Tuesday, May 06, 2008
A change...
You may, or may not have noticed that I have not blogged for a while...this is not ONLY because I haven't had much net access, but it is also because I have decided to make a change.
And that change it...I have a *NEW* blog. You can find my new blog at http://discipleoftheway.wordpress.com
This blog has served me well for 4 years (wow!) but I have felt for a while that it was time for a new one. This blog actually started as a joke as my good mates Andy and Gaz used to jokingly call me 'the boss' at Subi church way back when. I never, ever dreamt that it would still be going 4 years on.
As I draw closer to finishing my theology degree I am looking at putting things in place so that I can continue my learning. Living in the country also limits the interaction that I have with other Christians outside my church and as these 'interactions' have been a significant help in my growth, I'm trying to find ways to keep developing them. As such, I wanted a blog name that more suited who I am (the boss just sound WAY too high and mighty) and also a blog that I can hopefully use to seriously thrash out some theology, life issues and everything else that happens in my Multi-Faceted life!(my original blog title).
So jump on over and check out my new space. I hope you like it and look forward to engaging you in 'conversation' there soon:)
I leave you with my VERY first post on this blog. It is funny, some things change, some things stay the same. Enjoy.
"Day One
Well I felt like writing a bit about myself and thought why not do it on the internet. Don't know how often I will be posting but what the heck, let's just wait and see:)
My nickname is Middo and i am 19. Love God, love Sport(go Eagles!),love life. A lot of interesting stuff happens to me but unfortunately my siv like memory leads me to forgetting exactly what happened (ok, so my memory may not be that bad but important events are not my forte in the remembering stakes). Had an awesome weekend on sport last weekend at State Youth Games. Being young i pulled up quite well but now have an irritating cold.
Well that's all for now, can't give too much away. Save some for later;)
Cheers All."
You may, or may not have noticed that I have not blogged for a while...this is not ONLY because I haven't had much net access, but it is also because I have decided to make a change.
And that change it...I have a *NEW* blog. You can find my new blog at http://discipleoftheway.wordpress.com
This blog has served me well for 4 years (wow!) but I have felt for a while that it was time for a new one. This blog actually started as a joke as my good mates Andy and Gaz used to jokingly call me 'the boss' at Subi church way back when. I never, ever dreamt that it would still be going 4 years on.
As I draw closer to finishing my theology degree I am looking at putting things in place so that I can continue my learning. Living in the country also limits the interaction that I have with other Christians outside my church and as these 'interactions' have been a significant help in my growth, I'm trying to find ways to keep developing them. As such, I wanted a blog name that more suited who I am (the boss just sound WAY too high and mighty) and also a blog that I can hopefully use to seriously thrash out some theology, life issues and everything else that happens in my Multi-Faceted life!(my original blog title).
So jump on over and check out my new space. I hope you like it and look forward to engaging you in 'conversation' there soon:)
I leave you with my VERY first post on this blog. It is funny, some things change, some things stay the same. Enjoy.
"Day One
Well I felt like writing a bit about myself and thought why not do it on the internet. Don't know how often I will be posting but what the heck, let's just wait and see:)
My nickname is Middo and i am 19. Love God, love Sport(go Eagles!),love life. A lot of interesting stuff happens to me but unfortunately my siv like memory leads me to forgetting exactly what happened (ok, so my memory may not be that bad but important events are not my forte in the remembering stakes). Had an awesome weekend on sport last weekend at State Youth Games. Being young i pulled up quite well but now have an irritating cold.
Well that's all for now, can't give too much away. Save some for later;)
Cheers All."
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Back from the dead...
*tumble weed blows past*
Hey to the masses who I am sure are still reading my blog...not! Got a few minutes in a net cafe so thought I'd better say hi!
Quick update. Margaret River is just the most awesome place in the world. Seriously, why everyone doesn't live here I don't know. And working in Dunsborough 4 days a week just tops it off beautifully.
I've pretty much become part of the furniture at Rivers Church already. I even caught myself referring to my old church as 'them' over the weekend...was quite bizarre! 3 of my closest friends came down to visit me and we had an absolute blast!.
