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Category: <span>Soul Food</span>

Category: Soul Food

Getting the best for your soul AND spirit, along side the best for your body.

Getting the best for your soul AND spirit, along side the best for your body.

A Bong, a lung and a bucket!

Why I was thinking about drugs at church today. I was thinking this morning about how participation in an activity can make all the difference in our experience of a situation. In the setting I was in (‘church’), it might seem very strange for my mind to be on drugs, but it was, at least briefly. My mind went to times where I have been in large groups of people, all standing around smoking drugs, playing pool, darts or whatever just having a ‘fun’ time together. One regular picture came to mind, where I had come to a group of …

for thought   | |

The Fatherless Find Rest

Singing a song this morning at ‘church’ (front room with the family and some songs playing a recorded sermon), I was getting in ‘the zone’: You know, thinking about the One who has given us life and approaching His throne. My family present, including my sisters children, I am quite composed until very early in the first song the lyrics went: ‘the fatherless find their rest at the sound of your name’. No longer fully composed, my mind understands in part, yet again, what my soul has been experiencing now for nearly 19 years…REST! So, so thankful that my soul …

for thought  

My Reality this Mothers Day

Today, as I reflect on Mothers Day it brings many mixed emotions and great memories. Lots of joy, happiness, surprises, but also disappointment, sadness and grief. I look back into my childhood and all I wanted was love and attention. I remember giving my gifts to my mum that I made at school…always wondering how would they be received? Would they be good enough? As the years went on, as a teenager who now “knew everything” and was earning money, I would look for something that was expensive enough to show her love the only way I knew how.  I …

Parenting | Soul Food   |

No nurse is perfect

Last night I was thinking of a movie where a doctor was meant operate on a crook who had just killed another doctor and then tried to kill her. As could be expected, she didn’t treat him the same as her normal patients – and who could blame her? It reminded of a time when I was lying on a hospital gurney, skin missing off most of the left side of my body, the blood dried so the blanket that was on me was stuck fast. The bone in my big toe was visible – the road had ground through …

for thought | Soul Food  

Sometimes It is the Little things

I remember, many years ago, being in a house full of people tripping (on drugs, acid specifically). Things were getting *very* weird – furniture and fittings were getting damaged, people were falling in the pool as they thought they could walk on water and lots of screaming. Not really my type of ‘buzz’ so I headed out the front of the house. There was a pretty decent thunderstorm. I don’t know if it was a conversation inside about someone thinking they were Jesus but I remember thinking I wonder if there is a God. I had what is a common …

Soul Food

Is your King a Lamb Palm Sunday 2020

We are living in world that is rapidly changing, sometimes hour by hour. Rules and regulations from government, health and safety advice, food, work and travel is constant change. At this point in time, we have to go through a police checkpoint that is manned by state emergency service and army personnel. If we do not have written documentation from government to say we can pass, we get turned around – we are not allowed to our nearest food shops or the metro area. Public opinion has swiftly changed from that of freedom to that of quarantine (and anger at …

Faith | for thought | Soul Food   | |

COVID Fear

Isolation. Fear. Helplessness. Depression. Uncertainty. Grief. Panic. Paranoia. Despair. These things are rampant at the moment and the best advice people give is generally ‘remember this will pass’, ‘be prepared’ or ‘avoid the bad news’… But really the remedy for fear is not avoidance of bad situations. Neither is it ‘faith’ in the sense of believing everything will be ok. Rather it is a heart (not just a mind) connected with the One and only true God. Not the god of our own understanding, not the god of religions that say you must earn this or that by good works, …

Faith | for thought

God’s Love Letter to you.

This letter reflects the truth of God’s love for you. If He could fulfil one thing, it would be that you know and experience His great love for you. He has already done a lot for this to happen: including sending His Son to die for you… Hello My child, this is Me, God: your real dad. I formed you in your mothers womb, creating you just the way I wanted. With care and deliberate thought, I fashioned you. I loved what I saw and I still do. I made you to be a little like Me. You’re made in …

for thought | Soul Food   | | |

Mango Picking and Deviant Devil Ants

The Deviant Devil-Ant! On a recent trip to pick mangos in Kununarra, I encountered what I started to call ‘devil ants’, though their correct name is actually the “Weaver Ant” (genus Oecophylla). These little green ants, according to Wiki: “ inflict painful bites and often spray formic acid directly at the bite wound resulting in intense discomfort.” I don’t think this is quite accurate – the bites do sting but I would say they are only around a pain level of 2-3. As a frame of reference, the the bite from the big bull ants on our property would be …

for thought | Growing | Harvesting | Soul Food   | | |

Happy Birthday Jesus – 2019

Happy Birthday Jesus – 2019 Although we were determined to be prepared for our celebration early this year, a number of unforeseen situations yet again led to us have very limited time to prepare. A serious fire threat set us back a full week and an unexpected visitor added to the time constraints. Business had to take a back seat, though we managed to get our gate decorations up in time – sort of…

Soul Food   |

Are you hungry? 

