Perth Fortress

a Biblical thought...
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him." (Matthew 2:7,8)

a Book thought...
You were created to contribute to God's kingdom and make a significant difference with your life. You were created to just be you! (p26)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday morning I attended Perth Fortress and experienced a great intergenerational service with contemporary group, songsters and band. It was a moving service with high quality worship, a powerful testimony and fine preaching by Majors Barry & Ros Casey. This corps currently has the biggest stand alone congregation, with over 250 attendees, in the territory and is a good example of how the body of Christ can gather such a diversity of people in one congregation.

Last night I preached at Morley Salvos which was completely different in form and style but too was healthy and alive. This Sunday night congregation of over 100 would be made up of 80% Gen Y's and is creative and contemporary. God continues to move in the lives of many people in the Salvos in WA and just with the worship I experienced today, I can only report that the future looks bright.

Just a thought.

I'm with the Band

a Biblical thought...
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. (Malachi 3:8-10)

a Book thought...
God wants you to truly understand and accept who he has made you to be. He longs for you to experience the release that comes with simply living as the person he created you to be. (p20)
a Dave thought... by Lillian Daniel

Sometimes in our lives, we think there are these breaks, these moments when we make a big change. We move to a new church, we make a move to a new denomination, we form a new relationship, or we pick a new path. But looking back, we were always playing the same song, just different variations, and in different combos.
From the stage at the wedding banquet, I thought about how being a bass player is a lot like being a minister. You lay down the beat, trying to keep it solid and true. Sometimes your job is to keep it steady enough to allow others to shine, to sing, to play, and to dance, as God wants us to. Other times, it's the bass that makes it funky and adds a needed surprise. But the bass is just one part of the band, and alone, it doesn't sound like much.
For people who are drawn to music, the mystery that draws us into the bands we love the most, is that we know it's not just about the one. The notes and sounds come together, the different people play their roles, and yet what is produced transcends all that. It's like when you become a member of the body of Christ—you join a band that is way better than you are, and the next tour is always just beginning.

Just a thought.

Intergenerational is the answer

a Biblical thought...
I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.' (Zechariah 13:9)

a Book thought...
Good fathering can be learnt: many fathers have found books and courses on fathering very valuable. (p196)
a Dave thought...
Kimball estimates that 90 percent of worship services targeting a younger generation run into serious trouble after three years. One factor is the way these age-specific ministries isolate young people from the rest of the church.
Kimball questioned whether a ministry based on generational preferences could long survive.
"If we are talking about a mindset, then to make someone switch to another approach to spiritual formation and worship when they reach a certain age is a difficult undertaking," Kimball wrote in Emerging Worship. "It would be like birthing a Korean worship service that uses Korean language, Korean music, and a Korean mindset in all their communications, and then—when they reach a certain age—telling them they can't worship as Koreans anymore."
"If your model is based on the big event with one person teaching, I just don't think it's going to work."
Kimball learned this lesson the hard way. In the mid-1990s he served as the young adults pastor at Santa Cruz Bible Church where he began experimenting with a new worship gathering. He darkened the room, arranged the chairs, lit candles, and served coffee. While these moves seem cliché today, they were radical for the time. Within a few years, Kimball's experiment had become the church's largest worship gathering. Then the questions started. When will the twenty-somethings start coming to "normal" church?"I feel that if we can see church as the people, and not just define church by the worship gathering, a lot would be solved in bridging generations," Kimball said. "We could focus more on the older mentoring the younger, the older opening their homes and being sages and guides to the younger. Instead we focus so much on getting the twenty-somethings into the main worship gathering. But just sitting in a room for an hour and half looking at the backs of everyone's heads does not make something intergenerational."

Just a thought.

The 10% Rule

a Biblical thought...
And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. (Zechariah 12:10-11)

a Book thought...
No longer is it enough for dads to be just breadwinners; we must also be playmates, nurturers, guides, entertainers, educators and counsellors - as we were before the Industrial Revolution. (p177)
a Dave thought...
During my years as a youth pastor I often saw many young people hurt through unhealthy ends to dating. It was when a couple went "out together" for 6 months and then after they break up one of the pair to decides to start another relationship 2 days later. So I was often asked 'how long should I wait between relationships?' It was this continuous question and seeing many people hurt that helped me come up with the 10% rule. My advice was to wait 10% of the length of the relationship before starting another. So for instance if you had been dating for 30 days take a 3 day break but if you have been going out for 10 months at least take a 1 month break before dating someone else. I believe God wants us all to show respect to one another even when a relationship ends, it is when guys and girls switch dating partners quickly their ex gets hurt.

