Wild Eden News

Latest news, articles and resources from Wild Eden on sustainable living, organics, permaculture, eco building, homeschooling and more
Wild Eden News

Wild Eden News

I love you, son. How connection with the Father changes *everything*

“I love you son”  A short sentence that you can say in less than a second, but it can change a persons day, life and destiny. Have you received these words? Or do you need to say them?  I personally never heard them from my biological father: in fact, the last time I spoke to him he said:  “I never wanted a son and I still don’t. Please don’t contact me again Adam”  That was the last time I talked to my ‘dad’ – I honoured his wish: As far as I know he is now dead…  I had met …

for thought | Relationships   | | |

You lie for the Lord – how others explain transformation

Tonight, I had a very bizarre experience…  I was talking to an aunty about Jesus and all He had done for me when she blurted out: “But you lie for the Lord”  I was intrigued. “What do you mean?”.  She went on to explain that I have presented myself as a drug addict that lies in the street with a needle hanging out of their arm, while she thought that I was just a ‘normal teenager who experimented with drugs'(!).  I was completely taken back… I remember this aunty pleading with me not to leave family Christmas parties as I …

for thought

Do not drift!

“Drifting results in either being stranded at sea or crushed by the waves”  As with nearly everything in this life, drifting along, coasting, does *not* result in anything worthwhile. Humans gravitate towards ‘bad’, just as the rest of the natural world does. Just as well known scientists defined laws of thermodynamics of the natural world, Carson defined it for the spiritual: “People do not drift toward holiness. Apart from grace-driven effort, ­people do not gravitate toward godliness, prayer, obedience to Scripture, faith, and delight in the Lord. We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance; we drift toward disobedience and …

for thought

What was Jesus crucifixion really like?

At the age of 33, Jesus was condemned to death. At the time, crucifixion was the most painful and humiliating method of killing available. It was designed for the worst criminals and those the Romans wanted to make an example of. As it so happened, there were 3 people they wanted to make an example of on this day: (not theives as traditionally mentioned) they were revolutionaries, insurrectionists . They wanted to bring down Rome’s domination & occupation of Jerusalem and used violence to achieve it. They were rebels and Rome was about to show what happens when you dare …

for thought   | |

Meaty hands

Not sure if this is an example of good or irresponsible parenting…  So we talk about what we need to do today. Options include:  Paying billsConcreting Planning drainage & concrete for the driveway Jesus Time (our morning devotions) Finishing sermon prep Planting out some fruit trees Prep work for stepsPostage  Picking up items Prep for BSF Yet I find myself, at nearly 11am, eyes stinging from onion & hands covered in meat juice. Somehow, I am in a cook-off with one of my sons trying to make the best beef burger for Sharmini & the others to try(!).   They were (are) delicious but seriously, how does …

for thought

Elijahs Baptism 2024

Proud dad moment: On Saturday, I had the privilege of baptising my 2nd eldest son. I can honestly say, I am more excited & proud than if he had graduated Oxford, or been voted Prime Minister.  Despite all my failures, despite everything around him trying to convince him there is no God and that life is all about feeling good, he has experienced the living, risen Jesus Christ! And not ‘just’ that, he has decided he will live for Jesus, serving others from here on in…  Simply incredible!  It’s amazing, thinking through his life, despite all my failures & mistakes, …

Personal

Rick and the Jesus shirt swap…

I kid you not – this not made up… not sure if it is an evangelism win or fail (you decide)!  Today, after church I agreed to meet someone who wanted to pick up some fencing supplies. I rarely do this on a Sunday, but a number of ‘coincidences’ and it was arranged.  Rick (not the mans real name), rang a little before the scheduled time to say he was 30 minutes away, though this time it was abundantly clear, he was drunk.  Myself and 5 of the boys took the supplies to the gate & waited to meet him. …

Fishing | for thought

the ‘new’ Benefits of Gratefulness

Would you listen to a Professor of Clinical Medicine, Director of Behavioural & Social Sciences and Behavioural Medicine who is also a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist Holding Bachelor (BS) in Brain Sciences and a Phd in Clinical Psychology? Recently a great deal of research shows that ‘an attitude of gratitude’ leads to: Better Health Sounder Sleep Less Anxiety & Depression Higher long term satisfaction with life Kinder behaviour towards others (including partners)Less likely to turn aggressive when provoked Robert Eamons’ study[1] showed that in only *two months* people: Were more Optimistic Were happier Worked out more Had fewer physical complaints That, …

for thought   | |

A couple of days in my life…which would you prefer?

