tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121139032024-03-07T17:30:36.177+11:00Oh! Gravity<i>"For he is a mixture of gravity and waggery.<br>
For he knows that God is his Saviour.<br>
For there is nothing sweeter than his peace when at rest."<br></i>Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-77953690706996048522009-10-22T21:03:00.003+11:002009-10-22T21:05:05.541+11:00I never finish anythiIt struck me recently how unfinished and unresolved most of life is. Donning my favourite Captain Obvious uniform, I bring to your attention this fact:<br /><blockquote>Something isn't finished until it is. Erm, finished, that is.</blockquote><br />Still unclear, try this one on for size:<br /><blockquote>Things aren't 100%, 99% of the time</blockquote><br />Why all this semantic playfulness?<br /><br />Recognising this fact makes dealing with all of that uncertainty and incompleteness <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> much easier.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Some task taking you longer than expected? </span><br />It's OK, most things are unresolved most of the time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I'm talking to my kids about the same thing, </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">again?</span><br />That's OK, people - especially children - take time to learn things. Repetition is key.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I'm </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">still </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">battling with this same issue after all these years?</span><br />That's pretty normal, just keep battling through.<br /><br />Acknowledging, embracing and expecting imperfection, inefficiency and frustration somehow makes it all a little less frustrating. Looks like I've changed costumes into Captain Optimist (Optimist Prime?)Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-10377886154013634832007-06-27T17:52:00.000+10:002007-06-27T17:53:50.469+10:00One-Eyed AlligatorIs <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/news/unusual-tales/gator-grabs-golfer/2007/06/27/1182623969031.html">this</a> Happy Gilmore all over again??Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-40974650023901982572007-02-21T11:11:00.000+11:002008-12-10T00:41:27.679+11:00Wishful ThinkingThis is what I'd love to do to the church*:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZChBe9_eYMyqDiZhaEgywhZyFEidM_3hHK-GHcdrMGcGCXoM4l0rudPsC-kKRcieQaHQqaYMKA445t_l5yeXryHbRnqJhltejLbZRK2h23Gp_8Iib5Id2BIHI3Y1l9vq7dtdPRw/s1600-h/craig_bruxy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZChBe9_eYMyqDiZhaEgywhZyFEidM_3hHK-GHcdrMGcGCXoM4l0rudPsC-kKRcieQaHQqaYMKA445t_l5yeXryHbRnqJhltejLbZRK2h23Gp_8Iib5Id2BIHI3Y1l9vq7dtdPRw/s320/craig_bruxy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5033773797622677874" border="0" /></a><br />In other news...<br /><br /><br /><object width="391" height="322"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tE1oGB6IEDI"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tE1oGB6IEDI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="391" height="322"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Until next time, stay classy San Diego,<br />Martyman<br /><br />* This awesome photo was taken from <a href="http://www.themeetinghouse.ca/">the Meeting House</a>Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1167786691677119642007-01-03T12:09:00.000+11:002007-01-03T12:11:31.700+11:00The list so far...- Star Wars Episode 3 (Again! Anakin is such a whiner!!)<br />- The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (Roy told me never to see this film ever. My Dad hated it, but I thought it was great!)<br />- Reign of Fire<br />- Troy<br />- Casino Royale<br />- The New World (Colin Farrell's character was a tool!)Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1167723454004084462007-01-02T18:33:00.000+11:002007-01-02T18:37:34.016+11:00Wisdom LiteratureRandi roo. Fossil Fuels Equals Fossil Fuels. Frank waz ere. For a good time call 49....<br /><br />Ahh, how I love the wisdom of graffiti artists. So poignant. So indicative of larrikinism. =)Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1167370363822417402006-12-29T16:27:00.000+11:002006-12-29T16:35:27.980+11:00HolidaysIt dawned on me recently that holidays actually means "holy days". Awesome!!<br />Oh, how I love holidays!!! <br /><br />I love sleeping in and not having to get up for anything. I love sitting out the back reading as the sun goes down. I love hanging out with good old friends, and watching the cricket, and eating too much. I love my family, and my family home. I love not having to think about anything at all if I don't want to. I love having time to ponder the things of God without distraction. I love watching movies, and going to the beach, and my home church. I love learning new songs on the guitar. <br /><br />But these are truly holy days. Every ounce of delight and satisfaction is a reflection of it's creator. This year I've learnt that work is certainly not worth idolising. But neither is rest. Truly, the Sabbath was made for man - made for him to see a glimpse of the lord of the Sabbath. Thankyou my God for rest!! Thankyou my God for you =)<br /><br />Until next time, stay classy San Diego...Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1165980959705625282006-12-13T14:28:00.000+11:002006-12-13T14:35:59.740+11:002 more sleeps until....Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1163472414202536412006-11-14T13:44:00.000+11:002006-11-14T13:46:54.243+11:00w00t!Yes, life has been busy. Yes, I haven't posted for ages. Yes, God has been gracious.<br />Yes, <a href="http://www.sonfest.com/default.asp?cat=page&id=167">Third Day are touring</a>. Yes, Switchfoot have released the <a href="http://music.yahoo.com/promos/premieres/?pvc=0">video for Oh! Gravity</a>.<br />Yes, this post will end now.<br /><br />Until next time, stay classy San Diego,<br />MartyMartynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1160443700685953222006-10-10T11:23:00.000+10:002006-10-10T15:32:31.266+10:00Oh Gravity!Guess what I just found!! Switchfoot have been kind enough to place 'Oh Gravity!' and 'Dirty Second Hands' on both their <a href="http://www.myspace.com/switchfoot">myspace page</a> and their <a href="http://www.switchfoot.com">official website</a>. God be praised!!!<br /><br>Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1157446298477833052006-09-05T18:44:00.001+10:002006-09-05T18:58:14.073+10:00Fraser AppraiserYou gotta love the web these days. How the heck music and film were leaked in the days before surfing - I do not know!! Our first beauty for today is this little clip from Spicks and Specks featuring James Morrison as he considers playing trumpet with his a$$ and Brooke Fraser as she considers playing the piano with her...just kidding. Apparently she has double-jointed toes. <rove>what the?</rove> I'm yet to see the evidence.<br /><br><br /><object width="391" height="322"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jOHNl06YYRY"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jOHNl06YYRY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="391" height="322"></embed></object><br /><br><br />What I have seen evidence of, however, is that new music should be coming from the Fraser camp this December. Just in time for Christmas. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/marshallaltman" target="_blank">Marshall Altman's* myspace page</a> says <blockquote>'Finished production on Brooke Fraser's record a few weeks ago, and it's being mastered by Bob Ludwig @ Gateway Mastering. Making this record was one of the best experiences I've ever had in the studio. This album brought out the best in everyone involved in making it. Myself included. I'm a better producer and a better person for being a part of it. The single, " Deciphering Me" will be released September 19th, 2006 on SonyBMG in New Zealand and Australia, I think (and the world not too long after, I expect). If you can find this record, get it. There's something in the Brooke's voice and in these songs that is so inspiring, familiar, and fresh, all at the same time. I believe it is the album she wanted to make, and in a world of compromised values (artistic and otherwise) that alone makes it worth hearing.'</blockquote><br />Incidentally, September 19 is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Talk_Like_a_Pirate_Day" target="_blank">International Talk Like a Pirate Day</a>, arrrrrrrrrr. Ahoy there, ye be expecting a new rotating disc, landlubber!!<br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/brookefraser" target="_blank">Brooke's own, under-construction, myspace page</a> suggests the album 'Albertine' is due out in December. You little beauty!!<br /><br />Miss Fraser's not the only one with a release coming toward the end of the year. <a href="http://www.newsboys.com" target="_blank">Newsboys</a> have a newy end of October, and <a href="http://www.switchfoot.com" target="_blank">Switchfoot</a> will be releasing Oh! Gravity** on Boxing Day.<br /><br />I'll be very much looking forward to using my as-yet-unused four weeks holiday back home in Newcastle, hitting the beach and spending many days listening to these new expressions of experience, thought and revelation. Bring on the good times =)<br /><br />Until next time, stay classy,<br />Marty<br /><br />* Mr. Altman is the producer of said Brooke Fraser album.<br />** Sound familiar?Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1157362039656949822006-09-04T19:21:00.000+10:002006-09-04T19:50:24.553+10:00Footos: The Fresh FighterOne of my favourite music videos of all time is for 'Big Me' by the Foo Fighters. Time and time again the Foos have demonstrated their status as frustrated-actors-stuck-in-the-music-business by coming out with clips funnier than Dave Hughes on crack.<br /><br />This is one of their earlier forays into the realm of cinematic musicality*, brought to you by the magic that is <a href='http://www.youtube.com'>Youtube</a>.