I had an interesting talk with one of the guys who hangs around work.
He's one of those people who tend to be a bit more special than most.
You can generally have a reasonable conversation with him until, BAM! Something will enter the conversation that's a bit curious.
To say the least.
Wowee.
Last week was like that.
He was having a smoke and I asked how he was as I walked past.
He was ok, but then "No. I'm depressed."
"Why? What's up?"
"The pope told me I can't get married."
Sometimes you need to ignore the obvious question.
"Hmmmmm. Did you want to get married?"
"Not really. But now I can't, I'm sad."
Please bear in mind I have not typed all the words he used during the course of this conversation. Such is the vocabulary of some of the guys I work with.
Anyway, onwards.
"Ok," I said. "Anything else?"
I did cringe at this point. I didn't mean to ask that question.
"Yeah. I think my neighbour eats angels."
Now there is no sign of any emotion during this chat, on his part. Just a matter of fact (!!!) conversation.
"Ok," I replied. "Does that make you sad as well?"
"Yep. I think I'll top myself next week."
"Before Christmas?"
"Oh. Maybe after that. But yeah, definitely then."
He draws on his smoke again.
A chance to pause and reflect on what has been said.
Training kicks in. "Do you know how you might do it?"
"Yep."
"Ok. Would you tell me? It sounds serious."
"I'm going to cover myself in mince and lie in front of a dog. She'll eat me to death."
Interesting choice of dog gender.
Again, ignore the obvious question.
"Do you have enough mince?"
"Not yet."
"Will you let me know when you do?"
"Ok."
"Thank you."
I thought it best to leave then.
Misplaced ingenuity in action.
But it could work.
Couldn't it?
Some days are never dull at my work.
Leviticus 24
It's a curious chapter this.
From keeping a lamp burning to stoning for blasphemy.
Maybe, there isn't just a big jump between the two.
It's a matter of doing right before God.
The priest had their duty.
There was one way to prepare the lamps.
There was one way to bake the loaves.
There was one way to make the offering.
There was one way to signify the covenant with God.
One way.
Then.
An argument.
A curse uttered.
There was one decision to make.
The punishment for blasphemy.
In all things, God had delivered His people.
In a time when the people could be distracted by other alternates.
His name was required to be kept sacred.
If you could disrespect His name, where was the next line to cross.
There was one way to honour God.
Honour everything.
No compromise.
It was the same as killing someone.
It was of more importance than killing an animal or injuring someone.
It didn't matter the circumstance, the name of the Lord was to be honoured and not cursed.
One way.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
113 My Boss (Lev 23)
I was at a "do" today with my boss and he made some comment about maybe mentioning his good self in my blog.
I can't remember exactly what he said, but I do remember at the time having to think that it was funny.
Heh heh.
So here is me mentioning him and his wittyness.
He is pretty witty, when the mood strikes.
I hope it strikes tomorrow. *gulps*
He is quite good to work with.
Intelligent, with an amazing sense of humour.
I hope.
Leviticus 23
This chapter is about remembering to put God first.
Yes there is feasting.
There is probably rejoicing.
But there definitely is putting God first.
Honouring Him.
Not just weekly.
Regularly through the year as well.
It's an important thing to remember.
God saved them from slavery.
He saved them from persecution.
He saved them from starving.
He saved them from thirst.
He saved them from illness.
He provided a land to call home.
He provided guidance.
He provided a leader.
He provided a way to come into His presence.
They just need to remember this.
Each feast, each offering does this in spades.
It's an ongoing remembering.
So that it doesn't finish with this generation.
So that it's not lost all together.
I can't remember exactly what he said, but I do remember at the time having to think that it was funny.
Heh heh.
So here is me mentioning him and his wittyness.
He is pretty witty, when the mood strikes.
I hope it strikes tomorrow. *gulps*
He is quite good to work with.
Intelligent, with an amazing sense of humour.
I hope.
Leviticus 23
This chapter is about remembering to put God first.
Yes there is feasting.
There is probably rejoicing.
But there definitely is putting God first.
Honouring Him.
Not just weekly.
Regularly through the year as well.
It's an important thing to remember.
God saved them from slavery.
He saved them from persecution.
He saved them from starving.
He saved them from thirst.
He saved them from illness.
He provided a land to call home.
He provided guidance.
He provided a leader.
He provided a way to come into His presence.
They just need to remember this.
Each feast, each offering does this in spades.
It's an ongoing remembering.
So that it doesn't finish with this generation.
So that it's not lost all together.
Monday, December 13, 2010
112 Clouds (Lev 22)
There have been plenty of opportunities recently to see the majesty in a cloud.