Just a thought.

Our People

a Biblical thought...
"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. 10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.' (Zechariah 7:9-10)

a Book thought...
Over the past 50 years we have begun to live in nuclear families, and thus have lost our best fathering resources – our extended family. (p174)

a Dave thought...
Yesterday I bought a copy of the DVD Our People. I sat down last night and found this presentation to be fascinating and informative. It reminded me that the movement started with many prominent women leaders and many young converts thrown into ministry and to lead a corps as young as 16. If you get an opportunity to see it I encourage you to do so. Or better still order a copy through http://salvos.org.au/ourpeople/ Congratulations to Corey Baudinette & Peter Farthing on a sensational job!

Our People: The story of William and Catherine Booth and The Salvation Army
This is the story of one couple`s quest to take God`s love to the poor and hurting.
William booth emerged from childhood poverty with a sense of God`s call to be an evangelist. Illness and family tension marked Catherine Booth`s childhood, but determined intelligence saw her become a popular preacher in an age when few women preached.

Together, under God`s hand, this remarkable couple founded The salvation Army. They innovated, took risks, released thousands of young people for front line mission, and went for the saddest cases. In the following years, God`s Spirit brought hundreds of thousands into His kingdom.

Our People tells their story. It is a gripping narrative of struggle, difficulty, love and ultimate triumph.

Just a thought.

Rabbits & Elephants

a Biblical thought...
This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6)

a Book thought...
Every child is different, and good fathering means that we need to understand the personalities and life experiences of each of our children. This will let us work out what their needs are and what is the best way to respond to them. (p167)
a Dave thought...
If you put two elephants in a room together and close the door, in 22 months you may get one baby elephant. But two rabbits together for the same amount of time will result in thousands of baby rabbits! In The Rabbit and the Elephant, “micro church” planters Tony and Felicity Dale use the “rabbit” illustration to show the pace at which the Christian faith can (and should) be growing—through evangelism that is explosive and transformational. The Rabbit and the Elephant contains the key to 21st century evangelism—taking the gospel to where the pain and the people are.
Documents how “church” across the world is changing from being event-based to life and relationship-based.
Shows how small and simple churches can multiply rapidly.
Shows how to incorporate spiritual growth and outreach into every aspect of our lives.
Includes relevant research on churchgoing habits and impact gathered by the Barna Group.

Just a thought.

Outreach Van

a Biblical thought...
Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling. (Zechariah 2:13)

a Book thought...
It doesn't have to cost a lot to have special times with the children. (p146)a Dave thought...
About a month ago I decided to read through my officers covenant which I signed nearly two years ago. It reads...

CALLED BY GOD to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as an officer of The Salvation Army I BIND MYSELF TO HIM IN THIS SOLEMN COVENANT to love and serve him supremely all my days, to live to win souls and make their salvation the first purpose of my life,to care for the poor, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, love the unlovable, and befriend those who have no friends, to maintain the doctrines and principles of The Salvation Army, and, by God's grace to prove myself a worthy officer.

It was upon reflection on this that made me ask the question was I really fulfilling this covenant as I serve in this current appointment. I prayed about this and responded by contacting Melbourne 614 and asking that they put me on the volunteers roster on the nightly outreach van. So last night I spent a few hours with the 614 team driving around to a dozen different locations in the CBD serving food and drinks to those sleeping on the streets. It was a reminder once again of the extraordinary need in our city and who we are called to serve as Salvos.

Just a thought.

Alice Cooper

a Biblical thought...
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility. (Zephaniah 2:3)

a Book thought...
Avoid too much travel when your children are young; they need you more then and are too young to understand why you are going. (p142)
a Dave thought...
Last night I was watching ROVE when he interviewed long time heavy metal musician Alice Cooper. It's pretty sad but growing up in the 80's I always thought this guy was a Satanist, for no reason but that he did ridiculous things on stage and was into heavy metal! Well during the interview I was pleasantly suprised that Alice is a Christian and occasionally even leads a bible study.

Shock rocker Alice Cooper is not a bad boy at heart - he occasionally teaches Bible lessons at his local church. The reformed wild child, real name Vincent Furnier, dons menacing face paint when he hits the stage for a concert, but insists he is far from intimidating when he attends his weekly church service.
He says, "I go to Bible study on Wednesday mornings - I even teach sometimes - but I'll still get up on stage and be much scarier than Marilyn Manson." And he has no problem balancing his religion with his career path - because he doesn't swear.
He adds, "It doesn't mean that, as a Christian, you can't be a rocker or an entertainer. It's your lifestyle. I never use bad language. That's not gentlemanly. Alice might slit your throat but he'd never use the F word."