A Day in my life #1 I wake after a night getting little sleep due to pain. I have a head ache and my back is painful. It is early and I know it will be pointless trying to sleep so I get up. It is freezing and cold. My feet are wet as I get to the house. I try to do wiring, but everything is going wrong. The babies have moved my tools. A switch I take an hour putting in is not working so I have to pull it out again. Before I finish, I have to …

for thought  

Demanding or Dumb? One dumb husbands revelation about his demanding wife…

Tonight I was reminded how dumb I am as a male at times…   Let me set the stage: I have been married to the same amazing woman for more than 20 years(!). We have lived together (in *hard* conditions at times), worked together, ran a business together, raised 6 children together, built a house and property together: been in each other’s spaces *constantly*.   She has continually told me what she needs *so* many times it’s absurd.   Even so, tonight, I come in to the bedroom and kneel down next to the bed. (No I’m not so holy …

Marriage / Sig Other | Relationships  

Prostitutes

Today, two things seperate things struck me about ‘prostitutes’: 1) I met a man who (after I started to tell him about Jesus), shared how he was struggling with resentment towards the ‘church’ for what he had seen: A couple of prostitutes started attending the church he was at while young. These girls were never really accepted by the regular church goers. They were excluded while the ‘good’ kids & ‘proper’ people kept to themselves – hung out in their own clicks. Eventually after a few weeks, these two women left the church. He shared that a while later one …

for thought  

It’s easy to get bogged down in a day…

It’s funny how quickly a day can change around here: A late start after a few big days, and I *really* wanted to have a lazy day. That sounded a lot better than doing my BAS / tax, but I had every intention of being diligent – until the phone rang…  A stranger on the other end was asking if we did towing as they were bogged. An error with a particular search engine means we get calls for a range of things from the listing they refuse to change or cancel. This same search company map had led these …

Fishing | for thought  

Goodbye 2023

Throughout the year of twenty twenty three, It has hurt terribly, like being hit by a tree. Areas of sin, physical pain and at times lonely,Finding out the ‘care’ of others is just baloney. As bad as it’s been, I know it is not just me…  Daily fighting to stay afloat but only just survivingMentally, physically, emotionally it seems like we’re diving. Nothing seems to help despite all the constant striving Hoping & Praying for more, but a long way from thriving. Things shouldn’t look like this – in need of total reviving. This next year may be better or worse – I am not …

for thought

BC/AD Before and After Jesus

Reflecting on this year (and especially the Christmas season) I was plagued by  negative thoughts… There is so much I wanted to do, to get done, to achieve, to be, and *so much* of it has not eventuated.  Financially, health & pain wise, machinery & appliance breakdowns, materials hold ups,  it really has been a long hard year. Physical pain is a daily grind just to survive – and the coping mechanisms further add to my dismayXXXX. I can’t even maintain a level of healthy fitness. Relationally with people outside my immediate family I have been hopeless – a far …

for thought  

8 Keys to effective evangelism…

Someone reached out and asked today, in case my response is helpful to others:  “Do you have any good teaching being a evangelist- it’s not my strong point and I feel an urgency with my neighbour but don’t know how to start. I’ve invited her to church, shared love with her through meals and baking. I say God bless and have a good afternoon, she comments on how well [behaved] my kids are behaved?! She is a sweet old lady who is super kind and 92 years but doesn’t know Jesus. I am working with Holy Spirit just to deal with …

