Wednesday, April 28, 2010

View from the Balcony 29/04/2010

The sound of the waves as they tumble over themselves as they joyously raced towards the shore was the sound that greeted me as I slowly entered the land of the awake.

Arising and stumbling through the Lounge area I pushed back the glass sliding doors and stepped out onto the Balcony. Here it hit me, the fragrance from our multi coloured small rosebush invaded my senses of smell and sight. So sweet and sensual.

I must admit that the plant has done well against the overnight breezes as only a few petals have fallen to lie prostrate on the white tiles of the Balcony floor.

Looking out towards the horizon yet again there was the sight of a light grey cloud mass sitting, waiting to pounce at the arrival of the sun. But no, not today. The sun appeared, looked around, gave a 'ho hum' acknowledgement to the surrounds and then went about its daily climb into the heavens. Whereupon the cloud just lost interest and started to fall apart at the edges as it started to slink off to sulk.

The sea is calm with only the occasional ripple giving away the presence of turbulence below.

At the Point, it is standing only this morning as all the surfers, of which there would be around a dozen, are all upright on their boards, steading themselves with long paddles. An interesting sight.

The Esplanade has a good number of eager walkers and joggers using the pathways, whilst a get fit class is coming together on the picnic lawn area below and just to my right. Even the lycra crowd have been active this morning.

The Hinterland has come alive with the range of its finery of greens presenting themselves well to all onlookers. Above, the light blue sky sets the scene 'picture perfect'.

Yes, all the signs are present for another top day here at Burleigh.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

View from the Balcony 26/04/2010

Well, the great GTF got me up and out of bed earlier than usual today, which under past experiences does not indicate that all is great in the realm of 'wonder cat'.

I followed him through the Lounge area and opened back the sliding glass doors to the Balcony and was right behind him as we stepped out on to the tiles.

It was then that I noticed that our Balcony was playing host to a number of small moths that must have sort shelter during the night from the strong breeze that was coming at a Southerly angle from over the Hinterland.

I then got the message that GTF is rather particular as to who and with what he is willing to share his 'territory,' and while he stood back and watched I was requires to sweep up the remains of these little creatures and place them without any ceremony in the Kitchen bin.

Then it was back to the Balcony with a cup of tea in hand to watch the morning sunrise unfold.

As per normal, hovering above and along the horizon line a bank of light grey cloud was announcing to all and sundry that it was no mean force to deal with. I chuckled to myself, as I have seen it all before. The posturing, then the caving in as the sun just quietly went about its daily task of dominating the sky.

Today was no different. After what appeared to be a short delay the sun appeared and the cloud as have so many of its predecessors gave up its futile opposition and slunk away from the suns presence leaving the rest of us to enjoy the beginning of a new day.

Around the sun light streaks of cloud tentatively hover, ready to disappear at a moments notice. Behind them forming a solid backdrop of colour the rich blue of the clear sky was becoming more pronounced.

Below, thew grey blue sea was sending small undulating waves into the shore. At the Point, these waves were arriving without any surfers to salute their arrival with the sound of splashing arms and legs in the water as they jostle for the best advantage spot in which to join the waves as they make their last dash to the golden sands of the awaiting beach.

Along the Esplanade only a couple of joggers have hit the pathways. The walkers must be saving themselves for later in the day.

At the rear, the Hinterland is well and truly awake, having cast aside its blanket of overnight mist.

Yes, today has arrived, the moths have departed and GTF is happy. What more can one want!!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

What love means to 4-8 year olds!!

Slow down for three minutes to read this. It is so worth it…Touching words from the mouths of babes. Thanks to young Kellie for this.


What does 'Love' mean??

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, 'What does 'love' mean?'?
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:


'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.

So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.

Rebecca- age 8

'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.

Billy - age 4

'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.

Karl - age 5

'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.

Chrissie- age 6

'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.

Terri - age 4

'Love is when my mummy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.

Hannah - age 5

'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mummy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss'

Emily - age 8

'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'

Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,'

Nikka - age 6

(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.'

Noelle - age 7

'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.'

Tommy - age 6

'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.

He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.'

Cindy - age 8

'My mummy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.'

Clare - age 6

'Love is when Mummy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'

Elaine-age 5

'Love is when Mummy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.