Just a thought.

True Love Waits

a Biblical thought...
LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. (Habakkuk 3:2)

a Book thought...
"A poignant paradox is that sometimes the very desire to be a good mother or father will lead the parent to mistake duty for love."
a Dave thought...
Yesterday at the Northern Victoria youth camp we chatted through some of the issues that young people are facing in rural Victoria. DY Simon Pickens had some helpful web pages...

www.kidshelp.com.au/teens

http://www.itsallright.org/

http://www.headroom.net.au/

www.teenforumz.com/self-harm

http://www.dailystrength.org/

http://www.youthreaction.org/

Another web page Kylie shared which I believe is a great way to help teens in the issue of pre-marital sex is http://www.lifeway.com/tlw/ True Love Waits® challenges teenagers and college students to make a commitment to sexual abstinence until marriage. The pledge reads...

"Believing that true love waits, I make a commitment to God, myself, my family, my friends, my future mate, and my future children to a lifetime of purity including sexual abstinence from this day until the day I enter a biblical marriage relationship."

Just a thought.

Wrestling with the Big Issues

a Biblical thought...
Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. (Habakkuk 2:2)

a Book thought...
"If the past cannot teach the present and the father cannot teach the son, then history need not have bothered to go on, and the world has wasted a great deal of time." -- Russell Hoban
a Dave thought...
This weekend Kylie and I are the guests at the Northern Victoria youth camp where the theme is Wrestling with the Big Issues. Last night the weekend kicked off in Rochester with about 70 youth present to watch a wrestling show. This was full on with a proper ring erected and trained wrestlers strutting their stuff with entertaining commentary from DYS Captain Simon Pickens. The camp continued at Corop where we slept last night even though it was minus two degrees! Please pray for all the youth here as we teach the word and discuss some of the big issues in their lives, that they will know God is with them every step of the way.

Just a thought.

Plugged In Online

a Biblical thought...
And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

a Book thought...
When travelling for work leave notes for your children before you go. Hide them in their school bag or under their pillows letting them know how much you love them or letting them know you know what's going on in their lives. (p130)
a Dave thought...
This week I was shown a very informative website http://www.pluggedinonline.com/ that informs you about the themes and content of current movies and TV shows. After seeing District 9 this week I read up on the content to discover the F word was used over 130 times! Obviously the one of the ideas of this site is to inform your choices before you see the movie, including exactly what scenes take place, what themes are explored and what words are used.

Plugged In is a Focus on the Family publication designed to help equip parents, youth leaders, ministers and teens with the essential tools that will enable them to understand, navigate and impact the culture in which they live. Entertainment is a potent influence on our culture for both good and evil. Through our reviews and discussions of that entertainment, we hope to spark intellectual thought, family discussion, spiritual growth and a strong desire to follow the command of Colossians 2:8. "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."

Just a thought.

Gen Y Forum Concludes

a Biblical thought...
He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace. (Micah 5:4-5)

a Book thought...
The children will become your good friends more and more as they get older, if you are close to them. (p124)
a Dave thought...
After 3 days of discussion at the Gen Y Forum is was good to be able to suggest some new ways forward to the Program Secretaries Lieut-Colonels Ian & Marilyn Hamilton. We began our final presentation with Rowan Castle presenting a 'Gen Y Theology'.

1. Vertical to Horizontal - how it is not a matter of whether you are going to heaven or hell but rather what you do while you are on this earth.
2. Worship to Imitation - rather than worship being the main thing it is now imitating the way Jesus lived on this earth that really counts.
3. Paul to Gospels - where Paul's letters have had a lot of attention in regard to how we should live and conduct Christian lives the move is to the gospels and how Jesus lives in this world.
4. Morality to Activism - it is not about living a perfect holy life but rather a life that is proactive out in the world and makes a difference.
5. Heritage to Customised Traditions - wanting to know the past but taking only the parts of that heritage that are relevant forward.
6. Information to Formation - rather than just being fed information on discipleship and reading scriptures or books there is a need to learn as you do.
7. Linear routine to weekly mosaic - life doesn't fit into an ice cube tray any longer with work, leisure and church nicely separated but rather life is more like a bowl of spaghetti.
8. Post-Christian to Post-Secular - no longer does this generation ask whether someone attends church as the world is increasingly secular with most people never entering a church.