Rivers also did a heap of stuff over the Easter weekend. On the sat we did a crucifiction re-enactment up and down the main street. I got to dress up as a Roman Centurion and yell a lot...it was tops! On the Sun we had an Easter service in the park at the top of town, then held a carnival type event for the community and holiday makers. We had so many people we didn't know what to do with ourselves but it was a really good time of interaction between the church and the rest of the town and visitors. Was also great holding a service in public, rather than out of town inside 4 walls.
Dunsborough PS is such a great school to work in. Everybody there seems to love the role of the chaplain and so love me. But i spose...who wouldn't hey! hehe. I'm spending most of my time getting to know parents, teachers, students and the like and that is all going really well.
A prayer point for me would be that I will find somewhere to live soon. My mate Owen who was going to move here has ended up moving back to Albany. That is fine, it just means I am still in the caravan at the Pastors place, living off his grace. As there isn't any 1 bedroom apartments in town and as I don't really know anyone else who is looking, finding somewhere else to live is a small challenge. There are occassionally people who advertise looking for room mates. This is what I will prob try eventually but that isn't without its own element of risk as the chances are I won't know the person. This has its positive and negatives. But if any of you who read this could just pray that God will continue to guide my steps in this area in particular that would be tops!
Well my time is up so I had better go. Over and out!
*tumble weed blows past*
Hey to the masses who I am sure are still reading my blog...not! Got a few minutes in a net cafe so thought I'd better say hi!
Quick update. Margaret River is just the most awesome place in the world. Seriously, why everyone doesn't live here I don't know. And working in Dunsborough 4 days a week just tops it off beautifully.
I've pretty much become part of the furniture at Rivers Church already. I even caught myself referring to my old church as 'them' over the weekend...was quite bizarre! 3 of my closest friends came down to visit me and we had an absolute blast!.
Rivers also did a heap of stuff over the Easter weekend. On the sat we did a crucifiction re-enactment up and down the main street. I got to dress up as a Roman Centurion and yell a lot...it was tops! On the Sun we had an Easter service in the park at the top of town, then held a carnival type event for the community and holiday makers. We had so many people we didn't know what to do with ourselves but it was a really good time of interaction between the church and the rest of the town and visitors. Was also great holding a service in public, rather than out of town inside 4 walls.
Dunsborough PS is such a great school to work in. Everybody there seems to love the role of the chaplain and so love me. But i spose...who wouldn't hey! hehe. I'm spending most of my time getting to know parents, teachers, students and the like and that is all going really well.
A prayer point for me would be that I will find somewhere to live soon. My mate Owen who was going to move here has ended up moving back to Albany. That is fine, it just means I am still in the caravan at the Pastors place, living off his grace. As there isn't any 1 bedroom apartments in town and as I don't really know anyone else who is looking, finding somewhere else to live is a small challenge. There are occassionally people who advertise looking for room mates. This is what I will prob try eventually but that isn't without its own element of risk as the chances are I won't know the person. This has its positive and negatives. But if any of you who read this could just pray that God will continue to guide my steps in this area in particular that would be tops!
Well my time is up so I had better go. Over and out!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Latest Update
I write to you from...Perth! Ha, bet you didn't see that coming. I am in Perth from today (Sunday) until Wednesday. Why you ask? Because I got the Dunsborough Primary School chaplaincy job and am up here for induction/training! Woohoo!
So far Margs has rocked. I have joined a volleyball team and the local tennis club. I have met a few locals and gone to church not as a visitor for the first time. I have started to get to know the youth as well which is cool. All in all I love it:)
Anyway I must fly. Blogs will be few and far between simply because I dont have net access in Margs but I will try:)
Middo
I write to you from...Perth! Ha, bet you didn't see that coming. I am in Perth from today (Sunday) until Wednesday. Why you ask? Because I got the Dunsborough Primary School chaplaincy job and am up here for induction/training! Woohoo!