Chris - age 7

'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day

Mary Ann - age 4

'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.

Lauren - age 4

'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' (what an image)

Karen - age 7

'Love is when Mummy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.

Mark - age 6

'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.

Jessica - age 8

And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbour, the little boy said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry'

When there is nothing left, that is when you find out that love is all you need.


Take 60 seconds and give this a shot!

View from the Balcony 25/04/2010

As I got up and made my way through the Lounge area and opened back the glass sliding doors to the Balcony and looked out over towards the distant rising sun, I could not but help think that my freedom to do just this was purchased by the willingness of so many before me to offer up their lives for the rights of yet unborn people to enjoy freedom of life.

This was so well expressed in a FB post by young Lindi this morning when she said the following; 'A Soldier/Sailor/Airmen is someone who at one point in their life made a blank cheque payable to AUSTRALIA, for an amount up to, and including, their life! That is honour......They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them..'

Today, as I look out at the brilliant radiant light that the sun is pouring out over all the earth it is my time to once again remember those who went before in service to our great country and as a result of doing so paid that ultimate price. I also need to reflect and in some way try and picture the pain, hurt and horror that those who survived brought back with them on their returning home to a grateful country.

These valiant people returned home, changed forever by what they experienced and witnessed. Some have been able to process the experience and share parts of what they went through with family and friends. Others, unfortunately were so effected by what they went through that they retreated and walled up that part of their life, afraid of the possible outcome/response from others should they open up about what they went through. To these anonymous people I silently pour out my love, thankfulness and gratitude knowing that they gave the same to me all that time ago when they responded to the call to stand up and be counted.

The sun has now risen past the cloud bank that was stretched across the skyline and is now occupying centre stage in the clear blue sky that has only a couple of puff clouds floating by. The blue sea below is gently washing itself towards the golden sands of the beach.

The picture is one of brightness and hope, as the sun sheds light and warmth over the scene. The puff clouds are like the handkerchiefs that we use to wipe our faces and dry our eyes. The sea below reminds me of the blood and tears that were and continue to be spilt by those who were involved in living and serving through the times of war and beyond. The golden sands of the beach represents to me the freedom that our land enjoys as a result of what our forebears personally sacrificed.

I will remember them.

We need to remember them.

Monday, April 19, 2010

View from the Balcony 20/04/2010

Well, here it is mid morning and the rain clouds have swept in from the sea bringing a solid down pouring with them.

Whereas earlier in the day the sun was making valiant attempts to shine through the cloud lines, there is no such chance at the moment, as the horizon cannot be seen due to the grey clouds that are sweeping up the coast and depositing their contents on the ever appreciative earth below.

The rain is refreshing the Esplanade picnic lawn areas along with the rows of trees and bush shrubs that make up the scenery below the Balcony.

Even as I write this the clouds have separated and a clear passage way out to the horizon has opened up once again. A fantastic scene to behold.

With the downfall having passed the murky grey looking sea is sending undulating waves towards the shoreline. These waves are breaking some twenty metres from the beach and are then scuttling in wrapped in white foam as a covering of protection, only to finish lying exhausted on the golden sands for that ever brief moment before disappearing out of sight, to be quickly forgotten.

There are some hardy surfers at the Point, boards faced seawards. Almost as a mark of respect they wait patiently for the tell tale signs of a wave to remember and talk about for the rest of the day and perhaps beyond.

At the rear, the Hinterland is shaking off the droplets of rain that have managed to cling to the forest branches, which gently broke their free fall and gave them some respite before they complete the last part of their descent to the earth below.

I am posting a couple more photos with the last one being one of the bright rose that shone through all that took place.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Mmmmmmmmmm, Chocolate......

1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to have chocolate (more than once but less than 10).

2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold).

3. Add 5.

4. Multiply it by 50. -- I'll wait while you get the calculator.

5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1760.
If you haven't, add 1759.

6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.

You should have a three digit number.

The first digit of this was your original number (i.e., how many times you want to have chocolate each week).

The next two numbers are YOUR AGE! (Oh YES, it is!!!!!)

THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2010) IT WILL EVER WORK, SO SPREAD IT AROUND WHILE IT LASTS.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

View from the Balcony 18/04/2010

Well, here it is, a week has gone by since I last posted a report on the view from the Balcony. Mind you it is not as though you have not been kept up to date as I have posted the odd photo or two in the interim.