Or do you just want food? Matthew 15:29-39 Not many educated people would deny the birth and life of Jesus Christ. History shows clearly He existed around 2000 years ago and was indeed killed. His actions made a huge impact on His society and to those around Him – especially the miracles He performed. His fame spread far and wide – people travelled for miles to come and get the healing they could not find anywhere else. And He healed them *all*. Here and now, today, it’s so easy to get discouraged when we don’t get the healing we want …

Faith | for thought | Jesus Time | Soul Food

Dont contact me again son

‘Dad I’m getting married – do you want to come?’ “Adam I never wanted children – I still don’t – please don’t contact me again” The above was a real conversation I had with my dad over the phone a week or so before I was married in 2003. It is the last time I have spoken to him – I don’t know if he is still alive, in jail or whatever. I have respected his wish and, unfortunately, I understand his desire…

for thought | Parenting | Relationships

Gods-provision-printer-rip-off

Another example how ridiculous God is at a garage sale after church… I saw an office printer that I thought might be a good deal, but decided I would wait before asking him the price to get a good deal. Before I had a chance he tried to sell it to me, offering it at a song – but I was more interested in talking to him about Jesus. He shared how he used to be a drug addict and was quite sure he had found freedom. After talking for a while it was evident he had just exchanged addictions …

Finances | for thought   |

Monogenes – Single Jeans and the Begotten Son

For Jesus Time today I wanted to start the children off on a direction I introduced yesterday: digging a little deeper into one particular doctrine in order to bring truth to people in other religions / cults. We watched some witnessing clips with some particular cults and I explained that I would let the children choose one topic or doctrine to research and learn – like a debating exercise. While I have read lots of different material on various cults, false doctrines and methods to bring truth, I find it great advice to use this one point, ‘dam crack’ method…

Jesus Time   |

One of the saddest photos in the world?

This photo does two things to my heart… It is a photo taken just after my 9yo son & I left emergency after a very difficult night. He had suffered a serious concussion and had amnesia and a possible brain bleed. I was sick, over tired and very sore but somehow – miraculously – we had just been released. All seemed to be going well…

Ministry / TPM | Parenting | Relationships   |

Sometimes God’s provision sucks!

God promises to provide all that we need: And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 Is this a promise of financial prosperity or ‘blessing’? I would argue it can mean the opposite at times. Sometimes what we need is a life hardship to get our attention, to see things differently, to change our ways. Sometimes our comfort leads us to apathy or worse, neglect. A loving Father will see that and do what doesn’t feel nice for the …

Jesus Time | Soul Food   | |

How to stop speeding? (Or any addictive behaviour)

There are a number of factors to addictive behaviour – but the root of them all is the same: sin and pain.   Sin: is breaking God’s law – Lying, stealing, hating, lust, envy, idolatry etc. Anything we rely on outside of God is sin. Alcohol, drugs, sex, relationships, other people, food – the list of idols is long! Pain: pain increases a persons drive to look for comfort or release. Being in pain though (physical, emotional or mental) does not make sin ok – there are no free passes. But it does make it more difficult to break a …

Ministry / TPM | Soul Food   | |

Shoulders Forward – the sign of a death wish…

So driving through the wind & rain after a long day on the road, my back is hurting, I have a headache and the effects of a cold are becoming more noticeable. I contemplate overtaking someone slowing down due to the conditions, but it’s only a short hop to the overtaking lane… As the lane opens I have been accelerating for about 500m to give the bus & trailer enough momentum to pass up the hill. My shoulders are forward as I pass and it becomes obvious that roos are a real threat tonight. I narrowly miss one that is …

Soul Food   | | | |

Our Amazing Neighbour Audrey

After a day on the road yesterday, this morning we could finally go and help the elderly lady next door… I am continually amazed at her. She’s 92, had 12 children, is now caring for her invalid husband, always happy and fiercely independent. Often we will see a bag hanging on our fence and she will have bought some presents or treats for the children. It is common to see her in the rain, chain-sawing wood for her fire. When we first moved here, she would forcefully refuse our offer to take the bins up to the gate for her, …

Soul Food   | |

I can only Imagine

The effect of Mercy on Me Tonight, as part of her Mothers Day celebration, Sharmini had wanted to watch the movie “I can only Imagine” – the story behind the #1 all time best selling Christian single.  The writer of the song (Bart Millard) had an abusive father and very difficult life that continued into early adulthood. Later, Bart saw Jesus transform his father from a ‘monster he hated into the man that he wanted to become’ (his words).  The song talks about what it will be like in Heaven – far from the cliche great food and good times …

Marriage / Sig Other | Soul Food   | |

Australians have reason to rejoice.

