After the fortnight in Perth, we began our 40 hour journey back to Northern Ireland, which included an 11 hour stop in Singapore. Actually, if you ever have to spend an extended time in an airport, Singapore is the place to do it. It’s got a gym, places to sleep, Playstations, XBoxs, free internet, movies, and heaps of shops…pretty cool to be honest.

Arriving home after 18 months was a little odd; almost sureal. It wasn’t until I went to my old place of employment a number of days after we arrived, that the reality of being ‘home’ began to sink in. It was good to see some of the old workmates again.

It may be surprising to some, but in the short time we were away, there have been many changes. Changes in church, changes in politics, changes in the economy, changes in people; some friends are now married, and some now have children - lots of changes.

Of course, many things are exactly the same, including the weather!

We have, as I anticipated, been rather busy, but I’ve tried to keep the preaching to a minimum, preaching only once in Limivady on the 6th, and then once on the 20th in Rasharkin.

Much time has been spent with family, catching up with friends, and doing a bit of shopping. It was great to be here for our best friends wedding on the 15th, and to see them finally tie the knot.

It’s also been cool staying with my mum, and being able to chat into the small hours of the morning with her, and to chill out with my sister.

But it’s all to be brought to a halt very soon.

For those that don’t already know, Melanie and I will be leaving Northern Ireland once again, in just over a weeks time. Again, we will take to the air to journey across Europe, and across Asia, and across mainland Australia, to arrive (God willing) in Tasmania, where we hope to help a church for a number of months, possibly for the remainder of our visas.

It’ll be difficult saying goodbye to family again, but, as I was telling my mum this afternoon, I’m looking forward to it. The unknown is exciting!

Just a question before I go for now: has anyone (Peter?) got any ideas of the best option for Internet access in Tasmania?

Also, if you haven’t downloaded Firefox 3 as yet, do so now.

• Our first ‘major’ encounter!!
• Adventures With Brecca!
• The Wedge-Tailed Eagle

As I sit here in Perth, having now said our goodbye’s, and left what has been our home for the past 17 months, I can’t help but think of everything that has happened during my time on the Eyre Peninsula, and as I do so, there is an evident feeling of sadness.

I had absolutely no expectations before I arriving; and I had no idea what was going to happen. But, as I look back, I’m glad to able to do so with gratitude. God’s promise to grant me an awareness of His presence and help (Josh 1:9, 1 Cor 1:27), was, to me at least, consciously known.

Pastoring in a foreign land

It is no mean task to go to another country, possessing a different culture, with different ways of thinking about things and doing things, and be a spiritual leader.

Every pastor knows the weight of pressure upon him, living his life before many watching eyes. You’re consciously aware that you have to be the very best example possible, or else you may be guilty of being a stumbling block, and hindering the spiritual progress of others.

With the cultural differences, you may find you’re being offensive without even realising it. You also have to be careful to not fall into the trap of trying to persuade people to be culturally the same as you. Just because people might wear shirts and ties to church in Northern Ireland, doesn’t mean you should enforce such on another culture (unless of course, you can find a legitimate scriptural argument).

My biggest difficulty

However, personally, my biggest battle wasn’t living up to the expectations of others, or trying to adapt to another culture. Those things can be difficult, but God gave the necessary grace. For me, the greatest difficulty was living up to my own expectations, and also the expectations I feel God has for those that preach the gospel. In this area, I feel like I failed — let me rephrase that — I know I failed.

It’s not something you talk about much, but, I wept over and bemoaned my failings every now and again; yet, not half enough. The need to be holy, Spirit filled, loving, humble, wise, and earnest, was ever before me, and yet a never attained the level I should have.

What I have learned

I can’t begin to tell you. I have learned so much that I’m aware of, and probably far more that I’m not aware of. The experience has been literally life-changing.

I still don’t know the full reason why God sent me out to Australia, but, I know it hasn’t been in vain. He has taught me things I just couldn’t have learned in Northern Ireland, no matter what I may have been doing. Even my mistakes, I trust will be profitable for me in the future.

Thanks

I must therefore, as I look back over the months, give sincerely thanks to;

• God, for all His help. It goes without saying, it would have been impossible without Him.
• Family, for support us while we’ve been away, and not making us feel too guilty for moving away from them.
• The leadership of FPC, for knowing the mind and will of God to send me, and specifically to my own Pastor, who has supported us in every way possible.
• The people in South Australia, who embraced us, loved us, and supported us as we sought to minister among them, and to them.