So far Margs has rocked. I have joined a volleyball team and the local tennis club. I have met a few locals and gone to church not as a visitor for the first time. I have started to get to know the youth as well which is cool. All in all I love it:)
Anyway I must fly. Blogs will be few and far between simply because I dont have net access in Margs but I will try:)
Middo
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Interview
Well, i am one step closer to having a job. Next Thursday I will sit before Dunsborough PS's principal, the local YouthCare area co-ordinator and local Uniting Minister, the area chaplain and the local Church of Christ pastor (by chance!). They will decide whether or not I become their new chaplain!
I am a little scared because I don't really know what to expect, but at the same time I am not scared because I feel so confident that this is God's call. However...I am also making sure that I ready myself in the off-chance that i don't get this to not just throw everything away and decide I was wrong, just that maybe Duns PS isn't for me. But, I do feel pretty confident of getting the job and quite excited, I was half expecting to not get interviewed until March so an early Feb interview is fantastic!
Its all starting to happen...:)
Well, i am one step closer to having a job. Next Thursday I will sit before Dunsborough PS's principal, the local YouthCare area co-ordinator and local Uniting Minister, the area chaplain and the local Church of Christ pastor (by chance!). They will decide whether or not I become their new chaplain!
I am a little scared because I don't really know what to expect, but at the same time I am not scared because I feel so confident that this is God's call. However...I am also making sure that I ready myself in the off-chance that i don't get this to not just throw everything away and decide I was wrong, just that maybe Duns PS isn't for me. But, I do feel pretty confident of getting the job and quite excited, I was half expecting to not get interviewed until March so an early Feb interview is fantastic!
Its all starting to happen...:)
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Update
Just thought I would briefly update you on my situation.
I am officially moving to Margaret River on Moday, 4th of February 2008. Whilst I won't have a job quite possibly for Feb (and maybe even March) that is ok. I 'likely' have 1 or 2 chaplaincy position (equalling 4-5 days), just a matter of the school/s deciding when they want someone to start, which is strangely a complicated matter and a long story.
For the first few weeks I will be staying at the church that I will be going too as they have an on-site caravan. During this time my mate(who is moving with me) and I will start looking for a house, provided one of us ACTUALLY has a job.
I am having a farewell party on Feb 1st. If you haven't received an invite, just email me for the details. I am guessing if you know me you have my email, I dont want no 'Corey' party! If not just leave a comment asking for it and with your email and I will send you the details:)
Between now and then i am trying to catch up with as many close friends as I can, spending some quality time with them before I leave. I am really starting to realise and feel what I am leaving behind but am trusting God has me on the right path:)
All for now!
Just thought I would briefly update you on my situation.
I am officially moving to Margaret River on Moday, 4th of February 2008. Whilst I won't have a job quite possibly for Feb (and maybe even March) that is ok. I 'likely' have 1 or 2 chaplaincy position (equalling 4-5 days), just a matter of the school/s deciding when they want someone to start, which is strangely a complicated matter and a long story.
For the first few weeks I will be staying at the church that I will be going too as they have an on-site caravan. During this time my mate(who is moving with me) and I will start looking for a house, provided one of us ACTUALLY has a job.
I am having a farewell party on Feb 1st. If you haven't received an invite, just email me for the details. I am guessing if you know me you have my email, I dont want no 'Corey' party! If not just leave a comment asking for it and with your email and I will send you the details:)
Between now and then i am trying to catch up with as many close friends as I can, spending some quality time with them before I leave. I am really starting to realise and feel what I am leaving behind but am trusting God has me on the right path:)
All for now!
Friday, January 11, 2008
And so my novel begins...
Well, I was bored, so I thought I would begin my novel:D If I am still writing/working on it by March I will be impressed. I am sure I have jumped the gun by actually starting to write it already, but that is ok, I can do some planning for it shortly;)
Anyway, I thought if I was to embark on this long journey perhaps I could write a paragraph, post it here and see what you all think:D Be honest, tell me what you really think;)!
Here Goes!
