Coffee Break Lane: October 2006

Saturday, October 28, 2006

This afternoon I enjoyed lunch at the Bathers' Cafe in Balmoral with my family. With two more birthdays happening during the week, my grandfather still here from NZ, and my brother up from melbourne, this was a great opportunity to get together. Although I admit the food was a little disappointing, the location was spectacular - I dont think I've ever seen Balmoral look this beauitfully clear...and almost tropical with white sands and clear blue water! It was beauitful! I love the beach!
Afterwards we headed to New Orleans cafe for some coffee and cake...oh so tastey!
Anyway, because I should be writing essays, here are some pics! Enjoy!

Above: Poppa, me and my brother, Ryan.

Update: approximately 16 days til I finish my degree! Crazy!
And tomorrow is the final TC for the girls I am leading - then they move up to Senior High! We have an exciting morning planned for them - complete with special yr 9 breakie - but its going to be a little weird when they move up! I am going to miss them alot when I finish leading them this year!
But, for those who know the details of what I have been trying to decide over the last few months - I have decided to keep leading TC for another two years!! So, I say bye to one group and welcome another!
Exciting but sad too - crazy times!
...I can do anything through Him who gives me strength....

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Pressing Onwards

I have probably said this on here before sometime, but one of the things I love about reading the Bible is that there is always something more to learn - even if its a passage you have read many times before!

It was just the case again today as I read Philippians and was given two important reminders:

"Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Chirst Jesus." (3:13b-14)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (4:6-7)

Have you ever noticed that in trying to make sure you are making decisions and living life in a way that will honour God and lead you to best serve Him, you lose sight of that much more important goal??
Well I think thats a danger we all face at various times in our lives, and I personally was in danger of it just recently. Which is why these verses are great reminders that struck me today.
I need to put more energy into pressing on towards the goal!
And I know I can do that through Jesus.

How amazing is verse 7 - the peace of God will guard my heart and mind!!
I feel so unworthy of such an amazing blessing!
But what comfort those few words offer!

I hope these words encourage and comfort you too. But I also hope they remind you to stay focused on the goal and trust in God as He leads you there!

God bless,
Chelsea

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Twenty One!

Yesterday was my 21st Birthday!!

I'd just like to say that I am blessed with some great friends and a great family!
Although being the birthday girl at the party means you dont get to chat to everyone nearly as much as you'd like, I am so incredibly thankful that I was able to celebrate with so many good friends, my loving parents and brother, and grandfather who is here from NZ!!

Rebbi, Pappy and Sarah deserve a special mention for their wonderful speech...which was actually a song they performed for me! I promise im not being biased, i think it actually was the best 21st speech i've ever seen! They are amazingly talented people. And it made me feel so special! I've always wanted a song to be written for me,...

Photos from the day will come later on (so be checking for their arrival), but a special mention must also go to the amazing Tim Goldsmith who so very kindly took pics for me! You rock dude! Thank you!

Anyway, it was a great birthday!
My Bible Study girls even spoilt me friday night with presents and cake and lots of excitment! Here is a pic of them:

And saturday was topped off with cocktails at Orbit bar, looking over the beautiful Sydney Harbour.

Another year older!
Thank you to all who played a part in the day, but also in my life! I feel so incredibly blessed!

Meanwhile, I will leave you with something much more insightful and important to consider:
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Tim 1:7)
I dont know about you, but when I read that I am challenged to think about how i am to live in response...

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

"beautiful awkward pictures that you take with your eyes and fingers"

Photographs.

I spend so much time taking them, posting them, talking about my passion for them….so I thought id post a bit about one of the reasons why this love exists…

A photograph tells a story.

A friend recently commented on one of my photographs as a one they really like. While its nice to hear this and the comment is totally appreciated, it is also a little weird to hear – images you have taken are liked by others. Its weird because my reason for loving the photograph comes from the context in which it was taken – the memory it evokes when I look at it – where it was, the way the wind and the sun felt when I took it, what intrigued me about the subject enough to take the photograph…. A photograph becomes something personal, in the memory it holds so dearly, it is odd to then think that a completely new meaning or association is established for an observer of your image.
It tells a story of which they can never be apart.
Yet, strangely, the image speaks to them also!

I therefore think that one common and important purpose of photography is its ability to capture a moment; to embalm a memory so that it cannot be stolen from you before you will let it.

The family snaps for example, these serve such a purpose.

