My mother said things always happen in threes. Well today INSANE 2010 came to an end. It was a fabulous event, the venue, the leaders and the delegates were all amazing and God did some sensational things in the lives of us all. Today also was the end of my term as TYS and INSANE was a great way to wrap up my 3 years at the helm.
My third end is that I've decided to put Captain Collo to rest. After stepping into the blogosphere 2 and half years ago I have found the spiritual discipline of everyday blogging very beneficial, and it has connected me with so many others along the way. I have really enjoyed the debates, the humour and most of all just a place to journal what God is speaking to me about. So as my 867th and final post I'd just like to thank you for reading and encourage you all to keep dreaming no matter where you are. My final words are simply my favourite quote from our co-founder Catherine Booth "If we are to better the future we must disturb the present."
Just a thought.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
INSANE Day 5
a Biblical thought...
As far as I am concerned. God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people. (Genesis 50:20)
As far as I am concerned. God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people. (Genesis 50:20)
a Book thought...
God's way to bring people to spiritual health is the church body. (p182)
a Dave thought...The night rallies have certainly been a highlight again at INSANE this year. Tonight will be a sensational evening to watch online @ http://www.isalvos.com/ The night will start with live worship which we are recording and will give as a DVD to all the campers this week. We are also giving the car pictured above away free to a guy who has come a long way with his life. This car was renovated and detailed at INSANE in the "Car Reno" elective. Along with that we have choir & dance performances along with amazing games in the arena. Our new TYS Captain Rowan Castle will be giving a message on "Love without Stopping". Please pray for us as we meet together here at Mountain Valley and as we encourage the youth of this territory to be Brave & True.
Just a thought.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
INSANE Day 4
a Biblical thought...
Then Joseph kissed each of his brothers and wept over them, and then they began talking freely with him. (Genesis 45:15)
a Book thought...
The value of discipleship in a group context is that it protects you from the biases and limitations of the one discipling you. (p181)
Then Joseph kissed each of his brothers and wept over them, and then they began talking freely with him. (Genesis 45:15)
a Book thought...
The value of discipleship in a group context is that it protects you from the biases and limitations of the one discipling you. (p181)
a Dave thought...INSANE continues to being an outstanding event. The quality of the programs and diversity of activities is amazing. A huge thanks to the team my amazing wife Kylie, Aaron Mills, Cate Shanks & Miriam Pho without you guys as well as many many others this would not be at all possible!
Last night Major Sandy Crowden preached on Give it all You've Got and reminded us that although we may be ordinary people we can be extraordinary with God. She read the William Booth quote when asked for the secret of his success:
I will tell you the secret. God has had all there was of me. There have been men with greater brains than I, men with greater opportunities. But from the day I got the poor of London on my heart and caught a vision of all Jesus Christ could do with them, on that day I made up my mind that God would have all of William Booth there was. And if there is anything of power in the Salvation Army today, it is because God has had all the adoration of my heart, all the power of my will, and all the influence of my life.
Just a thought.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
INSANE Day 3
a Biblical thought...
He took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king's prisoners were held. But the Lord was with Joseph there, too, and he granted Joseph favour with the chief jailer. (Genesis 39:20-21)
a Book thought...
Paul understood a divided church hinders everyone in it from hearing clearly from God. (p180)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday was another great day with temperatures dropping 20 degrees from Day 1 to Day 2. Delegates attended Bible Study, Active, Think Workshop, Fun Elective and the evening session. As we explored the theme of "Hold Tight to your Convictions" Rowan shared a great message and many responded to the call to be Brave & True. One of the highlights was the foam pit at the Insane arena where those involved in the game had to find fruit in the foam and make a fruit salad. Tonight we have Major Sandy Crowden coming to share with us on "Give it all you've got" and we believe again for another great day as we have fun and experience community together.
Just a thought.
He took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king's prisoners were held. But the Lord was with Joseph there, too, and he granted Joseph favour with the chief jailer. (Genesis 39:20-21)
a Book thought...
Paul understood a divided church hinders everyone in it from hearing clearly from God. (p180)
a Dave thought...Yesterday was another great day with temperatures dropping 20 degrees from Day 1 to Day 2. Delegates attended Bible Study, Active, Think Workshop, Fun Elective and the evening session. As we explored the theme of "Hold Tight to your Convictions" Rowan shared a great message and many responded to the call to be Brave & True. One of the highlights was the foam pit at the Insane arena where those involved in the game had to find fruit in the foam and make a fruit salad. Tonight we have Major Sandy Crowden coming to share with us on "Give it all you've got" and we believe again for another great day as we have fun and experience community together.