However, it is now Sunday morning at Burleigh and I find myself going through a bit of a selfish guilt trip in that I have not kept you informed of the sights that greet the early riser in this part of Gods kingdom.

So here we go for today!

The first thing that I notice on sliding back the glass balcony doors is that the little rose bush is missing from the round balcony table. I then remember that we placed the plant inside last night due to some strong on shore winds that could have removed the petals from the beautiful yellow and red blooms ahead of their natural life cycle. I went back inside and found the plant and returned it to its rightful spot. That is better, everything is in its place again.

A slightly cool breeze is today coming from behind the Hinterland and sweeping across the small plain before passing us by as it heads out to an unknown destination over the sea. The rose bush is protected from winds that come from this direction.

Looking out towards the horizon I am struck with the in your face sight of a heavy band of dark grey clouds that have all the signs of wanting to unload the odd bucketful of water on something, and real soon at that. The colour of the clouds remind me of a Sarah Lee cake with the layer upon layer routine, but this time it is not icing but thick grey/black swirls of clouds.

The arrival of the sun from behind the cloud barrier has had an immediate effect of beginning to dissolve the threatening cloud and like fairy floss that is stretched to breaking point the clouds are beginning to quickly separate and to move on their way up the coast towards Brisbane.

The sea is a murky grey colour with rippling waves breaking some fifty metres from the shoreline and then just gently running, all foam covered, into the awaiting golden sands of the beach.

There are a good number of surfers at the Point actively riding waves. Whilst in sharp contrast the Esplanade is bare of any human traffic. Looking up I can see the 6;15 flight from Brisbane is passing by and as I continue to watch it disappears over the hill on its last few minutes of flight before landing at the Coolangatta Airport.

Behind me the Hinterland has all but shed its overnight covering of mist and the hills and valleys are slowly coming to life as the suns rays bring warmth to them.

Yes, today will be a great day.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

View from the Balcony 11/04/2010

A zephyr like breeze welcomed me as I pushed open the sliding glass Balcony doors and stepped out into the new day.

As I gazed out towards the horizon I noticed that a haze was present and that it was having the effect of muting the boldness of the presence of the skirting light grey cloud line that was stretched across the vista.

The colours in the sky were almost matching the presence of the mist in that they were quite muted (nothing further from reality when it comes to the new Pj's that young Pj was unveiling this weekend at the quilters camp, so the rumour goes).

Washes of reds, pinks, with a hint of mauve thrown in, moving through to washes of light blues were the canvas backdrop that the sun was being greeted with. Then, just as the sun was about to appear from behind the cloud bank the clouds just melted away, much like a marshmallow in the mouth, or in a steamy mug of hot chocolate.

Suddenly the sky took on a golden glow, it was magic to behold the sun so prominently being the centre of attention with the only act on its behalf being that it was present.

The sea has a calmness to it as well today, and the rippling waves, much like a good 'six pack' on a male, were drawing ones eyes to the golden sands of the ever awaiting shoreline as the waves then broke some ten metres short of the finishing line and gently glided to their destiny.

The Point is free from surfers as the calmness of the sea has put a stop to any joyous rides that they may have been expecting. However, the Points loss became the Esplanades gain as a number of early risers are out walking and jogging along the purpose built pathways that run between the North Burleigh Hill on the left all the way to the National Park on the far right of my view.

The picnic grass areas have recovered from yesterdays use and appear to be eagerly awaiting the expectant crowds that should being to descend over the next couple of hours, ready to enjoy another beautiful day on the Coast.

Four flying friends have just arrived. Landing on the balcony railing and giving cause for GTF to briefly note their presence, before he rolled over to give his tummy a touch of the suns warm rays.

Yes, today will be a great day here, as I trust that it will be wherever you happen to be today.

It's not always easy to say, 'No'!

The following was on a Blog post from young Ninure.

A "No" uttered from deepest conviction is better and greater than a "Yes" merely uttered to please, or what is worse, to avoid trouble.
-Mahatma Gandhi

I think it is fair to say that many people do not care for conflict. As a matter of fact, if we were honest with ourselves, most of us would probably say we work hard to “keep the peace” at home, work, church, etc. There’s nothing wrong with working hard to get along with one another, either. The Bible commends such efforts.