We concluded the day with recommendations under the these six headings..
1. Structure
2. Mission
3. Training
4. Youth Workers
5. Corps
6. Resources

Like many forums and strategies that are developed I believe the real fruit of this time together will be seen in our movement in the years ahead.

Just a thought.

Gen Y Forum Day 2

a Biblical thought...
But the LORD said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?" (Jonah 4:10-11)

a Book thought...
Committed fathers are healthier because they are more relaxed, more likely to have fun, less likely to overwork and more likely to take a bit of time off. (p113)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday we had Mark Sayers come and share a few thoughts with us, here of some of the quotes that grabbed my attention...

"People don’t like church, or something about church, and something needs to change."

"Recent statistics show that over the last six months Gen Y's Facebook usage has dropped 30%. Instead, they are seeking and using print based media."

"What resources do the Army have over other churches?"

"The Salvation Army is ideally suited for this time more than any other denomination as many people are looking for a movement that combines both faith and justice, worship and social action."

"The Salvation Army began over 100 years ago by recruiting leaders who were fed up with being an Anglican or Methodist, maybe its time to recruit leaders form outside the Salvos once again."

Just a thought.

Gen Y Forum Day 1

a Biblical thought...
Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!
(Amos 5:23-24)

a Book thought...
Effective parents often do best at managing staff as they have had to learn skills in listening, understanding and negotiation. (p102)
a Dave thought...
Last night we had a Gen Y Forum where we invited four Young Adults from Melbourne to be part of our conversation. All of the participants are attending the Salvos but have decided not to become soldiers. Here are some quotes that can help us learn a little more about how many young people are thinking about the Salvos today…

“Mission is the key to getting young people involved in the Salvos. Not getting them to church, but getting them to witness what we do outside of the church, and perhaps introduce them to God through that process.”

“Soldiership doesn’t appeal. Would rather make personal individual promises to God.”

“I would rather all the youth in the Territory get together and do something practical out in the community rather than have a rally together.”

“At the moment, I feel uncomfortable about the push for officership and the tactics being used. I don’t really appreciate it as I believe that it is all about the calling.”

Just a thought.

Gen Y Strategy

a Biblical thought...
He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and 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)

a Book thought...
Part of being proactive is deciding on appropriate goals for your children. (p98)
a Dave thought...
This morning 13 of us from across eight divisions are heading down to Geelong for three days to develop a Gen Y Strategy for the territory. We will be looking at both the positives and the challenges of The Salvation Army working and reaching this generation of young people. As I was consolidating some statistics over the weekend latest research I was reminded that 51% believe in God, yet only 7% attend church. This will be one of the various discussions we will be attempting to shed some light on as we gather together. Please pray that our time together will not just be another time of talking about the issues, but rather to consolidate some Godly ways forward.

Just a thought.

Survival Skills

a Biblical thought...
I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. (Joel 2:28)

a Book thought...
Don't just react to children's problems, but try to plan ahead. Fathers should focus on positive parenting. Don't just react to problems when they occur. (p92)
a Dave thought... Survival Skills for Pastors by James White

1. A regular day off. I take a day off every week, and I'm really off. It's the last part that matters. It's so easy to let ministry tasks, emails, phone calls, text messages, and work demands weave themselves into every nook and cranny of every day. It takes self-discipline and clear intent to actually have a day off. For me, it's Friday, so that I can unwind before our weekend service schedule begins.

2. An annual study break. I take an annual study break of four to six weeks, where I physically relocate. This isn't vacation, but a time of intentional spiritual and emotional renewal for the tasks at hand. Those who teach and lead have to pour out instruction and guidance to others, and need to have annual times not just to rest, but to replenish themselves. This is a time to separate myself from the emotional wear and tear but still invest myself in issues related to ministry.
3. Clear boundaries regarding giftedness. As a pastor, you teach people about spiritual gifts, and the importance of making that gift their area of primary investment. I've had to learn to apply this teaching to myself. There will always be times where you have to serve as needed, but staying primarily within your gift mix is preventative medicine against burn-out, because nothing will drain you faster than operating outside of your giftedness.

4. Emotionally replenishing experiences. I've had to learn to intentionally pursue emotionally replenishing experiences. When you hurt, if you don't find something God-honoring to fill your tanks with, you'll find something that isn't God-honoring. Or at the very least, you'll be vulnerable to something that isn't. I am convinced this is why so many pastors struggle with pornography—it offers a quick temporary emotional lift.