Joachim bounced off his mattress, brimming with excitement, his dark brown hair pointing in every direction but that which it should, evidence of a restless night. Having woken from the little sleep he was able to achieve, the young man raced down to the kitchen, waking anyone else who dared be sleeping past sun up, for today was a special day for Joey, today Joey became a man. His Mother, Queen Abrianna, greeted Joey with a loving kiss on his left cheek, just close enough to his lips to make him feel uncomfortable.
“Mother”, Joey exclaimed, “Once I become a man you will have to relent from kissing me like that, it can’t be proper”.
Queen Abrianna looked at her Son showing him she knew what she was about to say would not impress the young Prince. “Even though you become a man today Joachim, you will always be my little boy and I will always greet you in the same way, you best be getting used to it.”
Queen Abrianna placed Joey’s breakfast before him, his eyes opened wide as he saw the bright red fresh picked strawberries beside his wheat biscuit meal. “Strawberries?” Joey said questioningly, “But it’s winter, Wherever did they come from”. Queen Abrianna smiled “I have my means Joachim, and today is special, you deserve something more than just the usual. Now eat up, you will need your energy for your Stiltball match later today.” As was custom amongst people of ‘The Way’, the ceremony marking the shift from childhood to adulthood, the very ceremony Joey and the other children his age would take part in later that day, was followed by the Kingdom’s favourite past time, Stiltball. Stiltball, so named due to the goals being ‘stilts’, one stilt at each end of rectangle shaped ground, had been around for centuries and had been used as a means of celebrating adulthood since before even the oldest member of ‘The Way’ could remember. A ball, about the size of a large pumpkin, would be passed backwards, or kicked forwards along the ground between team members, with the goal being to get the ball to hit the stilt anywhere along its vertical length, which was about the height of a tall horse. The winning team received the privilege of trying the previous summers wine first, before any other member of the Kingdom save the wine maker themselves.
Joey so terribly wanted to win because this would be the first time he had tasted alcohol. Well at least that is what his parents would think. Joey’s best friend Tobiah and himself had secretly stolen ever so small a taste of the previous years batch, skipping past Barak, Joey’s Father King Areli’s chief advisor and Kingdom wine maker by tricking him into thinking the King himself wished for his presence. Ever since that small yet powerful sip Joey and Tobiah dreamed of this day, dreamed of winning Stiltball just so they could steal another taste of the red liquid that had stolen their minds only one year previous. Both Joey and Tobiah were slimly built and the fresh wine had done a number on them, a sensation they had decided they wished to experience again. No, Joey’s team was going to win, of that he was certain.
So, what do you think:P hehe
Well, I was bored, so I thought I would begin my novel:D If I am still writing/working on it by March I will be impressed. I am sure I have jumped the gun by actually starting to write it already, but that is ok, I can do some planning for it shortly;)
Anyway, I thought if I was to embark on this long journey perhaps I could write a paragraph, post it here and see what you all think:D Be honest, tell me what you really think;)!
Here Goes!
Joachim bounced off his mattress, brimming with excitement, his dark brown hair pointing in every direction but that which it should, evidence of a restless night. Having woken from the little sleep he was able to achieve, the young man raced down to the kitchen, waking anyone else who dared be sleeping past sun up, for today was a special day for Joey, today Joey became a man. His Mother, Queen Abrianna, greeted Joey with a loving kiss on his left cheek, just close enough to his lips to make him feel uncomfortable.
“Mother”, Joey exclaimed, “Once I become a man you will have to relent from kissing me like that, it can’t be proper”.
Queen Abrianna looked at her Son showing him she knew what she was about to say would not impress the young Prince. “Even though you become a man today Joachim, you will always be my little boy and I will always greet you in the same way, you best be getting used to it.”
