Time for a break

The Ton will be on a break for around 4 weeks. With exams and other things near on the horizon I think a break would be godly, loving and healthy.
In the meantime, congrats to Mark Webber on winning the Brazilian F1GP, I’m loving Whitney’s new album, and please pray that I will work hard, care for my family and myself, and keep depending on God during this time.

How much is a Bible worth?

Apparently, up to a 5 figure sum!

Today, we were shown in church history a selection of books from Moore College’s Rare Books Collection. One on display was a first edition Tyndale Bible from the 16th Century. Tyndale’s Bible was the first to be published in English. Although this particular Bible cost a lot of money to purchase, many lost their lives over it (particularly during the Catholic Queen Mary’s reign) as protestants sought to keep the word of God accessible. Thanks goes to God for enabling his word to be passed down so that we can know him through it.

Bodies – Robbie Williams >Review

Well, Robbie is back. Just when you’d thought he’d gave in and rejoin Take That he has released a new record. In true Robbie style he has blended strings, electro/synth, a wide vocal range and even Gregorian chants (didn’t they already make a comeback in the 90s?) together to produce Bodies. However, if you’re looking for cohesion or even some hint of a steady stream of consciousness this single is not for you. The lyrics are all over the place with no overarching theme or smooth flow of ideas. This is complimented by an unrelated video clip where Robbie is riding through a desert and standing on abandoned aeroplanes. While the musical elements combine well and the chorus is strong, nothing else makes sense! I’m thinking it’s got something to do with the centrality of the way our body looks in life.

What is interesting is the numerous Christian references made throughout the track. God, prayer and even the rapture get a mention. But it’s the last thirty seconds which intrigues me. Robbie (and backing choir) proclaim that ‘Jesus didn’t die for you; what are you on?’ It leads me to ask, why do all these non-religious people keep mentioning things about God? They are so obsessed with Christian things. Robbie is obviously painting idea that Jesus’ death for humanity is ridiculous. But, if he’s not looking to Jesus, what is he looking to? Our bodies? Is all there is in life the desire to ‘look good naked’ and achieve perfection in body? I’m not sure I’m up for Robbie’s alternative. Maybe Robbie should click here.

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Spur – not as bad as iSnack2.0

Tomorrow I leave for ‘Spur’ conference (formerly MTS Challenge, formerly Club 5). It’s a conference for those thinking about going into vocational ministry or a ministry apprenticeship. I’m a fan of the new name. I has something to do with what the conference is on about (cf. Club 5) and doesn’t have the cringe factor of having MTS in the title. I’m happy for the change as they’ve renovated the conference to a combined site on one weekend for Sydney and so the innovation is a good idea. What wasn’t a good idea was the new Vegemite name. As Soph posted, how can they choose a name designed for Gen Y that is SO daggy to anyone anywhere close to the age group? But good publicity. Back to Spur: I haven’t been on the conference for a few years so I’m looking forward to it especially as I get to lead singing and encourage those from my current and former church in their thinking about ministry.

Looking Forward to Friday Chapel

College chapel has been great so far this term. By God’s I’ve been challenged to trust God in the face of adversity (through Pommy Postgrad Ben); encouraged to find contentment in Christ, rather than contentment in material stuff or anything else (through Ed Loane); and reminded that there is no dignity in death and our only hope is in the resurrected Christ (through ArchBish Peter J). Let’s see what GNN has in store tomorrow.

With Ed’s talk, I always thought that contentment was a goal in itself. But we’re to find out contentment by remembering all that Christ has blessed us in rather than seeking to feel content with the amount of stuff we have or the situations we find ourselves in. This (and handing in my doctrine essay) has led to a good start to Term 4.

$500,000,000 bill

Whitney’s new single is ‘Million Dollar Bill‘ but today I held a 500 million dollar bill in my hand.

Dr Leonard Makoni, from Scripture Union in Zimbabwe came to visit our chaplaincy group at College today and happened to have a spare $550mil to give away.

On a more serious level, he shared of his work teaching the Bible in schools and trying to reach children who don’t go to school as well as educating about AIDS and helping street kids. We heard of how life keeps going in Zimbabwe despite the headlines. I learned that the issue isn’t necessarily race-related but people seeking power and property for their own gain. He asked us to pray for those in power to be thoroughly changed by God to honour him and not themselves. Why not do that now?

Sydney Dust Storm Pics

Looking out my window I feel like I’m in an old movie. Getting up early meant I saw the sky turn from blood red to sepia. Looks like a crazy weather day ahead – should be fun!

Here are some dusty pics. Wanna know who’s behind it all?

Bridge Run Success

This morning I had great fun running 9km including over the Harbour Bridge. My unofficial time (i.e. from my stopwatch) was 47:41.07, well inside my goal of 50mins. Stay tuned for official results.

My Bridge Run medal

Bridge Run Correction

Thanks to Steve Jacob on the ‘Today’ show, I am informed that the Bridge Run is only 9km. Therefore I am readjusting my goal to 50 minutes. I’ll let you know how I go.

The weather is looking better too – only 24 degrees max.

Bridge Run Countdown

On Sunday I, God willing, will be running in the 10km Bridge Run as part of the Sydney Running Festival. I’m not a great long distance runner – sprinting is more my thing – but it’s been a helpful impetus to do more exercise. I’m really looking forward to the event, mainly for the scenery: running across the Harbour Bridge, Cahill Expressway, Maquarie St, Botanical Gardens with the finish at the Opera House.

My main ‘training’ has been the 7km Bay Run and my times are dropping:
30/8 – 38′02.25
5/9 – 36′27.00
14/9 – 36′27.01

My goal is to finish in under 55 mins by anything under an hour would be great. We’ll see how I go. The 27 degrees forecast won’t help!