5. Real time with God. The most strategic investment is time with God. But not just any time with God—I must have time with God that touches me at a heart and soul level. Every day, I seek to spend some time pouring out my heart, and in turn, receiving his. Few people had the emotional ups and downs of David, and if you read the Psalms carefully, you see that he poured out his emotions to God in a disarmingly candid way. Learning to pray like David has been healthy for me.

There are so many other investments I have learned to make or seen others make, such as the importance of healthy staff community, safe friends, and effective Christian counseling. They all matter, because the best gift I can give the Kingdom of God as a ministry leader is a healthy, whole, sane me. The hits and hurts of expectations, unsafe people, and crises will never end. But I can be in better shape for them when they do come, and give God my best to still be standing after they are over.

Just a thought.

SOT Video Podcast

a Biblical thought...
Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. (Hosea 14:9)

a Book thought...
Come home for dinner, then return to work if you need to. Listen to your children's stories at dinner time. (p84)

Salvos Out There Week 1 Video Podcast from Salvos Out There on Vimeo.

a Dave thought...
Salvos Out There is a 6 week campaign that all corps in the territory are undertaking over the next seven months. Already Hobart, Arndale & Box Hill have begun the campaign just to name a few. If you are yet to check out the site or if you are still not sure what SOT is all about I encourage you to visit the site as there are some amazing audio and video podcasts available. I have embedded the week 1 video clip just to let you see the quality of the resources downloadable under the MEDIA LINKS tab on the www.salvosoutthere.com website.

Just a thought.

S.U.M.O.

a Biblical thought...
Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. (Hosea 6:3)

a Book thought...
It is possible, by 'changing the shape of your time' to create extra time for the children without necessarily losing any work time. (p68)
a Dave thought...
The fourth S.U.M.O. (Shut Up Move On) principle is ‘Remember The Beachball’ which explores the different factors that influence people’s perspective on life. One of those factors is our personality. This exercise will provide more insight into our personality type and how it may differ from that of the people we deal with on a regular basis.

If you want to give it a go http://www.thesumoguy.com/personstyleinto.php it only takes five minutes and if you are willing post your profile in the comments section. My profile is...

Cheerleader - 40 Carer - 30 Commander - 56 Thinker - 34

Commanders are results orientated people who thrive on challenges. Patience is not a virtue that they are blessed with naturally and they have a strong need to feel they are achieving things or making progress in situations. They can have a tendency to overlook the ‘people issues’ when a task needs to be completed and active listening is something they have to work on. Commanders tend to be decisive people who feel more at home with taking action than with lots of time taken up with discussion and debate. They make tough demands on themselves and expect others to meet their own high standards.

Just a thought.

Mission Matters

a Biblical thought...
"Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name." (Daniel 9:17-19)

a Book thought...
Being an absent father puts your kids at increased risk of emotional, educational, criminal and health problems. (p48)

a Dave thought... by Commissioner Israel Gaither
"What kind of Salvation Army is one in which ‘Mission Matters’? A mission Salvation Army is restless. It is an Army discontent with the ‘way things are’; preferring to work for ‘what can be’. This is not the time to resign; give up; or take refuge within the walls of any citadel.This is an Army with a clear vision of God’s desire for his world. Despite the way things are, we believe this is still my Father’s world. We must remain an Army under divine orders. We are neither rooted nor rootless. This is a flexible Movement that God can transplant wherever He so chooses. He can do with us what He pleases. We are at His service to participate in preparing the world to give it back to Jesus!We are a disturbed Army. Yet, we are not discouraged. ‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ is not an appropriate stance for this Army. Things may look alright—but it’s all wrong if it is not under the Lordship of Christ. A mission-focused Army confronts—and never conforms. We are risk-takers who take no pleasure in residing in comfort and convenience."

Just a thought.

Kids Free 2B Kids

a Biblical thought...
"For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions." (Daniel 6:26-27)

a Book thought...
Fathering starts with love and communication with kids, encouraging them to have their own ideas. (p25)

a Dave thought...
Are you concerned about:
How children are portrayed in advertising - i.e. What they wear, how they're posed?
The images children are exposed to in their environment - i.e. Billboards, magazines, internet, TV? The toys, dolls and games children play with?
Exposure to adult sexual images that a child is not developmentally ready to absorb?
Have you felt powerless to make a difference? You are not alone!
There is a groundswell of people all over Australia who are also concerned. This includes experts in the field of child development.
Kids Free 2B Kids is committed to children developing to their full potential - without exposure to sexualized imagery before they are developmentally ready to process it.

Check out more @ http://www.kf2bk.com/

Just a thought.