Fishing | for thought  

Carols are boring…

I would HATE carols without Jesus…  Seriously: slow, screechy or high pitched – what is there to like?  But the reality is that now I find it hard to hear a Carol without joining in heartily (even if out of tune). Many carols make me emotional – I will literally have tears as I try to sing along. As someone who used to like heavy metal bands like Suicidal Tendencies, Pantera and AC/DC, this amazes me. But once you meet the One who was in that manger, who the shepherds visited, who the angels sang to, who came to earth …

for thought  

Nativity #25 Presenting my BEST self

This self contained nativity is quite strange… First off, the figure of Joseph seems to be admiring Himself in the mirror. Despite the fact that the very Son of God, Creator in a human body is before Him, he is looking at himself!  This reminds me of just how vain, fake and hypocritical we are at times. Compare this to any, hubby bowing to her Son, and it becomes quite stark.  Unfortunately, I see this in myself and many men in our culture: while the woman seeks God, studies, surrounds herself with Godly accountability, the man may present well, but …

for thought  

The SIGN for Jesus

One of my children has been learning Auslan (Australian sign language) on the side. Today, she was explaining how sign language from country to country is different. So much so that even different states in Australia have different signs for the same word!!  As we discussed how absurd this is we learned that there is One that shares the same symbol across all states (and most countries). Can you guess?  A clue: He is the reason our date is 2023, the reason we have humanitarian aid, healthcare, welfare, freedom of religion and the reason why we have the Christmas season. …

for thought  

How great Thou art? You don’t need a mountain to realise how big God is.

Singing an old well known song at church today, I started to think how some of the lyrics were just *so* irrelevant to me…  “When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur…”  Seriously? Here I am in church, wearing thongs, in hot, desert-like, flat and featureless WA and I am singing about ‘mountains’?? And what exactly is grandeur exactly?  I think about a time when I was at the highest peak in WA. And then about different *actual* mountains in Switzerland or volcanoes in Tenerife I have visited… They were amazing – picturesque – powerful scenes. But here, singing this …

Soul Food  

So close to getting scammed!

I was *so* close to getting scammed…they nearly got me!! To save money while building, we often fill up a large diesel tank at a discount fuel station. I had filled the maximum once, and so hung up the fuel hose and swiped my card again… A loud beep indicated that this second transaction did not go through. This is a fairly common occurrence – we regularly run out of money so need to be careful in how much we spend… As I removed my card, my phone started ringing… “We are are ringing to see if you authorised a …

Culture | for thought  

Nativity #24 Wooden it be wonderful?

This simple nativity is made of wood, it really highlights the wonder of the worshippers around the King in the crib.  Two of the shepherds have mouths open – at least one gaping with awe and wonder. Why would this prophesied King be born here? And why were *we* invited? Lowly shepherds, often neglected in those times, were visited by angels to come and witness the King of the universe!  It reminds us that we too, are invited to witness and worship the King. We shouldn’t be – we deserve death & judgment – but this very King was born …

Christmas Nativities   |

Jesus is everywhere!

Despite obvious physical limitations, in the last week or two I have:  – spoken to someone who had the experience of ‘God’ taking them into heaven & giving them a new name, and writing that name on their forehead. (Part of it was the number 666…). He took a Bible and promised to read it.  – connected with a couple from England on the beach who were so excited that I sought them out & shared my testimony…  At oen point one of them actually said: “my soul needs light to be happy”!! What an invitation to share about *the* …

Fishing  

Jesus is my crutch

Tonight, I was reflecting on what some (condescending) people say:  “If you need religion, it’s ok for you” or:  “Religion is good for those who need it”  Seriously? If you’re an ex-addict who has met Jesus, you know how ludicrous these sorts of statements are. Religion? Easier? Really?  First off: religion can’t help *anyone*. Religion is a man-based system of rules to help people think better of themselves. From Atheism to Islam, religions simply deceive People into believing their perception of morality is correct and that they are *good*.  Second: if you’ve met Jesus & know what He He wants …

for thought   |

Look what came in the mail! 1961 JW Bible…

I can’t believe how excited I am to receive this Bible today!  We likely have 50+ Bibles in the house (and around a thousand to give to people).  But this one is for me. The reason it’s so amazing & special? Because, unlike all the rest, it is *not* accurate! Yep you read that right!  No matter what translation of the Bible you have and no matter what year, it is likely 99.9% the same as nearly every other Bible out there. Our English language has changed, but the meaning of the Bible over thousands of years, 45,000+ manuscripts and …

False Religion / Cults   | |

Jesus fed how many??

