loves his Starbucks!

Columnist Bob Welch of The Register Guard did a "Starbucks Crawl" on 26th Jan. 8 Starbucks, 5 hours, 26 minutes in each.

My favourite quote - " Why did I do it? For the same reason people climb mountains: because they're there. And because the bazillion-store franchise has helped turn sipping hot drinks into something of a religion, the baristas serving as green-aproned priests whose steam wands stir up communion for the patron saints of caffeine. "

He certainly loves Starbucks! ( read more here)

Help Wordsmiths!

I need a word to describe the role of somebody who is a impresario, advocate & educator. Anyone? mucho gracias amigos

Discipline

(sorry long post follows - J)

" It's very easy to fall into step with the world's thinking and put on the world's attitudes about life. When our lives fail to embrace discipline and our desires become selfish, it's time to stop and re-evaluate our lives. " - John Maxwell

With my current progress in my weight loss goal, people have commented to me about my discipline as being evident.

I guess this is a metaphor for the spiritual also. Discipline brings success, whatever the arena. It brings achieved goals. It brings a sense of accomplishment & celebration to follow.

We need to be disciplined in our bible reading, prayer & church attendance (*note - not to win salvation but to aid our spiritual growth & enrich our relationship with God & others)

Romans 10:17, Hebrews 10:25

I also need to be disciplined in my thoughts, words & actions. I guess the last 2 are very much determined by the first one - my thoughts.

Proverbs 23:7, Matthew 12:34

An area in need of discipline is definitely my mind. If looked after, it will assist in achieving great results & fruit produced via great words & actions.

Romans 12:2 - " Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. "

Just like my commitment to my weight loss & the discipline required, my walk with God is a daily decision (Luke 9:23)

Transformed by the renewing of our mind....a redeemed mind is only possible with a Redeemer & His Name is JESUS CHRIST!

Tell it to the world!

"With my own eyes I've seen your salvation; it's now out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel. "
- Luke 2:30-32 (MSG)

Success list 2

Further to the first list......

1. Develop self control - emotionally, sexually, etc
2. Have an open mind
3. Be honest
4. Think - use the "super-computer" we have been blessed with
5. Have finances in order - regularly take an inventory like Solomon, know what your money is doing
6. Make wise choice of people that you allow in your "inner circle"
7. Co-operation & teamwork
8. Develop a giving nature
9. Be sympathetic, understanding & loving
10. Show initiative

Lack of time?

Got a Zig Ziglar tape off the shelf & dusted it off.....here are some thoughts......

" Lack of time is not the problem. It's lack of direction.
Direction creates time. Motivation creates energy. "

Workshops

Yesterday I led a workshop about technology (me?! hehe), the presentation included Sony PSP, blogs (of course), wiki's, flickr, mp3/4, etc

The average age of the audience was 13, it was fun & the feedback forms indicate that they want to have a workshop specifically about blogs. YAY! I think I will call upon your help, guys (pool our experience)

I am leading a goal setting workshop next week, so today I will focus on pulling together my notes of scribble into handouts & a presentation.

........please write to me soon........love & peace

Load & Fuse

"Don't put a 48 hour load on a 24 hour fuse" - Bayless Conley

Bigger than us

What keeps us up at night? What are we passionate about? What lights us up when it comes up in conversation?

Are we living for something bigger than ourselves? Something we can't do on our own? Something we can't do without God?

Success list

Here's a list for you & I to consider:

1. Get a purpose/aim
2. Have ambition for excellence (not perfection - you won't achieve it!)
3. Get educated (not just academics!) - NEWSFLASH: we don't know it all
4. Be disciplined
5. Be "Action-person" - not just a talker!
6. Get an attitude (positive, passionate, enthusiatic)
7. Love what you do
8. Make your contribution count
9. Form partnerships, do not isolate yourself socially or professionally
10. Be a decision maker

It's paying off!

