Zimbabwe issues 100-billion-dollar note

Ninemsn reports tonight that "Zimbabwe, grappling with a record 2.2 million per cent inflation, will introduce a new 100-billion-dollar bank note in a bid to tackle rampant cash shortages."

Read the full story here

This is just so sad!!

Do you think anything can be done?

Backyard Wembley... and a Reincarnated Glenn Hoddle

This afternoon my backyard was like Wembley Stadium in London. My son and I were playing soccer together and it was if the roar of the 95,000 strong crowd was all for us. This is what happens when we watch a "greatest goals" football DVD together the night before.

Here is a picture of our "Backyard Wembley" ....the trampoline makes a great set of sticks!

After the DVD I told my boy about my favourite player growing up - #10 for Tottenham Hotspurs - Glen Hoddle.
Glenn wore Le Coq Sportif boots with 8 studs - a revolution of the early 1980's - and I saw him score a cracker of a goal from about 35 yards against Liverpool. What a legend!

I scored a beautiful goal this arvo from a set piece move - curled it over the lemon tree - top right hand corner of the trampoline... I "bent it like Hoddle." I really felt like I was being a great father today.. ..

Point your kids in the right direction— when they're old they won't be lost. - Proverbs 22:6 (MSG)

Nothing is Black or White

This week's edition of TIME magazine has a great cover article about Nelson Mandella. It lists His 8 Lessons of Leadership.

They are all good... but I really liked #7 - "nothing is black or white."

Here is a bit of what TIME writer Richard Stegnel writes...

"...he would then give me a curious glance and say, "why not both?" .... the message was clear: Life is never either/or. Decisions are complex, and there are always competing factors. To look for simple explanations is the bias of the human brain, but it doesn't correspond to reality. Nothing is ever as straightforward as it appears.... Mandella is comfortable with contradiction...he was a pragmatist who saw the world as infinitely nuanced....Mandella's calculus was always, What is the end that I seek, and what is the most practical way to get there?"

"Life is never either/or"... what do you think?

Chair of Chairs!

I was sent this picture today by one of our team... an idea for a future purchase. Niiiice!
You can get more info if you click here

Here is what her spouse said in response to the email:
2 Problems
1. It might be a bit hard to get under your office desk
2. You would have to share it!!!

Here is some of the tease...... Deluxe Genuine Leather Massage Chair...... the RT-H09 deluxe massage chair. Blending the latest in technology with the strength and tradition of shiatsu and Swedish massage, the RT-H09 brings to the industry a new an powerful technique destined to be pleasurable for those that appreciate strong, penetrating massage. Six motors insure life long quality in the pure eurathane rollers that simulate the hand motions of a masseuse. And all presented in a beautiful contemporary design suitable for any area of your house without being too obtrusive.

Bring it on!!!

God's Eye View

This photo is so inspiring.. and it helps recalibrate life.
You can see a powerful montage of photos of earth from space
here
“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. ..” 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)

The Most Bang For Your Buck

Faced with Australia's economic realities, I've begun to wonder how far we can stretch a dollar.

- Food prices are up.
- Petrol prices are up.
- Taxes are up.
- Energy and water bills are higher than ever.
- Utility bills are increasing.

I was inspired by this recent post from Mark Beeson - a seasoned pastor I track in Indiana.
Check out the rest of his financial insights in tough times in Mark Beeson's post

Do you agree with his list? I just love some of what he says!

Keeping the Faith and SU Qld

I spoke at a regional training day for school chaplains this morning - it was a hoot. Scripture Union do a great job in our schools so it was a privilege.
I was asked to speak to the team about "keeping the faith" - my by-line was "Connected with God...Fuel for the Journey." The BIG idea was that a dynamic and intimate connection with God was a key to effective ministry to others.....

Imagine if we could understand the power of our commitment to connecting with God…….

