North & South DVD Review

Starring Daniela Denby-Ashe,  Richard Armitage,  Sinead Cusack  and Leslie Manville.  3 Stars

I watched an interesting DVD over the past week called "North & South". This was formerly a 4 part TV series produced by the BBC. I'm not sure if it is available in the USA. By the way do they show many British series or films in the USA?

The story is about a woman called Margaret who is the daughter of an English Pastor. She comes from a fairly middle class traditional upbringing. Suddenly her whole family is uprooted to a more dire part of England in the town of Milton. Milton is the home of working class people who labour in a cotton mill. This occurs during the midst of the industrial revolution.

I found this drama interesting in that it explored in more detail, the relationship between the workers of the mill and their "master" or owner of the mill. At the beginning of the story it depicts the relationship as one of great animosity and distrust, even to the point of violence. This results in an attempt to form a trade union. It is led by one of the more outspoken workers in order to create a united force to barrack for fair wages.

When Margaret's family appear on the scene, they form relationships with both opposing parties ie the workers and the factory owner. Margaret's father for instance, begins to tutor John Thornton - the factory owner, in subjects of interest. In so doing, Margaret and her father gradually become acquainted with both sides of the worker/boss relationship.

It was interesting for me, since it helped me to see & even empathize a little more with the business operations from the view of the owner of the factory and see the challenges they face. For instance, the fact that they hold a great deal of responsibility for the livelihoods of so many of their employees, as well as the enormous risks and difficult decisions they must face.  Also it made me realize that if a company does not turn out the same amount of income each year it can become much more difficult  to keep paying workers the same or higher wages or keep the same number of workers employed. 

Even so, it is only through the influence and intervention of this strong woman Margaret, who promotes greater compassion , civil dialogue and personal interest between each of these factions that an atmosphere of peace and co-operation is eventually achieved.

I'm not sure if this story is actually true, however the film maker does try to show how understanding, compassion and a genuine interest in the other party, in the workplace, can possibly be resolved through meidators who try to promote peace instead of hatred and violence.

The film may show an idealistic situation, but I believe there are elements that viewers can indeed learn from and even perhaps apply in everyday life - like trying to see things from another perspective and exercise forgiveness and compassion.

Highly recommended viewing for those who are interested in achieving greater social justice through peaceful and humane means

The Dilemma

Author Unknown

To laugh is to risk appearing a fool

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental

To reach out for another is to risk involvement

To expose feelings is to risk rejection

To place your dreams before the crowd is to risk ridicule

To love is to risk not being loved in return

To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure

But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.  The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing,  is nothing.  He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he cannot learn feel change grow or love.  Only a person who risks is free.

Starring Charlie Hunnam,  Anne Hathaway,  Jamie Bell, Christopher Plummer,  Nathan Lane and Timothy Spall.  2002  MGM

It is only on an extremely rare occasion, that after watching a movie, one is left completely stunned and moved by it’s incredible impact and emotive force.  Nicholas Nickleby is one of those movies.  Whether it is the realism of the actors or the literary genius of the novelist Charles Dickens, it is not certain.  Perhaps it is a combination of both.

Unfortunately I have never had the honor of reading Dickens’ classic novel “Nicholas Nickleby”.  The only recollection I have of this story, is that it was a very successful stage play in the early part of the twentieth century.  It also involved a great number of characters - so many that often one person was able to play more than one  role.

The main feature of the film which left me flabbergasted, was to see this handsome young man, motivated by righteous anger,  carried by his inner strength & exuding a total absence of fear,  stand up to the diabolical oppressors of his world,  triumphing to the very end.   This was epitomized by the scene where Nicholas, throws a torrent of rage and physical force against Mr Wackford Squeers who is about to torture a young lad Smike with a whipping, in front of all the other school boys.   Perhaps having never  heard or witnessed such a sight in real life, to see it depicted on the screen, and with such realism, was a rather foreign but staggering sight to behold.

