PRESS SERVICE INTERNATIONAL - YOUNG WRITERS
TUESDAY 21 AUGUST
Defiant hope: a reflection on resilience - by Emma McGeorge (Auckland NZ) - Tues 21 Aug
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It is, apart from anything else, a thought-provoking place to come to, the depths of despair. I’m not saying it’s a nice place necessarily, or even a place that I plan on spending air points credits to visit for the odd holiday. How many of us look around with beaming satisfaction ...
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You won't have eternal life in heaven: II - by Haydn Lea (RAAF Padre) - Tues 21 Aug
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In my last article, dear Theophilus, I set out to explain that Christians will spend eternity in a perfected, glorified, physical New Creation, not heaven per se. The article explains that eventually, God will bring about a new creation where we dwell forever with Him, not as disembodied souls, but as physical beings. However, that is the end state, and a few people
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God loves me more - by Anna Waite (Brisbane) - Tues 21 Aug
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Who am I? What a question! I’ve been pondering this a lot recently. As a chronic over thinker I don’t think I’ve ever really stopped asking myself this, but this year it’s taken on a whole new meaning for me. A number of years ago I started to hear the phrase ‘create the life you want’. It was one of those ‘inspirational’ phrases ......
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Are you a 2-D or a 3-D Christian - by John Lemmon (senior writer Melb) - Tues 21 Aug
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Recall when you were going to school and had classes in geometry. (Yes, I can hear you groaning…but bear with me!) In geometry we learned about the shape of objects and learned to visualise them in one, two or three dimensions. Two-dimensional items were flat and lifeless, being defined by only length and width. They were simple and…well…boring. ....
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When being a Christian makes you - by Nils Von Kalm (senior writer Melb) - Tues 21 Aug
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In light of the comments some time back by US Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Romans 13 and the plight of people seeking asylum, I have been reminded to think about what it means to be Christian. Recently I listened to a sermon by God's Squad founder, John Smith, in which he talked about the evidence of a follower of Jesus....
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It led to inevitable war - Mark Tronson (Tweed Heads) - Tues 21 Aug
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In our family archives is a newspaper cutting from the Sydney Morning Herald dated Thursday 30 March 1939, with a photograph of Adolf Hitler the Chancellor of Germany sitting
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MONDAY 20 AUGUST
Queensland young writers well established - Press Service International - Mon 20 Aug
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Queensland young writers have become well established in their numbers increased significantly in this past two years and we are celebrating. The Press Service International young writer program in conjunction with Christian Today provide publishing columns for ....
photo - Qld young writer Zach Radloff, listed last week in the Most Popular column READ MORE ...... |
Jesus - like women - by Cartia Moore (Sunshine Coast) - Mon 20 Aug
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I was never the sort of person that would ever be seen at a women’s conference. The thought of a room full of estrogen and high-pitched screaming voices all singing in unison (sometimes not) slightly freaked me out. Ironic, isn’t it? But it wasn’t until recently that I went to my first official women’s conference at my church.....
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Personal responsibility, not drugs and .... by Ben Kruzins (Ocean Shores) - Mon 20 Aug
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The community was rightfully outraged by Magistrate Ross Betts’s decision to grant bail to Frankston tradie Ryan Wells after a sickening one punch assault in South East Melbourne recently. For those unaware of the details, the video of the assault was captured on CCTV and you can easily google, “Ryan Wells one punch assault video” to see how ....
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When a leader makes a mistake - by Esther Koh (New Zealand) - Mon 20 Aug
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The news is constantly reporting the lives of people in authority. Sharp eagle eyes are ever on our nation's prime minister and leaders. Pastors are under scrutiny and their actions, more often the negative ones, are highlighted in the media, just like the trending news of a megachurch pastor’s affair with a teenage church member....
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Living Rightly - by Joseph Kolapudi (Brisbane) - Mon 20 Aug
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For some, living in the present can be harder than remembering the past; while for others, it is vice versa. I have been looking over the past few months, and it is hard to believe just how hard it is to remember what has happened - it all seems a big blur. Yet living a life worth remembering is not dependent on ourselves, or on our perception of either the past or ....
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Australia's part in developing the Holocaust - Mark Tronson (Tweed Heads) - 20 Aug
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The Holocaust had many bedfellows both within and without Nazi Germany, people who did nothing to express their horror, on the one hand, or on the other, actively assisted the eventual process of mass extermination of the Jews. .....
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Week 1 - Cycle 7 - AUGUST 2018
FRIDAY 17 AUGUST
The thirsty God - by Christina Jones (USA) - Frid 17 Aug
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In the late 1600s a book was published by the French theologian and mathematician Blaise Pascal titled “Penses” (meaning “Thoughts”). In it he wrote, “What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace?
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Is this a church or a night club? by Kandima Awendila (Mozambique) - Frid 17 Aug
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As I entered the dark room with flashing bright colourful lights that were cutting through the darkness like lightning bolts, I instantly questioned whether I had entered the doors of a church or had stepped into a nightclub. The loud music and the immediate comment by a ..
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Jesus 24/7 - by Jeremy Dover (senior writer, Melbourne) - Frid 17 Aug
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One of the great challenges for Christians today is how to integrate being a follower of Jesus into every aspect of life. Going to church on Sunday is an easy act of worship to understand. However, what does worship on Monday look like? What does being a disciple of Jesus look like for the rest of the week?
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Who shares the Christian Salvation ..... by Genevieve Wilson (sw Canada) - Frid 17 Aug
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What shall I do to be saved?” was the question on the lips of early Christians (see Acts chapter 2 verses 37; 16:30) and it remains true for many people today. In fact, this is the most important question anyone can ask, because unless you know the answer to this crucial question and respond appropriately you cannot be saved from eternal hell.
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The Cross implies Resurrection / End Times - Mark Tronson (Tweed Heads) - Frid 17 Aug
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What can be said is that one in twenty five verses in the New Testament have some engagement with End Times and associated themes, and therefore it should come as no ...
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Aust and NZ do well in Olympic sports - by Josh Hinds (Gold Coast) - Frid 17 Aug
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Australia and New Zealand’s major professional sports - take Rugby, Cricket, AFL, NRL excel but in a limited market place – mostly Commonwealth nations. England, Wales, Ireland, South Africa ….. It may be of interest that these senior sports celebrated by huge crowds and supporters have a relatively low participant statistics. Rather, the kids of the nation play ..
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THURSDAY 16 AUGUST
How I can('t) comfortably hate - by Sunny Kang (New Zealand) - Thurs 16 Aug
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Perhaps sighs are the overflows of emptiness inside. What’s terrifying is that I once prayed for You to show me how to love like You, but now I am not so sure. I’m still so evil that I want to put ‘being a sinner’ as a valid excuse not to love. So that I can ‘comfortably hate’. I know that hate is not the opposite of love – negligence is. Ignorance may not be a fault, but .....
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Answers for all - by Paul Lewis (West Indies) - Thurs 16 Aug
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I have been studying apologetics for ten years now and it has become an important part of my life. Not only have my studies provided me with answers, but I have seen apologetics equip Christians to provide an answer to everyone. As I read, think, wrestle, argue and discuss, I realise a good way to approach apologetics is to think about giving answers and ...
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What are you waiting for - by Ashley Mullens (USA) - Thurs 16 Aug
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Like many of you, I am well acquainted with waiting and disappointments. After getting married in my mid-twenties - with plenty of waiting and disappointments before - we started trying to have a baby. I’ve always wanted to be a mother and imagined we would get pregnant right away.