Just a thought.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
INSANE 2010 begins
a Biblical thought...
Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is dawn." But Jacob panted, "i will not let you go unless you bless me". (Genesis 32:26)
a Book thought...
When Christ communicates with his church, he speaks words of truth that ultimately unify the church rather than tear it apart. (p174)
a Dave thought...
We have had a great opening day at INSANE 2010. Despite temperatures up to 44 degrees Celsius we still managed to keep 392 people safe & enjoy the events of the day. Last night Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs spoke on "Keep Your Eyes Open" with Nath Casey & the team from SA leading worship. The campsite looks amazing as we have 16 marquees set up for guys & girls from each division. If you want to experience our INSANE nights live visit www.isalvos.com Tonight we have Captain Rowan Castle preaching on "Hold Tight to Your Convictions". Hope you can join us online and please pray for all the delegates here as they learn about God and experience community together.
Just a thought.
Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is dawn." But Jacob panted, "i will not let you go unless you bless me". (Genesis 32:26)
a Book thought...
When Christ communicates with his church, he speaks words of truth that ultimately unify the church rather than tear it apart. (p174)
a Dave thought...We have had a great opening day at INSANE 2010. Despite temperatures up to 44 degrees Celsius we still managed to keep 392 people safe & enjoy the events of the day. Last night Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs spoke on "Keep Your Eyes Open" with Nath Casey & the team from SA leading worship. The campsite looks amazing as we have 16 marquees set up for guys & girls from each division. If you want to experience our INSANE nights live visit www.isalvos.com Tonight we have Captain Rowan Castle preaching on "Hold Tight to Your Convictions". Hope you can join us online and please pray for all the delegates here as they learn about God and experience community together.
Just a thought.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Amanda Vaarzon-Morel
a Biblical thought...
Once again she became pregnant and had a son. She named him Judah, for she said, "Now I will praise the Lord!" (Genesis 29:35)
a Book thought...
When you are actively involved in a church body, all the members have an opportunity to observe God's activity in your life. (p1690
a Dave thought...
Yesterday our family had the pleasure of attending Amanda's farewell get together in Abbotsford. It was a beautiful afternoon and my first time I'd eaten at Lentil as Anything. The experience was well worth it and anyone who is yet to eat at this pay by donation and ethically sound eatery I encourage you to do so. Lieutenant Amanda Vaarzon-Morel is a quality person who we met over 3 years ago. I was privileged to conduct her soldiership classes while stationed at Box Hill and always found her passion for God and heart for others so genuine and warm. To be part of her journey through to officership has been a real pleasure. As she heads to the NT this week to take her appointment as Assistant CO at Alice Springs I pray that God will inspire and strengthen her as she continues to devote her life to Christ 100%.
Just a thought.
Once again she became pregnant and had a son. She named him Judah, for she said, "Now I will praise the Lord!" (Genesis 29:35)
a Book thought...
When you are actively involved in a church body, all the members have an opportunity to observe God's activity in your life. (p1690
a Dave thought...Yesterday our family had the pleasure of attending Amanda's farewell get together in Abbotsford. It was a beautiful afternoon and my first time I'd eaten at Lentil as Anything. The experience was well worth it and anyone who is yet to eat at this pay by donation and ethically sound eatery I encourage you to do so. Lieutenant Amanda Vaarzon-Morel is a quality person who we met over 3 years ago. I was privileged to conduct her soldiership classes while stationed at Box Hill and always found her passion for God and heart for others so genuine and warm. To be part of her journey through to officership has been a real pleasure. As she heads to the NT this week to take her appointment as Assistant CO at Alice Springs I pray that God will inspire and strengthen her as she continues to devote her life to Christ 100%.
Just a thought.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Brave & True
a Biblical thought...
What's more, I will be with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. I will someday bring you safely back to this land. I will be with you constantly until I have finished giving you everything I have promised. (Genesis 28:15)
a Book thought...
Christ alone is the head of the church, and he sets the agenda for the body. (p164)
a Dave thought...
The theme that our 301 delegates coming to INSANE 2010 will encounter this week is "Brave & True." The guiding scripture is 1 Corinthians 16:13 (The Message);
“Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, love without stopping.”
1- KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN
At this point we begin the journey by challenging the delegates to examine their own life. This wake up call captures the attention of the delegates and introduces our key concepts.
2- HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR CONVICTIONS
We hold no pretense that young peoples’ attendance at this conference is indicative of a committed Christian faith.
What's more, I will be with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. I will someday bring you safely back to this land. I will be with you constantly until I have finished giving you everything I have promised. (Genesis 28:15)
a Book thought...
Christ alone is the head of the church, and he sets the agenda for the body. (p164)
a Dave thought...The theme that our 301 delegates coming to INSANE 2010 will encounter this week is "Brave & True." The guiding scripture is 1 Corinthians 16:13 (The Message);
“Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, love without stopping.”
1- KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN
At this point we begin the journey by challenging the delegates to examine their own life. This wake up call captures the attention of the delegates and introduces our key concepts.
2- HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR CONVICTIONS
We hold no pretense that young peoples’ attendance at this conference is indicative of a committed Christian faith.
3- GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT
At this point of the journey we clarify one of our key concept that To be Brave is to live a life of action for Jesus. Brave in that despite, fears and failures, low expectations and apathy, the delegates would pursue all that God has for them, the world and for eternity.
4- BE RESOLUTE
At this next step in the journey we clarify another of our key concepts that To be True is to stay totally loyal to Jesus. True in that despite ongoing temptations, societal pressures, and all the voices of compromise, they would continue to live a life that models monogamy with Jesus.
At this point of the journey we clarify one of our key concept that To be Brave is to live a life of action for Jesus. Brave in that despite, fears and failures, low expectations and apathy, the delegates would pursue all that God has for them, the world and for eternity.
4- BE RESOLUTE
At this next step in the journey we clarify another of our key concepts that To be True is to stay totally loyal to Jesus. True in that despite ongoing temptations, societal pressures, and all the voices of compromise, they would continue to live a life that models monogamy with Jesus.
5- LOVE WITHOUT STOPPING
This final step in the Brave and True Journey is to reiterate the main points of the scripture and to again invite delegates to live a life Brave and True for Jesus out in the world. A life lived Brave and True for Jesus is bigger and better than any other. It is a life of action and freedom.
Just a thought.
This final step in the Brave and True Journey is to reiterate the main points of the scripture and to again invite delegates to live a life Brave and True for Jesus out in the world. A life lived Brave and True for Jesus is bigger and better than any other. It is a life of action and freedom.
Just a thought.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Gen Y Leadership
a Biblical thought...
Then I bowed my head and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of y master, Abraham, because he had led me along the right path to find a wife from the family of my master's relatives. (Genesis 24:8)
a Book thought...
There are no educational, age, or gender prerequisites to be a spokesperson for God. Christ can use any person he chooses to be his messenger. (p161)
a Dave thought... from The Age
GENERATION Y finally means business. They are far better educated and more globally aware and technologically savvy than any generation before them, and they are about to turn 30 this year. The oldest members of this privileged generation are poised to grab the management reins and revolutionise the workplace to suit themselves.
They have emerged from the global financial crisis - their first mild experience of an economic downturn - more relieved than bruised, and now they are brimming with optimism.
The baby boomers love them - after all, they were the doting parents that raised them. And as the boomers' extended reign in the workplace draws to an end, social and economic forecasters predict they are more likely to anoint gen Yers as their chosen successors over the unfortunate generation Xers who have been politely waiting their turn.
They call it the Prince Charles syndrome and it's nothing personal about generation X, just that generation Y has continued its knack of being in the right place at the right time when opportunity or prosperity arrives.
''The gen Yers really do offer a compelling case to take over the leadership,'' says social researcher Mark McCrindle, author of generational tome The ABC of XYZ. ''They are well
equipped to understand the 21st century ways and their leadership style and work-life balance approach is very suited for these times.
''They get on very well with the boomers as they stay at home longer and are connected with their parents' age group, and they understand the changing ways with technology.''
Charmed as their childhood might have been, they copped their share of bad press growing up. Inter-generational sniping has labelled them as overindulged children who emerged into the workforce as disloyal, high-maintenance employees not prepared to work long hours to get ahead and unable to cope with their first taste of criticism.
But perhaps they have just been misunderstood. They might have their priorities straight in demanding a healthy work-life balance, suggesting that putting in a 60-hour work week should not be a marker for competence.