One other word of thanks goes to my wife. I don’t say this lightly: I’m am truly proud that she’s my wife. Her support, wisdom, and help to me was, as far as I can tell, pretty much flawless; and her public testimony shone throughout the 17 months, as a true example of biblical womanhood. A preacher couldn’t ask for better!

My next post will give you the three things I’ll miss most about our time in S.A. Anyone guess what they might be?

P.S. Over the next two weeks, Internet access will be limited. I may not be able to respond to comments or emails very quickly.

• Routine - Is it Good or Bad?
• Update & Feedback
• A View From The Pew - An Interview With a Minister’s Wife

Reason #1 - New changes in life

Since I’ve begun writing on this blog, and tweaking the design, I think there have been times when I’ve changed due to how I have been feeling at the time. In this case, it was deliberate. Due to the fact that we’re leaving Australia — our home for the past 17 months — I felt it was time for a change in the blog too.

I doubt the change in location will make much difference, but it was just something that I got into my head. Life changes; design changes.

Reason #2 - New changes online

A number of weeks ago, I encouraged Mel to apply for 9rules; an online community, where some of the best sites in specific categories, are grouped together. They’re fairly strict in who they permit to join, and they judge those who apply on content, design, consistency, and a few other areas. If you follow Mel’s site, you’ll know by now that she was accepted.

However, when I was checking out the submission dates for Melanie, I decided I might apply myself too. Low and behold, to my surprise, I found ArmenThomassian.com on the list of accepted websites, along with Mel and a number of others.

Being honest, I was fairly confident that Mel would get accepted, but, I never thought this site would be. I was quite shocked.

So, I figured that was another reason to redesign. I mean, you need a new design to create a place for the prestigious leaf! (If you haven’t noticed, it’s in the footer).

Reason #3 - New layout due

The previous design was quite well received by most, and was featured in a number of articles on other websites, which is always encouraging. I don’t do my designs here for other people, but, when others recognise my work, it’s encouraging.

Having said that, the layout was based on my Bedrock Grid theme, which I had been sporting in various incarnations since November last year. That’s way too long for someone like me, so a change was imminent.

The details of the design…

The grid

This design is laid out on a 9 column grid, spanning 875px in width. Ever since I began to grasp the concept of grids, I’ve been using them keenly. They help me to keep everything in order, and develop a mental wireframe of where I’m going to place all the elements of the site.

In this case, I wanted to try something totally different, by placing the headlines of articles to the left of the content, rather than above. Using a grid helped me to use size as an indicator for prominence on the homepage, with the first article spanning the full width of the page, and the second article being smaller, and allowing the sidebar the fit in the width as well.

If you understand grids, you’ll see it in play right throughout the details of this design.

Imagery

Often one can point to a source of inspiration for a design. In this case, I can’t, except for one part: the idea to add noise to the background. This is something you’ll see Dan Rubin use on his designs, so I give credit to him for the idea.

The horizontal navigation is the way it is because, I wanted to add a touch of depth to the texture. I’m not much into ‘embossing’, so I decided to give it a ‘reversed embossed’ look, so that it looks like the letters are chiselled out instead of raised. This may change some time in the future, thanks to David Airey.

Colour

As far as colour, I wanted to use only one, along with shades of gray. It was either going to be green or blue. So, I chose green because it’s fresh, fits well with the background, and because I’ve never used a bright green on my site before.

Typography

Type is another area I’m working on. I decided to use Helvetica Neue almost throughout, except for the logo, which is using Nevis (love the uppercase), and Georgia for the serif text in the header, and for the blockquotes.

I’m aware many of you don’t have Helvetica Neue, so it degrades to Helvetica; and then should you be entirely deprived, Arial.

Little details

I’ve tried to pay attention to little details, which will enhance the overall look, and usability of the site.

• The headlines on the homepage going from dark grey to light grey, in the three different areas.
• The desaturated subscription buttons, which turn orange when you hover over them.
• The images in the about page, which break out of the content on the right, while still aligning to the grid.
• The titles in the about page, which break out entirely, to the left of the content.
• The trackbacks placed below the comments, and the ‘Trackbacks…’ title only appearing when there is a trackback to the post.

