I had a really interesting conversation with a good mate over a sloppy greasy hamburger at Hungry Jacks. (Actually I had the hamburger, he had a relatively healthy chicken salad roll or something)

We were talking about the EC and he made this comment, “you know there are slack inward looking people and leaders in all forms of church, whether they are EC, or other forms”
His point was we should not criticise the movents or forms of church, so much as challenge everyone to mission, no matter how they do it.

I thought that was a great point.

However all I would say is this, if you are leaving the less radical forms of church in order to be missional, because you have had enough of churches who just grow through transfer growth, then make sure you are being missional, and measure that in some way, so you know you are not just talking about it.

The same could be said to me and others in my position. If you are going to try and facilitate a church being transformed and ‘renovated’, then make sure mission stays your focus, and when you actually start to have an attractive church, don’t be happy with just attracting other Christians.

Dockerland.com are pushing for April 29th to be Eagles deregistration day. The Management of the WC have been asked to come to AFL headquaters on that date to explain the shocking culture at the reigning premiers. Many of us believe the time has come, the call to action is here…..de register them!!! All their assests can be redistributed, and Freo can have Chris Judd.
You can read about their commmunity minded efforts here

Grumpiness thrown in free!

If you own a business maybe you could take some advice from a consumer….

If you sell a $2.99 cotton reel, why not smile and help a husband who has no idea about such things? The same customer might be in the market for an overloker in a few months. But rest assured if you are really grumpy and unhelpful over the small item, he probably wont ask you for the large one.

I am leading a graveside ceremony today for some parents who lost twins at 20 weeks. They have been trying for over 5 years. Both are now approaching the old side of 35.

What do you say in such circumstances? Why is life so hard sometimes, and why is it so hard for really good people, who would make great great loving parents? Then others find it really easy to have kids, and maybe, are not such great parents.

Life is not fair sometimes, and it always leads to us questioning God at some point. Why God?

Spent most of this morning celebrating my daughters third birthday.
Then had some family back tonight to continue the celeration, I cooked up a beautiful tasty lemon pepper chicken with ‘Mark special’ roast potatoes, cinnamon and brown sugar roast pumpkin and some chocolate cake for dessert. My brother in law bought round some ‘James Boag’, which quite frankly is superb.

As I tucked my beautiful little 3 year old daughter into bed we took the time to pray together and thank God for her, and today. I explained to her and my son that birthdays are more than just celebrating another year. They are how we celebrate the persons life. What an incredible privilege God has given me, and how thankful I am.

Thanks to the three people who have basically suggested I pull my head in in regards to the EC over the last week, and then tonight, the Selwood issue. All three had good points.
I have had over 100 unique hits today, so this blog is public, and I appreciate fair calls.
Therefore I have pulled a couple of posts.

Which is not to say that I am being compliant, if you knew me, you would know I have struggled with that in the past, but am pretty blunt and straight most times.

For the record in my view…..

In regard to Des and Selwood. Des was reckless in reacting the way he did, and is incredibly fortunate to get off a six week suspension, incredibly fortunate.
I am not convinced Selwood did not say what he was accused of but we will never know, and likely is that there was truth and misunderstanding on both parts. Either way its unfortunate that a players daughter was drawn into it.

Josh Carr is a niggly annoying player, and admitted he had struck Stenglein, but even West Coast Radio (6pr) are saying Chick did not tell the truth
There is a serious problem with the culture at WC, and it annoys me that the media here in the West give them a free ride.

Please feel free to express your own opinion here.