My grandfather is currently visiting from NZ. On the weekend he presented my mother and I a photograph he had recently found, and framed. The image was of my Nana, my mother’s mother, his wife, who passed away last year. It was taken before he met her. While I admit it was not easy to see the photograph as my mother and grandfather started to talk of Nana’s passing. But it was still an absolutely beautiful image to see. A completely ordinary photograph of a person becomes an invaluable treasure. And what I loved about the whole thing was the way my grandfather, holding the frame with one, slightly shaky hand, his other slowly wiped across her image as he lovingly spoke of her and the memory of those early years. He must have studied this image a million times, but he so lovingly and gently pointed out that she had something in her dress pocket - a new observation? I wasnt really sure. But every little detail of this image was to be treasured.

A similar sentiment was alluded to when my aunt and uncle stayed with us a few weeks ago. One thing in particular stood out to me from a conversation we had when my uncle and I were sifting through some of my drawings one afternoon, discussing similarities between drawing, photography, and writing (he is an author). My cousin passed away 4 years ago. My uncle told me that when he comes across something of my cousin’s which he now feels he can, or should, depart with, he takes a photograph of it.
That photograph for him is so much more than a photograph; and so much more than a photograph of an object; it is an image representing and reminding him of hundreds of memories to which he desires to hold for as long as humanly possible.

Maybe I just think about things too much….but if you ask me, a photograph can be incredibly powerful!
There is always much, much more to them than what first meets the eye. Even if you are unaware of it, an image always has a story to be told.
And it is there for photographer, subject, and observer alike.

I don’t know about you, but I will continue to capture and to gaze.

(Ironically I could not think of a photograph appropriate for this post)

Sunday, October 15, 2006

The Search....and other prayer points

The Search

Left: Mon, Sarah, and Pappy in our funky Search team t-shirts!

Competitions to see who can build the tallest free standing tower out of marshmellows, straws, sticks and paper cups:

A skit series of Australia's next top model acted out by three 'ridiculously good looking' leaders:
Australian Idol - Singstar styleThe Amazing Race: St Ives Village edition
'Bloke overs' by Davo and Bruce of 'Straight Eye for the Straight Guy'
Three legged Soccer, with a rockmelon as the ball
Human foosball
Being led blindfolded attatched to rope through an obstacle course for Survivor
A real live game of Risk
Where else can such crazy activities happen but a youth group event?!
These are just some of the games and activities we ran for The Search this week!

Then of course there were the more serious parts of the mission - chances to get to know some of the new kids who will hopefully join our youth group; asking big questions such as:
Who or what do you think God is?
Who is Jesus and why is He so famous?
Why is Jesus so famous?
What is one thing every human needs?
Is it fair that God has a problem with each and every one of us?
How are you going to respond to the fact that God himself not only wants to know you personally, but that He personally provided the solution to the problem WE created?!

The talks followed the reality TV thing just as the games did. For example:
-Is God just like Big Brother watching over us?
-Jesus either had to be Lord or the Biggest Liar
- We need to undergo an Extreme Spiritual Makeover

4 days of mission is always gotta be tiring.
But I thank God for every minute of The Search and every single kid he brought along.
It was amazing! The team was great and such a good example of what working in a team united under Jesus should be like, serving each other, always willing to jump in and do whatever needs to be done! Its little things like that which make mission that much better!
God spoke faithfully and clearly through Rich as he challenged the kids but also provided some great analogies and clear explanations of the gospel. And the kids were definately engaged in what he had to say, which is awesome.
There were lots of great conversations with new kids and existing members of the youth group.
And a number of the new kids have expressed interest in coming along regularly and finding out more!

As I said, praise God for the Search!
It is such an amazing blessing to be apart of His work in this way; so incredibly encouraging to see Him work in these kids and through the leaders and such events
And so humbling to be reminded that it is ALL His work - we are mere vessels.
He had a plan for what impact the Search would have, its not up to us to change that but rather be used in the way he wants us to be. As I said, humbling.

Thank you to all who prayed for the Search. I ask that if you can, please do not stop here, for the work is not even close to being over! You can pray for Aiden, Courtney, Martin, Kay, Michelle, and all the other kids that came along and have been challenged in some way as seeds were planted. And please pray for us leaders of the youth group as these kids join TC and bible studies that we can be faithful in prayer for them and effective in encouraging further thinking and spiritual growth.