Weigh in results -
Have lost 13.4 kgs since Dec 1...........21.6kgs to go
A lot of factors (changes) have contributed, click here to see one major contributor
Keep me accountable my friends! : )

Important words

1 important word - "WE"
2 important words - "THANK YOU"
3 important words - "ALL IS FORGIVEN"
4 important words - "WHAT IS YOUR OPINION?"
5 important words - "YOU DID A GOOD JOB"
6 important words - "I WANT TO UNDERSTAND YOU BETTER"

....and 7 important words -
" THANK YOU FOR READING MY BLOG, COFFEEGRINDERS! "

Brand You

A discussion was had today regarding branding of myself in my role.....I then came home to my mail (oh & my wife) & read an invitation from my church to breakfast, with the speaker's topic being "Brand You"!!!!!!!

I knew that Tom Peters has mentioned this also, so I popped over to his site. Something worthy of more than consideration - worthy of ACTION!

You be what is happening!

Last night my wife & I listened to an mp3 of Mal Fletcher speaking on "Breaking Strongholds". A few things grabbed me -

1. Take a risk. A safe place to be in is an unsafe one for a Christian.
2. If nothing is happening in your town or church, you make it happen, you be what's happening
3. Get the promises that God has made to you out of the drawer, look at them again, read them, recite them, pray them, write them.

He also talked about culture & influence.

Enemy within

Sometimes you & I can be our biggest enemy. We unintenionally come against our own plans & God's plans using indecision, doubt & fear (They usually hang out together).

"A fearless man thrives on far horizons" - unknown

Decision making, desire & faith are our friends.

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" - Phil 4:13

Surrendered to purpose

" One man gives freely, yet gains even more" - Proverbs 11:24

Ruby songs

Heard another Ruby song for the first time today so thought I would blog a list here......Ruby is my daughter's name but she was named after my grandmother not a song

Here are the ones I know of (feel free to add any you know, I'm curious)......
"Ruby Tuesday" - Rolling Stones
"Ruby Soho" - Rancid
"Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town" - Kenny Rogers
'Ruby Sees All" - Cake
"Ruby" - Ray Charles
"Ruby Ann" - Marty Robbins
"Ruby Baby " - Dion

Refreshment

"Today is a day for spiritual refreshment. It's a day to slowly digest the Word of God. It's a day to praise & thank Him for His many blessings upon my life " - John Maxwell

" He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, & reveals his thoughts to man, He who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth - the Lord God Almighty is His name" - Amos 4:13 (emphasis mine)

For those about to ROCK...

This week have been planning gigs of 2 bands over 5 consecutive nights in April.....the generosity of the bands to perform for diddly squat (except for exposure) is awesome & hope to raise money from donations at the door each night (free entry is possible) to go towards funds for our youth service's digital recording studio.

"For we can certainly do it"

The Will of God

John 4:34 - "My food is to do the will of him who sent me & to finish his work "

BTW, To the visitor from Harvard, thanks for dropping by, sorry I wasn't home! : (

UPDATE: thanks to Lionfish, Susan & Addison for your love : )

Antinomianism

Tonight I learnt a new word....I knew about it before, just didn't know what it was called....don't know if I will use it much. Antinomianism basically is a heresy that Christians are under no obligation to obey the rules of morality.

I will try to not be a antinomianist or a legalist! : )

Light bloggin'

Apologies Coffeegrinders......son has scarlet fever & I am putting together 5 consecutives nights of 2 band gigs for Youth Week...sorry to be boring & missing....back later 2night

Heavy data

Just another celebratory weigh in report......start Dec 1st - 115kgs......goal 80kgs.....today 102.65kgs.............more info here

FAST

Everything & everyone has demands & expectations, including demands for attention. We are living in a fast paced world, no secret there for anyone breathing! It's all drive thru & microwave & the best stuff comes from a "long, slow cook" (not just food). I am impatient sometimes & I need to take a "slow down" moment to just re-gather & "plug in and hit reset" with God, some timeout with Him, pleasing Him, listening to Him, talking to Him.

