wonderingpilgrim

Foundation Day grubbing…

It’s a public holiday today and I’m going to get away from the PC and other daily commitments and grub out dead bushes…

Climate change rallies around Oz today

News feeds are starting to come in as Australian state capitals host “Say yes” rallies in support of the government’s proposed carbon emissions tax. Here’s one feed featuring a speech by World Vision CEO Tim Costello: Australia ‘seen as climate freeloader’. The timing of the rallies clashed with this morning’s church services, but we finished givingContinue reading “Climate change rallies around Oz today”

A teaser from tomorrow’s harangue…

We can try and create events that proscribe the words of Jesus’ deepest and most intimate prayer. We set up councils and events and programmes to “promote” Christian unity. This is good and necessary work, even when frustrations put stumbling blocks in the way. It is not through the structures we create, however, but itContinue reading “A teaser from tomorrow’s harangue…”

Source Code: a movie review

I was feeling starved of movies and had a couple of hours free this morning. Source Code seemed the best of the crop at the local multiplex, although the synopsis looked as though I might be in for another version of Groundhog Day. Avoiding spoilers, this wasn’t far off the mark. It involved romance, andContinue reading “Source Code: a movie review”

Aaaaarghhh!…

… is a very helpful term. Especially when the toner runs out mid-run and you find the cartridge you thought you had on standby is the one that’s just run out. Especially when the courier bringing the replacements neglects to take a few extra steps to the office door and, in stead, leaves a “CollectContinue reading “Aaaaarghhh!…”

They wish they hadn’t…

… invited me to step into Bob’s art class at church today. The subject was “extension” – a device of exaggeration that cartoonists use to create caricatures. So here’s the result with the aid of some technology. Everyone’s ducking for cover now for fear that I might “do” them next!

Religion & the Secular State

In the light of the current discussions on the nature of the “secular” in relation to religion in the public arena, particularly where government funding of religious programs in state schools is concerned, or even access of religious groups within the education system, it’s sometimes helpful to hear a voice from outside. See Thio Li-ann: ReligionContinue reading “Religion & the Secular State”

A puzzling question about carbon taxes…

How come Cate Blanchett is vilified for speaking into the carbon tax debate and ever-so-much-more-wealthy mining barons are free to complain loudly while media companies sycophantly bend over backwards to ensure they are heard?

The Parable of the Abattoir Wall

This story told by an Aboriginal pastor illustrates well the connection between trusting relationships and truth as described in John 14:15-21, today’s gospel reading. The Parable of the Abattoir Wall For many years, the custom in one of the abattoirs had been to paint a coat of whitewash over the bloodstains on its walls. ThisContinue reading “The Parable of the Abattoir Wall”

Vegemite and Ice Hockey

Not often I endorse commercial products, but I grew up on this and I’m still a Vegemite kid! This is one of a series of marvelous ads that, like the spread, only Aussies could appreciate. The rest of the world scratches its head and wonders what planet we are from!