''The concept of the work-life balance for us moving into management-type roles is going to be a given,'' says 29-year-old Kathleen Walker, a corporate sustainability manager.
''The general consensus among anyone I speak to is if you are there until 7pm or working ridiculously long hours, there is something wrong and it's not an indication of how important or busy you are.''
Then I bowed my head and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of y master, Abraham, because he had led me along the right path to find a wife from the family of my master's relatives. (Genesis 24:8)
a Book thought...
There are no educational, age, or gender prerequisites to be a spokesperson for God. Christ can use any person he chooses to be his messenger. (p161)
a Dave thought... from The AgeGENERATION Y finally means business. They are far better educated and more globally aware and technologically savvy than any generation before them, and they are about to turn 30 this year. The oldest members of this privileged generation are poised to grab the management reins and revolutionise the workplace to suit themselves.
They have emerged from the global financial crisis - their first mild experience of an economic downturn - more relieved than bruised, and now they are brimming with optimism.
The baby boomers love them - after all, they were the doting parents that raised them. And as the boomers' extended reign in the workplace draws to an end, social and economic forecasters predict they are more likely to anoint gen Yers as their chosen successors over the unfortunate generation Xers who have been politely waiting their turn.
They call it the Prince Charles syndrome and it's nothing personal about generation X, just that generation Y has continued its knack of being in the right place at the right time when opportunity or prosperity arrives.
''The gen Yers really do offer a compelling case to take over the leadership,'' says social researcher Mark McCrindle, author of generational tome The ABC of XYZ. ''They are well
equipped to understand the 21st century ways and their leadership style and work-life balance approach is very suited for these times.
''They get on very well with the boomers as they stay at home longer and are connected with their parents' age group, and they understand the changing ways with technology.''
Charmed as their childhood might have been, they copped their share of bad press growing up. Inter-generational sniping has labelled them as overindulged children who emerged into the workforce as disloyal, high-maintenance employees not prepared to work long hours to get ahead and unable to cope with their first taste of criticism.
But perhaps they have just been misunderstood. They might have their priorities straight in demanding a healthy work-life balance, suggesting that putting in a 60-hour work week should not be a marker for competence.
''The concept of the work-life balance for us moving into management-type roles is going to be a given,'' says 29-year-old Kathleen Walker, a corporate sustainability manager.
''The general consensus among anyone I speak to is if you are there until 7pm or working ridiculously long hours, there is something wrong and it's not an indication of how important or busy you are.''
Just a thought.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Goodbye Blackberry
a Biblical thought...
Take your son, your only son - yes, Isaac, whom you love so much - and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will point out to you. (Genesis 22:2)
a Book thought...
Circumstances provide God with an opportunity to speak powerfully to us. (p157)
a Dave thought...
Today I hand my Blackberry back to THQ. Many people warned me before I got this amazing device that I would become addicted to it. Well after a couple of years I think they are proven correct. Even though I have come to love it and can't imagine living without it I think it will be good for me to break the addiction! As handy as it is to access your emails 24/7 I also realise my family are fed up with it and quite often Noah sadly asks me to leave it home when I take him out so he can have my full attention. So today I am now officially an iPhone user and with email no longer on tap life should be simpler. Now all I have to do is figure out how to get my 500 contacts off my inotes onto my new phone!
Just a thought.
Take your son, your only son - yes, Isaac, whom you love so much - and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will point out to you. (Genesis 22:2)
a Book thought...
Circumstances provide God with an opportunity to speak powerfully to us. (p157)
a Dave thought...Today I hand my Blackberry back to THQ. Many people warned me before I got this amazing device that I would become addicted to it. Well after a couple of years I think they are proven correct. Even though I have come to love it and can't imagine living without it I think it will be good for me to break the addiction! As handy as it is to access your emails 24/7 I also realise my family are fed up with it and quite often Noah sadly asks me to leave it home when I take him out so he can have my full attention. So today I am now officially an iPhone user and with email no longer on tap life should be simpler. Now all I have to do is figure out how to get my 500 contacts off my inotes onto my new phone!
Just a thought.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
One Minute Bible for Students
a Biblical thought...
Abraham approached him and said, "Will you destroy both innocent and guilty alike?" (Genesis 18:23)
a Book thought...
Jesus taught his disciples that they didn't know the truth of a situation until they heard from God. (p154)
a Dave thought...