Exodus 34:14 - " Do not worship any other god, for the LORD , whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. "

Deuteronomy 4:24 - " For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God."

Stepping Stones

" Victorious is that person who knows how to make stepping stones out of stumbling stones. Climb on top of each stone & go toward a higher victory " - John Maxwell

Approx 50 days since....

......I have consumed any McDonald's, KFC, pizza, milk, soft drink, alcohol, breakfast cereal, potato, pumpkin, chocolate, pasta, rice, or bread

About 30% of the goal weight loss achieved. Keep me accountable blogosphere! :)

Thrones

I am curious to learn about some thrones of the world

throne def. a chair occupied by an exalted person, such as a sovereign or bishop
(so it’s not about the chair but the person on it?!)

Satan has a throne (Rev 2:13), 24 Elders have a throne (Rev 4:4), The One has a throne
(Rev 5:1), David’s throne (Jeremiah 22:2) & more....

CHRYSANTHEMUM THRONE – throne of the Emperor of Japan. Emperor in Japanese literally means “heavenly sovereign”. The Emperor is also high priest of the Shinto faith, although his divine power was renounced after World War 2. The chrysanthemum (“kiku” in Japanese) flower is the coat of arms of the Emperor.
The Emperor of Japan is the last remaining Emperor in the world.

This throne is apparently the oldest monarchy in the world, established 660BC by Emperor Jimmu. Current emperor is Akihito (1989-present)

Barrier Breakers 2

(Part 1 here) Please read Mark 2:3-5

Excuses or answers? it will be determined by what I feed my mind. What goes in will come out in pressure times.

The boldness was birthed out of their conviction. Am I totally certain that Jesus can fix stuff? Is the Spirit of God alive & active in our world today? Do I have no doubt?
If I have doubt does it lead to excuses?

"This is why it cannot be done blah,blah,blah" There are always people telling you things are impossible to accomplish. Sometimes we even convince ourselves of that.
What does God say? Read His promises.

If I don't know what he has promised for a given situation, I cannot have a certainty about it, an assurance, a peace of mind & a firmness.

Out of this conviction I can have the daring determination to take action to play my part in the partnership with God to see miracles even in today's world.

"Waters don't part until your feet get wet"

Triumph & success awaits.

Philippians 1:28 (MSG) - "Your courage & unity will show them what they're up against: defeat for them, victory for you - and both are because of God"

Embracing failure

" Action calls for the bold embrace of failure" - Tom Peters (The Tom Peters Seminar: Crazy Times Call For Crazy Organisations" p.280)

Just pondering this along with thoughts of youth consultation for consultation sake (without much action), John Maxwell's Failing Forward & Harry Quadracci's thought of
" ready, fire, aim"

HAVE A CRACK AT IT!

Barrier Breakers

(Think On These Things Journal Entry)

“ Thank God for the people who are willing to knock holes in roofs. They are pacesetters, the barrier-breakers, the miracle-producers. They are different because they are determined. They’re criticised because they’re concerned. But most important – they bring people to Jesus“ – John Maxwell

It’s important to celebrate your wins along the way. My wife & I are going out to a restaurant that we haven’t been to before to celebrate when I get to 100kgs (even though the goal is 80kgs) Celebrate but don’t be content to stay there – knock the lid off!

Be a pacesetter – a leader in your field. This requires you & I to be teachable. It requires you & I to be open to change, hey even initiators of change, be pioneers!
Not contemporary, but prophetic!

Barrier breakers! Sometimes you can’t go around or over – you have to go through. Can we use that thing to springboard us to success? Creativity, partnerships, & having a crack at it!

Miracle producers! Do things happen that are inexplicable by the laws of nature? Are we producers of situations that excite admiring awe? Do we bring the WOW!?

Are we different, distinct & separate? Salt & Light. Determined? Living for a bigger cause? Make something happen. Stick at it. Keep focussed on what you are reaching for. Make your contribution count.

Read Mark 2:3-5 for an example of barrier breaking.