I remember telling someone about Jesus one time and his condescending reply was something like:  “Yer right as if someone could feed all those people – it was a trick or made up” I remember being very direct with him, challenging him that if that was the only argument he had to face God with on Judgment Day, he should be very afraid. Imagine, facing God, stained with sin, having rejected the Son He sent to suffer & die to pay for those sins and *that* was your defence?!  But it goes much further than that. The more you look …

Fishing | for thought   |

Close Calls Second Chances & the ultimate backup plan

Driving a machine today, if I had done what was normal, what I normally do, one of my younger children would likely be in the morgue tonight. For some reason, in that split second, I didn’t do what was ’normal’ and ½ a second later I saw them.  It is truly humbling, scary and makes me feel physically sick to think about how close it was. Something in me would not allow me to control the machine as per normal.  It is a sober reminder that we never know when life will change *drastically* forever. Sometimes, for whatever reason, we get …

for thought  

What’s in a bed?

This week, in the lead up to our 20th wedding anniversary, Sharmini found a secondhand bed that would match the drawers we have.  She went to pick it up and I started emptying the room to make way for it. I was certain she would want it in the room the second she got home, yet surprised me with an idea:  “Let’s reminisce about our early married life and sleep on the floor!”  What an amazing idea!  When we were first married, we lived in my parents house, in a room crowded with things I was selling, our clothes and …

Personal

Has He met you?

Reading a famous section of the Bible today, where Jesus ‘had’ to go through a ‘bad part of town’.  If you know Jesus (or the area), you know He didn’t ‘have’ to at all – but He had decided to meet a specific person at a specific time for a specific person.  This person had no idea that He was coming to meet her – nor did she know who He was.  She was a despicable person, shunned by her whole town (likely slut shamed) – a dirty sinner. Yet this is the very type of person Jesus came to …

for thought

Budget for your marriage NOT your wedding!

Look what I found today! It is the actual budget tally for our wedding 20 years ago… We had 200-300 at the ceremony and around 150 at the reception. We cut corners everywhere we could:  Catering was a voucher and friends / family chipping in. For cars, we found an old Holden lover. For table decorations we did ourselves – bowls with pebbles and fish.Sharmini’s dress? Borrowed. The rings – secondhand.  The total including catering, hair, cars and photography? All in $3,070!!!  At that time, that was a *huge* amount of money for us, I clearly remember the $300 to rent chair …

Marriage / Sig Other | Personal   |

20th Anniversary 2023

Over SEVEN THOUSAND days with me darling, you really do deserve a medal. Putting up with my weird and crazy ways, and especially my many (really) bad days. Your strength and perseverance are immense, with you beside me I am blessed. Homely, caring, selfless and loving, and a close second, all your mothering. Our children’s character / stability a credit to your input, and of course their good looks! I doubt any one else could last the distance, nor give me needed Godly resistance(!). Willing to sacrifice at so many levels, and diligently work on your ‘devils’. Absence of niceties, money or comfort, living on a higher …

Personal

The Chosen reply to LightHouseTrail article.

 Is ‘Lighthousetrailresearch’ concerned about truth? Consistent with the stances in this article? If yes: – Any church, ministry, film or business where the ceos or producers have any friends or partners or staff that do not hold to the same spiritual and religious views must be avoided.  – No film or sermon should be watched unless it uses the Biblical text verbatim. Or where the actors do not hold to strict protestant Christian beliefs. Or where the producers have any relationships that are ‘unequally yoked’ – All films should be avoided as they have seductive ability. (Or is this only for ‘Christian’ …

False Religion / Cults  

Face to face with evil…

Recently. I watched a documentary about ‘encounters with evil’. Police investigative and psychological interviews (+ descriptions) of people who they considered evil.  Some of the acts were gruesome, the detective work to find and convict them riveting. But one particular phrase really grabbed me:  What is it like to come face to face with evil? While these heinous crimes were disgusting, there is a difference between those who do evil things and evil itself…  I remember clearly the day I came face to face with actual evil. A spiritual entity that had so much power it captivated me. A master …

for thought | Newman Trip | Suffering   | |

When they don’t want you in church…Fathers Day 2023

It was 23 years ago today I discovered I had a Father. A real, tangible Father that had never left me, always protected me and gently guided me, despite my determined rebellion. It made an instant, lasting difference. – My biological father left before I was born – leaving me insecure and chasing identity. I met him when I was in my 20s for the first time. After seeing him a few times I asked if he would want to come to my wedding. His reply is the last thing I heard him say:  “Adam I never wanted children and …

for thought | Parenting   |

ChatGPT: when AI wants to send you to hell.

