An interesting thought for the day...
"I have discovered I must think long term. I can accomplish more than I ever dreamed in 10 years, even if my short-term goals go unmet. Learning this lesson allows me to go at a sane pace, rather than frantically trying to do everything now. It also allows me to set realistic goals and deadlines while building something that lasts. A mushroom grows in six days; an oak tree grows in 60 years. Which do you want your ministry to produce?" - Brad Johnson
In my life coaching I have found a very simple suggestion in regard to "balance" has been liberating in regard to my obsessive self-criticism...
Work toward a balance (in the seven primary roles of life) over a week...instead of attempting to maintain balance over a 24 hour period. Balance isn't necessary a balance in real time invested in each of the roles...there doesn't have to be an hour for hour equation for you to achieve at least a modicum of balance. Ten minutes of prayer can accomplish more than ten hours of work!
Friday, April 29, 2005
Monday, April 25, 2005
Lest we forget!
It's Anzac Day here in Oz! The march down George Street in downtown Sydney has already been going on for over two hours and I think they are about half way though the units. There is a record turnout of spectators I might add. I am always touched to see the children of "missing" soldiers proudly wearing their grandparents service medals and marching in their proper units alongside his or her former mates.
As an American-born quasi-Aussie it would be remiss of me not to "Remember" (and even say a word on behalf of...) the men and women who gave (and risked) their lives to maintain our national identity and freedom.
Before we moved here to Australia, in December of 1974, I had never even heard of the battle of Gallipolli, the Kakoda Track, and the POW camp at Changi (or the Japanese breakout from the Cowra POW camp for that matter)...what a rich history of sacrifice and service. I honour them all.
Especially today, I am remembering with gratitude, the faithful service of "Fighting Mac McKenzie", a Salvation Army chaplain who served with high honour in both Gallipolli and France. His story, now available in print brought tears to eyes of this "hardened" history buff.
Chaplain Major William McKenzie, MC, (1869-1947) was attached to 4th Battalion, AIF, during the 1914-18 war. He was a man of renowned principle and courage...well known and loved by thousands of frontline soldiers because of his fearless service to them. The troops were the first to refer to him as "Fighting Mac" because of his undefeated prowess in the boxing ring, but his "fight" extended to the salvation of thousands under heavy fire. He was awarded the Military Cross for his personal bravery and spirit of sacrificial service. It was said of Fighting Mac by a contemporary that "Chaplain McKenzie made Christ real to thousands of men. Up and down the fire-swept ridges he followed them, carrying food and water, tramping miles for their mail; by night cutting steps over treacherous patches which the boys must travel in the morning, praying with them, helping them to live, supporting them as they died. Burying literally hundreds of brave lads fallen in battle, he spent far into the night in his dim dugout, writing to their relatives." My favorite story was his baptism of hundreds one day at Anzac Cove during an artillery barrage.
So...Fighting Mac...I thank God for you and your faithful testimony of God's love in the very midst of hell on earth. You are a model to me...I remember you!
As an American-born quasi-Aussie it would be remiss of me not to "Remember" (and even say a word on behalf of...) the men and women who gave (and risked) their lives to maintain our national identity and freedom.
Before we moved here to Australia, in December of 1974, I had never even heard of the battle of Gallipolli, the Kakoda Track, and the POW camp at Changi (or the Japanese breakout from the Cowra POW camp for that matter)...what a rich history of sacrifice and service. I honour them all.
Especially today, I am remembering with gratitude, the faithful service of "Fighting Mac McKenzie", a Salvation Army chaplain who served with high honour in both Gallipolli and France. His story, now available in print brought tears to eyes of this "hardened" history buff.
Chaplain Major William McKenzie, MC, (1869-1947) was attached to 4th Battalion, AIF, during the 1914-18 war. He was a man of renowned principle and courage...well known and loved by thousands of frontline soldiers because of his fearless service to them. The troops were the first to refer to him as "Fighting Mac" because of his undefeated prowess in the boxing ring, but his "fight" extended to the salvation of thousands under heavy fire. He was awarded the Military Cross for his personal bravery and spirit of sacrificial service. It was said of Fighting Mac by a contemporary that "Chaplain McKenzie made Christ real to thousands of men. Up and down the fire-swept ridges he followed them, carrying food and water, tramping miles for their mail; by night cutting steps over treacherous patches which the boys must travel in the morning, praying with them, helping them to live, supporting them as they died. Burying literally hundreds of brave lads fallen in battle, he spent far into the night in his dim dugout, writing to their relatives." My favorite story was his baptism of hundreds one day at Anzac Cove during an artillery barrage.
So...Fighting Mac...I thank God for you and your faithful testimony of God's love in the very midst of hell on earth. You are a model to me...I remember you!
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Shift in Scenery
With the Kings finishing up their season (on near impossible high note!) I have found myself with a little more time to pursue my role with the NSW Waratahs...who are also having a great year. A couple of their players however have been in a bit of strife so I am assuming that it doesn't hurt to be "around" and offering support as requested. Did get out to see one young contract player in hospital and had a good visit with him. Also visiting a couple of serious injury players from lower grades so the car almost knows the way to the hospital on its' own.
Had a great opportunity to share my faith with young (20 something) player the other day after a hospital visit. A friend in rugby suggested he ring me and when he did I just happened to be only two train stations from him with about a half-hour before lunch hour...so within an hour of his call we were sitting down having a chat. The words he used to explain his difficult situation were..."morals", "guilt", and "forgiveness". I suggested those sounded like "spiritual issues" to me and would he be willing to explore some spiritual answers instead of social or psychological (which he had found inadequate so far).
When he readily agreed, we had a great conversation about how to enter into a personal relationship with God. After checking to make sure that he really understood the "theory" and then the "mechanics" (of HOW to become a Christian)...I suggested the next question he needed to answer was "when" do you want to do this. After suggesting two options (give it some time and thought in order to answer any more questions...or jump in right now), he said "I want to do that right now".
So he did!
Had a great opportunity to share my faith with young (20 something) player the other day after a hospital visit. A friend in rugby suggested he ring me and when he did I just happened to be only two train stations from him with about a half-hour before lunch hour...so within an hour of his call we were sitting down having a chat. The words he used to explain his difficult situation were..."morals", "guilt", and "forgiveness". I suggested those sounded like "spiritual issues" to me and would he be willing to explore some spiritual answers instead of social or psychological (which he had found inadequate so far).
When he readily agreed, we had a great conversation about how to enter into a personal relationship with God. After checking to make sure that he really understood the "theory" and then the "mechanics" (of HOW to become a Christian)...I suggested the next question he needed to answer was "when" do you want to do this. After suggesting two options (give it some time and thought in order to answer any more questions...or jump in right now), he said "I want to do that right now".
So he did!
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