Lurkers?

Received a comment from a "lurker" (new word for me!) & I was encouraged. Thank you! If you are a Coffeegrind lurker, please let me know that you drop by now & then via comment or email to kitakashiwa at gmail.com. I know that you aren't lurking once you reveal but hey I am encouraged to hear that you are encouraged by my posts. I need spurring on too! ; )

Seize the day

"The world is full of opportunities behind closed doors, so start knocking" - John Maxwell

Matthew 7:7 - "Ask & it will be given to you; seek & you will find; knock & the door will be opened to you."

Yakata

Our Christmas present box just arrived from our family in Japan....here are our kids in the new yakata

Kawaii!!!!

Biblical culture

Culture flows into a vacuum where there is a lack of culture. Define the culture of the group you are in by having a biblical culture in your life. Have a redemptive revelation of God in your life. When you start living that out, it begins to redeem things around you. It buys things back for the Kingdom of God. via

Proverbs 29:18 (AMP) - " Where there is no vision (no redemptive revelation of God), the people perish; but he who keeps the law (of God, which includes that of man) - blessed (happy, fortunate & enviable) is he."

Perth & Monkey Mia

Hey Coffeegrinders - need tips & must see's from my WA readers & those who have been there for holidays. I want to take my wife there this year & we may only have a week so what are the must do's?.................over to you : ) thanks

Live, not exist

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist that is all" - Oscar Wilde

Clean slate

January 2005 is the beginning of a new adventure - it's the chance for a clean slate.
A time for new goals to be set, to dream bigger dreams than ever before. To knock a hole in the ceiling, to press on toward the prize, to spur one another on toward love & good deeds.

Proverbs 4:18 - "The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day."

Bring on the 100!

Had an early weigh in this week (4 days) due to surf school on Thursday...lost 0.8kg in those 4 days so we are still heading in the right direction. Now at 104.1kgs. If you have just joined us, please check out more info here.

Endurance

"It almost seems that great success is won only by people who overcome incredible obstacles and great discouragement. Sucess is achieved by those who keep trying." - John Maxwell

Any thoughts?

New book

It arrived in the post today.....The Tom Peters Seminar: Crazy Times Call For Crazy Organisations.....says on the back "If you are not irate in the first thirty minutes of reading......then I and this book will have utterly failed you"

I should be in for a great week hehe : )

For Munchkin

(Apologies Munchkin I do not know your email so I will put the answer to your question here, let me know if you came back & read it) *Thanks to Coffeegrind's London correspondent Amy!

There are now two Hillsong London Life Groups in Paris which meet every Sunday afternoon at 1pm at Porte de Champerret (92) and Maisons-Laffitte (78). There will also be other Life Groups starting across Paris in the near future.

Life Group starts at 1pm and includes eating a meal together,getting round the Word with an inspirational teaching message fromHillsong Church London. Life group is all about loving God and doing life together. It's in both French and English and it's very relaxed
If you would like more information, or directions then we would love to help, please feel free to contact Jaco Vermeulen @ PARIS - Porte de Champerret (92): Email: jaco.vermeulen@hillsong.co.uk or Rachel Guernier @ PARIS - Maisons-Laffitte (78): Email: rachel.guernier@hillsong.co.uk

Keeping It Short

Debbie Weil says in her Change This manifesto (which is available for free download until 25th January 2005 here) -

"As compelling as your blog may be, if you don't keep it fresh, your audience is going to lose interest. Update your blog several times a month at a minimum. Better yet, try to add to your blog weekly so your audience will know it hasn't been abandoned. And don't try to write an opus. A short entry is fine." (page 9 of 41)

Don't try to write an opus. A short entry is fine........sorry guys! : )

Throw your heart into it!

John Maxwell says "No matter what field of endeavour we're pursuing, those of us who throw our hearts into our work will know success"

Colossians 3:23 - " Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord"

Youth Work:This Week

This morning is the start of hosting a week of creative arts workshops for youth. Thursday we will have a break as we hold a surf school instead. Later in the month we have a guitar workshop & I will be leading a beginner level blog workshop (lucky it's for beginners LOL!)