<br /><br /><object width="391" height="322"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5HwcaVuZ-IY"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5HwcaVuZ-IY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="391" height="322"></embed></object><br /><br /><br><br><br /><br />If you enjoyed that, lookout below...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.frontiertouring.com.au/artists/foos/indexa.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g47/frontiertouring/ffighters.gif" border="0"/></a><br /><br /><br><br />Until next time, stay classy San Diego,<br />Marty<br /><br />*Yes, those two words do sound rather wanky together, don't they!Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1156827596596300962006-08-29T14:55:00.000+10:002006-08-29T15:05:55.843+10:00ContinuumOne artist that I continue to appreciate is John Mayer. If you can get past the plethora of rather annoying screaming teenage girls you will find a man blessed with humour, wit, and some darn good guitar playing.<br /><br />On finishing High School, Mr. Mayer headed off to Berkeley Music School in San Francisco but quickly became disillusioned with the sausage factory vibe and decided to move to Atlanta to play in clubs and bars (the experience is documented in his song <i>No Such Thing</i>). In 2001 he arrived with his debut album <i>Room For Squares</i>. He followed up in 2003 with another album of acoustic teenage-girl-attracting pop called <i>Heavier Things</i>. I caught on in 2004.<br /><br />Now I enjoyed both of those albums. But it's what came next that really grabbed me - he said he was "closing up shop on acoustic sensitivity" to move on to other interests. These other interests included some hip-hop and blues collaborations, eventually resulting in a live album from the <i>John Mayer Trio</i> which kicked some serious a$$ in my opinion.<br /><br />His latest album <i>Continuum</i> is due out on September 9 here in Aus.<br /><br />Add to his music that the man is seriously and intelligently funny, as witnessed by many posts on his <a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=32651695&MyToken=3b2768d3-7470-439d-ad48-ffab0e6bce50ML" target="_blank">blog</a>.<br /><br />Why do you care? Why am I ranting and raving about this guy and his music?<br /><br />Becuase John was kind enough to preview his latest album on a U.S. radio station.<br />And because I just found an <a href="http://expatjane.blogspot.com/2006/08/john-mayer-continuum-cd-debut-on-star.html" target="_blank">mp3 of the preview</a>. Score!!! <br />*insert Bill and Ted doing air-guitar here*Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1156657845900038912006-08-27T15:17:00.000+10:002006-08-27T15:50:47.010+10:00All Things NewYou spoke and made the sunrise, to light up the very first day<br />You breathed across the water, and started the very first wave<br />It was You<br />You intoduced Your glory, to every living creature on earth<br />And they started singing, the first song to ever be heard<br />They sang for You<br /><br />You make all things new<br />You make all things new<br /><br />Then the world was broken, fallen and battered and scarred<br />You took the hopeless, the life, wasted, ruined and marred<br />And made it new<br /><br />You make all things new<br />You make all things new<br />You redeem and You transform<br />You renew and You restore<br />You make all things new<br />You make all things new<br />And forever we will watch and worship You<br /><br />You turn winter into spring<br />You take every living thing<br />And You breathe Your breath of life into it over and over again<br /><br />You made the sunrise, day after day after day<br />But there's a morning coming, when old things will all pass away<br />And everyone will see<br /><br />You make all things new<br />You make all things new<br />Come redeem and come transform<br />Come renew and come restore<br />You make all things new<br />You make all things new<br />And forever we will watch and worship You<br /><br />Now and forever You are making all things new<br />You're making all things new<br /><br />Hallelujah...Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1156500818254109732006-08-25T20:13:00.001+10:002006-08-25T20:14:24.710+10:00Youtube goodnessHi there folks,<br />I thought I'd share with you all some of the joys of the recent months. And what could do it better than some Youtube vids. These were all taken from the NCCF Weekend Away, where I lent my skills as an Iron Kitchen Hand*. Little did I know that such gems of wisdom awaited my time in the kithen. Chris mate, this one's for you!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What a mouth!!</span><br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/h3k5671mUOw"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/h3k5671mUOw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">He's finally lost it...