Naturally movies and great novels are fiction not reality.  So one has to wonder if such a character as Nicholas  Nickleby truly exists.  Also it is interesting that within the arts, many characters are often portrayed as totally wicked or totally righteous to the extreme.  In reality sometimes the lines are not drawn so clearly since there can be a hybrid of good and evil in each person. However, these literary characters,  still serve a purpose, and that is to depict an ideal that viewers can choose to emulate.  For instance, in drawing the lines of good and evil in such a confronting and obvious way, it will hopefully influence the viewer to err on the side of good, and thus strive to achieve these qualities in their own lives. 

To balance the seriousness of the sometimes depressing circumstances,there is a great deal of comic relief from other characters which later enter the scene. There is Mr Vincent Crummles and Mrs Crummles who head up their own theatre. ( Played by Nathan Lane & Barry Humphries). They offer humorous delight when they kindly offer Nicholas and his companion Smike, paid roles in their present feature play.  These two thespians epitomize the crazy and comic nature of the bizarre and bohemian life of the artist. .Mr Pluck and Mr Pyke who also at some stage offer Nicholas generous employment, also provide light relief.  They are sly but able businessmen who appear so like each other they almost seem like twins.  It is truly amusing to see these two in action.

However, one of the most moving elements in the film, is the mercy and compassion that Nicholas offers to his younger companion Smike.  Smike enjoys his new friends’ kindness like fresh spring water to a dying man in the dessert.  Smike sees no hope or escape from the dark prison in which he has lived most of his life, until Nicholas helps to give him freedom. Nicholas offers to be his protection and defender ‘till the end of his days.  One cannot help but be touched deeply by the utter love and devotion that Nicholas shows for his friend who had formerly been forgotten and forlorn. 

Smikes’ last desperate feeling, is felt by his loyal but unrequited love he conceals for Nicholas’ lovely sister Kate.  This is only relieved by the confession of the object of his passion  to Nicholas, when Smike lives out his last days.   This romantic predicament is a reminder of the consequences of his  maltreatment which  he received by society in his early years.

This movie is also a true winner, since it opens with Nicholas Nickleby as a wee and adorable bald headed young baby which successfully endears one to the film instantly.  A highly strategic way to draw the viewer’s attention.

There are so many biblical principals and parallels that can be explored within the plot and characters of this story as well.  For instance, the noble and righteous character of Nicholas Nickleby  in parts,  is almost like that of  Jesus who enters people’s lives to rescue and save them from the sins and treachery of their squalid  world.  The life of Ralph Nickleby the merciless uncle, also reveals how a man reaps what he sows.  If a man sows evil attitudes and deeds then he must reap the consequences of this in later life. Galatians 4: 7-8.  It also shows how wealth can be very fleeting – it can be here today and gone tomorrow.  The film could be a wonderful tool to help motivate and inspire others to take greater action to further the causes of social justice in our modern society.

In conclusion Nicholas Nickleby is truly a work of genius emanating from the pen of Charles Dickens, since it brings to life the predicaments, plots and people that still exist in our world today.   

Highly recommended viewing!

© Adelle Arwen 2007

Here are two verses that I learnt as a small child.  Hope you like them:-

Read read read

The more you read

The more you know

The more you know

The more you grow

So read read read

A wise old owl sat on an oak

The more he heard the less he spoak

The less he spoak the more he heard

Now why aren't we all like that old bird?

Most of us like to enjoy the things of this earth like having stylish clothes,  a comfortable spacious home,  nice car,  great wealth,  supportive friends ,loving relationships ,  exciting travel experiences,  or a promising career path.  These are some of the goals that most people may  aim for in their lives.  There is nothing wrong with these things.

As we strive to achieve these goals, we may believe that once we have acquired them, we will be ultimately satisfied in the long term  However many individuals discover when they finally realise these goals that their  still is a feeling of emptiness in the core of their being.