And when we really understood that

1. the ongoing strength of our ministry depends on us being able to hear and discern God's voice in your life - and then growing in and obeying what we hear

2. the effectiveness of our ministry and its impact on the community and with lost people depends on our spiritual growth

this should be a motivator for us and should guide for us in all we do to come to a place of spiritual maturity.

Keep up the great work SU!!!

Prayer, Tongues and Brain Scans

Recent advances in neuroscience and brain-imaging technology have offered researchers a look into the physiology of religious experiences.

In observing Buddhist monks as they meditate, Franciscan nuns as they pray and Pentecostals as they speak in tongues, Dr. Andrew Newberg, a radiologist at the University of Pennsylvania, has found that measurable brain activity matches up with the religious experiences described by worshippers. The social, political and religious implications of these and other findings are just beginning to permeate the broader culture, according to New York Times columnist David Brooks, who has been tracking new developments in the field.

- What does brain science add to age-old debates about the existence of God and the value of religion?
- Can political parties and religious groups use scientific insights to influence the beliefs of others?
- Are scientists as a group becoming more open to ideas of religion and spirituality?

Some of the nation's leading journalists gathered in Key West, Fla., in May 2008 for the Pew Forum's biannual Faith Angle Conference on religion, politics and public life.

Click here for the full transcript plus brain imaging and some nice visual illusions

World’s most expensive home-cinema

This baby costs $6 million but it’s the ultimate home theater experience.

To see more pictures click here

Jeremy Kipnis is a music producer that also invented this incredible home-cinema system. I’m sure you think $6 million is too much for something like this but if you’re really passionate about something, money is definitely no object..especially if you have lots of it.

The Kipnis home cinema is made up of a Sony SRX-S110 Professional Video Projector with a 4,096-by-2,160 resolution, the Stewart Snowmatte 1.0 Gain Laboratory-Grade Motion Picture screen (18×10 foot) , Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray Player, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD Player with SATA Drive (72 HDTV Hours Total) and Mark Levinson N° 51 DVD/CD Media Player, HLD-X0 Hi-Vision HDTV MUSE Laserdisc Player,VC HMDH-5U D-VHS recorder. Throw in a PlayStation 3 console for hardcore gamers and you have the world’s most best home cinema.

What's the Question? Bob Franquiz

I track a lot of blogs out there in "blog world" - keeps me sharp and I am always on the hunt for a new idea or perspective.

Here is one guy I really like reading - it's Bob Franquiz

Bob Franquiz is a pastor based in Miami USA. He did a great post called "What's the Question?" Check it out here.

Here is his "blog disclaimer" - nice one!

Here's the deal: While I am the Lead Pastor of Calvary Fellowship, that doesn't mean that everything expressed or posted here reflects the views of my staff and/or congregation. That also doesn't mean that this blog is going to be devotional thoughts or mini-sermons. It's basically whatever is on my mind at any given time. Consider yourself warned...

My Very First "Link" - Blogging Training Wheels Pt 2

I am holidays and have finally managed to tick something off my "to do" blogging list - "learn how to link words to another website." I looked up the "Blogging for Dummies" book I borrowed from my local library and page 99 shows me the HTML code to use
So if you click this word soon you will be directed to our church website... westlife church.. presto!!!

Blog on!!

Shaping and Preparation by Phil Pringle

I have admired the ministry of Phil Pringle for a long time.
Here is some "classic Phil"

“A” is for Anointing

Was scanning 1 John this afternoon before moving onto 2 John – and came across this cracker of a verse with some insight.

“As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit--just as it has taught you, remain in him.”
- 1 John 2:27 (NIV)

The anointing is the realized presence of God – it is His presence for everyday living. Some bible versions call it the “unction.”

