Coffee Break Lane: November 2005

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

More encouragement from Paul

Tonight in Bible study we looked at an overview of the book of Acts.
I was once again encouraged and challenged by the life and words of Paul, and therefore thought I would share some with you.

"Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 28:31

While on its own this verse is challenging enough - encouraging us to preach the Word boldly - it is the context which brings with it greater significance. This is the final verse in Acts and speaks of how Paul responded having been placed in house arrest.

Picture this: You have been travelling for a long time. Your goal is Rome, the greatest capital of the world as it was known at the time. You face several hills of opposition and mountains of suffering as you preach from town to town, yet you finally make it to your destination. The only catch is that you have been arrested and are forced to stay inside your house for two years.

What do you do?

Well, ordinarially this would be quite a depressing end to a 28 chapter letter. Time to sit at home, enjoying the fact you arent in jail but feeling sorry for yourself as you cannot leave the walls of this particular building to explore your new place of residence?

Once again, though, Paul proves us wrong!

What is encouraging about these final words is that Paul did not give up. He used this time to continue spreading the word of God. And with boldness too. In fact, his prayers did not ask for comfort, just for boldness.

Take heart, my brothers and sisters! Seek too this goal and attitude!

Monday, November 28, 2005

Gifts and Gratefulness

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.”

These are the words of Paul in 1 Timothy 1:12.
As I read through the book today I was struck by these words. In his letter to Timothy, Paul's thankfulness for God's grace and his acceptance - not just knowledge - of how that should impact his life is so vivid! We are all appointed to do the work of God.
And for no reason other than pure selfishness this purpose escapes our minds far too often. Yet in Philippians 2 we are told to do nothing out of selfish ambition, but to consider others better than ourselves and to have the same attitude of Christ Jesus who became obedient to death on a cross.
In this life and in this world we have a purpose, and fulfilling a purpose requires obedience. But even when we do remember this purpose we may forget the joy that it is to be appointed this service. Paul does however show thankfulness for this, once again challenging us to do the same.

I therefore say, be thankful, as Paul is thankful!
And be challenged as Paul challenges Timothy.
Thank our Lord for the gifts He has so freely given us. Ones that are certain and eternal. Be thankful that you are appointed to his service, that you are given the job to spread this good news, and do not back down from this purpose you are given!
I for one am at this point extrememly thankful that today I could spend my holiday enjoying the blessing it is to read God's word and be challenged by it.

Thursday, November 24, 2005

No Really, How Are You?

When people ask “how are you?” responses are generally along the lines of “good”, “fine” or “I’m not bad thanks”. While sometimes this may be an accurate answer, in many cases it is actually not a true reflection of how you are feeling.

Why is it that we cannot simply say “I’m actually not fine”. Is it that we don’t want to bore the other person with the details of our life? Is it that we are afraid they will turn and run if we are too honest with them? If this is the case, what made us become too afraid of what people think of us? And for what reason do we assume that people just don’t care enough to want to hear all the details? And is this the case? Are we too consumed with our own lives to actually want a true response when we ask someone how they are? Are we afraid to reveal our true feelings thoughts, personality etc?!

I am in no way trying to be negative or cynical here! They are simply some observations I have made about life.

These thoughts were further inspired by the thoughts of two fellow bloggers.
One posed the question: Do you feel like you are really "known"? Do you put a mask up to those around you?
The other said that one may be inclined to follow the philosophy that if you “Wear your smile well and you don’t have to worry about explaining things to people.”

While not revealing all of who we are is natural in life – either just as a defence mechanism or because it is impossible to reveal all parts of us at once – there remains the question as to whether we need to be more open with those around us. Or at least feel like we can?

I recently saw Must Love Dogs. A good ol' John Cusack romantic comedy. On the first date Cusack says he wants to get everything out on the table right from the beginning. In many ways his honesty and his desire for honesty is scary. But in many ways it also makes me wonder why not be that honest? Now, there is a definite risk in putting yourself out there, especially on a first date. Lets not try to scare away every potential partner immediately! Not the ideal result. Alternatively, the person is ideally going to find out most things about you in the long run so why not get it all out there to start with? After all, you do want to know the person don’t you? So do you weigh up the risk and choose to put that mask up for security? Or do you try to reveal your ‘true’ self?

Ok, so that is a date situation and I’m not only talking about that sort of relationship.

What about with our brothers and sisters in Christ? Those we talk to every single week at church. Is there a common inclination to mask our true feelings even with these people, the ones who are meant to share our every joy and sorrow? Those who can encourage and pray for you.

I don’t know if any of this makes sense to you. Let me know if it does!
I may just be rambling on.
But that’s ok, this is my blog, so these are my thoughts.

Of course I am not saying that you need to share every little detail with every single person who asks how you are! That would just be, well, awkward!

But I want to challenge you to not be afraid to reveal yourself to those who love you. Next time you’ve had a bad day and a friend asks how you are, do not be tempted to put up a mask, tell them the way it is. Hopefully they too will tell you what’s on their heart or mind.

Life is meant to be shared. We are in it together.

Corpse Bride

Yesterday I saw the latest Tim Burton Johnny Depp collaboration - Corpse Bride.

From the first few notes of the score in the opening credits you know this is a Tim Burton film. And although it demonstrates many similarities to Nightmare Before Christmas in its animation and quirkiness, as most of the Burton/Depp films (this is their 5th collaboration), Corpse Bride can be enjoyed on many levels - it is dark, it is humorous, and it is a story of true romance.