In a short documentary about a famous band, the lead singer (who shall remain nameless), expressed the fact that when he finally achieved success in terms of millions of records sold world wide and ultimate fame,  there was still an emptiness inside him.  This forced him to ask himself  - "why do I still not feel happy even at this high point in my career? What am I missing in my life ?  What is it that I still need".

I had a friend (who has now passed away) who once shared with me some experiences in her younger years.  She had been a highly attractive woman who was like the "rose" of high society.  Sought after by many suitors she admitted that she had never had her heart broken but fortunately always had the upper hand when it came to men.  Naturally she would be invited to all the grand parties and played hostess to many of her own.   However when these were all over and everyone went home, she admitted to a feeling of  emptiness in her soul and thought to  herself   "is this all there is to life?  Surely there is something more?"

In one of my songs called "It's Christmas" there is a line which says ...."there's a void we all have in our souls that only one can fill".  I would like to suggest that this feeling of emptiness that these two people felt, is the longing for spiritual fulfilment which is present in every human being .  We all long for something deeper than just surface satisfaction provided by the material things of this world.  Our longing is to be re-united with our Creator - to restore our relationship with God so we can experience the innocence of the Garden of Eden .  This can only be achieved through Jesus Christ and his saving work of the cross.   Through his death on the cross He is able to forgive and wipe away our sins so that we can have a direct relationship with our Maker once again.   What we must do, is to ask God for the faith to believe, ask Jesus' Holy Spirit to fill  the empty place in our souls, and from then on, commit our lives to following Him.  It is only though this commitment that we can experience the peace,  cleansing and innocence once again for the rest of our lives. 

Fortunately for my friend she eventually found Jesus later in her life to fill the empty void within her soul. Jesus is like the missing link in our lives that we are searching for.  Some may think that relationships,  wealth or earthly pleasures will ultimately satisfy us.  However the truth is, that only a knowledge and relationship with  Jesus can give us lasting inner spiritual peace and fulfilment that we need.  Through Jesus we can also become part of the family of God which includes all of his true followers here on earth.  We are like another pearl added to a beautiful pearl necklace, where Jesus is the strong clasp that holds us together to renders us wearable to fulfil it's purpose .

Finding Jesus  is also like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  The ironic thing is that when we experience the unconditional love and saving work of Jesus in a real way,  the blessings on this earth become more enjoyable.  The reason for this, is that we now realise who is responsible for giving us all good gifts on this earth, whether they  be material possessions or the beauty of nature , and therefore can now marvel  rejoice and praise God for  His creation and the different ways he provides for us.

Knowing Jesus can enrich our lives in a greater way.  Have you found your missing link yet?

Garlic Tablets

Taking 2 garlic tablets each morning has been said to help stave off colds.  Cenovis is an inexpensive brand available at most supermarkets in the vitamins section

I have discovered some interesting insights while reading Joni Earekson's book about Heaven.  She talks about the fact that it is a myth that some people can be "too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good".  She goes on to say that in actual fact the opposite is true.  For instance here are some results when a Christian begins to realise that their citizenship is in heaven:-

• They begin acting as a responsible citizen of earth
• They invest wisely in relationships because they know they're eternal
• Their conversations, goals and motives become pure and honest since they realise these will have a bearing on everlasting reward
• They give generously of time, money and talents because they are laying up treasures for eternity
• They spread the good news of Christ since they long to fill heaven's ranks with their friends and neighbours.

Joni, in her book presents a short exercise which helps to illustrate these points.  It goes as follows:-

1.  List three people famous or known to you ,  who are doing good in this world

2.  List three people who appear to be doing evil

Tick the list containing the people who you believe to have the greatest regard for heaven.

Time in Heaven

In our modern age it seems that everyone leads a very busy life.  For some there never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything done.  In business,  it is often said that "time is money" -  it cannot be replaced or retrieved so it is important not to waste it.  Since our  lives on this earth are finite,  there is also an urgency to achieve goals or succeed by a certain time  before "time runs out" .  Some activities are seen as a "race against time".