Queen Abrianna placed Joey’s breakfast before him, his eyes opened wide as he saw the bright red fresh picked strawberries beside his wheat biscuit meal. “Strawberries?” Joey said questioningly, “But it’s winter, Wherever did they come from”. Queen Abrianna smiled “I have my means Joachim, and today is special, you deserve something more than just the usual. Now eat up, you will need your energy for your Stiltball match later today.” As was custom amongst people of ‘The Way’, the ceremony marking the shift from childhood to adulthood, the very ceremony Joey and the other children his age would take part in later that day, was followed by the Kingdom’s favourite past time, Stiltball. Stiltball, so named due to the goals being ‘stilts’, one stilt at each end of rectangle shaped ground, had been around for centuries and had been used as a means of celebrating adulthood since before even the oldest member of ‘The Way’ could remember. A ball, about the size of a large pumpkin, would be passed backwards, or kicked forwards along the ground between team members, with the goal being to get the ball to hit the stilt anywhere along its vertical length, which was about the height of a tall horse. The winning team received the privilege of trying the previous summers wine first, before any other member of the Kingdom save the wine maker themselves.
Joey so terribly wanted to win because this would be the first time he had tasted alcohol. Well at least that is what his parents would think. Joey’s best friend Tobiah and himself had secretly stolen ever so small a taste of the previous years batch, skipping past Barak, Joey’s Father King Areli’s chief advisor and Kingdom wine maker by tricking him into thinking the King himself wished for his presence. Ever since that small yet powerful sip Joey and Tobiah dreamed of this day, dreamed of winning Stiltball just so they could steal another taste of the red liquid that had stolen their minds only one year previous. Both Joey and Tobiah were slimly built and the fresh wine had done a number on them, a sensation they had decided they wished to experience again. No, Joey’s team was going to win, of that he was certain.
So, what do you think:P hehe
Thursday, January 03, 2008
An idea for a novel
It is 4.15am...i'm having one of those 'nights' that I have occassionally.
I really wish to write a book. However, I am no writer so I doubt I will ever actually achieve this feat. Deep down I dream of writing at least one non-fiction piece and one fiction piece. How about this for an idea for a fiction piece?
A Christian fictional novel based on true characteristics of the 'Kingdom of God' targeted at blokes? Kind of based on the good old stories of old, battles between warring parties etc. However turning this all on its head by utilizing the ways of God's Kingdom.
Only a very sketchy outline I know and I doubt it would actually work as a novel, but I can dream! I have just been thinking a bit about why blokes are slowly seeming to disappear from the church and why it 'seems' so much harder to get young men to follow Jesus than it is to get women. Are there elements in the 'Kingdom of God' that we as the body of Christ have lost which resonates with men?
It is 4.15am...i'm having one of those 'nights' that I have occassionally.
I really wish to write a book. However, I am no writer so I doubt I will ever actually achieve this feat. Deep down I dream of writing at least one non-fiction piece and one fiction piece. How about this for an idea for a fiction piece?
A Christian fictional novel based on true characteristics of the 'Kingdom of God' targeted at blokes? Kind of based on the good old stories of old, battles between warring parties etc. However turning this all on its head by utilizing the ways of God's Kingdom.
Only a very sketchy outline I know and I doubt it would actually work as a novel, but I can dream! I have just been thinking a bit about why blokes are slowly seeming to disappear from the church and why it 'seems' so much harder to get young men to follow Jesus than it is to get women. Are there elements in the 'Kingdom of God' that we as the body of Christ have lost which resonates with men?
Adventure
I have made but one New Years resolution this year. I want to live Jesus message more and preach it less. Now, this statement is very 'pie in the sky', very cliche, very easy to say...it is much harder to achieve. But, in spite of the purpose of New Years resolutions I am actually resigned, and ok to being this way, to failing to achieve this resolution to the degree that I would like to. This isn't to say I am 'happy' about that, but it is to say that I realise no matter how hard I personally try, I cannot achieve such a statement because it is just too hard in this world.
So why even bother trying you may ask? I am about to embark on a new adventure. It is almost like the very thing I have been waiting for now for years is finally upon me and I am just starting to realise how very unprepared and not ready I am for the adventure ahead of me. But that is ok, I am as ready as God needs me to be. I am ready to go where God is taking me, knowing my insecurities, my imperfections, my inability and my complete and total want to be the next big thing. I am afraid, I am scared, I am worried, I am concerned but all these things pail into insignificance when I consider the fact that I can do nothing other than follow Jesus wherever he may take me.