I think that’s most of the details. There’s still a bit of maintenance work to do, but, I’m extremely pleased with how this design has turned out, and I consider it my best work yet. But then, I’ve only been at this carry on for about a year! Lot’s to learn…

• Time for a Spring Clean
• Web Designer Envy…
• Now Adorned With The Bedrock Grid WordPress Theme

A few things have been happening recently though, enough to give me a desire to design a new layout for this site. So, a couple of weeks ago I made the decision to put together something entirely new.

Admittedly, the design I put together was a little different, different enough for me to wonder how I was going to code it. So, after making the finishing touches, I contacted Matthew Rochow.

In the past 6 months (at least), I’ve worked with quite a few different coders, and I’m nearly always disappointed. They claim to be ‘professionals’ but, they’re far from it. I spend a lot of time trying to make my designs pixel perfect. Widths, heights, positions and sizes are all very specific, and I expect if a guy claims to be able to code my design as I’ve made it, it should come back perfect.

Thankfully, Matthew knows his job. He did say I was his most particular client ever, but I don’t think he meant it in a bad way. We worked together on some little WordPress related issues, and I think I’ve helped him to grow in his knowledge of WordPress, which is always a good thing.

Anyway, I’m in a hurry here, but, what do you think? I’ve a few little issues to iron out, but to me at least, it’s looking pretty good. I’ll write about it in further detail later.

• Spring Clean: The Reasons and Details
• The Blue-tongued Lizard
• Quiet Around Here

Australian’s are really good at it. Really, good at it.

For example, you’ve all heard of the term ‘Aussies’ I assume? Well, that’s just an appetiser. Below are some of the best ones I’ve heard while I’ve been here….brace yourself if you’re not Australian!

Abos - referring to Aboriginal people (usual derogatory, so usage is not advised).

Ambos - referring to ambulance drivers.

Barbie - a Barbecue, (and no, I’ve never heard an Australian say, ‘throw another shrimp on the barbie‘. They’re more likely to ask for a ’snag’).

Beaut - beautiful.

Blowies - annoying flies, that are more prevalent in spring, and can cause great discomfort and death to sheep, if they’re not treated.

Chook - a chicken.

Classies - when I emailed asking about the classified ads on local television, this is what the girl called them.

Esky - an insulated cooling box for food and drinks, I’m assuming has something to do with the idea of Eskimo’s.

Firies - referring to fire fighters

Garbo - a garbage collector.

G’day - Good day.

Maccas - McDonalds restaurant.

Mozzies - This is probably the first one I remember hearing, and asking what it meant, which of course is, mosquitoes.

Postie - a postman.

Rellies - the guide for the caves I visited in Tasmania, used this to refer to her relatives.

Roo - a Kangaroo, obviously.

Salvos - the Salvation Army, usually referring to the charity shop.

Servo - a service/petrol station.

Sidies - what a hairdresser said, when referring to my sideburns.

Smoko - any break time taken during working hours, probably taken from ’smoke break’.

Sunnies - sunglasses.

Surfies - people who surf a lot.

Tassie - Tasmania.

Ute - Utility vehicle, or what other’s call a pick-up truck.

Vinnies - St. Vincent De Paul’s Charity shop.

So there you have it. I’m sure there are more I’ve heard. Sometimes it takes me a few seconds to realise what has been said, but, I’m constantly listening carefully for more.

Have you got any? Bare in mind, this isn’t all the slang words I’ve heard, just the words which are clearly shortened from the original. I could go on and tell you what it is to be ‘crook’ (or have a ‘wog’), or what you’re supposed to do when told to “BYO”.

• What Bloggers Need To Learn
• Aussie’s Elect Ear Wax Eater As New PM
• The Australian Brown Snake

The biblical view of women in the scriptures, is not one of slavery, as some would suggest. Far from it. Yes, it does identify different roles for husbands and wives. However, these roles are not derogatory at all.

I’m not intending to go down the road of dealing with the role of husbands and/or wives in this article, although that might be a good thing to deal with some time.

My hope with this post, is to point out the dangerous side of ‘feminism‘.

Unlike some would say, feminism is far from dead. It’s maybe not openly and aggresively promoted like it was in the 70’s, but, the ideology is still very evident, and is still evangelised. If you think it’s as simple as the quote at the top, think again.

I read a frightening article (and yet, somewhat encouraging too) today. It was written by the daughter of extreme feminist, Alice Walker. I’m going to use the article to highlight three issues with feminism, as I see it. I suggest you go and read the article, in order to fully understand where I’m coming from.