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Laguna Quays Respite 2nd half of 2018 - Press Service International (PSI) - Thurs 16 Aug
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The Whitsundays Laguna Quays Respite coordinated by Well-Being Australia for missions now in its seventh year has proven to be a lovely break away for a wide range of those in Christian service. The 2nd half of 2018 has a busy schedule.
photo - Delma Tronson on Midge Point Beach READ MORE ...... |
The idea of Justice - by Mark Tronson (Tweed Heads) - Thurs 16 Aug
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Every person recognises an unjust act (said, inferred, implied or done) and their heart cries “foul” although they may not be able to do anything to right the injustice. Injustice plays out its hand in many different forms, from a selection in a child’s sporting team; to one daughter getting new clothes and the second getting hand-me-downs; or in business, corruption ...
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WEDNESDAY 15 AUGUST
Remembering the unforgettable God - by Aaron Sabio (USA) - Wed 15 Aug
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One of my favorite Bible teachers once said a statement that has never left me. He said, “The regret of the past and the fear of the future are the twin enemies of the soul.” He explained how the mistakes he had made in the past had crippled him and how the unpridictipleness of the future had almost crushed his spirit. I totally related to this ....
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The truth about people in two words - by Sharma Taylor (West Indies) - Wed 15 Aug
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There’s a gem of wisdom I’ve gleaned over decades of my life experience, plus from observing the lives and experiences of people I know, in addition to extensive research. I have condensed my conclusion into two words. Ready for it? Here goes: People .....
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Potential - by Mel Cleary (New Zealand) - Wed 15 Aug
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If you’re anything like me, you may be a believer in the phrase ‘Why do today what you can do tomorrow?’ Welcome to my world of procrastination. The Slippery Slope - Procrastination is a slippery slope. When an assignment is due, I’ll leave it for as long as possible. Even simple things like dinner or doing a load of laundry I tend to put off for as long as possible ...
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Calling a time on terror was too soon - by Ron Ross (senior writer) - Wed 15 Aug
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Two years ago I wrote in this column that we may be witnessing a revolution. I commented that out of the then recent spate of bloodshed and terror a movement of hope is emerging. French Muslim leaders refused to bury priest-killer Adel Kermiche after he murdered 86 years old priest Father Jacques Hamel last July......
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The idea of Relationship - Press Service International (PSI) - Wed 15 Aug
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“Relationship with the Lord” is central to Christian theology in taking God at His Word as revealed to us in the Bible. From the beginning of the Bible in Genesis the idea of a ...
photo - "family links" - a Tronson du Coudray art work READ MORE ....... |
TUESDAY 14 AUGUST
And He promised peace - by Matthew Thornton (New Zealand) - Tues 14 Aug
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Lately, I’ve been wrestling with the idea of God’s peace. For so long I thought that peace was simply the feeling of comfort, tranquillity and ease. Whilst it is these things, I’ve come to realise that it is so much more than that. Over Easter, I attended New Zealand’s Northern Baptist Youth Ministries Easter Camp in Hamilton.....
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How leaning-In reveals new adventure - by Charis Joy Jackson (USA) - Tues 14 Aug
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A leaning in life is a ZOE life. A quick Strong’s Concordance study of the Greek word Zoe reveals this: 1. life a. the state of one who is possessed of vitality or is animate b. every living soul 2. life a. of the absolute fulness of life, both essential and ethical, which ....
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Benefits and pitfalls of routine - by Jason LaLone (USA) - Tues 14 Aug
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I can’t stop traveling. It’s like a deep seed that God placed inside me when He knitted me together. Why would I spend my money on something else when I can spend it on seeing the world? There is so much that I haven’t seen. So many experiences that I haven’t experienced. So much coffee and food that I haven’t tasted. So many mountain tops that ...
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Quick, quick, slow - by Rosie Robinson (England) - Tues 14 Aug
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As I sit here on my bed, the wind is swirling round the dust and sun-drenched leaves. They are like brown husks – lying in snow-like drifts across the road and paths. It is a bizarre scene, in the middle of our summer. I am not sure whether I should be ordering yellow or black tops! .....
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Global warming or global warning? - by Mark Rusic (senior writer) - Tues 14 Aug
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Decades of drought has left many Australian farmers in a dire situation. With large numbers of Australian farmers and cattlemen on the brink of losing their livelihood after decades of drought the situation this year is more desperate than ever. And what is even more concerning for many is that weather experts say that relief is nowhere in sight.
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Does Androgyny Presage Disaster? or .... by Vic Matthews (senior writer) - Tues 14 Aug
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According to Professor Camille Paglia, (Feminist & Lesbian) in her recent book “Free Women, Free Men”, Androgyny portends the imminent destruction of Western civilization. Before we explore the wide frontiers of this ominous prediction, let me unpack it for you. Androgyny is when a person doesn’t have a definitive view of their gender. There is an ...
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The idea of Faith - Press Service International (PSI) - Tues 14 Aug
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In theology, the word ‘Faith’ conveys a most astonishing idea, something that is contrary to everything that we would normally consider as being physically and scientifically reliable. Faith is a living reality and Martin Luther realised it’s full 'moment' when he re-read Romans ..
art - Three Images - (Tronson du Coudray) - hanging in Jeremy Dover's private collection READ MORE ....... |
MONDAY 13 AUGUST
South Australian young writers - 'Christian News' - Mon 13 Aug
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South Australian young writers have expanded their numbers significantly in this past 12 months and we should be celebrating this. The Press Service International young writer program in conjunction with Christian Today provide publishing columns for these young ..
photo - Adelaide's Michael Dahlenburg, sends to new young writers the 'info pack' Read More ..... |
You are Fake news - by Josh Robbie (South Africa) - Mon 13 Aug
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It is easier to make reference to reality than it is to live in it. The term ‘fake news’ has now become a part of our modern vocabulary, to the disgust of those whose job it is to report actual newsworthy events. The offense is understandable, nobody likes a finger in their face condemning their efforts as fake. In the moment your mind would naturally perceive the ....
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Honour God with what he gives to us - Cindy Cheng (China) - Mon 13 Aug
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Last Sunday afternoon, I was told that someone in church donated $150 to me. I was astonished at the very beginning and didn’t believe that the money was for me. After further confirmation with the church, I was assured that the donation was for me and I ought to ....
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When I turned 30 - by Stacy-Ann Smith (West Indies) - Mon 13 Aug
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I recall when I turned 30. It stated $481 Jamaican dollars. That was the amount of money the ABM (ATM) receipt indicated I had left in my account. In US dollars that is $4.81. I chuckled at the number. I had so many desires in my heart and my pocket could not even begin to ...
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Dream small - by Jessica McPherson (New Zealand) - Mon 13 Aug
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“Good to Great!” “Smarter, Faster, Better!” “How to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life!” Self help books abound telling us how we can become smarter, prettier, more likeable, and generally all around amazing so that we will be able to start ...
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The idea of Grace - Press Service International (PSI) - Mon 13 Aug
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In theology, the word ‘Grace’ conveys a most alarming idea, something that is contrary to everything that we would normally consider as fair and just. Grace is a personal attitude ....
photo - a Tronson du Coudray art work "Options" Read More ...... |
Week 5 - Cycle 6 - AUGUST 2018
FRIDAY 10 AUGUST
Usain Bolt keen to play professional soccer - PSI - Frid 10 Aug
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The world’s greatest athlete Usain Bolt from Jamaica, Olympic sprint super star and holder of so many records the computer listing them did a fizzer, has come to Australia to try out with the Central Coast Mariners A-League squad to make an entrance into the world of professional soccer. We know from the media that Usain Bolt is a soccer nut. He watches the EPL like a hawk, he knows player’s names and the wherewithal of coaching methodologies and is fully conversant with the A-League......