However through reading Joni's book on heaven,  I realised that we prbably won't have this problem in heaven, because we will have entered God's Time Zone of "Eternal Life".  Time will go on forever.  Our  life span will no longer be a set number of years where we feel compelled to accomplish things in a hurry before we die.... because there will be no more death.  

In Philippians 3: 20-21 it says " we eagerly await a Savior from there (heaven),  the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body".

It is not stated specifically what our new bodies will look like, however if it is like Jesus' body we will still have hands arms feet and legs and have substance like Jesus' resurrected body .  We won't just be spirit beings floating around because Jesus is not just a spirit but has a physical body.

It could be implied then,  that since we will be given the gift of eternal life and hence live forever in our new bodies....  our bodies will no longer deteriorate,  become ill or even age any more. We will be given the gift of eternal youth!   which is what many people often hanker after here on earth.  (No more anti aging creams needed in heaven). 

Because we will be living in the time zone of eternity,  time will no longer be our enemy.  God may give us certain jobs or activities to do within a certain time frame but in another sense we will have all the time in the world.  This is so since there will be no more death, decay,  growing old or  death any longer.  Instead we will live with Jesus forever and possess an infinite eternity's worth of time.  That would be certainly something to look forward to don't you think?

Music for Motivation

At home if you ever find you need to do something which is a bit tedious ,  mundane or not something you like doing very much (eg. preparing your tax return) ,  put on your favourite music while you do it, and it will probably make the job slighty more enjoyable.  Music which is a little more up tempo can get you going, while music more soothing in nature can help to calm emotions of stress. 

Hi there friends,

I really want to encourage you to be part of this conference.  If you want to learn about social justice issues, hear great speakers, then do something to make a difference in our world, then this conference is for you.   We need you to fight the injustices of the world!

                                                                       

"I'LL FIGHT"

SOCIAL JUSTICE CONFERENCE
(Sponsored by the Salvation Army)

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door. 

Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote

"Revelation 3:20" on the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his
card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message,"Genesis 3:10."

Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter.

Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and knock."

Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked."

Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones? They still are!

"A cheerful heart is good medicine" (Prov. 17:22 )

Don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.Galatians 6:9

Joni Eareckson Tada

"Most people don't understand that to walk with God is to feel at home"

A few blogs ago I mentioned a nifty gospel tract that I often give to my non christian friends.  It nicely explains the simple gospel message in a nutshell. 

With this tract I also distribute with it, a two page leaflet called "Good News".  It contains an introduction to the gospel message, but opens it up in a very positive way.  It describes the message of Jesus as "Good News"  for today's society,  by stating that God can be with us today and everyday, to help us in all our trials, if we choose to rely on Him. 

I have found this very useful since it has a positive title and opening message, which I believe is highly refreshing in today's world where we constantly hear reports of bad news.

This can be given out along with the other Gospel Tract called "Two Ways to Live".  I usually give it to my friends as a gift, saying something like ,"  I just wanted to give you these booklets  which explains what we as Christians believe , for your information".  Because it is a free gift ,  friends usually accept it out of politeness at least.  Even if they do not choose to read it straight away,  one day they may pick it up when they are ready or the Spirit prompts them to at the appropriate time. 

Here is the website where you can obtain these leaflets in packs of 25 through mail order:

www.goodnewspublishers.org  See the bottom of the home page where the tract is listed as No.10 on their best seller list.

Why not spread more of the "Good News" this holiday season. 

Merry Christmas and  a Happy New Year to you all!   &  

Future Albums

I was thinking the other day, that in the future I may record the following albums:-

1. My own Christmas Album

2.  A Jazz Album

3.  Favourite Cover Songs Album

Musical Notations

Accidental - wrong note

Rit or Rall - coming up to the bit you haven't practiced yet

About Heaven

Here are a few more points I have discovered in my Quiet Time readings about what Heaven will be like .   Jesus followers will have:-

New Bodies :  Philippians 3: 20-21  

New Minds:  1 John 3:2  and

New Hearts:  In other words ,  if we have chosen Jesus on this earth, we will be totally renewed in body mind and spirit.  We will be purified and perfected and  also realise our true identity even more so, just as God intended for  us  in the beginning.