While we are on the topic of prayer (and I realise this is a long post, so thank you for persevering!).... I would really appreciate prayer for myself at this stage in my life.
I am in my final few weeks of my uni degree. And I am finishing up leading the girls i currently lead. Both these factors mean important decisions need to be made - what job to i pursue, do i do furhter study, and what ministry do i do next year.
To be completely honest with you I have often felt incredibly overwhelmed by all of this. When all options seem positive and when you dont really know what you want to do except find the best way to serve God, the decision process gets even harder. Basically ministry needs to be decided by tomorrow.
What ministry I do (youth or childrens) will impact what job I am able to do next year. While there are no jobs lined up, i need to figure out what direction i may be wanting to pursue.
There has been a lot of prayer and running over the pros and cons of all options numerous times. And for some reason I think my gut is telling me to stick with TC (youth minstry). I am scared that that may be because its what I know and love and that although thats a good thing, maybe trying something new is better!?

So, if you have the chance, please keep me in my prayers too, i would greatly appreciate it!

Ok, for now, its off to sleep - as i said, 4 days of mission is tiring and decision making is emotionally draining!

With love in Christ, Chelsea

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Reality vs. Reality TV

For those who don't know, this thursday-Sunday Christ Church St Ives is running a mission for the youth of St Ives, called The Search.
There are two sections - TC (years7-9)and Senior High (10-12). We'll be running all sorts of crazy activities as well as chilling out with the kids and of course, preaching the gospel. And the theme for the TC section is 'Reality vs. Reality TV'.
Oh, its going to be fun!!

As I see it, there are three main aims of the Search:
- To bring Glory to God; by
- telling the kids about Jesus and showing them His love
- To grow our youth groups with the new kids that come along to the mission

Why am I telling you this?
Well, I personally think its always encouraging hearing what other churches are doing
But mostly because I know I and the rest of the team would really appreciate your prayer if you get the chance!

Points to pray for:
- the kids of our youth group will bring their friends
- the kids (and leaders) will be welcoming to the new kids
- the gospel will be preached faithfully and clearly
- hearts will be changed
- kids that come along will want to keep coming to TC or Senior High
- for the team - that we can be loving and serving to each other and the kids - and that all the activities will run smoothly

Thank you! I will let you know how it goes!

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

God the Creator gives good gifts

"God, the Creator, gives good gifts to His children, and these include creativity, inspiration, and talent."

I have just read the chapter titled "The Visual Arts: A Cloudy Lens, a Drab Palette" in Bob Briner's Roaring Lambs.
One of Briner's main points is that, like many of the other areas he has addressed, the fine arts are lacking in Christain content; that we have "forgotten the power and the promise of the arts" (p.144) and as a result sin is a much more popular theme for artists rather than using the mediums to produce "powerful images that depict God's grace". I read these words and am encouraged to produce such work myself with my drawing and photography. In fact, one of my aims with photographs such as those of the sunrise is to do just that - capture the beauty of God's creation so that people may see and be encouraged by the fact that our Lord is so amazingly powerful and creative.
How to practically represent Christain perspective and messages in some art is a challenge - but perhaps one we should no longer be afraid of but rather embrace.

Anyway, those are just some initial thoughts from the chapter, and ones I hope to keep contemplating as i consider what I can personally do with my art. The point though is to use our God given gifts to bring glory to God and encourage others; to create a positive Christain initiative in this area.

Meanwhile, one paragraph i just read that i thought would allow for some interesting discussion reads as follows:

"the church building itself ought to reflect the beauty and creativity of our Lord. Perhaps in a misunderstanding of stewardship and piety, most evangelical churches have slected a rather bland and uninteresting style of architecture. If your church is planning to build, at least consider designs that may be a little bit out of the ordinary. In addition to your necessary emphases on function and efficiency, place some emphasis on worship, onm the image you will leaven on your community. Even simple, cost-effective designs can be a work of art." (p.149)

Briner argues that the community at large views Christianity as opposed to art. Now whether or not you agree with him isnt really the point right now - this is kinda a seperate issue, i could write a whole other post on that - the point here is that by creating a church building that is creative and beautiful we would be showing that this isnt the case, that such a gift from God as creativity or artistic talent is celebrated within the church, and it would hopefully be a building that would uplift "even the casual passerby". Aside from all that, perhaps it would also encourage Christain designers/artists/architects to use their gifts for more things like this.

On the other hand, is this putting too much focus onto the building itself? Many non-believers do not understand the concept that for Christains the church is much more than just a building. Would taking the above approach give the wrong impression in this regard?

I'm not going to give my opinion right now, I want to hear your thoughts...What do you think about what Briner is saying?

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Church Role in Politics

Does the Church have a role in politics? Or perhaps the question you are asking is should the Church have a role in politics?

Interesting question I think. And one that seems to continually come up.
I admit, I dont have a great interest in politics - most of the time its just too confusing and all the politicians seem to do is criticise each other!