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Gender confiscation - by Leigh Clough (Gold Coast) - Frid 10 Aug
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The tee shirt read – “Love is the answer” – I saw this one gloriously sunny day on the Gold Coast during summer as I noticed a busty, blonde girl canter across the street to avoid oncoming traffic. I love clothes not for just the expression of our desired style or expression of feeling at the time, but also as a means of proclaiming something we believe in for others to see ....
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On being and the revelation of process - by Kali Hendrickson (USA) - Frid 10 Aug
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Elizabeth Gilbert, in an On Being podcast, mentioned something she noticed about the creative Spirit and ideas. Ideas want to be found, and sometimes multiple people at different times find the same exact idea. It used to irritate me to find out the very idea I’ve been so innovative in dreaming up has been discovered elsewhere. I had a particular view of God that I felt I had to perform for....
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What I think of the Presonus Studio Live 5 - by Zach Radloff IT writer - Frid 10 Aug
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The studio live console from Presonus is an interesting console. While I’m more of an X32 guy my self I have had some time with the SL3 and in this article, I want to share my thoughts on the console. The particular SKU I’ve been using is the SL3-24. This is the 24-channel version of the SL3 console but a 16 and 32 channel SKUs are also available. The initial things I liked about it were: ....
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Those pesky labels - by Matt Browning NZ senior writer - Frid 10 Aug
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I grew up with a black and white Christianity. A “this is right—and that is wrong” approach to the world. For instance, alcohol and homosexuality were bad, attending church good and praying daily even better. As I’ve got older I can no longer stomach such simplified responses to the world around me. After travelling to many countries and meeting thousands of people, I know that every person has a very intimate and sacred story, a background that comes with them.
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Rail calls for trucking charges to reflect road use - PSI - Frid 10 Aug
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The Footplate Padre is an author of 16 railway books and in several of those tomes he called for more haulage to be placed on rail due to issues such as safety and economics, and this new call is one ....
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THURSDAY 9 AUGUST
The Great Commission - by Mary Iengo (Adelaide) - Thus 9 Aug
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Does anyone find that the most difficult aspect of writing is how to start your piece? What do people call it? Writer’s block? (Well technically I’m not a writer, per say, as this is my first article! Wow! Anyway, after pondering on how to start my article for a good hour I thought I may as well start by: Introducing myself… So, my name is Mary Iengo. I’m a 19 year-old from Adelaide. I have an American and Italian background and some of my favourite things that I enjoy eating are hoagies and pizza ......
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The love of God - by Elizabeth Josic (Sunshine Coast) - Thurs 9 Aug
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When we pick out people at random, it’s highly likely that most of them don’t know what the true meaning of love is. Although they may think they know, based on the romantic love portrayed in movies and television shows. In times when we pick up our Bible and begin to study to word of God, our eyes are opened to the true meaning.
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Being a truth teller - by Wayne Graham NZ senior writer - Thurs 9 Aug
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Maarametua Williams has been off the drug P for 18 months and is now helping others leave P behind. We did a story on her in the Daily Encourager in which she described what P will do to you: All it takes is one puff …. You will lose your dignity, family, friends, job, happiness, mind and pride — You will rob, steal, cheat, lie and beg — And end up broke, alone, homeless, in prison or dead.....
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Young writer's conference in 3 weeks - PSI - Thurs 9 Aug
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The 2018 young writer conference will be held in Christchurch on Saturday 1 September at the Salvation Army Conference Centre, Colombo Street – just three weeks away. .....
Photo - Dr Kristen Dang, an Adelaide young writer is attending the young writer conference READ MORE ....... |
WEDNESDAY 8 AUGUST
Don't talk, just listen - by Laura Miles (Sunshine Coast) - Wed 8 Aug
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One afternoon I went to the beach and was laying in the sunshine, breathing deeply and reflecting deeper. I was looking for some well-needed headspace and the ocean has always been a soother to my soul (without fail). My thoughts were scrambled; cluttered with doubts about the future and cloudy with the fog of unresolved pain and hurt.
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The refining of the Lord - by Christopher Harris (Melbourne) - Wed 8 Aug
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Since growing more mature in the Lord I have understood in many ways how the Lord is refining me. While the Lord can communicate to each of us in different ways in our lives, He has shown me many things about my character through dreams for the purposes of refining me. The Bible talks about how believers in Christ are being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans chapter 8 verse 29), and Apostle Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ....
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It never ends - by Grant Harris NZ senior writer - Wed 8 Aug
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I’ve recently returned from leading an Exposure Trip to Los Angeles with a group of senior high school students from our youth group. It’s a trip we undertake bi-annually as we serve with The Dream Center, a street ministry reaching Skid Row and some of the challenging areas of LA, and as we seek .....
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TUESDAY 7 AUGUST
Surviving police interrogation in Turkey - by Daniel Jang NZ senior writer - Tues 7 August
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Once I was visiting a Syrian refugee home in rural Turkey and a police van arrived on a “tip”. An angry Turkish man stormed into the house and shouted: “Why are you giving out Incil [Turkish New Testament]
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Remember me - by Amy Manners (Adelaide) - Tues 7 Aug
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I type in the code. Beep, beep, beep: Access Granted. Electric doors slide slowly open and I see him sitting at a table. I see him before he sees me. White hair, pin-striped blue shirt, chipped front tooth. And my heart swells with affection. “Hello Bobby,” I say, wrapping my arms around him, whispering in his ear, “I’m your granddaughter, Amy, and I love you very much.”
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Weep for the culture - by Jarred Pienaar (Sunshine Coast) - Tues 7 Aug
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History is full of lessons of the mistakes of humanity. We look into the past and we read, hear and see testimonies of people who lived in what would seem to be some of the most horrific times in human history. Recently videos of holocaust survivors from the world wars have been popping up on my ....
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MONDAY 6 AUGUST
Research - value add to Laguna Quays Respite - PSI - Mon 6 Aug
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A recent article in The Guardian illustrates the value of to our well-being of enjoying a lovely view and this is in line with Well-Being Australia's Laguna Quays Respite facility for missionaries and their recuperation on the Whitsundays. Oliver Burkman in this article
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Oi - Listen Up! - by Fiona Mackenzie (Sydney) - Mon 6 Aug
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I recently found myself sitting in the emergency rows of a domestic flight. The safety briefly annoying for commuters, but necessary as part of the flying process. “Sir, would you mind putting your phone away and listening. I only need your attention for two minutes,” the flight attendant politely asked the commuter.
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Walking in faith - by Ashley Menelaws (Kingaroy) - Mon 6 Aug
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Each of us have had our lives turned upside down. It happened again two weeks ago when a close friend died. One minute I can see the end, the light at the end of the tunnel if you will and then next no light and no clear direction. It has left me with many questions. But my biggest question that keeps me awake late at night with only the fan to break the silence, how? How does one have faith despite all odds and reality screaming "sorry it doesn't seem possible?"
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Sport Writers a shining light - PSI - Mon 6 Aug
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Jeremy Dover, David Goodwin, Wes Tronson, Josh Hinds (photo) and Phil Hall are our sport writers, who week at a time, each write a sport article once every five weeks. They compete for the annual Tony Dunkerely 'Sport Writers Award' which last year (2017) saw a four way draw with Jeremy, Josh, David and Wes taking the honours.
Previous winners of the Sport Writers awards ..... Read More ..... |
Week 4 - Cycle 6 - JULY-AUGUST 2018
FRIDAY 3 AUGUST
Life is good - by Rebecca Moore Aust senior writer - Frid 3 Aug
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I can count on my hand the number of times when I thought I was going to die—and I’m not talking about when I let my husband drive! (Though he’s never had an accident in Australia he says). One near-death experience was when as a teenager, I was caught in a rip while swimming at the beach on my boogie-board....