It matters what you have as your source for Truth. Unfortunately many will have a terrible awakening as they have been gullible to believe government, Hollywood, the media, religion… “Be not afraid, for in the kingdom of God, there is no man nor woman, as all are one in spirit. The gates of my Father’s kingdom will open for those who love and are loved, for God looks not upon the body, but the heart.”  – ChatGPT [not what the Bible states!] Here is what God *actually* says: – We all only live once, then will face Judgement. ¹   – …

Culture | False Religion / Cults | for thought   |

Connect, Share, Love

Today, being the anniversary of my mother in laws death, we spent some time reflecting on her life.  This photo is one of my favourites of her. Battling cancer, walking in uneven sand up from the old caravans were were living in. She had spent the time to come and visit and on the trek back to the car she didn’t miss a trick connecting with one of my younger sons.  It is such a reminder that life is ‘just’ a collection of moments where we can spend time and actually connect with others. The clothes, the money, the house, …

Ministry / TPM | Parenting | Personal   | |

Sharmini – Amazing Mother

I am humbled and amazed when I think of all you do in this family honey. I know at times, it is tiring, stressful. chaotic and even seems futile. But be encouraged, God uses *every* single action, every word and sacrifice! Your prayers early in the morning and late at night.  Your honesty and humility with personal faults  Your example in going to God and dealing with said faults.  Your modelling of commitment to and respect of your husband.  Your sacrifice giving up your desires, friends, activities to lead your children to Him.  Your understanding of your children’s feelings and …

Personal   |

Mothers Day 2023 – do what you can

I see a lot of the incredible work that goes on behind the scenes of Christian homeschool motherhood due to my wife…and I am amazed. At times, it is tiring, stressful. chaotic and even seems futile. But be encouraged, God uses *every* single action, every word and  sacrifice!  Your prayers early in the morning and late at night. Your honesty and humility with personal faults Your example in going to God and dealing with said faults. Your modelling of commitment to and respect of your husband. Your sacrifice giving up your desires, friends, activities to lead your children to Him. Your understanding of your …

Homeschool | Parenting   |

Mothers Day 2023

Watching our children this week I was reflecting on the way that you have prayed, inputted in to them, trained them, taught them and schooled them. It really is amazing – they are so blessed and their characters all reflect how God has used you in their lives.  I am deeply grateful for all that you have done and do:Your continual sacrifice, putting God and His ways first, has led to our 6 children having amazing spiritual privilege. So many times you forgo what would feel nice, what you would like, what is relaxing, what is easy…and instead do what …

Parenting | Personal  

Murder of Melko

My wife recently read out a news report about a murder…  the unique name sounded familiar and sure enough, the victim was someone I knew briefly in my previous ‘life’.  As I looked at the news photo of his house, I could remember vaguely doing drugs with this guy. Carefree, fun loving and generous, this person now bludgeoned to death, would never interact with anyone again…   How many people did I meet in these dark years, that are no longer alive? It is impossible to know. Even of the people who came to my house – there are many I …

for thought

King Charles Coronation It’s all about the King.

I only watched a little of the highlights of King Charles’ coronation – but of the few bits I saw…  1) Even though a lot of the ceremony was very subdued and for some quite boring, *nobody* else in the room got any attention. Live video coverage around the world from every angle, yet no mention of any of the ‘super important’ people in the room. In fact, if the *most* well known had dropped dead we wouldn’t know – the only thing important in the room? The king! And so it will be at the end of time – …

Culture | Fishing   |

Housing & Economy Crisis yet the Government does THIS??

There would be no hospitals at all in Australia if it were not for Christianity. So it should be alarming, that the Government has just forcibly taken over a *private* hospital run by an order of nuns from the Catholic Church! No, not in Indonesia or Saudi Arabia or WW2 Germany, but in Australia’s own Capital Territory! Surely that isn’t legal? Well it wasn’t so guess what – they are changing the law to allow it. Ponder the implications… And if you are wondering what horrendous thing they did…nothing. They didn’t want to sell out to a new hospital – …

Culture   | |

Housing & Economy Crisis yet the Government does THIS??