Today, we were Invited to a BBQ, bonfire & concert of someone I had never heard of at short notice.  We didn’t know what to expect, but it was our weekly ‘family fun’ day so the resulting vote was to go along. My wife and I with 6 children and my niece arrived to a flashing arrow directing cars and large ETERNITY sign on the gate. This humble entrance was hiding something…

Fishing | for thought   | |

Jesus is not my King!

He’s not my King! Today, we travelled down to Perth to see my nieces in an Easter re-creation of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Our goal was to support, so gave up our favourite Good Friday service (Padbury Chapel) where they always have very meaningful service ending with everyone giving 30 pieces of silver. All I knew was this was to be a dance and theatre type of display and likely part of a church service but it was so much more… The whole service was basically the acting and dance by (mostly) children. As the story unfolded we …

Soul Food  

Hope Less

If it were possible to have less hope… After a long, hard week with many failures, this morning I lay with pain in my body, a mild headache and a huge day ahead filled with activities I *really* didn’t want to face. I reflected on how different things are… With deadlines approaching and the never ending list of jobs to do – completion of this project seems impossible – even futile. How different things used to be! I had numerous desires, goals and aspirations – and I worked *real* hard at attaining them. I had every expectation that I would …

for thought   | |

Laying our concrete kitchen bench top!

Thanksgiving Day / Thankful Thursday 22/11/18 A journal of the day we finally laid our main kitchen concrete (GFRC) concrete bench top. Due to it’s size, a friend was sending some workers who specialise in concrete coatings to help. It would be a different way of doing GFRC from what we had previously done. A huge day to say the least, but as always, we wanted to put God first. He was the only reason we are alive let alone made it so far on this building journey. I awoke reading an article of an American man (John Allen Chau) …

Concrete / GFRC | Jesus Time   | |

The stupid / non existent potter

Does a jar ever say,“He didn’t make me”?or“The potter who made me is stupid”?Nope – but that’s exactly what I did… Convinced there was no ‘god’ based on the actions of others (if ‘he’ existed why would ‘he’ let me suffer) – I determined to do *whatever* felt good. Chasing good feelings, fun – adrenaline – wild times and being drunk / drugged up seemed like the only option and a mostly enjoyable one. “If it feels good do it – and do it some more…” Problem was, the more I did ‘it’ in various and copious forms, the less …

for thought

The difference a little water makes!

Yet another ‘Choose Day’ – and an object lesson that I couldn’t have planned better if I tried! As our bathrooms are not yet functional, one has been used as a nursery of sorts for seedlings through winter and spring – chillies, tomatoes and this week – cucumbers. As it happened, the last day and half they received no water and had started to shrivel… Definitely time to kill two birds with one stone… I didn’t let on to the kids what the object lesson was about, but said todays Bible Sword was a scripture about the Holy Spirit from Genesis – …

Jesus Time  

Indian date night with a difference.

A brief look into our crazy world…Tonight it was date night so I was cooking a special meal for myself and Sharmini that she has arranged. The children are looking after the babies and buying / selling goods as part of their new business venture. We are running late, and the phone rings with “No Caller ID”. It can only mean one thing: telemarketers. I normally answer and tell them about Jesus, but today I was going to ignore due to time restraints. But Sharmini decided she would answer this time… “Hello” “Hello sir, Do you know that your business can not …

Fishing | for thought | Marriage / Sig Other   |

Bethesda Palliative Care

It’s just over two weeks since my mother in law passed away. After a 6 year battle with cancer, the intensity and the difficulty mounted.  In the last two weeks she was admitted into Bethesda hospital / palliative care as the cancer overtook her body.  Although this was a gruesome reality and very very difficult time, it was made much more bearable by the care she received at Bethesda.  It wasn’t just the sense of peace in the place or the amazing views either… Every one of the staff showed genuine care and compassion both towards my mother in law …

for thought | Relationships

When TRY TRY AGAIN doesn’t work

How we normally put all our effort in the wrong place and fail…Today we were thinking about the disciples – in particular Simon Peter and how his life is an example for us to follow, but only in some ways!  Simon Peter followed Jesus for years, saw the miracles and heard Him preach many, many sermons. Some teachings were abstract and others, very, very direct, like this: Matthew 10:32-34“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in …