Also in Isaiah 65:17 it states that the site and presence of our Lord Jesus in our new heavenly home will be so glorious and brilliant, that there will be no need to recall the former life with it's positive or negative elements. 

"Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth.  The former things will not be remembered,  nor will they come to mind.  But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create.  Isaiah 65:17.  See also 1 Corinthians 15: 50-58 which describes how through Jesus, his followers, in a flash, will change from being mortal to immortal.

It is good to be thankful for all the blessings God has given to us on this earth ,  including the gift of His Son Jesus to be the Saviour of our souls.  In his love and generosity He also offers us a life of eternal joy with Himself in Heaven, where the best is still yet to come.  This is also a great cause for celebration this Christmas Season.

Will you be there to share this with us? ................... I hope so.  

 I have recently started on a Study Guide called " Heaven Your Real Home"  by Joni Earechson Tada.  I was given this book a a few years ago when she came to Australia to speak during the Para Olympics.  In one section of the book it discusses the bible passage about the New Jerusalem from the book of Revelation chapter 21.  It contains  one of the verses I love which describes an aspect of heaven :

" And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men,  and he will live with them.  They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,  for the old order of things has passed away' ".   Revelation 21: 3-4

I have always thought that it would be a true utopia to have a world with no more sorrow crying or pain.   Although the Bible does not specify in exact detail what heaven will be like from these verses it could strongly suggest the following :-

There would be no more sickness, cancer or terminal illnesses and the suffering that can go with these

There will be no more mourning over the death of loved ones through accidents war, sickness,

or bombs

No more murder, rape,  torture,  bloodshed,  child abuse,  work place bullying or suicides

No more divorce separation abandoned children

No more poverty or racism

No more oppression injustice or discrimination

No more struggle disappointment or depression

No more sorrow pain or tears

No more watching the 6 o'clock news and hearing all the bad news that has happened nationally or internationally

No more worrying about putting on weight and eating too much since we will have new heavenly bodies.

Such a world is worth waiting to see and experience don't you think?

Musical Notations

Metronome - a person small enough to get into a mini

Con Moto - with car

This may seem an unusual question.  It naturally depends on one's definition of success is.  In the eyes of the world success could mean :-

1.  Financial Wealth

2.  High Status and Recognition in Society

3.  Loving Marriage and children

4.  Ability to enjoy the things in life eg. relaxing holidays,  trips to exotic locations,  lovely restaurants,  sporting or artisitic pursuits.

5.  Feeling of Happiness

6.  Loving friends and family for quality fellowship and support

7.  Beauty and Good Health

There can be other elements that would include success in our modern age.  However these would probably be the main ones  people would look for to guage  if a person is a "success"  in our world today. 

By our worldly standards was Jesus a success? Let's take a closer look:-

1.  Financial Wealth: he did not seem to possess financial wealth.  His chosen trade was a carpenter which probably would have earned him a modest living able to supply his needs.  During his three years in full time ministry, he  probably received financial support from specific followers.  He also stayed at people's houses as he travelled and visitied different towns.

2.  High Status and Recognition: Jesus attracted many followers who were searching for spiritual truth.  However he was despised by the  leaders of the Jewish order and eventually condemned by all the governing authorities of the day.  He always seemed to face some form of persecution for his teaching.

3. Marriage and Children: Because God had a special mission for Jesus on this earth he remained single in order to devote his whole life and soul to God's appointed task.

