cyberspace junkyard

Australian Idol
How cool. Within minutes, it had me cringing behind multitudes of cushions, hollering at the judges, moaning at the more... bold... entries and smiling at those who displayed that certain spark and a modicum of talent.

Of course, me being me, I followed the first American Idol series online in 2002. I'm a huge fan of Tamyra Gray (the 4th place getter) who has a golden voice, and Kelly Clarkson (the winner, who has the tendency to belt out every song at the top of her lungs, but hey, with that set of pipes, who cares?)

Here's one of the pages I followed weekly... there are some clips of the show floating around as well - though I'll let you find them yourselves!

Monday Mumbles
Too... cold... to... type...

Monday McNaught Mumbles
They might be formulaic, but I can't resist a good romance novel, it seems! Mind you, not the type with swooning heroines on the front cover, in the arms of a bare-chested man with flowing locks of hair longer than hers. *shudder*

Think of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, with a little more liberty with some of the more, shall we say, passionate descriptions. Plots where the hero and heroine are at each other's throats for 95% of the novel, leaving you in desperation as to when they will realise what everyone else (including the reader) clued into entire chapters before. Relationships that are marred by misunderstandings and circumstances beyond their control. Characters that are bold, full of spirit, intelligent and can banter til the cows come home. The final, ultimate, breathless realisation of true love. Call me a hopeless romantic, if you will!

I was in the bookstore last week with a friend and we caused quite a scene as we paused briefly in front of the romance novels section (wall to wall covers of the aforementioned swooning heroines and bare-chested men). When we weren't doubled over in fits of hysterical laughter, I did manage to partially convince her that romances aren't all bad, provided you have a decent writer behind it. Just don't show me anything with men in kilts, American westerns, modern day glittering society, espionage or wrongly convicted heros/heroines who are trying to prove themselves innocent. That doesn't leave much, huh? Well, I don't mind the occasional historical romance (balls and surprising women who aren't anything like the expectations of the day). Guess I better go hunt down some more Judith McNaughts and swoon myself into insensibility.

PP: Praise God that everything is on track at the moment with saltlight. Late nights and constant planning and prayer is all part of ministry and it's just so great to visit brothers and sisters in Christ at various churches around Sydney and see everyone share in the excitement of this new ministry and the upcoming release of This Way Up. A few tough decisions to be made this week though - location, format of the launch to most clearly present the gospel message...

Countdown
I find out about my new-old job application results in 2 hours and 51 minutes. I guess I should be nervous? Excited? Meh, too busy to think about it, really!

Monday Meeting Mumbles
Have barely had time to breathe today - in and out of workshops and meetings all day.

One of them, however was a work prayer group meeting, which was so encouraging! It's a fortnightly thing that happens with some Christians from work getting together once a fortnight to share and pray about their witness at work and evangelistic opportunities and issues in general. Great stuff.

Gospel-affected work performance?
Interesting article in the Sydney Morning Herald. Sacked worker accuses bosses of persecuting him for his love of Christ

How does being a Christian affect your performance at work? I've always maintained that one of the most effective indirect witnesses for Christ is my attitude and dedication at work. This in itself brings many opportunities to share about why that is so. Who is to say whether or not the man in question, in the article, was truly "dismissed from his job ... for preaching the gospel during work hours." The situation is sad for him, more so because he believes he was persecuted for his beliefs, to the point of losing his job.

Quiz capers

You are The Oracle, from "The Matrix."
Wise, kind, honest- is there anything slightly
negative about you? You are genuinely
supportive of others. Careful not to let people
take advantage of you, though.


What Matrix Persona Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Monday Moving Mumbles

PP: I have a job interview tomorrow (applying for my old position, as we all have to). Not sure where things are taking me, work-wise, and whether or not now (or rather, at the end of the year when my project completes) is the right time to jump into non-paid work ie full time Christian ministry and study.
BV: : Psalm 51: 10-12 "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

Here she is, world!
Gypsy. Bernadette Peters. Cast recording released August 19. Enough said.

The review

Home Sweet Home
I am so over travelling! So glad I was only away 3 days this time round. And, I have to say, the frequent flyer points and checking in early to get seats with lots of leg room is a small comfort.

One thing which happened on the flight to Adelaide which I plum forgot to blog about was a deep conversation I had with my manager about what I believe and why I believe it. I really love working with her, and we've chatted about Christianity several times before, but this time, as I was describing my brother being baptised a little while ago, she asked me why he had to be baptised - wasn't he already a Christian because our family is Christian? She said she always considered herself a Christian though she doesn't go to church regularly.

What an amazing opportunity to tell her the gospel! It was so exciting. We talked about Jesus, faith, new perspectives, suffering in the world, death... it was just a God-given opening and a God-led conversation. Please pray for me as I keep witnessing to her!

Monday Mississippi Mumbles
Y'know, cos it's still Monday over there. Hee!

Welome to the first day of the second half of the year. My, time flies. I was having a chat to a friend late last night, and realised that God has an amazing plan for this world, and I'm so privileged to be a part of it, and so thankful for the way that's he's directed my path so far. As I was vividly reminded in Sunday's sermon, where else can we turn except to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and what other purpose is there in life other than to live and share the gospel so more people can be saved?

PP: For me to seek God's will and to align my thoughts and my prayers with His and to see the world from His perpective. Also, after a week or two off, saltlight stuff for "This Way Up" is starting again next Monday, so please pray for motivation, energy and vision. Our launch in November is getting closer and closer by the day. (Funny how time works that way, huh?)
BV: Titus 3:3-7 "At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

Providence
Funny story of the day.

I've got a bit of a stuffy nose (thanks, bro) and so when I woke up this morning and worked my way through half a box of tissues, I made a mental note to take some with me on the plane tonight, or buy some pocket packs or something. I then promptly forgot all about it on the ferry ride in to work, but lo and behold, when making my way out of the Quay, there were some lovely marketing souls handing out free packs of Kleenex Aloe Vera (my favourite!). True providence. :)