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Is being religious really that bad - by Conor Ryan (Adelaide) - Frid 3 Aug
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One of the hang-ups that religious people seem to have these days is self-consciousness about being religious. Many Christians want to make a distinction between their personal faith in Christ and something else that they deem 'religious'. They have an image in their mind of religious people and they are eager to distinguish themselves from them.....
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Being a victim of online scammers - by Bridget Brenton (Brisbane) - Frid 3 Aug
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It could happen to anyone, and last week it happened to me. I got scammed. I sometimes buy artwork off of DeviantArt. As the name suggests, you find all sorts on that website, although I’ve found a couple of genuine Christian artists there thankfully. There are a few things that I should have done to be wiser with my interactions online .....
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What is it about escapism, media and technology - by Brandon Tsang (Syd) - Frid 3 Aug
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To relax after a day of work, I would either watch a movie on Netflix or play video games as many Australian do. On reflection, the two main reasons why I enjoy this is because it allows me to embark on a journey through artists’ universes or that it allows me to role play a ...
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Communication is the key - by Menuele Teofilo (New Zealand) - Frid 3 Aug
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I survived without a cell phone for over a month. My cracked screen ended up taking this long to get fixed. The screen that the phone repair guy ordered took a while to arrive. I got annoyed at how much time it was taking because my cell phone is the main way I use to contact people.....
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THURSDAY 2 AUGUST
Standing up against distortion - by Roydon Ng (Sydney) - Thurs 2 Aug
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It is not surprising that liberals are upset at Donald Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court of the United States. The announcement of Judge Brett Kavanaugh, who arguably is a textualist and fairly originalist interpreter of the US constitution, is of significant concern to liberals ...
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An adventure in reducing waste - by Lucinda Glover (Hobart) - Thurs 2 Aug
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Like many Australians, last year I watched the ABC’s War on Waste program, hosted by Craig Reucassel. What an eye-opening, horrifying, depressing reality! Australians have become some of the worst wasters in the world. We use and abuse our resources like there’s no tomorrow.
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Play or learn, why not both? - by Sam Gillespie (Sydney) - Thurs 2 Aug
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Isn’t our capacity to learn when we are having fun amazing! Video games are often rolled out when this subject comes up and I think it is for good reason. My childhood involved playing a lot of games, purely imaginary games, board games, card games and off into the virtual ...
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Do not be afraid - by Rebecca Horverd (New Zealand) - Thurs 2 Aug
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“"Fearless" is not the absence of fear. It's not being completely unafraid. To me, fearless is having fears, having doubts, lots of them. To me, fearless is living in spite of those things that scare you to death.” - Taylor Swift.
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WEDNESDAY 1 AUGUST
Separated Churches and Nations: Blessings for the ..... by Phil Hall - Wed 1 Aug
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“Proddies, proddies, ring the bell. While the Catholics go to hell.” My mother heard variants of this sung between the Catholic and Protestant school kids when she was growing up. I have never heard or seen anything like this outside of football fans heckling each other. I grew up..
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The 7 P's of counterfeit love - by Justin Monaghan (Adelaide) - Wed 1 Aug
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In my travels as a corporate team builder I always find myself ‘eavesdropping for God’ or lately just using my eyes and seeing the disconnection of people to people interaction. As I travel on the planes, the trains, Ubers, or just walking the streets of the big cities which I work in I’m constantly astounded how far we are removed from the ability to talk to another.
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Shine bright - by Josiah Gray (Sunshine Coast) - Wed 1 Aug
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“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticise you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life…” Philippians Chapter 2 Verses 14-16 NLT. These are words that Paul, a champion of the faith, wrote to the Church in Philippi,..
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Content but not satisfied - by Cindy Adwong (New Zealand) - Wed 1 Aug
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We as Christians should live a contented life. Grateful for what God has given us, rather than focusing on what we do or do not have. Being content at each stage of life. But this is also where I believe many Christians get stuck. ......
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TUESDAY 31 JULY
The persecution complex of evangelicals - by Cheryl McGrath (Melb) - Tues 31 July
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Plenty of ink has been spilled over the decay of cultural Christianity and the possibility of Christian persecution in Australia. Christianity is still rated at 52 percent of the population, whether nominal or active. Christians can worship openly here. You may receive ridicule for your views, but you can still publish an open letter in a national newspaper and no one .....
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Feeling a little bit sensitive - by Jessica Curry (Brisbane) - Tues 31 July
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I have been really aware recently of the hurt and pain that is in our world. I know that seems like a broad statement, but when I think about issues such as abortion, sex slavery, asylum seekers, and gender confusion, I am almost overwhelmed by the pain, anger, confusion ....
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Moving into new territory - by Hannah Edwards (Brisbane) - Tues 31 July
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Stepping into new territory takes a heck of a lot of courage. As if we are walking onto a freshly frozen lake we are cautious. Testing. We think we may have heard from God, the still small whisper of the Holy Spirit and we’ve become a touch uncomfortable. This word is ....
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God's comfort - our place of rest - by Rachel Bartlett (Christchurch) - Tues 31 July
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Two years ago I commenced new employment as a junior staff worker with Christian Union. As I look back to that time. blessings came with new beginnings, as everything was fresh and exciting. My day-to-day life was filled with opportunities to talk with students at Canterbury University about Jesus, which was an amazing privilege. .....
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MONDAY 30 JULY
4 lies we should stop believing about success - by Bonnie Dowie (Adel) - Mon 30 July
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How do you define success? The answer to this question will greatly impact the way you live your life. Whatever we consciously or subconsciously see as indicators of success will become our guideposts as we move through life, determining the direction we take. In Western culture, definitions of success are commonly individualistic in nature and seem to ...
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A redeemed past, a fresh future - by Caitlyn Furler (Sunshine Coast) - Mon 30 July
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In the world of movies and TV series, trailers are a big deal. These short little snippets of new and upcoming films are cleverly and interestingly woven together in the space of two minutes to catch a viewer’s attention, spark their interest and inspire them to come see the movie....
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When God uses the unexpected - Melissa Ramoo (Sydney) - Mon 30 July
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Recently I was on holidays with my husband in the USA. We used Uber for most of our journeys around and we met a variety of interesting drivers. But none were as interesting as T. T picked us up in Los Angeles and we had a one and half hour trip with her. ....
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Basil Sellers Midge Point Art Prize - 2018 Betty Moxham - PSI - Mon 30 July
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The 2018 winner of the Basil Sellers Midge Point Art Prize is held Saturday 28 July at The Point Tavern over a morning tea was Midge Point artist Betty Moxham. Betty’s winning art work “My home among the gum trees” was selected from one of nine finalists by the ....
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Week 3 - Cycle 6 - JULY
FRIDAY 27 JULY
Winter Festival - by Christopher Archibald (Sydney) - Frid 27 July
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With winter in full swing, my church holds a festival for the community. It’s always a big event and having an afternoon of kids games, music and BBQ food is great to be a part of. The festival was free to everyone – whether it was pulled pork BBQ rolls, make-your-own taco station, sausage on bread, beef kebab skewers, sodas, milkshakes, cakes, biscuits, ....
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Finding the 'perfect' church (is it possible) - by Tim Price (USA) - Frid 27 July
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There’s a growing desire amongst Christians today to find a church that ‘fits’.