</span><br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wquEiBhDOHo"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wquEiBhDOHo" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Until next time,<br />Stay classy<br /><br /><br />*I'm not quite adept enough in the realm of food preparation to be an Iron ChefMartynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1150118344651827472006-06-12T23:15:00.000+10:002006-06-12T23:21:20.963+10:00Waiting for daylight to break...Alas, Muse sound like Britney Spears (see Supermassive Black Hole*) and Switchfoot sound like, well, switchfoot... Again.<br /><br />Not that I mind at all, because they've got a new, unreleased song for free on their site <a href="http://www.switchfoot.com">www.switchfoot.com</a>. It's called daylight to break. A slight warning, though, they sneakliy force you to sign-up to their newsletter before giving you the download.<br /><br />It's worth the listen, though. <br /><br />Until next time, stay classy,<br />Martyn<br /><br /><br />*This applies to everyone except my flatmate A. Word on the street is, Supermassive Black Hole is anathema to him *cheeky grin*Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1146818428360878802006-05-05T18:05:00.000+10:002006-05-05T18:44:48.843+10:00It's been a long time comingHey folks,<br />for anyone out there still reading this thang, I have not fallen off the face of the earth!! Life and work have been exceptionally busy of late.<br /><br />Here's some highlights:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Katoomba Men's Convention</span><br /><br />The speakers told it like it really is. The weekend was a lovely conglomerate of hanging with the 15 odd unichurch dudes, eating stacks of food late at night, listening to some awesome talks and not sleeping much. The weekend was capped off with an awesome drive out to McMahons lookout. We were chasing the sunset to make sure we got there while we could still see. Riding in Mike's car was like rally driving as the 15-20km dirt/rock road winded it's way along a ridge. When we reached the end of the road, we were met by an 800m run through a bush trail to finally arrive at ground zero.<br /><br />Here are some photos:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5378/724/1600/IMAGE_00018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5378/724/320/IMAGE_00018.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5378/724/1600/IMAGE_00017.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5378/724/320/IMAGE_00017.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5378/724/1600/IMAGE_00016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5378/724/320/IMAGE_00016.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And some videos:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/public/8itmhv2n45">A weird, tiny bug in the car</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/public/t9xgd37ypi">Rally driving ahoy!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/public/4q0k4dvkx3">McMahon's Lookout</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/public/91mymxrqp2">Checkout the moon!</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. A little Bible Study action - yeah!!!<br /></span><br />This year's Bible study group is kickin some major butt in the mojo factorrr.<br />With a great line-up in place, what makes this group awesome is the word diversity. Every week we seem to approach the Bible differently, yet in the process we turn over the suitcase of the passage and ruffle through the contents. I never knew that to exegete could be this fun!<br />OK, so those last few sentences were a bit tongue-in-cheek, but I actually mean it - I look forward to Wednesday nights =)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Rebecca St. James and Steven Curtis Chapman</span><br /><br />Stay tuned, and I'll update about these guys later!!<br /><br /><br /><br />Until next time, stay classy,<br /><br />MartymanMartynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1141253673394206862006-03-02T09:41:00.000+11:002006-03-02T09:54:33.423+11:00We just had our Bible Study kickoff for the year. We have a solid group of trainee ninjas (that's N-I-N-J-A for Ben) ready to react to every stone thrown in our pond from the hands of the maker.<br /><br />I'm keen to study some Acts or minor prophets or Holy Spirit topical, but we'll see next week.<br /><br />Anyways, to make this post worthwhile (and indeed, the reason I thought of blogging about this, seemingly non-descript event) I thought I'd mention a revelation we had as a group.<br />Actually, it was more Team Chris doing the revealing.<br /><br />Colossians 3: 12 - 17 says this:<br /><br /> <blockquote style="font-style: italic;"> 12Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.</blockquote><br /><br /><br />Notice verse 16 states that one of the ways that God wants His people to let the word of Christ dwell in them is for them to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness from the inner being. Team Chris suggested that perhaps we should be singing in Bible study...?