Quarterized

a Biblical thought...
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. (Daniel 4:37)

a Book thought...
Kids need to know they are loved for who they are, not for anything else - achievements, looks or anything else. (p14)
a Dave thought...
Recently I have been reflecting on the fact that many quarters of corps officers are now a few kilometres from the corps they are responsible for. Growing up as a corps officers kid I still remember living next door to Morley for five years where our family of six would continually be answering the door and being available to anyone who had need or just wanted to get into the adjoining facility. Over the last 20 years there seems to have been a deliberate attempt to give the CO some space and let them have some appropriate boundaries from their ministry. The idea that serving as an officer being a 24/7 commitment and being available to all is now a decreasing reality with HR advice and high burnout rates encouraging us to put appropriate safeguards around our work. It is important that we protect our officers but over the last 20 years I also believe the effectiveness of our corps work has continued to decline. Maybe the idea of living next door to the hall once again, although inconvenient may just help us be there for the people God is asking us to serve.

Just a thought.

Quarterlife Crisis

a Biblical thought...
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. (Daniel 1:17)

a Book thought...
Traditional individualised welfare ‘hands out’ but does not necessarily ‘help out’ because it encourages people to be independent (of each other, though dependent on the government),
when success in the 21st century is based on encouraging people to become interdependent—that is, honouring the receipt of money with reciprocal obligations. Individualised welfare without reciprocal obligations does not encourage people to transform themselves for future success. It provides miserable little fish when it should be assisting people to learn to fish for
themselves. (p375)

a Dave thought... http://www.eyeweekly.com/print/article/55882
The phenomenon, known as the “Quarterlife Crisis,” is as ubiquitous as it is intangible. Unrelenting indecision, isolation, confusion and anxiety about working, relationships and direction is reported by people in their mid-twenties to early thirties who are usually urban, middle class and well-educated; those who should be able to capitalize on their youth, unparalleled freedom and free-for-all individuation. They can’t make any decisions, because they don’t know what they want, and they don’t know what they want because they don’t know who they are, and they don’t know who they are because they’re allowed to be anyone they want.
When a contemporary 25-year-old’s parents were 25, they weren’t concerned with keeping their options open: they were purposefully buying houses, making babies and making partner. Now, who we are and what we do is up to us, unbound to existing communities, families and class structures that offer leisure and self-determination to just a few. Boomer and post-boom parents with more money and autonomy than their predecessors has resulted in benignly self-indulgent children who were sold on their own uniqueness, place in the world and right to fulfillment in a way no previous generation has felt entitled to, and an increasingly entrepreneurial, self-driven creation myth based on personal branding, social networking and untethered lifestyle spending is now responsible for our identities.

Just a thought.

Perception

a Biblical thought...
The glory of the LORD entered the temple through the gate facing east. 5 Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. (Ezekiel 43:4)

a Book thought...
But if we are to create safer cities, we will require a more communitarian political process in individualistic democracies. Intelligent communities will develop a safer future for themselves when they commence a community destination dialogue about what will be
their shared liberties and what will be their shared restrictions, and then sign off on these. (p374)

a Dave thought...
I don't normally pass on email stories but I found this one intriguing...

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32. 1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theatre in Boston where the seats averaged $100. This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organised by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities . The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognise talent in an unexpected context? One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.... How many other things are we missing?

Just a thought.

Scalp a Salvo

a Biblical thought...
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.' " 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. (Ezekiel 37:9,10)

a Book thought...
In the 21st century it is possible to construct an aid program which is in the private sector and which enables rich people and communities everywhere to help poor people and communities everywhere. This would be a borderless humanitarian aid system, permitting anybody wishing to do so to opt in to the provision of humanitarian assistance, and not to leave it just to the foreign aid budgets of governments. (p348)

a Dave thought...
Over the last few years I continue to be encouraged by the commitment from many of our young people towards our work overseas. Reno Elms, the CO at Unley has decided to join his three sons in raising money by having his head shaved today. Reno says…

Yes, I have gone crazy but all for a good reason. Loosing my hair will hopefully add to the already $10,000 that my 15 year old son Samuel has raised over the last 10 months toward the goal of buying a mini bus for $20,000 for an orphange in Denpasar where my family helps support 85 boys. I have $1,500 worth of sponsors so far, my goal was for $3,000 (200 people giving me the value of one hair cut, $15) The more the quicker our family can buy the bus.

If you would like to make a donation towards the bus please contact Remo @ remo.elms@aus.salvationarmy.org

Just a thought.