My NIB Study Bible notes at the bottom note this in relation to the phrase “teaches you”
The teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit - what is commonly called illumination – does not involves revelation of new truth or the explanation of all difficult passages of Scripture to our satisfaction. Rather it is the development of the capacity to appreciate and appropriate God’s truth already revealed – making the Bible meaningful in thought and daily living.I love it that the Word that was written under the inspiration of Holy Spirit can also be illuminated to me in 2008 by the same Holy Spirit. God’s presence in me helps me to live a life of purpose and in accordance with God’s commands.
Barker, Glen W (in The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Volume 12. 323-329. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, © 1981) notes that the last part of verse 27 summarizes the threefold reason to trust the anointing.
First of all, his anointing teaches all things. "All things" seemingly means everything necessary and possible for them to know concerning the Word of Life.
Second, this anointing is real (true) and not counterfeit
Third, the community has in its history experienced the teaching from the anointing —i.e., they have known the confirming work of the Spirit in their lives. The gospel has taken root in them and has brought forth its fruit. Therefore John concludes with his most important word to them: "Remain [abide] in him [Christ]."

I love how different version of the same Bible text bring out the richness of “what must I now do in response to this powerful promise and provision” -

Live deeply in what you were taught. ….1 John 2:27 (MSG)
Obey the Spirit's teaching, then, and remain in union with Christ.
1 John 2:27 (TEV)
So live in Christ as he taught you to do. 1 John 2:27 (GW)
You must live in Christ, never to depart from him. 1 John 2:27 (TLB)

So … “A” is for Anointing …. and in response to my increased capacity to appreciate and appropriate God’s truth already revealed (making the Bible meaningful in thought and my daily living) – I am to obey and “live deeply” in what I have been taught. Powerful stuff!

Boundary-spanner

I am having a great holiday. Tonight is a real treat - my younger brother is here with the family and he is staying overnight.

He just dropped a clanger in a conversation - listen to this - "boundary-spanner." I have asked Jonno to be a my guest-blogger tonight. Over to you,now, Jonno.....

Ever wondered where good ideas come from? most of them aren't new ideas at all but just ideas from somewhere else which have been 'transported' to your local context- how do they get transported? some ideas are transported by Google, some ideas are transported by the news, but most of the ideas that we get are transported by word of mouth. most people understand that already but where is that 'word of mouth' ultimately coming from?

It's the word of mouth from people who are connecting to areas that are beyond your own reach, beyond your own natural limits, etc... the boundary-spanner is that kind of person - someone who crosses organisational, social, cultural, even political (when was the last time you spoke to a neo-Marxist and their view on the world?) boundaries by the type of personality, by their lifestyle, by the position they have, etc - if you don't have a boundary spanner in your network of friends, you might be listening to recycled old ideas and could be in danger of being caught in a kind of cultural cul de sac...

That's not to say that there is a type-casted boundary-spanner- you can choose to be someone who is connected to a diverse range of groups and look to benefit from multi-memberships.... but also take a look at your friends and beyond that your acquaintances and see if any of them are 'exhibiting' boundary-spanning tendencies. Over to you, now Andrew.

Wow!!! Thanks for that Jonno - powerful stuff!!
OK readers... what do you think?

Holiday Blogging "Room with a View"

Here is the view from our holiday unit - the rain has stopped and blue sky is here to stay!

I've Been Lonely-Planeted!!

I don't have a bruise but it sure was scarey!
I am off to India at the end of the month and Mum bought me a 'must-have" for an overseas trip - the trusty Lonely Planet guide.

It was "wind-down" time last night with the kids before bed after "wrestle-time" so I asked my boy to get my book while he was running to the lounge to get his book. He came hurtling back into the bedroom and threw the almost 1 kilogram Lonely Planet India guide onto the bed. It bounced up and hit me in the forehead. Such was the fright and impact that I grabbed my head and almost rolled off the bed!! Well the kids thought it was hillarious!

I've been Lonely-Planetted!!

Seeds

I have again been recently captivated by the principle of the seed.

I got a teaching email from Phil Pringle today... and it was about seeds. I love this!

We cannot make a tree.
But if we plant the seed of a tree, a tree will grow.
Seed in soil releases a miracle.
You can tell your future by the seed you sow today.
Words and deeds are seeds we sow.
As a leader I soften the soil (the hearts) of the people I lead.
I remove weeds and pests from the young plant.
I arrange the weather, warm, sunny, watery encouragement.
Then I harvest the crop fully grown.