At the same time, there are times in our lives when it is necessary for us to say, “No”—even when we might be the only ones saying it. The challenge, however, is not really saying “No;” I believe the challenge lies in both why and how we say “No.” Does our “no” come from a deep moral or ethical conviction, or does it come from another place; say, for example, our resistance to looking at issues from very different perspectives, or otherwise being nudged from our comfort zones?

How we say our “no” is important, too. Do our “no’s” say to others, “I’m right; you’re wrong; so it is either my way, or I’m taking my toys and going home;” or do they say, “I strongly disagree with you; I’m not even sure I can ever agree with you; I am, however, willing to listen to and dialogue with you.” “No”—while always having the potential of changing our relationships with others--does not always have to mean the end of those relationships. It is possible for us to say “no” to one another passionately, yet respectfully.

Who knows? By uttering our “no’s” from a place of passion and respect, we might even be able to solve more problems than we ever will by avoiding these tough discussions altogether.

Of course, we’ll never know until we try, will we?

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Dan
Holy Covenenat MCC,
Brookfield, IL

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

View from the Balcony 08/04/2010

It was with tentative and heavy steps that I made my way to the Balcony this morning. The effort that I put into cleaning the chairs yesterday at GCCF had left their mark. I was sore, really sore, sore in the legs, the back, the shoulders and in the palm of my right hand. The screwdriver hand.

It was in this state that on opening the glass sliding doors my eyes caught a bright red in the sky. On looking more carefully it was as though a painter had taken the sky as a canvas and had boldly brushed strokes of brilliant red across the sky from left to right and then back again. It was stunning.

However, unlike a canvas, the sky is forever changing, as it must, and so it was not long before the scene had disappeared and like an old fashioned slide show it had been replaced by another picture, this time a more subtle one with pinks and blues being prominent.

The sun has now risen above the horizon but a skirting of grey cloud sitting along the horizon line was not allowing me to see anything. I would need to be patient and wait until the sun had risen past that small obstacle that placed itself in its pathway.

At the Point, only a handful of surfers are out braving the early morning experience. The low numbers may be due to the fact that the sea is quite smooth and the waves are only breaking a short distance out from the shore. When I say breaking it is like a small pimple that has appeared under the skin, you know that it is there but anyone having a quick look would miss it. Such is the calmness of the sea today.

Along the Esplanade it is a different picture. Activity abounds with walkers, joggers and even a roller skate blade rider enjoying the freshness that is in the air.

At the rear the Hinterland has woken from its overnight rest and save for a few lingering pockets of mist still lurking above the valleys was fit and ready to do us proud as it towers as a barrier of protection.

It is a calm morning, and now I need to get that sore body of mine ready for a relaxing spa and sauna....ahh just the thought!!!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

View from the Balcony 07/04/2010

As I opened wide the sliding glass doors and looked out towards the horizon, I was immediately taken in by the rich reds and vibrant shades of orange and yellow that were heralding the arrival of the sun.

Why was not my camera in hand, was my immediate thought? This is too good a sight for me to see alone.

I raced back inside and located the camera in the fruit bowl on the Kitchen bench and got back outside just in time to get the tail end of the welcoming display that Mother Nature had for me today. If it had been a book, I got the last chapter, a song, the last stanza. However personally I was there to see the main act even if my photos today only give you the last scene.

Such is life!

Stretching my neck and looking around the sky I notice that there are many clouds of differing sizes and shades of colour. The sea has a faint grey look to it as the suns rays are being muted and diffused by the array of clouds that seem to be passing by in a hurry to get wherever they are going. I find this interesting as there is only a very slight breeze that is coming from behind the Hinterland and heading seaward.

At the Point only a small number of surfers are in the water as the waves today are very small and spread well apart. Along the Esplanade there is greater activity with joggers and walkers along with a couple of stately bicycle riders using the pathways. Below me and to the right, on the picnic grass area a fitness class is having a discussion as to what they should be doing. It has all the trappings of being leaderless for the moment.

Two groups of brightly attired lycra have just ridden on by accompanied by the unusual sound for this time of the day of a car horn from an irate driver who was wanting to get somewhere quicker than the bike crowd would allow them.