Growing | Jesus Time   |

Made in the Image of God

 I find it far easier to believe that God created humans over the alternative…and I am always amazed at Gods signature that can be seen in everyone. Sure, it is often hidden under copious layers of sin-riddled masks, boundaries and hurtful behaviour, but it is always there. When you take the time and listen, really listen to what people are continually revealing about themselves, you find incredible wealth, value and creativity – however you will also find hurt, pain, anger, illogical beliefs, depression and addictions. But the root cause is always the same – sin. It is exhilarating to be …

for thought

Guinea Chestnut / Saba

For ‘Choose Days’ lately (Tuesday’s Jesus Time), the children have been regularly choosing ‘looking at what God made’. We normally read a scripture about God being the creator – and we challenge the children to find a verse that we haven’t used before. Then we walk as a family around the property, to a particular place or even to the house / building site to explore Creation. It’s amazing what we find, it’s always a surprise despite the fact that we spend nearly all of our time on this block and this day was no exception…

Growing | Jesus Time   |

A Clean Skin admits: “I smoked drugs”

Admitting that to the police was probably not the best thing to do… I was reminded this morning of the first time I was arrested for dealing drugs, some ‘trivial’ events stood out in my mind. It wasn’t so much the police, the handcuffs, the being locked in the paddy wagon. But the actions of a ‘clean skin’ – a person who had never used drugs but was present and essentially dobbed himself in. Let me back up a bit. This morning I had a ministry session… When weakness is strength… I had been feeling slightly tense and irritable yesterday – …

for thought | Ministry / TPM   |

One Crazy Day in our life – and the end of our Bus?

Ted: The new name for our bus[riddle]A day in our life – no this is not made up… Our life can be very varied day to day. Whether it is family issues, the business, our living ‘camp’ or building – things can change dramatically from one moment to the next. Today, I thought I would give a small insight into our day: 6:30 Perusal Bible & Reading & send a message on the scripture message thread we have for the family. 6:50 Sorting the freight parcels 7:00 Sharmini gets back from her run asking for ministry. An argument between us escalates – not normal, and could …

Faith | Fishing | for thought  

Rachael Denhollander Vitim or Victor

Rachael DenhollanderVictim or Victor? Today, I read an excerpt from former gymnast Rachael Denhollander’s victim impact statement. It was moving and powerful to say the least. Having spent much time with survivors of sexual abuse her words reveal so much to both those struggling, those abusing and those in charge of making sure others are protected. It is so incredibly sad that so many precious young lives had to be tainted so deeply before this case came to light. It always grips me when I see people who have been wounded by the people who were meant to love them. The life-changing …

Culture | Faith | Ministry / TPM   |

Erly Kerly – how this drawing brought me to tears

🎶You are my freedom – You are the reason…I kneel at Your throne once again. 🎶🎶Where would I be without You…here in my life? 🎶The words of this song were playing as I pulled out a picture given to me by my daughter last night…  To set the scene: for Jesus time this morning we imagined the depiction of Heaven in Revelation 4: thinking about each line – what is actually described. Amazing, powerful and glorious beings that surround God’s throne. Lightning, Thunder, pillars of fire, the glow of Emeralds, a glass sea, Elders / Kings bowing and strange but powerful creatures worshipping. Then …

for thought | Jesus Time   | | |

Killing Rats, Stealing Cars and why it matters

But the reality was, the police were trying to save this thief. You see just before the car was stolen, the owner placed some crackers on the front seat. A tempting treat for the thief, but not intended for him. The crackers were there for rats that had infested the owners house. He had laced them with a deadly poison that would kill the thief should he eat any. The owner told the police, triggering a fervent search for the thief…to save him. We are often like that with God – we run, thinking He wants to hurt, punish or kill us – but the reality is He is pursuing us to save us – to forgive us. Is it time you turned back to God? Is it time to give up and allow Him to forgive you? To hand ownership of ‘your’ life over to Him? 

Jesus Time  

You Stink – I have much to be ashamed of in my life…

Recently I read a little about a case in America where 13 children were supposedly abused and kept locked up in a suburban house. The story, as portrayed, was horrific and hard to read, let alone imagine through one of the children’s eyes… I think there is much more to the story than has been reported – and the presented story has quite obvious flaw and inconsistencies*… (possibly to champion the public call for a ban on homeschooling or further deride Christianity). However, this is not the focus or object of this article. I do have to say first though, …

Jesus Time | Parenting  

Homosexual Faith in Marriage

The real reason homosexuals want marriage re-defined…and how we can relate. The current debate has settled down to the ‘re-definition of marriage’, a definition that includes any two men and two women. If you talk to people who want this change they will be very careful to try to point out that ‘love is love’, ‘it doesn’t affect anyone’ and ‘it is about equal rights’. But this doesn’t make sense – a huge number of people will be affected (even if you ignore the links to sex education, transgenderism, freedom of speech and religious rights), what is labelled love isn’t …

Culture