Salvo Skillbase

a Biblical thought...
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. (Ezekiel 36:25-27)

a Book thought...
McDonough and his colleague Michael Braungart maintain that the concept of eco-efficiency is flawed because it is a problem centred approach involving lessening undesirable outcomes by
minimising pollution and waste. As they said, ‘being less bad is no good’. Eco-effectiveness, on the other hand, is a mission-directed approach that involves designing a world where these problems do not exist at all because they have been designed out. Eco-effectiveness would abolish, not minimise waste. (p322)

a Dave thought...
Numerous corps have now started their 6 week Salvos Out There campaign and I've heard some great stories already of how God is using this tool to help us better understand who we are today. If you want to get involved you can by visiting http://www.salvosoutthere.com/ and signing up for the free SMS and email. There is also a great initiative called Salvo Skillbase which is encouraging all of us Salvos to enlist our skills such as teaching, admin, plumbing etc. The idea behind this is so next time The Salvation Army is asked to help others such as a bushfire crisis, tsunami or even in rebuilding a classroom we have an up to date list of our soldiers across the territory and we can be mobilised into action as required.

“Believing we are a people created by God for His mission in the world, our desire is to re-discover the original principles of The Salvation Army and to live these in relevant and effective ways for today. We embrace now as the time to act and live these principles including, having a heart for the poor; an activist orientation; and being holistic in mission.” – Our Hope and Prayer, “Salvos Out There” Declaration .

Just a thought.

Winter Sleepout

a Biblical thought...
I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, but the arms of Pharaoh will fall limp. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I put my sword into the hand of the king of Babylon and he brandishes it against Egypt. I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them through the countries. Then they will know that I am the LORD. (Ezekiel 30:25-26)

a Book thought...
A sustainable society is one where all forms of behaviour—production, consumption, development and lifestyles—are sustainable; a society which is able to become prosperous and
equitable and grow, adapt, develop and change; a society which does not significantly violate natural laws and constraints; and which does not reduce opportunities and options for coming
generations and other species. (p277)
a Dave thought...
Last night six of us slept out on the streets as part of homeless persons week - August 2-8. www.salvationarmy.org.au Our instructions were to bring a small backpack which holds your sleeping bag, a train ticket and $5 only in cash. I joined the other five after 11pm in the city at that stage they had already been walking the streets for a few hours and had a bite to eat from the soup van. After I met up with the others we caught the last tram from Collins St out to Glenferrie to get some sleep. It took us another hour to find some cardboard and a safe place to bed down for the night. Our location ended up in the grandstand at Glenferrie Oval where we managed to get a few hours sleep. It was cold, hard and uncomfortable. We awoke with the sound of the first train at 5am and then went to Maccas for breakfast. It was certainly an interesting experience and just gave us a small taste of what thousands face every night across the country. You may want to try it yourself sometime.

Just a thought.

Momentum

a Biblical thought...
At that time your mouth will be opened; you will speak with him and will no longer be silent. So you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the LORD. (Ezekiel 24:27)

a Book thought...
In an interdependent planet, there should be no free lunch, no hand-outs, just ‘help-outs’ such as microcredit. Hand-outs can engender dependency. (p264)
a Dave thought...
Momentum is something I see come and go in our movement but and it obviously depends on leadership. Some corps are doing amazing while others struggle and then years later the opposite maybe occurring. Our best officers and leaders somehow get momentum happening and when they do health and growth are often automatic. Here are John Maxwell's 10 Momentum breakers & makers...

Momentum breaker - double-mindedness

Momentum maker - focus

Momentum breaker - the past

Momentum maker - the future

Momentum breaker - individualism

Momentum maker - teamwork

Momentum breaker - critical attitude

Momentum maker - constructive attitude

Momentum breaker - tradition

Momentum maker - creativity

Momentum breaker - apathy

Momentum maker - passion

Momentum breaker - dishonesty

Momentum maker - character

Momentum breaker - conformity

Momentum maker - change

Momentum breaker - ingratitude

Momentum maker - gratitude

Momentum breaker - indecision

Momentum maker - action

Leaders have to act with incomplete information. You can never know all of the variables. Momentum and risk go hand in hand. As a leader, if you always play it safe, then you'll never inspire excitement in those you lead.

Just a thought.

Responding to need

a Biblical thought...
He follows my decrees and faithfully keeps my laws. That man is righteous; he will surely live, declares the Sovereign LORD. (Ezekiel 18:9)

a Book thought...
We need many more enterprising people who are job-makers rather than job-takers, and we need our leaders to be enterprising as well. (p221)

a Dave thought...
Last night Kylie and I went along for the official opening of The Couch - a centre for international students at 69 Bourke St. The Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and Collingwood footballer Harry O'Brien both spoke and endorsed the centre and declared it open. For the launch 614 blocked off Westwood place and had a street party complete with a live band and food. There was a great vibe around the place with literally hundreds of international students present to celebrate.