4. Enjoyment of Life : Since Jesus only had three years in full time ministry, it is unlikely that he took any extensive holiday time to relax.  However he did attend weddings and feasts and probably knew how to enjoy celebrations with friends and family.  John 2

5. Feeling Happy: Jesus would have always had the feeling of peace and oneness with His Heavenly Father since he was sinless and always completely obedient to His Father's will.  However I don't know that he was always "happy" in a worldly sense.  After all he knew that his death and crucifixion lay looming ahead of him.  Luke 22:44.  In Isaiah 53:3 it also says " He was despised and rejected by men,  a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering.  Like one from whom men hid their faces,  he was despised and we esteemed him not".

6. Loving Friends and Family:  Jesus had a supportive family who helped to raise him in a godly household. He also became very close to the 12 disciples during his life on earth.  He ministered and discipled them so that one day they could spread the gospel message of salvation throughout the biblical world.  However he also experienced the pain of betrayal by one of his friends close to him within this inner circle, namely Judas.

7.  Beauty: In terms of beauty Isaiah 53:2 tells us " He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,  nothing in his appearance that we should desire him."  From this passage it would suggest that Jesus may not have been an impressive handsome character by the world's standards.

At the end of his life  the Jewish leaders of the religious order and all the governing authorities  condemned him to death by crucifixion for speaking the gospel truth.  It would seem that he was losing in the eyes of the world and could have been branded as a failure. 

However through heavens' eyes he was accomplishing a magnificent and incredible victory in the spiritual realm.  Evangelical Christians all over the world celebrate the ensuing triumph that was ultimately achieved.

Jesus paid the  penalty for the sins of all mankind in the present ,  past and the future.

He rose from the dead, since he was sinless and therefore death could not hold him down forever. Through this act, he enabled a full pardon and forgiveness for all our sins, fellowship with Himself , and eternal salvation for our souls .  To top it all off, it gave us  the promise of eternal life in heavenly paradise when we leave this earth. This gift is offered to all people who wish to actively accept Jesus into their hearts and follow him with their lives.  Due to Jesus selfless life and obedience, he was then elevated to the highest place in heaven to sit at the right hand of God. Romans 8:34.

Therefore we can see that although Jesus did not appear to be successful in a worldly sense, he accomplished a huge victory in the spiritual realm which is a win that will last for eternity.

It also goes to show, that sometimes,  things are not always as they seem.

I would value you prayers for the following:-

1.  That I can obtain the technical support to upload my music as MP3 files, onto several Internet Music Distribution Websites.

2.  I can complete my Marketing Video in the next few months

3.  My helper Eileen who is setting up my new website.  That God will help her complete this

     with ease and receive skilled and co-operative support from her online Tech People.

Thanks for your help

Gods Blessings to You

Bev

 Tadheus a 13 year old boy from Indonesia who has discovered his God given talent for of drawing .  He is one of the sponsored children from Compassion.  His colourful drawings of scenes from the story of Jesus' birth,  have been printed as  Christmas Cards that you can buy.  They are available in packs of 12 for $19-95 and at least $10 will go towards buying necessary items and gifts for sponsored children for Christmas.   The balance would naturally go towards printing and the making of the cards.

They are available from Compassion's website  www.compassion.com.au

 Tadheus with one of his drawings                        

   One of his Christmas Card designs

If you would like to find out how to be more loving to the other people in your life, try reading the book "The 5 Love Languages".  It explains how each person feels loved in different ways.  For instance individuals may receive and feel love more in the form :-

1.  Words of Affirmation - specific words of praise and appreciation.

2.  Quality Time - spending quality time with the person

3.  Giving of Gifts  - like giving flowers for no reason

4.  Acts of Service -  like washing the dishes or mowing the lawn for someone   or

5.  Physical Touch  -  like hugs and kisses.

It can also be a combination of a few of these items. 

Which love language do you prefer?

NB.  This book is available at most Christian bookstores like

         Koorong Books :   http://www.koorong.com.au/

Notional Nonsense

Music Stand - an intricate device for propping up music,  except at crucial times - such as during the performance.  It comes in two sizes - too high or too low.