You can tell your future by the seed you sow today.... what seeds are you sowing?

Scrapbooking

My daughter bought this piece of paper today for scrapbooking. She was so happy to have got it... and I agree!!! Well done Katie

God’s view of great financial stewardship

During June at church we unpacked God’s plans for us as His stewards
— managing resource that He owns and that He entrusts us to manage.

We discussed this picture of God’s view of great financial stewardship:

1. It means living debt free for the rest of your life.
2. It means having enough savings to cover you for six months in the event of a loss.
3. It means giving God the first 10% of your income and learning to live on the rest.
4. It is not having to live from payday to payday
5. it means being free from the pull of materialism and learning to be content with what you have, instead of what you don’t have
6. Great stewardship is being able to give generously without second thought to things you believe in or desire to support.

"...the purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives." Deuteronomy 14:23 (TLB)

"Daddy"

We have a home office here. The kids are on school holidays at the moment and I was at a meeting recently. My boy is 8 years old and he must have answered the home office phone. He took a message and emailed it from his email account.

I love what he has done - check it out!!

hey dad
this girl called maria from the community centre about the re traning day she wants to know if your coming on the 16th of july Love JJ

Priceless!

"Charisma Nap" - aka "Power Nap"

I was talking to my brother on the phone today - and had a quick brag about a 15 minute power nap I just had. I am finding with my early morning meetings, busy days and catch-ups with people at night that I sometimes "zone-out"... this is not good.

My brother then proceeds to talk to me about some "research" about the power nap. He sent me a paper in PDF titled, "The recuperative value of brief and ultra-brief naps on alertness and cognitive performance" AMBER J . TI ETZEL and LEON C. LACK - School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.

Check out these sections:

"A brief nap (or "power nap") is one alertness management strategy that has recently received attention and has been shown to ameliorate the negative effects of sleep restriction. However, despite the considerable industrial and scientific interest in brief naps, the minimum duration of nap sleep required for restoring alertness following restricted nocturnal sleep is yet to be elucidated."

"Measures of subjective alertness, objective alertness, fatigue, vigour and cognitive performance were taken before the nap and at several intervals postnap. Consistent with our previous study (Tietzel and Lack 2001), the 10-min nap resulted in significantly improved alertness and cognitive performance relative to a no-nap control."

"The value of the nap (recuperative capacity) comes with the initiation of delta wave activity during the sleep episode.."

"In summary, the findings of this investigation further attest to the benefits of brief afternoon naps in the order of 10 min duration..."

Wow!! So my brother's BIG idea is that a 10 minute power nap will improve my performance as a leader. And then he believes that this will improve my "charisma" in a meeting as I will be sharper and fresher. That's where he gets the term "charisma nap" from. I will keep these vital trials going and keep you posted.

Does anyone else out there "power nap?"....... ZZZZZZZZZZ

Operation Northwest 2008

Here is a picture of my friend Mike. I met Mike when I was 11 years old at a camping program at my church. He is an inspiration. We have worked together for many years now on a range of projects.



He is retired now. Check out one of the things he does with his spare time now. Inspirational!!!

Just back from 10 days (21 hours flying) around the northwest of Queensland with Pastor Ron Anning who is the regional director for the area. He is a great guy with a real heart and gifting for the pastors / churches in his region.

My trip covered churches at Moura, Springsure, Capelle, Clermont (including the opening of their new property in the main street required because of increasing numbers - 80+), Emerald, Richmond, Normanton (aboriginal pastor Bennett Toby), Cloncurry, Mt Isa (two churches, the aboriginal church has 80 indigenous people many very strong in the Lord - attended an Aboriginal Men's meeting on Thursday night, ate kangaroo tail and fellowshipped under the stars with them), and finally overnighted in Barcaldine with the pastor.

Here is a photo taken on a property out near Winton.

Love your work, Mike!!!