Major Brendan Nottle was once again a big part of making this initiative happen. One night he was out on the streets with their van feeding the homeless when he came upon a student from Mauritius. Brendan was overcome by his story as he heard of the deception that was used to attract him to Melbourne to study and the amount of money he had paid along the way including what he thought was going to be great accommodation. Well ten months later thanks to Brendan's networks and drive we now have an amazing centre designed to meet the ever growing needs of international students. Brendan is a great example of someone who is constantly out in the community and when he sees an unmet need does everything possible in God's strength to do do something about it. I thank God for his passion, energy, drive and heart and pray that more of us will take initiative to meet the needs evident in our local communities.

Just a thought.

More Enrollments

a Biblical thought...
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God. (Ezekiel 11:19-20)

a Book thought...
An enterprising individual is able, even anxious, to take responsibility and is an effective
communicator, negotiator, influencer, planner and organiser. An enterprising individual is active, confident, and purposeful, not passive, uncertain and dependent. (p219)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday I was able to be present at St. Kilda chapel for the enrollments of some good friends. Charlie, Star and Lydia have been a part of my life now for a few years and to see them take this step to soldiership in The Salvation Army was encouraging. Charlie and Lydia are both children of Korean Presbyterian ministers while Star on the other hand has a rural Pentecostal background. It seems to be of late that many more young adults in their twenties and even early thirties are signing up as soldiers. When I was enrolled at age 14 I was still working out my faith and beliefs whereas today most new soldiers are a lot older and are not signing such a covenant without a lot of prayer and thought. Over in Perth last night Frizz, a 19 year-old girl (who has an amazing story of conversion) from Morley also became a soldier. These 4 enrollments confirm to me that God is still doing amazing things in peoples lives and also assures me that he continues to call quality people to serve Him through the Salvos.

Just a thought.

Future Brass

a Biblical thought...
I will deal with them according to their conduct, and by their own standards I will judge them. Then they will know that I am the LORD. (Ezekiel 7:27)

a Book thought...

I think it is right and proper that you should devote a portion of your time and energy to the duty of sanctifying yourselves and of spreading a full salvation among your comrades. But nothing can relieve you from the duty of fighting for the salvation of dying souls around you. (p67)

a Dave thought...
Over this weekend the Melbourne Staff Band has been hosting their annual Future Brass weekend for Salvo musos aged between 12-25. This is an opportunity for young brass players from around the country to come together for a weekend and be inspired. Not only do they get to play in a great band but they also get to sit under the world class bandmaster Professor David King. I dropped into the rehearsal yesterday and learnt that 15 interstaters had made the effort to be part of the two bands. This afternoon there will be a concert at 3pm at the James Tatoulis Auditorium Methodist Ladies College, Barkers Road, Kew. I'm sure it will be a great event as many gather to champion on the future musicians of our movement. http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/msb/

Just a thought.

Direct Trade Coffee

a Biblical thought...
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

a Book thought...
To retain the blessing you must strive to live in the same spirit of submission, obedience, and consecration to God as that which you entered into its enjoyment. (p65)

a Dave thought...
This week I was in Adelaide an had what I believe was my best coffee ever! I know that is a massive call but I was taken to 91 Osmond Road, Eastwood to a new coffee boutique called BAR NINE. After having my first skinny latte, I had to go back for a second coffee and met Ian the amazing barrista. I soon discovered this was no run of the mill cafe as he educated me about Direct Trade as opposed to Fair Trade. So after several minutes of conversation and purchasing a bag of beans I was converted, I am now a Direct Trade man and if ever you are in Adelaide do yourself a favour and visit BAR NINE. www.barnine.blogspot.com

One distinction between fair trade and direct trade is that direct trade roasters pay a premium price above the fair trade price for high quality specialty coffee. Whereas fair trade certification assures that farmers will receive a minimum price, any margin above the minimum cannot be guaranteed by fair trade organizations because they do not negotiate these margins. Roasters do. Direct trade specialty roasters such as Intelligentsia seek premium coffee quality that brings a high price on the retail market, and they generally pay farmers 25% or more above the guaranteed fair trade minimum, rewarding farmers who live in the right climate and develop the right skills necessary for growing premium coffee.

Just a thought.