You’ve committed yourself to more Bible reading plans than you care to admit and you’re 187 chapters behind in your latest attempt. If this sounds familiar, then the One Minute Bible for Students is what you need to get back and stay on track. Do the math. There are 1400 minutes in a day. It will take you One Minute to read a passage of Scripture. “Hey, that’s doable!” Additionally, veteran youth pastor Doug Fields has contributed some great insights to help you apply these short, one minute Scripture readings to your every day life. Special one minute features include: devotionals, commentary, theological words defined in simple terms, personality profiles, unique, weird, and humorous facts . . . all designed to help you discover and fall in love with God’s love letter to you.
Abraham approached him and said, "Will you destroy both innocent and guilty alike?" (Genesis 18:23)
a Book thought...
Jesus taught his disciples that they didn't know the truth of a situation until they heard from God. (p154)
a Dave thought...You’ve committed yourself to more Bible reading plans than you care to admit and you’re 187 chapters behind in your latest attempt. If this sounds familiar, then the One Minute Bible for Students is what you need to get back and stay on track. Do the math. There are 1400 minutes in a day. It will take you One Minute to read a passage of Scripture. “Hey, that’s doable!” Additionally, veteran youth pastor Doug Fields has contributed some great insights to help you apply these short, one minute Scripture readings to your every day life. Special one minute features include: devotionals, commentary, theological words defined in simple terms, personality profiles, unique, weird, and humorous facts . . . all designed to help you discover and fall in love with God’s love letter to you.
The great thing about the One Minute Bible for Students is that you will never again get stuck in Leviticus for forty years. The One Minute Bible for Students moves you through the entire Bible—from Creation to the return of Jesus—in just ONE YEAR! The One Minute Bible for Students won’t replace your Bible. It will inspire you to take side trips into your Bible to see what came before and what comes after the passage you just read. These bite-size servings of Scripture are sure to increase your appetite for God’s Word.
http://www.simplyyouthministry.com/resources-small-groups-one-minute-bible-for-students-by-the-case.html
http://www.simplyyouthministry.com/resources-small-groups-one-minute-bible-for-students-by-the-case.html
Just a thought.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
5 sleeps till INSANE
a Biblical thought...
Hagar referred to the Lord, who had spoken to her, as "the God who sees me," for she said, "I have seen the One who sees me!" (Genesis 16:13)
a Book thought...
When we are in the midst of bewildering circumstances, that is not the time to make conclusions about what God is like. We should have already reached our conclusions before we entered the difficult experience. (p153)
Hagar referred to the Lord, who had spoken to her, as "the God who sees me," for she said, "I have seen the One who sees me!" (Genesis 16:13)
a Book thought...
When we are in the midst of bewildering circumstances, that is not the time to make conclusions about what God is like. We should have already reached our conclusions before we entered the difficult experience. (p153)
a Dave thought...As INSANE 2010 fast approaches everyone is making a huge effort to make this an outstanding youth event. We now have over 380 people coming for the 5 days at Mountain Valley. The goal of Insane 2010: Brave and True is to empower high-school age young people to live a life brave and true for Jesus. As a result we aim to move out of conference as corporate program and foster an event of spiritual transformation.
Within this event we aim to generate a culture and message that challenges young people in relevant ways. According to poll research, the largest influences on high-school age teen culture are peer bonding and multi-media entertainment. The two things teens love the most are their friends and their music.
As a result, Brave and True is not a polite Church service, a regimented conference or a conventional youth camp, but marries elements from all to offer young people what they value most. Brave and True aims to be a unique event that offers young people close community, peer workshops, scriptural teaching, multi-media communication and a lot of loud music. It is a new beast for a new generation.
The guiding scripture for Brave and True is 1 Corinthians 16:13 (The Message);
“Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, love without stopping.”
Just a thought.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Sustainable Youth Ministry
a Biblical thought...
Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has helped you conquer your enemies. (Genesis 14:19-20)
a Book thought...
The key to understanding our circumstances is to focus on Christ rather than on our circumstances. (p152)
a Dave thought...
What is going wrong? What would it take to build a ministry that withstands the roller coaster ride that has become so much a part of “normal” youth ministry?