Unfortunately, this search is often mischaracterised as a shallow, vain, or even unbiblical pursuit. Selfish and petty motives are suspected. Leaving is often followed by a rolling of eyes followed by the exasperated line, “More Christians wanting the ‘perfect’ church!” Not all Christians are justified in this quest. Some have been guilty of flitting from place to place simply because the music is too loud,... Read More ...... |
I know it, but I struggle to believe it - by Steve Cole (Grafton) - Frid 27 July
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My wife, the children and me three months ago were making tracks back towards home after a holiday in sunny Brisbane. We had filled up the tank before we left and our reading on the gauge was fifty kilometers shy of our destination. As we neared home it was evident that we were, by the car's calculations, not going to make it! .....
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A letter from father to son on his 18th birthday - by Russell Modlin (senior) - Frid 27 July
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A letter to my son on the occasion of his 18th birthday. It might seem a weird present to give from a father to a son- a towel. But it is the symbolism that is important, along with the Bible verse I have placed on it. A microfibre towel as a symbol? ......
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The Gospel of Jesus Christ one continuous story - by Kevin Park (NZ) - Frid 27 July
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I write for our church’s adult youth program to assist in the broadening of their understanding of the Scriptures. This is a recent one on helping understanding the Old Testament’s purpose. I commenced my presentation from 2 Peter chapter 3 verses 8-9 “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a .....
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THURS 26 JULY
The wild west - Western guilt in a hurting world - by Brett Van Mourik (Bris) - Thurs 26 July
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I need to make a confession about my car: It’s a mid-range Mazda. I know, I know, a mid-range Mazda is not a big deal in Australia, the ‘lucky country.’ But mid range or not, this car was recently a source of guilt for me. I work in aid and development, and recently, as I walked through the car park at work, I noticed that a colleague of mine, a man in a similar job but with a different organization, owned a car much like mine. I thought to myself, “he has a similar style of car to me…
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Man's biggest problem - Renee Jenner (Sydney) - Thurs 26 July
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I remember an intense week away on a youth camp, being asked a question - what is wrong with the world? I immediately answered sin. Others had mentioned man's selfishness, greed and other specific sins. Looking back now I wonder what I really meant when I said sin. Did I just mean that the world was really dark and evil and there was just so much suffering? Or did I mean something more?
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An encouragement to use lighter fluid - by Mayce Fischer (USA) - Thurs 26 July
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A few weeks ago, at a birthday bar-b-que on a sticky Texas evening, I had an experience that made my spirit feel like it bumped into an electric fence. Do you know the feeling I’m talking about? That sudden quickening of your excitement when something reminds you how real God is, or how truly near He is to us?
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Young writer reviews - No.9 - PSI - Thurs 26 July
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The Press Service International young writer program in conjunction with Christian Today has each Week's editor or coordinator write a review of their week the week after publication. This is published in the weekly young writer memo and on the young writers private closed Facebook page. As this is a new venture recommended ......
Photo - Tom Anderson who writes the Week 3 reviews Read More ..... |
WEDNESDAY 25 JULY
NZ banning speakers - Amos Sale (New Zealand) - Wed 25 July
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If your government goes rogue and begins smothering civil liberties and basic freedoms how do you resist it? Phil Goff the sitting Mayor of Auckland recently banned a pair of visiting Canadian political commentators and activists from speaking at a council venue. His reasoning was that their controversial opinions on immigration issues would stir up racial division. They have now cancelled their visit to New Zealand.
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Jesus, my refuge - by Shannon Munyard (Adelaide) - Wed 25 July
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I was praying the other night, and asked God what he wants my next article to be about. This isn’t something I do all the time as I often have something pressing, but over the course of the last month my wells felt a bit dry, no ideas or passions springing up. After I asked, I waited. And I felt the spirit whisper ‘refuge’, and then came a physical ache inside me ....
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Good timing - by Rachel Li (Sydney) - Wed 25 July
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I’ve always wondered what Esther was thinking on the first night she invited her husband, the King of Persia, and Haman, a high-ranking senior official in the King’s court, to dinner. That night she was meaning to tell King Xerxes that Haman schemed a cunning plan to kills all the Jews in the Kingdom of Persia.....
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World Cup 2022 - by Wes Tronson (Gold Coast) - Wed 25 July
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The World Cup 2022 is scheduled for Qatar, in four years. The 2018 Moscow World Cup is now history. France defeated Croatia 4-2 in the Final, and Belgium put paid to England 2-0 for 3rd. England greatly disappointed its supporter base and its world-wide fans. Their semi-final illustrated they were not hungry enough. The Croatian players consistently were in front of their English opposite numbers as passes came their way. Some .....
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TUESDAY 24 JULY
White space: the art of pausing in a hectic world - Peter Brookshaw (Melb) - Tues 24 July
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Some of you are wondering what white space is. Just pause for a moment. I’ll tell you in a minute. Though, that’s the problem right there. We don’t know how to pause. Just be a passenger in a car for longer than five minutes and you’ll see impatience. Just sit at a computer and wait for a video to load and you’ll see frustration......
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What good is a jet plane if it doesn't move !! by Jo Fuller (Sunshine Coast) - Tues 24 July
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I recently took a trip inter-state to visit my sister. We had a wonderful time and my baby daughter was able to go on her first plane ride. We were told upon check-in that our departing flight would be delayed by a mere 15 minutes. We went through security with plenty of time to spare. We were then able to board the aeroplane, so we took our seats ... Read More ....
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The three no's that defined a God 'yes' in my life - by Brendon Collins (NZ) - Tues 24 July
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So often in our lives we can walk through seasons with people being around us where we are getting encouraged. But too often we can be in environments were we feel that no one is around us to encourage us. The events in our lives can look so dim where we are going nowhere. God wants to constantly encourage us on the mountaintops and in the valleys low. This article today is written in mind that no matter what season .....
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Desk top art highly prized by young writers - PSI - Tues 24 July
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Every month for the Tweed Heads Chamber of Commerce business car-draw I have now for many years presented a desk top art work and they have been well received. Desk top art works are small in nature, that sit on an executive's or a corporate desk and has a significance to that person and highly appreciative.
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MONDAY 23 JULY
The art of success - by Tom Anderson (Ipswich) - Mon 23 July
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I set myself a goal to run a marathon five years ago. I went from zero to running half the distance in about three months. It took me another year and a half to finally stand at the start line for my first attempt at 42km. How did it go? Not well. I finished, but only just, limping across the line in just under five painful hours.
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Welcome to the house of God - by Kristen Dang (Adelaide) - Mon 23 July
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Every house has its own character, and it speaks something of the people who live there. We were having dinner with some friends a few weeks ago when one of them prayed and gave thanks that we were able to worship in the house of God together. As we prepared to share the meal, I felt the significance of God’s house dawn on me. How incredible it is that God ......
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The considerations in quitting - by Jared Diprose (New Zealand) - Mon 23 July
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Have you ever thought – I just want to quit. Let’s consider this - what if you just quit? I mean your job, just quit. What if you just went to work tomorrow, and quit your job. Be at a loose end. A new start. A fresh beginning. You might go bankrupt, become a manic depressant, or become homeless. On the other hand something wonderful might happen. It may well not tho, don't want you to get your hopes up.
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5 weeks to 2018 young writer conference - PSI - Mon 23 July
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The 2018 young writer conference will be held in Christchurch on Saturday 1 September at the Salvation Army Conference Centre, Colombo Street – just five weeks away. Young people are coming from Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Wollongong, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and international young writers .....
Photo - the remarkable perennial MC is Senior Writer Russell Modlin Read More ...... |
Week 2 - Cycle 6 - JULY
FRIDAY 20 JULY
Getting out of your own way - by Jesse Moore (Sunshine Coast) - Frid 20 July
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U2’s latest album, Songs of Experience, includes a song titled, “Get Out of Your Own Way”. While listening closely to the creative lyrics I realised how relevant this concept is to my own life let alone the people around me. Often, we find something or someone to blame for situations we’ve been placed in to avoid facing the harsh reality that we ourselves .......
