Easter Message

I had been wondering about an Easter message for my blog. This came through in an email from a friend and I thought that I would use it. It tells the Easter story and also issues a challenge.
Hope it makes both Christians and non-Christians stop and think. Have a wonderful Easter.

A Moment to Consider - March 20, 2008-------------------------------------------------------------------Jesus has come! A Note of EncouragementBy Chuck Graham- Copyright March 2008, (Adapted) Sign up for Chuck's letter at ChuckGraham@ciloa.org-------------------------------------------------------------------It was two thousand years ago and something was about to change the history of this planet and the people who live here. In one certain city, on one certain day, the extraordinary was taking place. Though there had been ample warning, no one imagined it could happen like this. But word had gotten out and excitement grew quickly. From man to man, woman to woman, and child to child, the news spread like wildfire. Theygathered along a road and started to chant. Local authorities were nervous as they watched a growing crowd they could not control. Suddenly a great shout rose in the air. "Jesus has come!"

Many began to sing and praise God. Others called out blessings on the traveler who slowly made his way down the road. They strained for a better view, even a glimpse. And then there he was before them, riding not a royal steed, but a common donkey. The people declared their hope that he was the one they had been waiting for, to bring a new order to theworld. They had come to adore the one who would give them what they wanted, but did they want what he had come to give them?

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, there were great expectations. People hated the Romans and longed for someone to drive them from their land. Whether it was Him or some self-proclaimed savior who had come before, they didn't care. They were not so much interested in what Jesus had to say as they were in one simple question. Will you give us what we want? If He did, they would gladly worship Him as their king.

But if He didn't... Crucify him!

They would rather have had a murderer in their midst than follow Him.

I wonder. Have things changed much in the years since? I search each day for some indication. I listen to church leaders. I hear the messages from pulpits. I watch those who claim to be Christian as they take on the problems of the world. I look at my own life, my own priorities. And still I wonder.

In the months and weeks and days before Jesus entered Jerusalem, He shared with His disciples that He would suffer, die and be raised on the third day. He told them this was necessary for their own good. But they did not believe Him, one claiming that it was not true. Some argued He should not go to Jerusalem. For them, other things were more important, such as their safety, their rest, even their personal importance in Jesus' kingdom. What they wanted...got in the way.

The same was true for those drawn to Jesus. Every day before His arrest, He taught in the synagogue, but what was most important to these people? The lame came. The blind came. The sick came. They could walk, they could see, they were healed, but did they follow Him? Many saw the miracles and wonderful things Jesus did. They came for the show, but did not want what He had come to give them. They weren't with Him when He was tried and beaten, or when He died? What they wanted...got in the way.

Jesus made it clear that our status, our wealth, our house, even what we do for a living, mean nothing compared to the importance of following Him. If anyone would come after me,he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:24-26

To follow Jesus requires that we deny ourselves, and to deny ourselves means we have given up what we want in order to pursue what He wants. Not that we are willing to, but that we have. There can be only one focus and that has to be Jesus. Living as He has shown us. Doing what He has told us to do...loving and encouraging each other. Being a truthful witness of what He has done in our lives.

As you sit in church this Easter, or wherever you may go to worship, ask yourself, Do I honestly follow Jesus? Do I truly want what He has to give me? Or is it more important that He gives me what I want? Consider carefully...for Jesus has come.

Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, "Sir, open the door for us." But he will answer, "I don't know you or where you come from." Luke 13:24-25

Take care and be God's,------------------------------------------------------------------- A MOMENT TO CONSIDER is a ministry of: Harvey and June Schneider Servant Soldiers Ministries Daphne, Alabama-------------------------------------------------------------------

Penguin Parade

We finally went to see the Fairy (oops can't upset the gay people we now need to call them Little) penguins at the Penguin Parade (it was too cold during winter to be sitting out at night and then we were too busy over summer working). Unfortunately there are no photos as you are not allowed to take any (not even without a flash). Any way it was great. There were quite a few in at the burrows as we made our way down to the beach (babies and it is malting season where adults have to stay on land for 2 and 1/2 weeks until their new feathers are grown). There was not as many coming across the beach as we expected but we were at the side of the stands and saw them walk up the hill right beside us. We wandered back along the board walks and saw heaps up really close. There was one beside the path as we went to the car park. We could have touched it but had been warned earlier not to touch them because they bite.
There was also heaps of school kids from camps on the island. Being in charge of a group of 15 - 20 Primary school children in the dark in amongst hundreds of other kids and tourists is not my idea of fun.
Anyway it was a great night.

Cricket Presentation Night

These are the photos from the presentation night.



















Nick loves having his photo taken. (I think not).


All the U13's winners.

Nicholas

Nicholas with his cricket trophy.



And what happens when Dad and Patrick are pulling faces behind the person taking the photograph.

Nicholas' Cricket Presentation Night

Nicholas has enjoyed his first season of cricket very much. He continuously improved throughout the season. Presentation night was on Saturday night and we enjoyed a lovely roast meal and good company. To our surprise Nicholas won the bowling average on 10.75. We knew Nicholas had been doing well but there are a number of good players in the team all of whom have been playing for a lot longer. For those of you not up on cricket the bowling average means that for every 10.75 runs that were scored against him he took a wicket. (I had to have this explained to me because I had no idea.) Apparently Brett Lee and Shane Warne have averages in the early 20's so Nicholas did really well. The coach said that he also almost got the bowling aggragate (the highest number of total wickets for season) and that he was a very close 2nd in the batting average and aggragate. This photo was taken when we got home. There was a photographer there and I am getting some copies of photos that were taken so I will post them when I get them.
Photos don't want to go on so I'll try again later.

Unskilled Blogger

Still having problems getting my photos and words to line up. They look great on the creating page but when they are posted to the blog they move around.

Surf's Up

Surfs up. Patrick getting onto his knees and then his feet. Not quite all the way but nearly there.
Nicholas on his feet. Patrick decides to give the surf ski a try.


Getting on was a bit of a challenge even with Dads help.

Try, try again.

Yeh we've balanced long enough to use the paddle.

Oops he is on the way but without the paddle. Got the paddle this time but not really balanced.

Nick has a go on the surf ski. Starting to over balance.

Oops doubled up with the photos. And gone.

Surfing Lessons

The boys have been enjoying mucking around on the surf board and we decided that they should have a lesson. Both boys didn't want to go but we forced them (Phobia of stuffing up in front of others). A friend had had lessons with the Smiths Beach Surf Lessons and said that the teachers were really great and that they would be standing up by the end of the 2 hour lesson. The boys had an absolute ball and by the end were both standing up. Unfortunately I was at work and Dave had run out of battery on the camera by that stage but here are the early stages.

There were only 8 in the group (Patrick and Nicholas, 2 other kids, and 4 overseas guys from the Superbikes)







Getting ready to go.

Heading out board under the arm.

Nick on his feet and about to face plant in the sand. Pat getting up onto his feet.

Both were very tired and went off to bed early.

So we head off every couple of afternoons now for them to go surfing.

Bought some roof racks yesterday and put them on today. It has been a bit of a problem fitting the surfboard and 3 or 4 of us in the commodore. So they should make it much easier.

Same friend loaned us 2 extra boards and a surf ski today. Dave said to me you realise that he's not just being nice but he thinks that we will fall in love with them and want to buy them. We'll see.