1. Extreme Feminism Destroys the Family Unit

“I was raised to believe that women need men like a fish needs a bicycle.”

Hmmm…there’s an interesting way to demean your father. Frankly, this is evidence that feminism is not about ‘rights’, it’s about female superiority.

“As the child of divorced parents, I know only too well the painful consequences of being brought up in those circumstances. Feminism has much to answer for denigrating men and encouraging women to seek independence whatever the cost to their families.”

Why is creating a family such a crime? You tell me. A loving family unit with a father, mother, and children, is one of the most precious things one could hope for. It’s so rare these days, that admittedly, I’m filled with delight when I see it.

2. Extreme Feminism Encourages Selfish Attitudes

“You see, my mum taught me that children enslave women. I grew up believing that children are millstones around your neck, and the idea that motherhood can make you blissfully happy is a complete fairytale.”

Children enslave women? Hang on a minute. I think that’s code for, ‘I’m not willing to accept the responsibilities of motherhood.‘ Is this tragic, or is it just me?

“As a little girl, I wasn’t even allowed to play with dolls or stuffed toys in case they brought out a maternal instinct.”

It’s one thing to have hopes and dreams for your children, but this is child abuse. This is the same thing Christian parents are blasted for. But, abusing your children to believe any ideology is a selfish crime. Love your children. Teach them. Encourage them. But, never be guilty of abuse.

Feminism promotes child abuse, trying to rob women of the joy of motherhood.

3. Extreme Feminism Breeds Hatred

“I love my mother very much, but I haven’t seen her or spoken to her since I became pregnant. She has never seen my son - her only grandchild. My crime? Daring to question her ideology.“

So…women should have ‘rights’, but, they don’t have the right to be mothers? The feministic ideology has severed the relationship between mother and daughter (and grand child). How loving!

“At my father’s home I felt much more taken care of. But, if I told my mother that I’d had a good time with Judy, she’d look bereft - making me feel I was choosing this white, privileged woman above her. I was made to feel that I had to choose one set of ideals above the other.”

I don’t think parents consider the consequences divorce has upon children, particularly when there is animosity between one or both sides. The mental confusion and difficulty of trying to please both parties, is very taxing on the child.

Children shouldn’t be exposed to the hatred that there can be between adults. It effects them. Feminism promotes this inconsiderate attitude of hate.

Conclusion

Don’t think for one minute I’m against the ‘rights’ of women. Far from it. Like I said, I may write about some of the myths, which surround the roles of husbands and wives, but for now, suffice to say, I believe feminism is extremely dangerous; allbeit, Alice Walker is an extreme case.

Thoughts?

• The Just For The Unjust…
• The Most Sensitive Sermon So Far
• Dawkins Defines God - What Saith The Scriptures?

[begin]

I challenged Him:

“If you confirm right now, what I seem to be discerning from You all day, then that’s it. No more arguments.”

It was coming up on 6pm. Two verses had already struck me that day. In the morning I had read,

“Certainly I will be with thee.”
Exodus 3:12

And then moments earlier, my mum had requested that I read Spurgeon’s Checkbook of the Bank of Faith for that day. She knew nothing of what was going on, but when I looked it up, the verse was,

“The LORD shall guide thee continually.”
Isaiah 58:11

It was reading that verse which caused me to throw the challenge; throw out ‘the fleece’ as it were.

I went upstairs, straight to the Daily Verse box. A box with hundreds of cards, each with a verse on one side, and a prayer on the other.

I lifted one out.

I had to hold back the tears. What if He should confirm it, what’s going to happen? (I was somewhat fearful).

It read,

“Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Joshua 1:9

That was it. After a number of weeks of struggling, and weeping, and confusion, the answer was clear. No matter what man would say, my heart was convinced that in a matter of months, I would be in Australia. I was never so sure about anything in my whole life.

[end]

I could go on and on telling you about the various experiences I had, all of them dove-tailing together to confirm that I should go to Australia. It would take a long time.

However, the above is the climax. It was at that point I knew. I knew I would be sent to Australia. But, why am I writing about this? Why did I relay his snippet of the events leading me to Australia?

Well, it has come to my attention, that some people believe I shouldn’t be here. Their reasons? I’m not sure. I can tell you what they’re saying, but I’m not sure if it’s the same thing they’re thinking.