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Bucking the trend - by Ethan Miller (New Zealand) - Frid 20 July
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Recently I attended a conference for those who are in Church leadership. One of the big themes than appeared in almost every main session was that Christianity and Churches in New Zealand are declining. I felt like what I have witnessed, read and often talked about was finally getting the spotlight it deserved. .....
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Do you see what I see? by Meenal Sim (Sydney) - Frid 20 July
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How often have you missed a moment because you were ‘too busy’ or missed the bigger picture because you were so focused on ensuring your small part of the world was being attended to?
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Unanswered prayer - by David Lean (Brisbane) - Frid 20 July
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Hebrew chapter 11 verse 1 says, “faith is being sure of what we hope for, and confident about that which we do not see.” Today, I have entitled my word unanswered prayer… when God ‘doesn’t’ listen. As I was thinking about this, .....
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THURSDAY 19 JULY
The most important thing you can do - by Ben Kruzins (Ocean Shores) - Thurs 19 July
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In life we all have different priorities. For some of us, the most important thing you can do is love your spouse or love your kids. For others the most important thing you can do is to be good at your job and provide for your family. All these things are driven by love; you love your family so therefore you want the best for them.......
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Releasing hope - by Liana Monaghan (Adelaide) - Thurs 19 July
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Recently I have been given the privilege of joining a team that leads worship at a homeless outreach in the city. This amazing experience of releasing hope through song and spirit-led encouragement has reminded me of God’s heart to lift the head of those who are soul-downcast and release His hope and peace over His people......
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Great Commission at the comfort of your own home - Richard Kwon (NZ) - Wed 19 July
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Ah yes…indeed it is one of the classic summer bible retreat message that you have heard over a million times: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.....
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I'm not sure if I'm a Christian anymore ...... by Emma Seabrook (Melb) - Thurs 18 July
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Being a christian isn’t easy. Jesus warned us of this when he said “...in the world, you will have trouble.” Sometimes, the world gets so hard that we begin to question our faith. We begin to wonder whether it’s all a big con. Surely a God that is supposed to be so loving wouldn’t allow all the trials in the world – cancer, death, pain, heartache…..
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Statisticians sent in the 2018 young writer results - PSI - Thurs 18 July
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The Press Service International young writer program in conjunction with Christian Today has now received from the various statisticians the 2018 young writer award results. These 2018 awards will be presented in a little over 5 weeks in Christchurch at the annual conference and awards. The certificates are provided by ......
Photo - Talisa Pariss-Proby an Over 31's Panellist - a former young writer, and award winner Read More ....... |
WEDNESDAY 18 JULY
Playing my part - by Thomas Devenish (Hobart) - Wed 18 July
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When it comes to classical music, one of my earliest memories goes back to when I was a young boy of ten or eleven going for a drive with my older brother. It was an early morning, on a gravel road on top of a mountain. There was mist everywhere, and bands of sunlight streamed through the tall trees that lined the road. As we drove through this surreal scene, we listened to one of Mozart’s symphonies.....
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Don't Bag the Ban on Plastic Bags - by Sarah Urmston (Sydney) - Wed 18 July
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On 1 July 2018, WA, NSW, QLD and VIC were dragged with much fanfare and fuss into the modern age of BYO Bags (or pay up!) to the supermarket. Yes, it’s a new world for many as a ban on light-weight, single use plastic bags came into effect into the remaining states on 1 July 2018. These states were welcomed with open arms by South Australia – who led the charge in 2009, the ACT and Tasmania (arrived in 2011) and Tasmania in 2013. .....
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Life isn't a movie ... living in messiness - by Anna Waite (Brisbane) - Wed 18 July
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Have you ever had one of those moments where in the midst of everything going on around you, you are hit by the thought ‘it doesn’t get better than this’? Perhaps in a perfect day of sunshine, friends, summer tunes and laughter. Or maybe during an evening with family, children running amok and a delicious spread on the table. A moment where everything felt exactly as it should. ......
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Who is that girl in the mirror - by Amy Ching (New Zealand) - Wed 18 July
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“Who is that girl I see staring straight back at me? Why is my reflection someone I don’t know?” The familiar lyrics bring me back to the scene of Mulan where she questioned her worth being shamed by the matchmaker. She did not feel that she was like the other girls possessing qualities to be a good bride. Her experience is very similar to how girls including myself in this century would go through. We compare ourselves to others, questioning ...
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Sport: Diving Deep - by David Goodwin (Melbourne) - Wed 18 July
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I’ve enjoyed watching some of the soccer World Cup. The passion on display from fans, the way that soccer truly is a world game that has an international reach beyond the dreams of other sports, the sheer level of skill and athleticism required—it’s a spectacle that captures the imagination of even casual observers such as myself. ......
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THURSDAY 17 JULY
The Bookshop (a movie), life (a bravery), and ..... by Emma McGeorge NZ - Tues 17 July
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>> Warning: possible spoilers, guaranteed opinions <<
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson. Despite the less than generous rating which Rotten Tomatoes gave this movie, I decided to go along and see “The Bookshop” at a local cinema .... Read More ...... |
Resurrection around us - by Michael Dahlenburg (Adelaide) - Tues 17 July
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In our home, when we go out and about, I am usually the designated driver.
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My boring testimony - by Miranda Menelaws (Kingaroy) - Tues 17 July
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Growing up in church, I remember loving the Sundays where instead of the usual sermon, members from the church would share their testimonies with the congregation. I love to hear people’s stories—it’s what makes me love writing and storytelling too—but of course it also goes much deeper than that.
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Delightful reflections on Hillsong 2018 - by Grace Mathew (Sydney) - Tues 17 July
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If miraculously blue skies are a sign of an open heaven, Hillsong Conference seems to be in perennial favour with those above. Forecasts of rain and cold were swapped for unseasonably sunny skies, as over 23,000 conference attendees flocked to Sydney's Olympic Park for the nation's largest annual conference. Qudos Bank Arena, built for sports games and celebrities, resounded with songs like "Amazing Grace" and modern classics ...
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MONDAY 16 JULY
Revival of a shackled youth - by Cartia Moore (Sunshine Coast) - Mon 16 July
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Youth camps are awesome, and our church’s recent youth camp was no exception. Attending this year’s camp as a leader was a unique opportunity to see things from a different perspective. Whenever a few hundred young people come together to worship in ......
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Sorry, you won't have eternal life in heaven - by Haydn Lea (Adelaide) - Mon 16 July
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I’m sorry, but I don’t believe that you’re going to spend eternity in heaven. This isn’t a judgement on you personally, I’m saying that as a whole, believers won’t spend eternity in heaven. Allow me to explain…
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Victim or Victor - by Joseph Kolapudi (Brisbane) - Mon 16 July
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Significance is often a hard-fought battle between voicing your opinion and making your voice heard. While both may not strike the reader as being quite different from each other, there is a vast difference between both.....
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The blanket in the cold - by Esther Koh New Zealand - Mon 16 July
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The cold weather has finally hit us with temperatures below 0°c during the wee night and early morning. In spite of that, our toddler ironically decides that now is the best time to stop using a blanket. We completely empathise with parents who have little kickers of blankets as we’ve been through this with our eldest boy in addition to his younger brother following in his stead now. ......
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Hillsong Music - by Daniel Mathew (Sydney) - Mon 16 July
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There are more songs of worship to be sung! And at Hillsong Conference 2018, that happened. The annual conference that is often marked by musical excellence has had a distinctly more honest and intimate approach this year. .....