But I also personally think there are two reasons why the church does play a role in politics:
1. Chrisitans are needed in every industry and part of life, and politics should be no different
2. Christians need to play a role in politics in order to be active rather than simply offering criticisim or rebuke

Anyway, you may have read the two articles in the SMH about and by Kevin Rudd and his belief that the Labor party needs to have Christian input in politics - that we need to change our perspective that this is solely the role of the Liberal party and irrelevant to Labor - and it seems this attitude stems from the fact that Rudd himself is a follower of our Lord Jesus.
I find it exciting whenever I hear that someone is a Christian, but unfortunately I was also a little concerned about the way he expressed some of these views...

Firstly though, have a read of the following articles : Rudd seeks church role in politics and It's time to fight for the true Christian principle of compassion.

In the latter, Rudd says the following:
Christians are as entitled as anybody else to advance their views, so long as their views are tempered by reason, to the secular forum that is Parliament. My concern is that in recent years we've only been hearing one set of Christian views on politics - and that has been an overwhelmingly conservative one. The answer to this does not lie in a greater Christian voice in politics - it lies in a different Christian voice in politics.

Ok, I agree that Christians have just as much right as anyone to express their views, including before a secular parliament - in fact, i think its incredibly important that Christians in that position use it wisely and effectively express their views (or rather, the Gospel!).

Where I get a little concerned is when Rudd speaks of the 'different Christian voice' to be expressed in politics.
Shouldnt the Christian voice be unified??
I understand that the 'voice' expressed so far may not exactly be the most effective nor the most desirable and thus he wants a new approach. However, when speaking on behalf of Christians surely politicians need to be unified in their voice, just as the ministers of a church need to be unified in their mission and focus?
Justin recently quoted Buechner who said of those preaching (of course, formally or informally) “Let him tell them the truth.”

I think this should be the ultimate 'voice' of those in politics too.
I argue for a unified voice simply because they should have a unified purpose, coming from one truth alone.
Let them tell Gospel truth!

Thoughts??

Sunday, October 01, 2006

The Wind that Shakes the Barely

The average film goer has not known the eerie silence that fills the air after that final shot is fired into the chest of a fellow soldier; a comrade of war; a brother. We have not known the reality of being tortured or having our houses burnt to the ground. We have not received a letter from a loved one, written by their own quivering hand in their last moments of life.

Set in Ireland in the 1920s, these are realities that The Wind that Shakes the Barely brings to life.
The winner of Best Film at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival, The Wind that Shakes the Barely, tells the story of the young Irish men who united in their fight against the British. Driven by love for their country and those within it, these young men band together and employ drastic measures to defend their nation.
Amongst stories of love and loss, of duty and honor, of family, and of betrayal, Ken Loach introduces us to the realities of warfare.
This film is not easy to watch, not only because of the harsh realities of war, but also because Loach so effectively allows them to become reality for the viewer, becoming involved with the central characters Damien and Teddy, their personal conflict, and the fate they face; a relationship mirroring the conflict and turmoil faced by the whole of Ireland.

As a period/docu drama this film is well made. It is long, but you want to pay attention to every moment. The acting, particularly of Cillian Murphy and Orla Fitzgerald was great. The few stumbles over lines were noticable, but real - they seemed to emphasise the personal confusion, fear, and conflict every single character would be feeling at that point. If you have seen this film, please, share your thoughts here too!

Seeing someone kill another man in war is not a rare sight in film. War and conflict throughout history h

as been documented and represented in film for many years.
And on the surface, Loach’s film is no different.
However, what The Wind that Shakes the Barely does to make it notably impacting and worthy of a Cannes best film award – in my opinion – is drawing the viewer into the conflict ourselves. We are forced to question why war occurs.

In a similar manor to the way the truce over Christmas on the World War I battle field so beautifully depicted in Joyeux Noël (Christian Carion, 2005), brings to light the stupidity and irony of war, The Wind that Shakes the Barely presents you with the irony of an Irish soldier, once shocked at the behaviour of the British, behaving in exactly the same manor as those he once loathed, blinded – by pride perhaps, by confusion, by desire for freedom, or by utter fear and a total need for all conflict to be over.

There are two moments in this film that really emphasised the stupidity of warfare for me personally – they are the moments when friends are required to kill friends, and brothers. There is no room for forgiveness. There is no room for compassion. A rule has been made and that rule has been betrayed. An objective has been set and nothing, not even love for those dearest to you, will keep you from achieving it.

That is what makes this film so powerful. To be confronted with such a harsh reality that conflict like this - one which far too often overcomes the world - is in actuality just so, so senseless.

Coffee Break Lane