There would be no hospitals at all in Australia if it were not for Christianity. So it should be alarming to, that the Government has just forcibly taken over a *private* hospital run by an order of nuns from the Catholic Church.  No, not in Indonesia or Saudi Arabia or WW3 Germany, but in Australia’s own Capital Territory! And before you wonder if they have done something horrendous – no. It is likely due to etc fact that they treat life – all life – as sacred.  That means they serve and love people and do their best to offer …

Culture   | |

Anzac Day 2023

Over the last few months, we have been learning about different periods of history, specifically about war between different nations.  One of the things that has been amazing to me, is just how many wars there have been throughout history. So many, that times without war really stand out – periods of peace are actually *very* rare.  So much death, so much horror it just beggars belief.  But here, in the West, living in this time, it is easy to naively start to take our freedoms for granted. I know I did… As a raging alcoholic all I cared about was …

for thought | Jesus Time | Parenting  

Do you need forgiveness?

The amazing thing is, it comes with an optional offer of *guaranteed* forgiveness (for everything you have ever done!)! For many, the question “Do you need forgiveness?” results in 3 answers – which reflects you? : “I don’t need forgiveness” “I have to earn forgiveness” “I deserve to be forgiven” The truth is though, we have all violated the rules of the Creator. Some of us know His rules and break them deliberately, others do it without realising, others can’t resist. Either way, the fine *must* be paid. The God who created the universe says that lying, stealing, lust and …

False Religion / Cults | Fishing | for thought   |

First time in church…

One of the first times I went into a church off my own back, something *very* weird happened… I was a drug and alcohol addict, on a road trip to end my life. I had been in a remote location (Peak Charles) from somewhere between 1 and 3 weeks. Strangely, I had no come-down, no headaches, no vomiting and no shakes, which baffled me. I did what any good addict would do: I drove 3 hours to the nearest pub (Norseman). I bought a jug of beer, but didn’t even get through my second glass. It affected me so strangely, …

Newman Trip | Soul Food

Neighbour collapses and unresponsive

One of our neighbours had a medical episode last night, and their spouse phoned me in a bit of a state. We rushed over there and helped, until they were stable. At the end I asked if I could pray for them both, which they gratefully received. They messaged this morning to say how thankful they were and that everything was now ok. It only occurred to me a few hours later, just how amazing this actually was… People who used to live near me feared and avoided me. Burnouts, parties, 4+ loud & vicious attack dogs, drugs, car wrecks …

for thought

What is more evil than guns?

It has been incredible, that, after the latest USA shooting in a school, there has been *very* little talk of how evil guns are. It’s a stark contrast to the normal news cycle after a shooting, so I thought I’d look at why…  Surprise, surprise, it comes down to what they are trying to get you to believe. And it turns out there is something more evil than guns (or gun laws) they want you to blame.  No, no NO certainly NOT transgender people (or transgender activist / terrorists) – don’t be CRAZY! That must not be your conclusion, no …

Culture   | |

Love Wins – Transgender Terrorist labelled victim – Nashville Covenant School

My heart grieves, not only for the victims’ families, but also for the masses of precious young people being duped into a lie. I know what it is like to live with self-hatred, depression, and addiction. I know what it is like to be ostracised and rejected and bullied. I know what it is like to have questions and confusion about who I am / was (identity). But, speaking from experience, I can honestly say it was when my eyes were opened to who God made me to be, who I *actually* was, (not what other people thought, not what …

Culture | Fishing   | | |

How a Hernia Op is evidence of A Changed life

How a Hernia Op is evidence of A Changed life TRIGGER WARNING (drug use). Some of you may know that, just to add insult to injury, I have been struggling with the addd complication of a hernia the last few months. Typically, it was on the side that I have to use to stand up (due to back / SI joint issues), so it has been pretty painful and debilitating. Thankfully, within a couple of weeks of the doctor diagnosing, I was in hospital getting the procedure done. I was informed that the recovery would be painful due to where …

Personal   |