That will be the end of programs until we move into the new building (ETA March)

The 4th place?

It has been noted in some circles that cafes have fast become the “third place” after the familiar surrounds of home & work.

These are places of relationship building, comfort & where dreams are often built & projects developed. “Buy a cup & stay all day” type of thing – well, most places!

I have often enjoyed this environment. A good read about relationships & cafes is “The Secret Blend” by Stan Toler (forward by John Maxwell)

In no particular ranking, is the church in your town “the fourth place”? A “chapel of hope”? A place of refuge, fellowship, support & encouragement? A city on a hill?

In time of need, will people run to your house? How can you add to the atmosphere of your house? What can you contribute? Are you welcoming? Am I welcoming?

Am I interested? Am I planted? Am I enthusiastic? Am I passionate? Do I listen to people? Really listen, not just hear?

In this time of need, let’s offer hope. Suffering & pain can be healed by prayer & love. Kill loneliness. Be present. Be creative. DO!

Hebrews 10:25 – “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Lunch

I am still eating well as I lose the weight....my wife put this together for me today for lunch....chicken coated in crushed pepitas & sesame seeds with mixed salad leaves, tomato, cucumber, mushrooms, green capsicum, alfalfa & mung beans. Dressing was olive oil, salt, lemon juice, chilli & garlic done in mortar & pestle. HOT! YUM!

Hungry fella? there ya go!

Australia Unites:Reach Out To Asia

Here are some pics from last night. My wife & I went to World Vision's Australia Unites: Reach Out To Asia tsunami relief concert @ Sydney Opera House forecourt.

Sydney Opera House Forecourt 8/1/05

Alex Lloyd on stage singing "Amazing". Can you see him? LOL

Australia's generosity is amazing

Finished....going home....more than $15 million * raised in a few hours....well done Australia!!!!

$20M by 2am next morning!

Fruitfulness

Think On These Things Journal Entry

"Keep your relationship right with God, keep your life disciplined, and with all your strength fulfil God's purpose for your life. Your constant contact with the Vine will make it possible." - John Maxwell

Relationship def. type of connection or association, with God it has an intimate element.

How do I keep it right with God? What stops it being right with God?

SIN is the barrier. Confessing our sin keeps us in right relationship with God. Purity.
1 John 1:9

1 Tim 4:8 (MSG) - "Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today & forever"

Strength def. durability, ability to maintain a firm moral position, capacity or potential of power

Fulfil God's purpose def. carry out God's intention or desire

Ultimately, it's the Great Commission (Mark 16:15-18), the ministry of reconciliation
(2 Cor 5:18) & fruitfulness.

I need to remain in right relationship with God, connected to the Vine to flourish & produce good fruit.

Galatians 5:22-23 Fruit of the Spirit

Matthew 3:8 (MSG) - "It's your life that must change, not your skin"

Matthew 7:16 - "By their fruit you will recognise them"

Matthew 7:17 - "Every good tree bears good fruit"

John 15:8 (MSG) - " This is how my Father shows who He is - when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples"

Philippians 1:11 (MSG) - "bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory & praise of God"

Am I making Jesus attractive to all by the fruit I produce? Or am I embarrassing God?

Is my fruit tasty, delicious & fresh? Or is it rotten, decayed, spoiled & foul?

Colossians 1:6 (MSG) - " The Message bears fruit & gets larger & stronger, just as it has in you"

Fruit def. something to reap, harvest, a product, end result

Seed def. something sown, beginning, concept, image, spark

What am I sowing into my life in expectation for good fruit?
Am I in an intimate relationship with God?
Am I connected to Jesus?
Do I remain in the Vine?

John 15:5 (MSG) - " I am the Vine & you are the branches. When you're joined with me & I with you, the relation intimate & organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing"

Branches def. secondary part, subdivision, useless unless connected to HQ

Organic def. related to healthy, living organisms

Abundance def. plentiful, ample, great quantity, chock-full!