I have just read Blue Like Jazz, by Donald Miller. I made my usual mistake and started to read at about 9.30pm. It is now 3.15am and I have to get up at 6. I have to say this book has to go up there with Velvet Elvis, by Rob Bell, as the best book about Jesus (barring the bible) I have ever read. And I say about 'Jesus' deliberately, for although it talks about Christianity, Don aims to talk more about Jesus and following him than about what Christianity has made Jesus message into over time. And this is partly where my above statement, my New Years resolution comes from and my below thoughts may be a little provocative.
I don't just want to be a Christian. I am a Christian, I will always be a Christian. If there is but one thing I believe it is that Jesus lived, died, rose again so that we may be restored to relationship and eternal life with the one true God. It is for this reason that we live and by this we exist. This is the central platform to all Christian belief in my opinion. But as Donald Miller so clearly illustrates, what has been done in the name of Christianity over the years has so warped the message of Jesus for the average not yet believer that to go into any place and ask 10 people what Christianity is about will yield you 10 different answers, many of which will not be flattering. Heck, ask 10 Christians what Christianity is about and you will get 10 different answers!
I want to take a brief moment here to apologise, to apologise for all the evil that has been perpetrated in the 'name' of Jesus and Christianity. This is not because I have been a part of it all, for I of course have not, but as a Jesus follower I have to deal daily with the consequences of my God fearing ancestors. I have however misrepresented Jesus and Christianity on many occasions, and continue to do so regularly. For this I truly ask forgiveness from those who look on, see mine and other Christians actions and therefore miss seeing who Jesus truly is.
The fact of the matter is I am moving to Margaret River not for any other reason than to be a missionary to the town, hoping to live and breath Jesus life, death and resurrection. I know God is already there, and I know there are so very many Christians there doing great things for him with his Kingdom growing daily. I only know that the next part of my Jesus journey will occur in that town. I battle ever day against the forces within me, dying to be known, dying to be famous, dying to save the world so that I may be known. This scares me because it makes me afraid to actually do anything just in case I am doing it out of selfish ambition. Yet I know as I go to Margaret River what they need most is people who are willing, in the face of adversity, to live out Jesus radical message of love, grace and hope, without feeling to need to get anything in return. So I open myself up in all my insecurity to follow my Lord to where he deems necessary. And this absolutely leaves me petrified.
One of the great issues with God and man is that we feel we need to understand God, to map God, to scientifically analyze and prove his nature. It is this analytical mind God gave us that so often becomes the very means by which we remain separated. In Blue Like Jazz Miller writes "Too much of our time is spent trying to chart God on a grid, and too little is spent following our hearts to feel awe. By reducing Christian Spirituality to formula, we deprive our hearts of wonder." Now you may wonder why I quote this. I do so because I believe it is key to why following Jesus and not just being a Christian is so pivotal. By following 'Christianity' we often merely follow patterns and formula. Now don't get me wrong, much of this formula and patterns have been developed over time and are very useful and I myself follow them. But they are not to be means by which we are trapped. Jesus message does not always lead us along the travelled road in my opinion and so Christian theological dogma, at times, needs to be cast aside so that the footsteps of Jesus may be followed. As I move into the next stage of my Christian walk, my Jesus journey, I only pray that God might grant me the wisdom to know and understand when this is the right course of action, to sit back and just feel awe towards our Father in heaven.
Though I am scared witless, I am greatly excited at the adventure that is before me. I only ask that you keep me in your thoughts and prayers as you too either walk the Jesus journey, or don't. Either way, I value your thoughts for me:)
If anyone has gotten through that muddled jumble of thoughts then I truly congratulate you!
I have made but one New Years resolution this year. I want to live Jesus message more and preach it less. Now, this statement is very 'pie in the sky', very cliche, very easy to say...it is much harder to achieve. But, in spite of the purpose of New Years resolutions I am actually resigned, and ok to being this way, to failing to achieve this resolution to the degree that I would like to. This isn't to say I am 'happy' about that, but it is to say that I realise no matter how hard I personally try, I cannot achieve such a statement because it is just too hard in this world.