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Christian Intuitive and your Last Will and Testament - PSI - Mon 16 July
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There are lawyers today who specialise in contesting someone's last Will and Testament. One of my daughter's is one of these who specialise in this..... Art - Lines of Life (Tronson)
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Week 1 - Cycle 6 - JULY
FRIDAY 13 JULY
Tiger begins to emerge from the Woods - by Josh Hinds (Agnes Waters) - Frid 13 July
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It was supposed to be the tale of a legend, a tale we would tell our grandkids we were around to see, the greatest golfer that ever lived. Even better than that, it was the tale of an African American kid, making it in a sport dominated by white men around the world. Not long before Tiger’s time, the only way an African American could see a golf course, was to carry the clubs of a white man. .......
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Christian women, what are you wearing - by Genevieve Wilson senior writer - Frid 13 July
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The world treats our bodies as sexual objects and the styles in fashion are designed to emphasis this. It is hard to go to the store to buy clothes that are meant to cover us up when the style is about wearing as little as you can. Women are being immodest for the sake of fashion. .......
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The mind that justifies whatever we wish - by Kandima Awendila (Mozambique) - Frid 13 July
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A man was caught speeding by the police according to the current affairs program I was watching. Instead of stopping when instructed by police, the man fled. This resulted in a high speed police chase which ended tragically with the death of the man. When the man’s sister was questioned on whether her brother was in any way accountable for his actions,
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The children who cross our borders - by Christina Jones (USA) - Frid 13 July
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I remember the first time I saw the photos of Ruby Bridges walking into the formerly all-white Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana on November 14th, 1960. There she was - a six-year-old little girl with a flower in her hair - surrounded by screaming, hateful adults telling her she didn’t have the right to be in their places because of the colour of her skin.....
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Hillsong Youth Revival - by Ben Kruzins (Ocean Shores) - Frid 13 July
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Hillsong Young and Free lead a youth revival, as the greatness of God displays in colour on spirit filled day at Hillsong Conference 2018. As a Pastor in a Baptist Church I frequently get asked ‘How do we bring young people into Church?” The Youth of today are looking for something more, they want to be apart of something that is bigger than their own self. Young people are reckless, they have a spirit they have an energy that God has gifted them .......
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THURSDAY 12 JULY
Total Truth - by Paul Lewis (West Indies) - Thurs 12 July
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The truth is a timeless topic of interest, not just for me but for many others throughout human history. This is a common pursuit—as soon as we are aware of our surroundings we begin to question how, why, and what we know. In other words: is what we believe an accurate reflection of reality?
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Leadership Trumps - by Stacy-Ann Smith (West Indies) - Wed 12 July
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There is a lot of uproar regarding the Trump administration. Depending on who you listen to the leader of the free world is either a saint or the Devil himself. What’s most potent is the constant comparison - he is not like Obama, he is like Hitler, He is Christ’s response to the American crisis, he behaves like Kim Jon-un.
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Overcoming the Overwhelming - by Aaron Sabio (USA) - Wed 12 July
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I know I’m not the only one whose been anxious and overwhelmed. It is estimated that 40 million Americans suffer some form of anxiety disorder. That is 18% of all American adults. This is a scary statistic. I’ve seen friends and family crippled by anxiety and the effects of being overwhelmed.....
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A prayer for a wretched soul - by Sunny Kang (New Zealand) - Wed 12 July
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Desire burns within me, yet in ashes,
For it isn’t for You, O Fountain of Life This wretched soul is weaker than grass Tossed by wind, tossed into fire Read More ..... |
What to do when hope ends in death - by Grace Mathew (Sydney) - Wed 12 July
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This week a beautiful friend shrugged off her earthly cloth, that cancer-ridden flesh that was no longer able to contain the life and the light that we saw shining from her eyes, eyes that sometimes held tears but always held faith, and she went home for eternity. Her parting lead my mind back to that well-worn path my thoughts have often travelled between ,,,,,
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WEDNESDAY 11 JULY
The way of the Master - by Josh Robbie (South Africa) - Wed 11 July
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Following your own heart is a fallacy. Following the Master is the way of truth. A master can give you a heart for that which you know nothing about. As it turns out we all need a heart transplant when it comes to knowing God: Jeremiah chapter 24 verse 7. A novice apprentice or disciple is prone to take instruction and interpret it ......
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Trial by fire - by Mel Cleary (New Zealand) - Wed 11 July
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Have you ever looked at a tiny flame of a candle and thought how beautiful? Or at a fireplace and thought how cozy and warm? And then you hear about spontaneous combustion and think no thank you. Because fun fact about fire – it hurts. ....
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Three Ways Closer - by Ashley Mullins (USA) - Wed 11 July
This week my husband and I celebrated five years of marriage. Five years seemed like a very long time when we were first married but now it feels like no time at all. We’re not quite newlyweds but still feel like it in many ways! This week as I’ve been reflecting on my marriage and other close relationships in my life,
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TUESDAY 10 JULY
From disillusionment to Contentment - by Matthew Thornton (NZ) - Tues 10 July
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At high school I remember studying The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. Written post-WWI, it reveals the fragmentation and devastation caused by the Great War. In particular, it reflects the ‘disillusionment’ felt by many during in that time, a worldview known as modernity.
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My trip to Portland - experiencing rest - by Jason Lalone (USA) - Tues 10 July
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I recently flew, with my frequent flyer miles, to Portland Oregon. I was going to see what all the hype was about. Apparently, the city is filled with breweries, suspicious amounts of coffee and hippies or hipsters (depending on your definition). If your wondering, my definition of a hipster is someone that wants to be a hippy, but has more money. .....
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A 'Leaning In' Life requires unexpected sacrifices - by Charis Jackson US - Tues 10 July
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As you may have read, this is the year of leaning in for me. I’ve experienced fascinating freedom and discovered a few consequences and now I’m learning about unexpected sacrifices. Because sometimes when you lean in, you have to say goodbye. ....
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MONDAY 9 JULY
The Gospel doesn't need upgrading - by Jessica McPherson (NZ) - Mon 9 July
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Throughout our whole lives we seem driven by the desire to increase in knowledge. From the time we are born we start learning and as we get older we move on to more complicated and challenging subjects. When reading we first learn how to recognises simple pictures and words and by the time we are adults we are onto classics like Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations or Lord of The Rings. .....
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I am President and other challenges ..... by Rosie Robinson (England) - Mon 9 July
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I have just started a new contract. I am finding it to be a thrilling, exciting and challenging season in my life. I am surrounded by unfamiliar words and terms, as well as a stretching schedule. I am going to be working hard, but hopefully having fun too! Whilst I am excited about the new challenge before me, I am not writing about that. I am attempting to communicate some musings in my head, following a comment made by the current ......
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Some thoughts from Cambodia trip - by Cindy Cheng (China) - Mon 9 July
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This February, I travelled to Cambodia and spent two weeks there. Instead of traveling with friends or joining a tour group, I prefer to find a local host when travelling abroad. From my past experience, I consider it’s a good way to get to know local people and their culture. I contacted with Kim, the initiator and host of a local charity school, and stayed at his place this time.
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What next in our conversations - by Sharma Taylor (West Indies) - Mon 9 July
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Have you ever felt like you’re just taking up space? You know that awkward feeling of trying to make conversation with someone you’ve just met at a party but then their gaze shifts and their eyes start to circle the room? It’s as if they are just searching for someone they know so they can excuse themselves politely ......
