Theodicy…

Posted on May 20, 2005 by Hamo

Today I learnt a new word. Theodicy is the study of how a good God can co-exist with evil.

As Danelle and I were talking yesterday this issue came up and it got me intrigued. I am particularly curious about the origins of evil – the ‘first cause’ so to speak.

I had a crazy day lined up today, but all my appointments from 10.00-3.00 cancelled so i wandered down to the library and waded thru about 20 different theology text books to try and uncover some insights into this subject.

It was valuable and I was at least able to come to grips with the different philosphical options that exist (Alvin Plantinga is like reading a maths text book!) even if I don’t have a decent answer yet.

The problem with so much of the stuff written is that you need a philosophy degree to be able to read it. Its heavy going, relies on logic and prior assumptions etc etc.

And you know what?…

Its way to difficult to summarise in a blog post…

Sorreee.

And So…

Posted on May 19, 2005 by Hamo

Today was a hugely valuable time for reflecting, praying and just clearing the head of the amazing amount of junk that seems to clutter it up.

Danelle and I dropped the kids at mum and dad’s for the whole day while we headed down to the local beach area for time alone, together and with God. There was no big agenda except to give ourselves space to really talk about how we feel we are going personally, together and how we are going with our work in Brighton.

Obviously this isn’t the place to be dumping all that we discussed but it’d be fair to say it was really valuable just taking time to actually do this. It is so easy to think things and do things without really processing them or talking them thru. I am a big fan of loose retreating (ie not too much agenda)

I have been working thru some signficant questions in relation to what we are doing and this was another step in helping get a clearer picture.

A New Hero

Posted on May 19, 2005 by Hamo

While in Kalgoorlie a few weeks back I was given a book co written by one of the people I hooked up with about William & Catherine Booth, the Salvation Army founders.

What an amazing couple!!!

I had no idea of how dynamic and passionate these two were. I think it was one of the most inspiring stories I have read in a long time. What struck me was William’s vision and how closely it paralleled some things that God has said to me.

If you have never read the story of William and Catherine (because she was just as gutsy and influential as him) and you’re serious about living as a missionary then this is a must read.

center of the world the dvd download

Time Out

Posted on May 19, 2005 by Hamo

Today is one of the 5 retreat days Danelle and I have scheduled in for this year – a whole day to get away and pray, reflect, listen to God etc.

Typically these are easy to lose because there is always so much to ‘get on with’, but I know that its when I spend this time that I actually ‘get on with things’ so much better.

Looking forward to it!

To the Future?

Posted on May 17, 2005 by Hamo

Wayne Pethrick is a local bloke, ex Phys Ed teacher turned futurist who has some great insights into where the world is headed.

You can check out his blog here. Wayne has been a contributor at our Forge intensives and is part of future labs.

Surfs Up

Posted on May 17, 2005 by Hamo

You can see it live here

. rush hour dvd download

Its about as close as I will get today!

Ellie…

Posted on May 15, 2005 by Hamo

6 Meter Swell

Posted on May 15, 2005 by Hamo

I had a phone call from Owen today seeing if I wanted to head up to Derrs for a surf.

‘Its offshore and HUGE’, he said…

Maybe 15 years ago that would have had me dropping everything… but now… at 40 (41 on Tuesday 🙂 I chose to stay home and watch the footy. What a blouse! Later in the afternoon I took a drive down to our local break to check out how big it really was – and Owen was right. It was HUGE!

Down at Mindarie the popular wave breaks off a groyne and its path all depends on which direction the swell comes from. Today swells were hitting from all angles and the only people out were the boogers getting smashed by these wild pitching walls of water.

I love days like these when the car park full and the whole street is lined with cars of people just down there to check it out. It is an awesome display of power to see waves that big rolling thru and to see the white water on the outer reefs.

To see people captivated by the power of the ocean is a wonderful thing!