To truely appreciate this film however, some knowledge of what was involved in its making is required. This film is a stop-motion animated feature - meaning that what is involved is many many hours of photographing each single frame, moving the little puppets by tiny increments each time, to the extent that 12 hours of work can result in one second of footage. I have great respect for someone who can have the vision to make those tiny increments of movement into an hour and half film.

Furthermore, this film was made simultaneously as Charlie and thus there were some days of production when Depp was Willy Wonka by day and Victor - the clumsy groom he provides the voice for in Corpse Bride - by night. An experience that "would have been a little schizophrenic for him" as Burton puts it! I thus continue to conclude that there is no other word to describe Johnny Depp but 'brilliant'. And Victror would have to be my favourite character. He is so clumsy, stumbling and stuttering, forgetting his vows, so shy and insecure, but has such a good heart! Gotta love it!

This is simply an enjoyable film. As you may have noticed, what engaged me with this film is the techniques behind it. The story itself isnt anything particularly special.
But, If you happen to be a Depp/Burton fan, then i would recommend seeing it. And if not, see it anyway, dancing skeletons always get a laugh!

Friday, November 18, 2005

The journey begins...

Today I decided it was time to start making the most of my holidays.

Having enjoyed a reasonable sleep in and prepared Bible study for this evening, I headed into the city with my camera. I started out at Milsons Point, taking some shots down by the water and enjoying lunch under the bridge, soaking in the view and enjoying the refreshing breeze that saved me from the heat of the day. After walking across the bridge - realising that i may have looked a little too much like a tourist - I finally took a picture of the sign 'One Way Jesus' that i see from the train every time i head to uni (whoever put that sign there, I love them muchly), and proceeded to wander around the Rocks, and then up along George St, finishing the day with a milkshake with a good friend!

What made it all the more beautiful was the fact I didnt have to be anywhere at any particular time and could thus travel at my own pace. What is this....this freedom?!
I believe it is known by some as holidays?!

My adventure reminded me of two important truths:
1. I live in a very beautiful city!
2. It is important to charge your battery before taking your camera out for the day!

This is what holidays are all about!

Bring on the next 3 months!

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

And thats a rap!

A 3 hour exam, 11 pages of writing and 1 tired hand later, session 2 2005 is complete.

And so is my second year of uni!

Its a very good feeling.

Monday, November 14, 2005

Psalm 121

For all those in the midst of exams, or just life in general, i offer these words of encouragement to you:

"I lift my eyes to the hills,
where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth."

Psalm 121:1-2

Saturday, November 12, 2005

Simply B-e-a-utiful

Going for a walk in the morning in an attempt to stay fit only to have it start raining on the last leg. Instead of cursing the rain, slowing down to enjoy the refreshment and the beauty of tree leaves glistening in the wet.

Enjoying the beauty of a kid in your bible study getting why we actually need Jesus.

Sitting at the computer desk overwhelmed with work and trying to get an essay written – then turning to look out the window only to be amazed as the sun shines brightly, lighting up the world outside and every bit of life within it.

And of course, the early morning trip to Bondi Beach where even without the sun shining the beauty of God’s creation can be admired and good company enjoyed.

With the end of another uni semester meaning assessments and exams, life gets hectic. You could say its inevitable.The clutter of life builds up and takes over, pushing the simple beauties of life to the side and covering them til a later date.

Thankfully, the beauty that we have from the hand of our Creator manages to squeeze its way out before its too late, sending a much needed reminder to keep the simple things in mind and heart so not to let the chaos of this world encase our lives.

Last night was one such occasion. After a not so enjoyable day (due to the invasion of chaos) about 7 of us leaders headed to Neutral Bay for some post-Bible Study relaxation, fellowship and food.
Good pizza, a bottle of Red, and good company, we gathered in a secluded park right by the water, sitting in awe at the simple beauty that comes with city lights reflected on a body of water, the bridge in the background, and a few boats drifting past.
The whole thing was summed up perfectly with a sudden exclamation from Lil: “Guys, this is just so beautiful!!”

My only complaint - I wished I had my camera with me to capture that beauty, as words serve it very little justice.

Sunday, November 06, 2005

good things made better

"And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete." 1 John 1:3-4

Tonight at church we embraced a search for certainty in an age of uncertainties. Our minister spoke from 1 John of the fellowship we enjoy with each other, which is in fact with the Father and his Son.

Good things are always better when there are people to share them with.
A joy that is made complete as we share in Christ together.

When he spoke these words i was reminded of our journey yesterday morning, as good things were made better, not because they were enjoyed with two great guys, but because those guys are my brothers in Christ - with whom i therefore have a unique fellowship.

Saturday, November 05, 2005

Two Guys, A Girl, and a Bondi Cafe

A rainy Saturday morning. A Sydney Beach. A team of cameras. A bunch of sculptures. And a few servings of Eggs Benedict.

Tim greeted Craig and I at 5:30am. With a can of V in hand we were ready for action, not to be disheartened by the sun's decision to remain behind the rain clouds.
As the rain continued to come and go, our cameras came in and out, and several images were captured. While I still have a lot to learn about my camera, Tim's expertise and numerous accessories wet my appetite for more. The enjoyable morning was topped off with a tastey hot breakie of what else but eggs benedict...(don't worry guys I won't mention that you both had a second breakfast!)

Below are a sample of what I managed to capture.

Thanks for the good times guys.
Looking forward to getting out there again....maybe with a sunrise next time...

God bless,
Chels