Based on his own experience as a youth pastor and his hands-on consulting work with scores of churches, Mark DeVries pinpoints the problems that cause division and burnout. He then provides the practical tools and strategies needed to lay a strong foundation for your church’s youth ministry—one that isn’t built solely on a person or a program. In these pages he offers indispensable guidance for
Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has helped you conquer your enemies. (Genesis 14:19-20)
a Book thought...
The key to understanding our circumstances is to focus on Christ rather than on our circumstances. (p152)
a Dave thought...What is going wrong? What would it take to build a ministry that withstands the roller coaster ride that has become so much a part of “normal” youth ministry?
Based on his own experience as a youth pastor and his hands-on consulting work with scores of churches, Mark DeVries pinpoints the problems that cause division and burnout. He then provides the practical tools and strategies needed to lay a strong foundation for your church’s youth ministry—one that isn’t built solely on a person or a program. In these pages he offers indispensable guidance for
1. Understanding why most churches stay chronically stuck in very predictable (and solvable) problems in their youth ministries
2. Moving toward a systemic approach to youth ministry by tending first to the climate and structures under girding the ministry
3. Helping senior pastors and search committees avoid the common pitfalls made in hiring youth staff
4. Equipping youth pastors to build strong volunteer teams and navigate the turbulent waters of church politics
5. Giving youth pastors creative tools for lasting in youth ministry for the long haul.
2. Moving toward a systemic approach to youth ministry by tending first to the climate and structures under girding the ministry
3. Helping senior pastors and search committees avoid the common pitfalls made in hiring youth staff
4. Equipping youth pastors to build strong volunteer teams and navigate the turbulent waters of church politics
5. Giving youth pastors creative tools for lasting in youth ministry for the long haul.
Building a sustainable youth ministry is not easy, and it’s not quick. But with commitment to the process, hard work and the guidance found in Sustainable, your church can put together a healthy youth ministry—one that fits your church and lasts for the long haul. Youth ministry can last.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
Monday, January 4, 2010
John Maclean
a Biblical thought...
Let's build a great city with a tower that reaches to the skies - a monument to our greatness! (Genesis 11:4)
a Book thought...
When God allows one door to close, it may be because he is preparing to open a more effective door of service to you somewhere else. (p147)
a Dave thought...
One thing I really enjoy is reading autobiographies especially of athletes and their rise to success. So on my Christmas list was once again books, such as the story of Cadel Evans, Lance Armstrong but the last one one was slightly different - John Maclean. (http://www.johnmaclean.com.au/) I met John while competing at the Busselton Ironman in December where he was competing in about his tenth Ironman. John was an in a different category to me though as he was racing in a wheelchair. When I saw him get carried into the water early on that Saturday morning in December to begin the 3.8km swim I knew this man was special. I really enjoyed the autobiography and learnt how he was knocked off his bike in Sydney while training for a triathlon in 1988. He was very lucky to survive but since that time has just overcome so many adversities and competed in hundreds of events around the world. But the one thing that will stay in my mind is that he realised his life was never better than when he started doing things for others. He has set up the John Maclean foundation which raises money to help young wheelchair victims get their lives back on track. So if you want a good book to read give "Full Circle" a go.
Just a thought.
Let's build a great city with a tower that reaches to the skies - a monument to our greatness! (Genesis 11:4)
a Book thought...
When God allows one door to close, it may be because he is preparing to open a more effective door of service to you somewhere else. (p147)
a Dave thought...One thing I really enjoy is reading autobiographies especially of athletes and their rise to success. So on my Christmas list was once again books, such as the story of Cadel Evans, Lance Armstrong but the last one one was slightly different - John Maclean. (http://www.johnmaclean.com.au/) I met John while competing at the Busselton Ironman in December where he was competing in about his tenth Ironman. John was an in a different category to me though as he was racing in a wheelchair. When I saw him get carried into the water early on that Saturday morning in December to begin the 3.8km swim I knew this man was special. I really enjoyed the autobiography and learnt how he was knocked off his bike in Sydney while training for a triathlon in 1988. He was very lucky to survive but since that time has just overcome so many adversities and competed in hundreds of events around the world. But the one thing that will stay in my mind is that he realised his life was never better than when he started doing things for others. He has set up the John Maclean foundation which raises money to help young wheelchair victims get their lives back on track. So if you want a good book to read give "Full Circle" a go.
Just a thought.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
7 Contemporary Sins of Youth
a Biblical thought...
It is the sign of my permanent promise to you and all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will be seen in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with everything that lives. (Genesis 9:13-15)
a Book thought...