Turning around and looking at the backdrop that the Hinterland provides it was great to see that it has already cast aside the misty blanket of night cover and was up and about flexing it's covering of greens as it warmed up to the task of being there as a measure of protection and comfort for us who live in its shadow, so to speak.

Yes, a great sight for what will be a top day.

Monday, April 5, 2010

A word or two on Stress Management

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked,
"How heavy is this glass of water?"



Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.

The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter.

It depends on how long you try to hold it.

If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.

If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.

If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.

In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued,

"And that's the way it is with stress management.

If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later,

as the burden becomes increasingly heavy,

we won't be able to carry on. "

As with the glass of water,

you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.

When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."

"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down.

Don't carry it home.

You can pick it up tomorrow.

Whatever burdens you're carrying now,

let them down for a moment if you can."


So, my friend, why not take a while to just simply RELAX.

Put down anything that may be a burden to you right now.

Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while.

Life is short.

Enjoy it!



Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:


* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.

* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

* Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.

* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it

* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.

* Never buy a car you can't push.

* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

* Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

* The second mouse gets the cheese.

* When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

* We could learn a lot from crayons...

Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today....

..I did.

View from the Balcony 06/04/2010

As I stepped out onto the Balcony, my feet felt little pellets of cat litter underneath.

On looking at the litter tray I could see that GTF had created yet another hi rise masterpiece that the breeze during the night had decided to blow away into all corners of the area, and did so quite well.

There is my first task for the day, to undo the efforts of Mother Nature in some small way!

On looking out to the sea I was presented with an array of grey clouds, all neatly gathered as though waiting for something to happen. And it did, but too early for me to witness today as by the time I made my appearance the sun had already arrived and was commencing its daily climb into the sky.

The sea is relatively calm looking and only small waves are breaking as they reach some twenty metres from the shoreline and then just lazily run up towards the awaiting golden sands of the beach.

The surfers who were gathered at the Point are beginning to make their way closer to us as the waves are not particularly ridable at the moment and they are looking for a better spot for the morning.

The Esplanade also has a number of joggers and walkers taking advantage of its pathways and lawn picnic areas.

It is an active morning, and here I must cut short this report as it is now time for me to go and exercise in the indoor pool.

Catch you all next post!!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

View from the Balcony 05/04/2010

A gentle waft of air seemed to brush me as I opened wide the sliding glass balcony doors and stepped out into the new day. There was no other indication of any air movement. The potted plants cold still be asleep, for all the indications that they gave of anything happening.

Looking out to the horizon I noticed that the clear blue sky was ringed with a border of light grey clouds, very much like a scene from an old western with the wagon train being circled by the brightly zinced indians singing their mealtime song of grace.

The deep rich blue sea has a slight undulation to it as the waves appear to be trying to sneak shoreward without being noticed. It was not working. They were breaking some fifty metres from the shore and then spent the rest of the remainder of their short journey into the awaiting arms of the golden sands, rolling over and over creating a joyous wash of white foam to leave as a gift in memory of their visit.

The sun has now arrived on centre stage with the welcoming shield of cloud parting before it. The warmth is already giving me second thoughts about keeping my jacket on. But for the sake of any other early rises I had better hold back on displaying the hairy chest to all and sundry so early before breakfast.

The Point is like a fully booked caravan park. There are surfers and their boards everywhere. It has all the trimmings of a 'survival of the fittest' contest, with no beg your pardons given or taken.

The Esplanade is playing home to only a handful of walkers and joggers but this will change dramatically over the next couple of hours as the car parks fill and the blankets and chairs take over the lawn picnic areas. A small band of lycra enthusiasts has just ridden past, heads down bums up. Another not so good a sight!

At the rear, the Hinterland is again resplendent in it's covering of green finery. The hills and valleys have cast aside the overnight covering of mist and are now ready to take part in todays show of 'Life on the Gold Coast'.

Yes, a great sight today.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

View from the Balcony 04/04/2010

There is a slightly chilly breeze coming from over the Hinterland and heading out to sea to a destination I am sure that even it is not even aware of, being driven by the whim and fancy of Mother Nature.

So can the same thing be said for many of us. We just appear to be driven along in life, as we get caught up with every whim and fancy of the moment. How many of us have been through the 'if it feels good, do it' routine I wonder. If you travel too far down that path, self absorption takes over, and then who can you turn to as a measuring stick for a balanced life.