So why even bother trying you may ask? I am about to embark on a new adventure. It is almost like the very thing I have been waiting for now for years is finally upon me and I am just starting to realise how very unprepared and not ready I am for the adventure ahead of me. But that is ok, I am as ready as God needs me to be. I am ready to go where God is taking me, knowing my insecurities, my imperfections, my inability and my complete and total want to be the next big thing. I am afraid, I am scared, I am worried, I am concerned but all these things pail into insignificance when I consider the fact that I can do nothing other than follow Jesus wherever he may take me.
I have just read Blue Like Jazz, by Donald Miller. I made my usual mistake and started to read at about 9.30pm. It is now 3.15am and I have to get up at 6. I have to say this book has to go up there with Velvet Elvis, by Rob Bell, as the best book about Jesus (barring the bible) I have ever read. And I say about 'Jesus' deliberately, for although it talks about Christianity, Don aims to talk more about Jesus and following him than about what Christianity has made Jesus message into over time. And this is partly where my above statement, my New Years resolution comes from and my below thoughts may be a little provocative.
I don't just want to be a Christian. I am a Christian, I will always be a Christian. If there is but one thing I believe it is that Jesus lived, died, rose again so that we may be restored to relationship and eternal life with the one true God. It is for this reason that we live and by this we exist. This is the central platform to all Christian belief in my opinion. But as Donald Miller so clearly illustrates, what has been done in the name of Christianity over the years has so warped the message of Jesus for the average not yet believer that to go into any place and ask 10 people what Christianity is about will yield you 10 different answers, many of which will not be flattering. Heck, ask 10 Christians what Christianity is about and you will get 10 different answers!
I want to take a brief moment here to apologise, to apologise for all the evil that has been perpetrated in the 'name' of Jesus and Christianity. This is not because I have been a part of it all, for I of course have not, but as a Jesus follower I have to deal daily with the consequences of my God fearing ancestors. I have however misrepresented Jesus and Christianity on many occasions, and continue to do so regularly. For this I truly ask forgiveness from those who look on, see mine and other Christians actions and therefore miss seeing who Jesus truly is.
The fact of the matter is I am moving to Margaret River not for any other reason than to be a missionary to the town, hoping to live and breath Jesus life, death and resurrection. I know God is already there, and I know there are so very many Christians there doing great things for him with his Kingdom growing daily. I only know that the next part of my Jesus journey will occur in that town. I battle ever day against the forces within me, dying to be known, dying to be famous, dying to save the world so that I may be known. This scares me because it makes me afraid to actually do anything just in case I am doing it out of selfish ambition. Yet I know as I go to Margaret River what they need most is people who are willing, in the face of adversity, to live out Jesus radical message of love, grace and hope, without feeling to need to get anything in return. So I open myself up in all my insecurity to follow my Lord to where he deems necessary. And this absolutely leaves me petrified.
One of the great issues with God and man is that we feel we need to understand God, to map God, to scientifically analyze and prove his nature. It is this analytical mind God gave us that so often becomes the very means by which we remain separated. In Blue Like Jazz Miller writes "Too much of our time is spent trying to chart God on a grid, and too little is spent following our hearts to feel awe. By reducing Christian Spirituality to formula, we deprive our hearts of wonder." Now you may wonder why I quote this. I do so because I believe it is key to why following Jesus and not just being a Christian is so pivotal. By following 'Christianity' we often merely follow patterns and formula. Now don't get me wrong, much of this formula and patterns have been developed over time and are very useful and I myself follow them. But they are not to be means by which we are trapped. Jesus message does not always lead us along the travelled road in my opinion and so Christian theological dogma, at times, needs to be cast aside so that the footsteps of Jesus may be followed. As I move into the next stage of my Christian walk, my Jesus journey, I only pray that God might grant me the wisdom to know and understand when this is the right course of action, to sit back and just feel awe towards our Father in heaven.
Though I am scared witless, I am greatly excited at the adventure that is before me. I only ask that you keep me in your thoughts and prayers as you too either walk the Jesus journey, or don't. Either way, I value your thoughts for me:)
If anyone has gotten through that muddled jumble of thoughts then I truly congratulate you!