Even the most dramatic circumstances will have no meaning for unless you are sensitized to hear what God says. (p142)
a Dave thought...
A group of 100 European youth (young adults) were asked to collaboratively write a new list of the 7 deadly sins. This was not a “christian” study, nor was the faith of the participants part of the selection process.
This list is interesting and telling. I think this exercise would be very interesting to go through with a class at school or youth group. Here’s the list the European youth came up with:
It is the sign of my permanent promise to you and all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will be seen in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with everything that lives. (Genesis 9:13-15)
a Book thought...
Even the most dramatic circumstances will have no meaning for unless you are sensitized to hear what God says. (p142)
a Dave thought...A group of 100 European youth (young adults) were asked to collaboratively write a new list of the 7 deadly sins. This was not a “christian” study, nor was the faith of the participants part of the selection process.
This list is interesting and telling. I think this exercise would be very interesting to go through with a class at school or youth group. Here’s the list the European youth came up with:
1. Racism
2. Dishonesty
3. Bullying
4. Greed
5. Adultery
6. Anger
7. Envy
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
17 Years
a Biblical thought...
The Lord accepted Abel and his offering, but he did not accept Cain and his offering. This made Cain very angry and dejected. (Genesis 4:4-5)
a Book thought...
Once God speaks to us, we cannot remain the same. God's word always requires adjustments on our part. (p137)
The Lord accepted Abel and his offering, but he did not accept Cain and his offering. This made Cain very angry and dejected. (Genesis 4:4-5)
a Book thought...
Once God speaks to us, we cannot remain the same. God's word always requires adjustments on our part. (p137)
a Dave thought...It was 17 years to the day, 10am at the Box Hill Salvation Army that I married my beautiful wife Kylie. It has been an amazing journey and we have been through so many experiences together. I never once regretted marrying young and have always enjoyed living life with the sensational Kylie. Our first years were in Halls Gap which were just magnificent, then 3 houses in Melbourne and now we find ourselves living in Grovedale. Along the way we have had two children, become Lieutenants and now Captains committed to life long service to God through The Salvation Army. I met Kylie at a Divisional Youth Crush on Sunday 11th September 1988 at the Preston Salvos. I was immediately attracted to her and am grateful for all that she has taught me about life and ministry. I look forward to this next chapter of our lives together knowing our love for God and each other only continues to grow.
Just a thought.
Friday, January 1, 2010
The Ten Commandments of Youth
a Biblical thought...
Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. (Genesis 1:31)
a Book thought...
Prayer is not a preparation for work, it is the work. Prayer is not a preparation for the battle, it is the battle. (p135)
a Dave thought...
A fascinating post over on ypulse the other day, culled from an mtv sticky report called youthtopia (a study of hopes and dreams). the study describes itself this way: “In the first-ever effort to understand the values, hopes and dreams of young people in Europe, MTV asked over 7,000 youths to imagine their ideal world and to consider brands as people and whether those ‘people’ would be welcome in their world –‘Youthtopia’.” One aspect of the study involved asking 100 European youth to re-write the 10 commandments to reflect their values. The results paint more than a flattering self-portrait of this generation as an aspirational model for society — one that tellingly promotes accountability, positivity and passion above all else.
Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. (Genesis 1:31)
a Book thought...
Prayer is not a preparation for work, it is the work. Prayer is not a preparation for the battle, it is the battle. (p135)
a Dave thought...A fascinating post over on ypulse the other day, culled from an mtv sticky report called youthtopia (a study of hopes and dreams). the study describes itself this way: “In the first-ever effort to understand the values, hopes and dreams of young people in Europe, MTV asked over 7,000 youths to imagine their ideal world and to consider brands as people and whether those ‘people’ would be welcome in their world –‘Youthtopia’.” One aspect of the study involved asking 100 European youth to re-write the 10 commandments to reflect their values. The results paint more than a flattering self-portrait of this generation as an aspirational model for society — one that tellingly promotes accountability, positivity and passion above all else.
The Ten Commandments of Youth
1. Have faith in yourself.
2. Respect your parents.
3. Be honest.
4. Take responsibility for your own life.
5. Live life to the fullest and be passionate.
6. Keep your promises.
7. Work hard to succeed but not to the detriment of others.
8. Be tolerant of others’ differences.
9. Be happy and optimistic, even in adversity.
10. Create, don’t destroy.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
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