<br /><br />I was surprised that I had never thought of doing so from this passage - perhaps it's my cultural bias. I have had several Christians brothers and sisters over the years that went to churches where small groups were called cell groups instead, and these usually involved singing - someone would take a guitar along and that would do nicely. But the typical reaction to such things from my evangelical friends was 'that sounds dodgy' or 'that sounds too charismatic'. Once again, it seems that evos have given up a Biblical activity or expression due to our reactionary tendencies. It brings me great sadness...<br /><br /><br /><img href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5378/724/1600/endrant.0.jpg" />Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1141190819817628862006-03-01T16:23:00.000+11:002006-03-01T16:30:30.183+11:00Jesus the TerroristI think Jesus is a terrorist.<br />And I think we've all been fooled into thinking otherwise.<br /><br />I've often wondered - if Jesus rocked up to an airport, whould they let him on a plane? Given that he was of Middle-Eastern appearance, and taught radically unpopular teaching, would he be marked as someone for ASIO to keep an eye on?<br /><br />But this isn't what I mean when I say that Jesus is a terrorist.<br /><br /><br />Over and over again, in the teachings of Jesus and the early disciples,<br />it is made very clear that Jesus comes to bring terror to those who follow him.<br /><br />Take Luke 12:49-53 for example:<br /><br /><blockquote>49"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! 51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."</blockquote><br /><br /><br />Or, better still, John 15: 18 - 25<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>18"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin,[c] but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: 'They hated me without a cause.'</blockquote><br /><br />If I recall, Jesus was that guy unjustly tried, spat upon and then nailed to some planks of wood<br />and left to die by suffocating in his own bodily fluids. Despite the fact that everyone seems to think that Jesus is a "nice guy", nobody seems to like what he says.<br />And he says that if you follow him, then people will not be too keen on you either.<br /><br />This isn't something new that I've only just heard for the first time - I have heard it countless times. But it's only ever been a concept floating in the ether for me. I pray that it would go deeper, into my psyche, into my inner being.<br /><br />So much for the pansy, hippy, Dr. Phil* Jesus...<br /><br /><br />Until next time, stay classy,<br />Martyman<br /><br /><br />*Although, I must confess, I think Dr. Phil is cool =)Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1140655983949911932006-02-23T11:23:00.000+11:002006-02-23T12:01:02.006+11:00ED + Harbour Tunnel + Epping Road = Marty is not a happy chappyThis week I'm working out next to Macquarie Yooni.<br /><br />The traffic en-route is horrendous. If it's not bumper-to-bumper, it's start and stop, it's duck and weave. Trying to stay at the speed-limit (and not speed) is like taking life into your own hands as the wrath and fury of other drivers is unleashed as they speed by, or as they ride your rear bumper.<br /><br />Perhaps it's the country bumpkin in me, but I just can't believe that so many people endure this for every working day of the year. I think our city has a mental health problem and it's name is drivingtowork. No wonder Sydneysiders are renowned for being stand-offish, short and impersonal compared to their country-dwelling counterparts: they're all going slowly (or quickly) insane because of the lifestyle in this city. So much for material prosperity being the most important factor in our existence - Sydney is getting richer and more stupid by the day it seems.*<br /><br />In other news, it looks like the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Newsboys are playing Hillsong @ Hills on Easter Sunday</span> (16th April). Rock on - they're also playing shows in Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland. These will be the first in Australia with new Melbournian guitarist Paul Colman.<br /><br />Also, for all you Christian nerds out there, Koorong is looking for a <a href="http://www.koorong.com/koorong/positions.htm">Java Programmer</a>.<br /><br />Until next time, stay classy, and economically viable,<br />Martyman<br /><br /><br />*Economic Rationalism takes another bullet to the chest from the gun of common sense.Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1140583346329891132006-02-22T15:36:00.000+11:002006-02-22T15:55:09.333+11:00Ten Things I Hate About YouYou know those kids in Africa who are dying of AIDS and starvation. Man, I really hate those kids!! You know those homeless guys in the city, always on the same street corner. I hate those guys!! What about those workmates who are having some personal problems at home. I really hate those guys!!<br /><br />And, gee, don't get me started on the exploited workers in the third world.<br />My hate for them flows ever freely!!<br /><br /><br />But don't worry, I'm not biased, I hate everybody...<br />And so, I suspect, do you.<br /><br /><br /><br />What does it mean to hate someone?