Pioneer

Pioneer def. one who ventures into unknown or unclaimed territory, a trailblazer, innovator, pathfinder, leader, explorer

Romans 15:19-21 "In such ways I have trailblazed a preaching of the Message of Jesus all the way from Jerusalem far into northwestern Greece. This has all been pioneer work, bringing the Message only into those places where Jesus was not yet known and worshipped. My text has been, Those who were never told of him-- they'll see him! Those who've never heard of him-- they'll get the message!"

Trying a new brew

Cafe Verona from Starbucks. It is described as smooth, complex & sweet. (Is it a person or a coffee?!) The bag is pictured, along with the Haymarket (Sydney) store where it was purchased from. It was kindly delivered by someone (not staff) as we don't have a local.

23 cups in every bag

On Target

"The thrill of victory comes only when a stated objective has been reached.
No target, no thrill!"

- John Maxwell

WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS!

GOOD NEWS!

LUKE 4:18-19 (MSG) – “God's Spirit is on me; he's chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, To set the burdened and battered free, to announce,

"THIS IS GOD'S YEAR TO ACT!"
(emphasis mine)

Weigh in results

Here's an update on my goal of weight loss (for accountability)

START (1st December 2004) 115kgs waist-121cm

GOAL (by July 2005) 80kgs

TODAY 104.9kgs waist - 112cm

YEAH BABY!

Vision

"A victory begins with a vision. A vision of winning - a vision of going over the top. The people who constantly rise to the top are those who possess a vision before the prize is won"
- John Maxwell

Philippians 3:14 - " I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus"

As I said to someone at work yesterday, I am not satisfied with the turnaround of our service in my first 6 months in my role. Let's knock holes in the roof! I press on......

Blogosphere report

Further to Lionfish's post regarding abc calling us (bloggers) "People of the Year" -

Investor'sBusiness Daily's Brian Deagon reports that the single largest group of bloggers is teen-age girls, 48% of bloggers are under age thirty & 66% of blogs haven't been updated in two months or more"

I guess I was always told that I am different....well I am on all 3 counts again!

Challenges

"New challenges will arise. New questions will be asked. New solutions must be sought."
- John Maxwell

Isaiah 43:19 - "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"

....hmmmm.......

Anointing

***Notes from Anointing Service 11/12/04 led by Robert Fergusson & Brian Houston***
Something to ponder for the new year for you & I

2 Cor 1:20-22 (MSG) " Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God's Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge--a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete"

He anointed us (past tense).

1 John 2:20 (MSG) "But you belong. The Holy One anointed you, and you all know it"

I don't need to ask for something I already have.

1 John 2:27 (MSG) "But they're no match for what is embedded deeply within you--Christ's anointing, no less! You don't need any of their so-called teaching. Christ's anointing teaches you the truth on everything you need to know about yourself and him, uncontaminated by a single lie. Live deeply in what you were taught"

We have the anointing. Christ in us!

1. Symbolic anointing of oil gives us an opportunity to PRAY for one another. James 5:14 (MSG) "Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master" It's not the oil that will change your life, it's the prayer.
2. Symbolic anointing of oil REMINDS US of what we already have in Christ.
3. Symbolic anointing of oil gives us an opportunity to CONFESS OUR FAITH

Col 1:27 (MSG) " God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message."

Galatians 2:20 (MSG) "Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" CHRIST LIVES IN US

Priests, prophets & kings were anointed in the Old Testament. When Jesus came there was no need to throw lots of oil around because He was the Priest, He was the Prophet & He was the King.

Jesus "the Anointed One" lives inside Christians. When He lives inside of us, we have 3 attributes -

1. Purity of a priest
2. Power of a prophet
3. Prosperity of a king

Purity - called nearer to God because of our relationship with Christ

Power - live a life of significance, something to say to the community

Prosperity - favour

............something to take into 2005 with you & me.................