French Horn - the French Horn is actually German and is not to be confused with the English Horn which is French

I recently completed my Quiet Time Study on the book of Judges in the Old Testament. It ends with a phrase that is repeated several times, especially in the last five chapters.  "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit".  As a result of this,  there occurred great atrocities,  immorality,  divisions in society, as well as constant wars involving extreme revenge and bloodshed.  In reading about these events  in Israel's history, it is evident that because the people stopped worshipping the One True God and stopped following His principals for living,  it resulted in a society of chaos and calamity.

This is a picture of what is happening even in our society today.  Because people have chosen to ignore the gospel of Jesus Christ and His  guiding principals and commands, it has led to mayhem in society and in many parts of the world.  Instead people are choosing to just do  "as they see fit"  and making up their own rules for living . 

Hence there is a great need for people to hear the gospel message to be confronted with it's truth.   But also to realise God's supernatural power that can transform peoples' lives so they can experience peace,  purpose,  fulfilment,  healing,  and most of all unconditional love.  God is the only one who can transform each one of us from being self seeking individuals, to people who  respect and care for others no matter who they are.

Let us all unite to fulfil the Lord's "Great Commision" to see a revival in peoples' hearts and in the world as a whole.

Soldier on Comrades!

If you want to help your Christian or even non Christian friends to start reading the bible regularly, try giving them the "Our Daily Bread"  booklets.  Here are the many benefits :-

1. They are an  endless source of daily encouragement . 
2. They are  very simple to understand, so can be suitable for the simplest of readers. 
3. It periodically  has a page about a call to commitment and  hence doesn't assume that the reader is born again already.Therefore it is great for those who are new to the bible and have nil or very little understanding.
4. Another plus is that is it free and is posted every quarter. Donations can be made to keep it running though.
5. Other free articles regarding aspects of Christian growth , are also occasionally posted along with the books.
6. They are also happy to send extra copies to give to friends

To obtain a copy you can write to :-

RBC Ministries South Pacific Ltd   

PO Box 3052

Mandurah East WA  6210

AUSTRALIA     

or you can log into their website on  http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml

Happy Reading!

I saw a concert by the pop group called "Earth Wind and Fire" the other day on DVD and I have to say I was quite impressed.  It was recorded "live" in the Sony Music Studios with a full audience and the program  was guided by online internet radio listeners requesting their favourite songs.  It was a fairly slick presentation, which had the recognizable style of the Sony BMG Music Making Machine.  Eg.  some of the choreography of the musicians with dancers reminded me a little of the Gloria Estefan concerts (also under Sony Music). 

"Earth Wind and Fire's music is like a perfect fusion of Pop Rhythm and Soul.  They were the first band who created the new "techno" sound during their era.  The musicianship,  vocals and arrangements have a superior quality which is why they had so many hits in their "hey day". Their live performances certainly made a lot of the songs  on their album come to life much more. It reminded me of how influential live performance can be to promote one's music. 

Apparently their music is still listened to by a young generations of fan today.  Rock on!

Gospel Tracts

I have recently had a renewed liking for Gospel Tracts again.  They are a great way to help explain basics of the gospel message in a nut shell,  especially for those who don't feel eloquent in this subject or can get a bit tongue-tied.  I like using a particular tract which has been around for a long time but is constantly updated.  It's called "Two Ways to Live",  published by Mathias Media.  It explains the simple gospel message in a few pages.  At the back there is a website people can log into for more information www.twowaystolive.com/moreinfo .  I like to give them out with another 2 page tract called "Good News".  Even though it uses old fashioned English,  I like the positive title.  We are subjected to so much bad news on TV today,  it is nice to give people some "Good News" for a refreshing change.

Also even though your friends may say that they are not really interested in the gospel at first (perhaps it may not be cool to admit this openly),  they may still go home and read it in secret and have time to understand and absorb it.  Statistics have generalised that we take in more of what we read and see sometimes, more than what we just hear.   They may even make a secret commitment and be a closet Christian for a while to see what happens.  We never know .  Only God knows.