<br />I recently heard a wise man say "We keep confusing anger with hate. They are not the same thing."<br /><br />That comment made me realise that I am a very hateful person. Because hate can manifest itself in anger, but it can also manifest itself in ignorance and apathy. It is anything that is not love.<br /><br />So, that child in Uganda who's starving while I buy my new mobile phone. I hate that kid, man!! I really hate him!! It's in my power to show him love by donating to World Vision of Orxfam or Compassion or whoever. Instead, I get my upgraded gadget.<br /><br />Or that homeless guy on the corner of George and Market. I really hate him.<br />Every time I treat him as a piece of furniture in the street and not a human being,<br />every time I walk past him and ignore him, I hate him.<br /><br />And yet, there's not a hint of anger in me as I go around hating everybody.<br /><br />Who's on your hate list?Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1140056153964321032006-02-16T13:14:00.000+11:002006-02-16T13:15:53.980+11:00Beavis and Martyn do AustraliaToday, God taught me a very good lesson: that I am a butthead*<br />Ha! Who'd have thought?!<br /><br />In my pride and arrogance I had prematurely judged someone I know, when I didn't really bother to hear things from their side.<br /><br />It's no surprise that Jesus biggest problem when he was on earth was with the religious establishment of the day, who were quite keen on their own righteousness, but looked down on others. They found it hardest to break through their hard hearts and admit that they needed mercy. Today, this was me.<br /><br />Thankfully, that someone was more humble and forgiving than I am.<br /><br />God: 98237465982736598765987652765873657845<br />Martyn: 0<br /><br />Thank God for mercy<span style="font-size:180%;">!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Until next time, stay classy, and merciful,<br />Martyman<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />* For those in the know: "I am cornholio!! TP for my bunghole!!"Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1139789024021383072006-02-13T10:50:00.000+11:002006-02-13T11:03:44.036+11:00Fourplay<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Four jobs I've had</span><br /><br />Oracle Functional Application Consultant<br />Web Content Management Specialist<br />Radio Vocal Actor<br />Guitariste and Singer Extraordinaire, Esquire<br /><br />OK, so I counted some things I've only done once or twice. But I did get paid!<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Four movies I can watch over and over</span></span><br /><br />Star Wars (IV, V, VI)<br />The Matrix<br />Zoolander<br />Happy Gilmore<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Four places I've lived</span></span><br /><br />Newcastle, Australia<br />Maidenhead, England<br />Randwick, Australia<br />Kingsford, Australia<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Four TV shows I love</span></span><br /><br />Stargate SG-1<br />Macgyver<br />Seventh Heaven (yeah, baby! The only good Aaron Spelling drama)<br />Hornblower<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Four highly regarded and recommended TV shows that I've never watched a single minute of</span></span><br /><br />The Office (UK)<br />The O.C.<br />Big Brother<br />Family Guy<br /><br />'highly regarded' may be questionable for some of those...<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Four places I've vacationed</span></span><br /><br />Vancouver/Whistler, Canadia (spelling is correct =) )<br />Singapore la, Singapore<br />Hong Kong, Hong Kong<br />San Francisco, Los Angeles and Hawaii, U.S.A<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Four of my favorite dishes</span></span><br /><br />Strawberries and Wizz-Fizz Sherbet (a tastesplosion in your mouth!)<br />Pineapple Juice!!<br />Chicken Salad Sandwich (Chicken, Avocado, Lettuce, Tomato, Capsicum, Cucumber, Beetroot, Carrot, Cheese on Multi-Grain)<br />Chocolate Subway Cookies with White-Choc-Chip...hmmmm...<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Four sites I visit daily</span><br /><br />http://mail.yahoo.com.au<br />http://www.abc.net.au/news<br />http://martynsmusings.blogspot.com (Shameless self-promotion is so noughties!)<br />Work Intranet<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Four places I would rather be right now</span><br /><br />In bed!<br />Redhead Beach<br />In church!<br />In a recording studio<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Four people I have 'tagged' to do this quiz next</span>...<br /><br />Joe<br />Alwin<br />Guan<br />Faith<br /><br /><br /><br />Until next time, stay classy,<br />Martyman<br /><br /><br />P.S. Alas, looks like this year there will be no Ice Dream. Oh the humanity! Oh the shame!Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1139649736521238992006-02-11T20:19:00.000+11:002006-02-11T20:22:16.536+11:00Living the Dream...It's Winter Olympics time, and I hope that means a resurrection of the Ice Dream<br />with Roy and H.G. I really do miss the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smiggin_Holes_2010_Winter_Olympic_bid">Smiggin Holes 2010</a> plugs (although I think Vancouver/Whistler, Canadia won that one), and the <a href="http://www.skatingforums.com/showthread.php?t=804">Hugentoblers</a>, and the stupid foreigners doing the Australian weather with all of the place names moved around on the map.<br /><br />I wonder if we will be treated to another Steven Bradbury this time around?<br />But the highlight of every games is the channel seven commentary team.<br /><a href="http://www.dinkumaussies.com/BROADCASTING%2FBruce%20Mcavaney.htm">Bruce McAvaney</a> has an uncanny ability to completely transform into Captain Obvious in<br />the length of a single phrase. Comments such as "Well, he's going to win unless he comes second", and "At the end of the day, the better team will win"* are really what makes any major sporting event worth watching.<br /><br /><br />Let the games begin...Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1139196291197746832006-02-06T13:47:00.000+11:002006-02-06T14:34:48.030+11:00And the winner is...Syd-e-ney!<br /><br />Well, not quite. Here are the survey results:<br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="10"><br /><tbody><tr><th>Name</th><th>Votes</th><th>%</th><br /></tr><tr><td>Coe</td><td>0</td><td>0%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Jolie (or is that taken)</td><td>1</td><td>2%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Joarly</td><td>1</td><td>2%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Sugglepie & Cuddlepot</td><td>1</td><td>2%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>mchardire</td><td>1</td><td>2%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>mr and mrs hardy</td><td>1</td><td>2%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Hey you!</td><td>1</td><td>2%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Yola! Kind of a funky combination of Yoda and Lala.</td><td>1</td><td>2%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Carlsberg and Jarlsberg (cheese and beer)</td><td>1</td><td>2%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>marty, i reckon combine the first three: jarlycoeshow, with a british accent it almost sounds like jolly good show!</td><td>1</td><td>2%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Jarly Larly Car</td><td>1</td><td>2%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>The Jarly and Coe Show (note the cute rhyme)</td><td>1</td><td>2%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Cjarloe (kyar-lo)</td><td>1</td><td>2%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Gilly is Mad</td><td>1</td><td>2%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>JoeLa</td><td>1</td><td>2%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>The Joe and Carly Travelling Circus</td><td>4</td><td>8%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>The Carly and Joe Show</td><td>6</td><td>12%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Jarly</td><td>12</td><td>24%</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Joseph and the Technicolour Carly</td><td>14</td><td>28%</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Congratulations goes out to <span style="font-size:180%;">'Joseph and the Technicolour Carly'!!!</span><br /><br />Kudos also goes out to Gilly (for shameless self-promotion), and the Carlsberg and Jarlsberg entry (for staying classy).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In other news, no one has taken up the KYC challenge from the <a href="http://martynsmusings.blogspot.com/2006/02/weekly-hoedown.html">last post</a> *sniff* Perhaps a shorter post would've increased the chances of uptake =)<br /><br /><br />Well kids, that's it.<br />Until next time, stay classy,<br />MartymanMartynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12113903.post-1138947272104663852006-02-03T17:06:00.000+11:002006-02-06T10:53:20.166+11:00Weekly Hoedown!!!<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Don't forget the <a href="http://freeonlinesurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?id=143290">Joe and Carly Amalgamation Survey</a>!<br /></span><br /><br /><br />Alright there folks!! Grabs your torch and pitchfork, it's an ogre!!<br />Hangon, that's not what I meant to say....<br />I meant to say, grab your flanno, straw hat, and your 'I heart Tamworth' shirt, cos it's time for the biggest hoedown this side of the Country Music Festival. Yes, that's right, it's Martyman's weekly hoedown[1]!!!!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Friday</span><br /><br />A rockin day at work with the new project team. Man~ they're a nice bunch of people!! Had lunch with sister at funky salad place. Who would've thought that salad could taste so good (yes, all you guys reading, I was as shocked as you are right now!).<br /><br />After work I headed up to this year's Katoomba Youth Convention with a nice bunch from Unichurch: D, A and S. We arrived just to hear the end of the first talk. I hit the sack with zeal and passion.