Here I will get personal, I need to know that I have a purpose in life and that I am not part of the result of some 'happening of chance' that took place aeons ago in the universe somewhere. I need to know that I have purpose and that I am valued. Of all days in the year, this is the day where the reality of that being the case strikes home.

Today as I look out over the water and see the sun rise from behind the clouds lightening the sky with its presence, so over two thousand years ago another Son rose to bring light and life into so many peoples lives, and he continues to do so today.

Yes, I am talking about Jesus, the pivotal person of the whole of creation. As a Christian, I celebrate today as the day that Jesus showed his disciples and then to the world through them that he had victory over death, and that whoever would trust their lives to him, he would enter into a personal relationship that would see them through eternity.

As one friend stated in a comment on the Blog I put up on Good Friday "just as it is not or choice when we are born, We do not leave this earth unless it is our time to leave, only God knows those dates, Graeme ,God is not finished with you yet, isn't that awesome. It's Friday. But, SUNDAY IS COMING "!!

I can proudly shout out "Today is Sunday," Yes today is the day more than any other day of the year, I can thank my saviour for being obedient, for without his obedience to the requirements of his and now my Father, I would not have the life that I have now.

Countless others through the years have said the same thing and I just wonder if you can count yourself in that number as well.

If not, there is still time, but how much time I for one do not know. A preacher was once asked "How close is death" and his response was that it was only one heartbeat away. Yes, it is so easy to think that we may have all the time in the world to consider our relationship issues and where we will spend eternity. But as many have discovered, events can overtake.

I hope that that will not happen in your case.

I invite you to join with me and proudly exclaim "TODAY IS SUNDAY - HE IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED"

Friday, April 2, 2010

Worth the read, if only to remind us of how important everyone else is.

Click on the link. It will only take you five minutes to read, but many days to digest!!!

http://blog.success.com/channels/relationships-channels/the-deeper-your-relationships-the-stronger-your-leadership/

You may need to read this twice.

A bus stops and 2 Italian men get on. They sit down and engage in an animated conversation. The lady sitting next to them ignores them at first, but her attention is galvanized when she hears one of them say the following:

Emma come first.
Den I come.
Den two asses come together.
I come once-a-more! .
Two asses, they come together again.
I come again and pee twice.
Then I come one lasta time.'

The lady can't take this any more. 'You foul- mouthed sex obsessed pig,' she retorted indignantly. 'In this country. we don't speak aloud in Public places about our sex lives.'

'Hey, coola down lady,' said the man. 'Who talkin' abouta sex? I'm a justa tellin' my frienda how to spell ' Mississippi '.'

I bet that you're gonna read this again !

Thursday, April 1, 2010

View from the Balcony 02/04/2010

Here it is, it is Easter Friday already. My how the year is racing along.

As I stand out on the Balcony with a coolish breeze that originated well behind the Hinterland range and is in a hurry to end up at to me an unknown overseas destination, ruffling my track jacket and pants and playing tag with the potted plants on its way past, I cannot but think how easy it is to get swept up in things.

Today of all days, many years ago, mankind was swept up with a misplaced zeal that saw the saviour of the world being crucified upon a hill alongside others who according to the laws of the time deserved to die in this manner because of their actions. In Jesus case it was different. He was there to pay the price for our actions. Even his father in heaven could not look upon him as that price was paid in full.

I was reminded of the three hours of darkness by the solid wall of grey cloud that is stretched along the horizon. I cannot see through it. I know that there is light on the other side and that it is only a matter of time before that grey blockade falls away and I can see the sun in all its splendour for myself without any obstruction.

So it is in our own lives, that wall of sin will fall away as you enter into a personal relationship with the one who paid the price so that mankind can as individuals come into a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe, but this can only happen if we are willing to accept and to appreciate what he has done on our behalf, and in acknowledgement hand over our lives for him to direct and live through.

Hmmm, time to step back inside and to do some more reflecting on how my life has changed from that of a very angry young man who so many years ago at the age of 19 went and put a 45 bullet through his chest in a vain endeavour to end his miserable existence. Only to miraculously survive and live to be able to enter the joy of being able to accept what Jesus did on his behalf and to enter into a personal relationship with God as his son.

Now that is a family relationship that you don't want to miss out on!!