These two tracts called "Two Ways to Live" and "Good News" are available from :-

Koorong Books

28 West Parade

West Ryde   NSW  2114

AUSTRALIA

orders@koorong.com.au

enquiries@koorong.com.au

Musical Notations

If I don't practice for one day, I know it;  if i don't practice for two days the critics know it;  if i don't practice for three days,  the audience knows it.   Ignacy Paderewski (1860-1941)

Rests always sound well!  Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951)

I have recently rediscovered the British comedy series called "Yes Minister".  It has provided me with many hours of entertainment and amusement through it's witty and intelligent humour.  It was first aired on TV about 25 years ago and became an instant world wide success.  It is even still very popular today.  Basically the episodes revolve around the tension and machinations between a minister of the Crown the "Right and Honourable James Hacker" who heads up the Department of Administrative Affairs and his Permanent Secretary who is head of all the employees of the civil service in this same department.  If you enjoy jovial banter within the environment of government bureacracy this may be just your "cup -of -tea". 

You may be able to borrow the DVD's (3 in all)  from your local library or  video store.  If you become a fan like myself you can purchase them from most DVD stores or online from Amazon.com or Ebay.  There is also a series that follows called "Yes Prime Minister"  where the Minister eventually becomes PM. 

Music Definitions

Improvisation - what you do when the music falls down.

Granny Smith Festival

Last weekend was the annual "Granny Smith Festival"  in the suburb of Eastwood .  This is when all the main roads of Eastwood are filled with market stalls to display the products and "wares" of the local community.  It usually opens in the morning with a big street parade which is a favourite with the children.   A man usually dresses up as a giant apple , accompanied by other humanised fruits and vegetables.  I  watched  the parade last year out of curiosity.  To be honest I don't mind seeing a few live vegetables once in a while.  I must be easily amused. Maybe that's why I used to like Bananas in Pyjamas.

Granny Smith was the lady who founded and grew her famous brand of apples.  Apparently the original farms were situated in Eastwood many years ago before suburban development.  Because these apples became so successful the community festival was named after her. 

A few of the teachers at the Forte Music School got together to perform an item at the Festival.  We did a couple of jazz songs and I played the piano.  I rather enjoyed improvising.  This is where you can just make up tunes on the spot while the rest of the band play the  chords and rhythm.  It made me think afterwards that I wouldn't mind joining a little jazz ensemble to do some more improvising. 

Gideon

A few weeks ago I was very encouraged to read the story about Gideon in the Bible from the book of Judges 6:1-32.  At the beginning of the story , Gideon had such a low opinion of himself that when God first called him to help defeat the Midianites,  he didn't really believe it was really God speaking to him .  Hence he felt compelled to lay out a fleece to see if it would become wet while the surrounding ground would remain dry.  Even when God made this happen as a sign for Gideon ,  he was still not fully convinced that it was God speaking .  Hence Gideon felt the need to lay the fleece out a second time just to be sure.

When Gideon obeyed God's first instruction to tear down the altar to Baal and replace it with a proper altar to The Lord, he was still filled with fear.  This was shown when Gideon chose to fulfill God's instruction at night, so no one would see him.   However as Gideon took action and obeyed God step by step,   God gradually changed him to become a confident and courageous leader filled with His strength.  This is evident in 7: 17 - 18 where Gideon commands his small army " Watch me... Follow my lead.  When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout 'For the Lord and for Gideon ". 

The result was that Gideon and his army experienced an amazing supernatural victory. When the Midianites suddenly heard the loud crashing of pots and glass by the Israelite troops, God's spirit caused them to turn against each other.  As a result Gideon's army didn't even have to fight the enemy in the usual way.

Hence Gideon was commended for his obedience and faith in the Lord, and is later mentioned in the " Hall of Faith"  in the book of Hebrews 11:32 from the New Testament.   This account can be a great encouragement to us,  especially when we may feel fearful and inadequate for the task God calls us to do.  If we choose to trust and obey Him,  he will fill us with his strength and power to experience His victory.