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday / Sunday</span></span><br /><br />Saturday and Sunday was a blur of joy. I love the part of ushering that involves smiling and yelling at people simultaneously =). This year was by far the best KYC I've ever been to, out of 5 or so. I was really moved by every talk, to tears sometimes. It was such a great topic and such great speakers.<br /><br />The speakers were Ray Galea and Sam Chan.<br /><br />I immediately warmed to Ray from the first time I heard him speak, at KYC 2000 (on Romans 1-8, with 8 speakers!). He has such a down to earth manner, and expresses some high and lofty ideas and thoughts in a very real way, that is grounded in human experience. He always comes across as really meaning what he's saying, from the heart. Surely, this makes for great preaching[2].<br /><br />Sam Chan is a much more recent discovery for me! He spoke at Men's Convention[3] last year, where he excelled above all other speakers I've ever heard in the humour stakes. He wasn't quite as funny this time around - I think, perhaps, due to the presence of females in the audience. At Men's Convention he made countless jokes that appealed to male sensibilities: a formula that cannot possibly fail!! =) But he's more than just a funny speaker - all of his stories and analogies always tie back in to where he is going with the message. He's certainly a very clear and gifted speaker. I look forward to hearing him more in the future.<br /><br />The topic for the weekend was 'Encountering God'. The phrase 'Encountering God' is, in itself, very charismatic language. And some of the application that came out of the talks was very non-hardline-sydney-evangelical. Both Ray and Sam articulated things that I have been feeling and experiencing and saying for some time now, but suspected that I may be only one of few: that God is personal; that knowing God has an experiential and emotional component of which we should not be afraid; that we need to read the Bible to know Jesus, not make knowledge of the Bible an end in itself. I can tell you right now, it was so refreshing to my soul to hear these things spoken in the pulpit by two Godly Christian leaders.<br />Thankyou God, thankyou!!!!<br /><br />I've spent the rest of the week rocking along to the tune of the talk mp3s on the way to and from work, or at lunchtime: on the bus, walking along, whatever!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday Night</span></span><br /><br />Upon arrival back in Sydney, I hit Unichurch for the evening. The speaker was a blast from the past. He actually stood in line with me while I enrolled before first year: something my sister had teed up. He's now back with a vengeance to look after the campus junket.<br /><br />Post-church was an all-male jaunt to Dong-Dong with some old friends and new MTSers. A great night of chillin' with muchos foodos. We highly recommend the honey pork with peppery bits (I can't remember the actual name of the dish).<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday</span></span><br /><br />Day off!! Wise move, Martyman. Took it easy, went to the gym, watched a b-grade movie on TV with Joe. Slept.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday - Friday<br /><br /></span></span>Tuesday night was dinner with an awesome Christian mate at some Indian place on Anzac Pde. My spice tolerance factor increased that night[4]. Wednesday was a grads bbq - spent hours chatting about music to one of the long term pastors. What a gift music is!!<br /><br />OK, that's it for the play-by-play account. It was quite exhausting. I think next time I shall go for a higher-level overview.<br /><br /><br />Until next time, stay classy,<br />Martyman<br /><br />P.S. If MYC = Meet Your Companion; Melodious Yellow Chickens; etc.<br />What does KYC = ? Post a comment and let me know your thoughts...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />[1] In related news, did you know that when <a href="http://www.thirdday.com">Third Day</a> were in one of their first incarnations, they were called 'Nuclear Hoedown'? Just goes to show that the Sovereignty of God and the evil of men do coexist!! Thankfully, what their naming skills meant for evil, God meant for good, and they eventually traded that tag in for the much beefier Third Day.<br /><br />[2] Some literature that I have read on 'how to be a persuasive presenter' asserts that the manner and body language of a speaker can, humanly speaking, be more important in persuading than the content of what the author is speaking. Perhaps the effects of the stirring oratory of people such as Adolf Hitler and Martin Luther King, Jr. affirms this, to some level - both were able to persuade people who may not normally have listened to them. Just a thought.<br /><br />[3] Men's convention = boo-yah!! Hangin' out for this years =)<br /><br />[4] When it comes to food, Anglo is my skin, and Anglo are my tastes!! Give me meat and three veg any day, but curry...oh dear!Martynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12954578057630256937noreply@blogger.com1