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Week 5 - Cycle 5 - JUNE - JULY
FRIDAY 6 JULY
From Saul to David - by Elizabeth Josic (Sunshine Coast) - Frid 6 July 2018
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Presently we are in a transitional time, midway between a Saul-type and David-type leadership. The reign of Saul lacked the reverence for the manifest presence of God’s glory, it is the Davidic generation that will bring back the king of kings. Saul being soulish in his leadership could not stand in battle, because he did not have the fear of God. Saul feared the giants, whereas David had the fear of God. Before David transitioned into his reign over Judah he experienced a raid of attack from the .....
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The importance of individuality - by Laura Miles (Sunshine Coast) - 6 July 2018
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“And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)” – Dr Seuss, Oh the Places You’ll Go. Ah, Dr. Seuss. An inspiration to some, an instigator of childhood nightmares for others. I have always loved Dr. Seuss. His creativity and individualism have always moved me. His eccentricity and colour stir my own into greater vibrancy.
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Young writers alerted to misuse of mobiles .... - PSI - Frid 6 July
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15 young Australians have lost their lives in accidents since January having been preoccupied by texting / talking on their mobile phones and or with ear plugs listening to ‘whatever’ and unable to hear traffic around them. Well-Being Australia’s Dr Mark Tronson has been pro-active to his young writers in Australia, New Zealand and the International young writers regarding their safety in relation ....
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THURSDAY 5 JULY
Don't judge a book by its cover - by Jarred Pienaar (Sunshine Coast) - Thurs 5 July
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Growing up in high school I went through the MSN messenger era. I would spend hours each day after school with friends chatting online. MSN messenger didn’t have photos and videos like todays social media carriers. .....
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What I think of the Presonus Studio Live 3 - by Zach Radloff (IT writer) - Thurs 5 July
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The studio live console from Presonus is an interesting console. While I’m more of an X32 guy my self I have had some time with the SL3 and in this article, I want to share my thoughts on the console.
The Good The particular SKU I’ve been using is the SL3-24. This is the 24-channel version of the SL3 console but a 16 and 32 channel SKUs are also available. The initial things I liked about it were: .... Read More ...... |
New faces in Australian young writer program - PSI - Thurs 5 July
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The 2018 young writer program with Press Service International in conjunction with Christian Today has seen quite a few additional young writers. This young writer program initiated in 2009 has developed in these past nine years, along with the international young writers, Kiwi young writers and sport writers have maintained strong numbers and intriguing articles. There are 5 weeks per Cycle and 10 Cycles in the year....
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WEDNESDAY 4 JULY
Inspirational Athletes - Justin Langer - by Jeremy Dover (Melbourne) - Wed 4 July
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The journey has been a remarkable one: From an opening batsman for one of Australia’s greatest ever Test Cricket teams, to an acclaimed 20-20 coaching career, to now the bright hope for Australian Cricket. Justin Langer is the shining light in a dark era of Australian cricket .....
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Our truth is the Word of God - by Christopher Harris (Melbourne) - Wed 4 July
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In the early part of my journey in reading the word, I found a myriad of information online with many denying the words of the Bible, or denying parts of the word and accepting others. Some were saying things that initially sounded loving with a message of tolerance but I found they were speaking of accepting things the Bible spoke against .......
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How I became a contemplative - II - by Mark Flippance (Adelaide) - Wed 4 July
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The work of grace, as I said in part one, is primary to contemplative prayer. I just want to strip away some mystique of religious jargon. First of all, the work of grace is a twofold thing, it requires weakness and humility on our part and an empowering and enlivening on God's. This weakening and humbling can often be a Christian's biggest stumbling block. There has crept many half-truths into the western church under the guise of prosperity ....
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TUESDAY 3 JULY
Seeking Refuge - Amy Manners (Adelaide) - Tues 3 July
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On World Refugee Day…I see a poster plastered to a concrete slab, dirtied from the exhaust fumes of passing traffic. Over screeching busses and revving cars hang words that can’t be silenced: true Australians say Welcome. And I think how today… A mother mourns her eldest son. After five years on Nauru, the Australian-run detention centre,
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Forerunners of faith - by Ashley Menelaws (Kingaroy) - Tues 3 July
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I often find myself in bouts of frustration with what the church as a whole has become in this day and age. In fact, I would go so far as to say I am frustrated with how the church no longer seems to follow the example of the forerunners of faith, or barely does so. If we are being completely honest with ourselves having faith in today’s society, ......
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'Fourth' Kiwi young writer conf - PSI - Tues 3 July
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The New Zealand young writers program initiated in 2012 is taking a leap forward with its fourth conference to be held on Saturday 1 September in Christchurch. The Kiwi young writers are part of Press Service International’s young writer program in conjunction with ....
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MONDAY 2 JULY
Kingdom Conspiracy - by Fiona Mackenzie (Sydney) - Mon 2 July
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Recently I’ve been reading a fascinating book by Scot McKnight called Kingdom Conspiracy. McKnight is a New Testament scholar, historian and theologian. Any questions about the integrity and authority of the Bible, I’m sure he’s your guy. But fair warning, this is not a light read. It will rattle your theology. It will change the way you understand Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God.
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Closing the gap between ..... by Leigh Clough (Gold Coast) - Mon 2 July
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Everyone has both a God breathed identity and a God ordained destiny inside of them. All the riches and joys of life are found as we marry who God created us to be with what we actually pursue to do. This is authenticity.
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Young writer Reviews - No 6 - PSI - Mon 2 July
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The Press Service International young writer program in conjunction with Christian Today has each Week's editor or coordinator write a review of their week the week after publication. This is published in the weekly young writer memo and on the young writers private closed Facebook page. Photo is Jo Fuller a Week 3 young writer.
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Week 4 - Cycle 5 - JUNE
FRIDAY 29 JUNE
Trusting God - by Conor Ryan (Adelaide) - Frid 29 June
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How do we maintain trust in God in the midst of the uncertainties and trials of life? Trust has to do with things that are foundational. For example when we sit down on a chair we usually trust that it is strong and trustworthy. We have enough confidence that we don't even have to think about it.
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The voice of God - by Josiah Gray (Sunshine Coast) - Frid 29 June
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I have a question for you; how does one hear the voice of God? If you think back to Moses you might say He simply speaks audibly and we listen. If you think back to Isaiah you might say it is through dreams. Even if you think of John and his mighty Revelation you wouldn’t be wrong in saying God speaks through visions.
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The lies the world tell us .... by Melissa Meroo (Sydney) - Frid 29 June
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Consumerism’s overwhelming dominance in our culture has made it hard to hear any other message. Our society defines us in terms of economic prosperity. The increasingly rapid pace of change can strain our identity.
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THURSDAY 28 JUNE
2018 World Cup - by Wes Tronson (Gold Coast) - Thurs 28 June
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Russia has been a sensation host nation as the Group stages come to an end in the biggest sporting spectacle on earth.
The final Group stage fixtures are all played at the same time to add to the excitement of which 2 teams out of 4 advance to the next stage and the drama has been as exciting as always all across the Russian host cities. Read more ... |
For a better world - by Roydon Ng (Sydney) - Thurs 28 June
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“There is no such thing as society” – former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher famously said in a 1987 interview. This quote might be silly at first glance but carries much significance for us as individuals, because there is such thing as society in the realm of ‘community’. It is through our society that we can conduct acts of altruism, courage, heroism or compassion. This only takes place when we feel part of a larger community.
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Do you want to receive healing? - by Hannah Edwards (Brisbane) - Thurs 28 June
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About six weeks ago my closet door came slightly off its hinges when I was moving some boxes around. I collected the tiny screws on my nightstand for safekeeping so I could fix it right up. I have looked in my closet, often stared actually, trying to decide what to wear every single day over the last six weeks.
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