Whatever the case, I thought I’d just remind everyone about how sure I am that I was meant to be here.

• Did I have a desire to be here? Nope!
• Did I ask God to bring me here? Nope!
• Do I fully understand why I was sent here? Nope!

I understand why some would think I’m too young. I had just turned 24 when I arrived.

I understand why some could consider me inexperienced. I came here with little pulpit ministry experience, and no pastoral experience, and no training in either.

In fact, when you look at things as a whole, it was a rather foolish decision all around for me to come to Australia.

But, God often does things in ways which don’t make sense. i.e.

• Used a teenager to kill a giant warrior.
• Used ravens to feed a prophet.
• Turned a murderer into the greatest Christian ever.
• And of course, used a failing, weak young man to spiritually feed three small congregations on the other side of the world.

I doubt anyone reading this would be so arrogant, to think you know better than God. But, if you ever hear anyone talking like they know better than God on any matter, don’t be afraid to bring them back to earth.

To paraphrase what W.P. Nicholson said one time; particularly watch out for grey haired old men who haven’t done anything for God in years. Those which tend to know more than God, usually fall into this category.

People — don’t play God.

“And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.”
Isaiah 42:1

• 5 Profound Implications Of Praying In His Name
• One Of God’s Forgotten Mercies
• Biblical Forgiveness

Since the day we arrived in South Australia, we’ve been working away, knowing that it probably wouldn’t be forever.

The end is now in sight, and we’ll be leaving the Eyre Peninsula on the 16th of June, and arriving in Northern Ireland on the 3rd of July.

Over two weeks to get home?

Well, over a year ago, Mel and I discussed how it might be nice to go home via Malaysia or Thailand. I mean, we’re in the neighbourhood, and it wouldn’t be too difficult to organise our way home via either of those places.

But, we’re not spending two weeks in Malaysia or Thailand…we’re spending it in romantic Perth!

Not quite the same, but I was asked to help there and give the minister of the church a break, so I consented.

Ministering in Australia, isn’t like Northern Ireland. You can’t call a bunch of your buddies in the ministry, or a few reliable lay preachers, to help you out with the church services while you’re gone; they’re just not there to call! For me to drive to Perth, is like you folks in Northern Ireland going to Romania for a meeting (as the crow flies).

How do I feel about leaving?

Without a doubt, there’s mixed emotions right now. Yeah, sure we want to get home and catch up with loved ones. However, we’ve made some wonderful friendships here, and it’s not going to be easy to walk away from.

Have you ever been in a similar position?

• Spring Clean: The Reasons and Details
• Flights, family and friends, fun, and the future…
• From Northern Ireland to Singapore…

“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.”

Matt 10:1-4

“And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.”

Luke 6:13-16

In the above two texts, I’ve highlighted the names of two individuals; James, and Judas (or Lebbaeus). What I want to discuss with you, is who are they?

If you study what we’re given about these men, we discover they were brothers, that they had another brother called Joses, and a mother called Mary. Sound familiar?

I want you to tell me, if you can, if these two men are the half brothers of Jesus. We know Jesus had four half brothers, called James, Judas, Joses, and Simon. Did Jesus choose two of the twelve from the sons of Mary and Joseph?

• None Found

What I mean is, we know what we’re supposed to know, but we don’t really know her, do we?

I must admit, although I would never have been certain enough to say she is a Christian, I would have thought she would have been aware of the truth. She has a history in the Baptist church (not that that really means anything), and does quite a bit of good in this world with the money she has.

However, a few weeks ago I was emailed a link to this video.

I was reluctant to post anything up about it, but I’m interested in your opinion. I don’t like being critical. In fact, I hate it, and I’ve been forcing myself more and more to always think the best of people first, and give them the benefit of the doubt. This ‘holier than thou’ attitude, which is often cloaked as possessing a spirit of discernment, is abominable.

Nevertheless, maybe all the money Oprah pays out is in fact part of a marketing strategy. I mean, at the end of the day, they make sure to let the world know of the new orphanage they’ve funded, or the hungry people they’ve provided for, which is completely contrary to what Jesus taught, “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.”

To be honest, I’m inclined to think, any ‘good’ done with pride and boasting, means nothing to God at all.

Anyway, head over and watch the video, and let me know what you think. Is she dodgy? Is the most powerful woman in the world an antichrist contender; or is she an angel in disguise (deliberate exaggeration)?

• None Found