I like clouds.
Not really wet ones.
Although they can also be an amazing sight, particularly those with big thunderheads.
It's only been recently I've noticed them in particular.
I think since maybe late 2000 or early 2001.
Around then anyway.
They can change so quickly.
They float gently along minding their own business.
Or race each other through the sky.
I like them.
Probably more than looking at stars, I'd look at clouds.
Lando Calrissian had it right I reckon, by living in a city in the clouds.
Although I doubt I'll ever be persuaded by the "Dark Side"(Again).
The outlook from our windows are brilliant for seeing the variations appear and then leave.
They can distract at times when I should be doing something else.
Like blogging.
I may never get this done until dark now.
Or maybe I will....
Leviticus 22
Not only did the animals brought forward as a sacrifice need to be pure and unblemished, so did the priests conducting the sacrifice.
If you were born with a blemish, then your role was very much in the background.
There was no consideration of how pure your heart may be.
Blemished on the outside meant unholy.
If you were a priest at least.
It's working in the back room for you, Spotty.
Harsh?
Unfair?
Possibly.
But it was the law and no correspondence was never entered into.
I've seen some ministers who are probably glad they don't need to worry about that these days.
They look pretty rough.
And yes, I know exactly the roughness of my own exterior.
God will use those called by Him.
In those days, it was limited to a tribe.
It was limited by appearance.
And it could still go bad.
There was no second chance.
The other thing that gets spelled out is, even unintentional errors incurred a cost.
I think the picture of a priest with little hair, originated in these times.
Talk about stressful living.
It's almost dark now.
I've finished.
But there's another bank of clouds hovering outside.
Could be a rough night.
I like clouds.
Not really wet ones.
Although they can also be an amazing sight, particularly those with big thunderheads.
It's only been recently I've noticed them in particular.
I think since maybe late 2000 or early 2001.
Around then anyway.
They can change so quickly.
They float gently along minding their own business.
Or race each other through the sky.
I like them.
Probably more than looking at stars, I'd look at clouds.
Lando Calrissian had it right I reckon, by living in a city in the clouds.
Although I doubt I'll ever be persuaded by the "Dark Side"(Again).
The outlook from our windows are brilliant for seeing the variations appear and then leave.
They can distract at times when I should be doing something else.
Like blogging.
I may never get this done until dark now.
Or maybe I will....
Leviticus 22
Not only did the animals brought forward as a sacrifice need to be pure and unblemished, so did the priests conducting the sacrifice.
If you were born with a blemish, then your role was very much in the background.
There was no consideration of how pure your heart may be.
Blemished on the outside meant unholy.
If you were a priest at least.
It's working in the back room for you, Spotty.
Harsh?
Unfair?
Possibly.
But it was the law and no correspondence was never entered into.
I've seen some ministers who are probably glad they don't need to worry about that these days.
They look pretty rough.
And yes, I know exactly the roughness of my own exterior.
God will use those called by Him.
In those days, it was limited to a tribe.
It was limited by appearance.
And it could still go bad.
There was no second chance.
The other thing that gets spelled out is, even unintentional errors incurred a cost.
I think the picture of a priest with little hair, originated in these times.
Talk about stressful living.
It's almost dark now.
I've finished.
But there's another bank of clouds hovering outside.
Could be a rough night.
Friday, December 10, 2010
111 Robust is a Cool Word (Lev 21)
I am feeling remarkably robust today.
The accountant guy at work said that he needed to get "robust" at Telstra the other day.
It was the second day in three that we had no internet, no email, nothing.
His robustness was infectious.
Partly due to the fact it is such a cool word to be.
Robust.
There, I said it again.
You just don't hear words like robust these days.
Anyway back to me.
I'm robust, with a but.
Of course I've got a but.
A different but.
Cheeky. ;)
But, settle, I can't shake this cough.
Sticky-throat-annoying-everybody-happen-at-the-worst-moment cough.
Apart from that, I am robust.
Now I can't say it without giggling.
Robust. (giggle)
See.
Leviticus 21
Ok, so the priests are being instructed to remain pure.
They stand in the gap between the people, their offerings and God.
They set the standard.
They are the closest some of the people would get to interacting with God.
Image mattered.
Standards mattered more.
I guess that's where I need to be careful.
It's not about how they "appeared" to be. Image will only get you so far.
They had to be strict in their behaviour.
They had to not just explain the law.
They had to enact it.
To the letter.
Totally.
So they could be effective in their duty before God.
The last time they got it wrong, people died.
I'm sure God is jolly and fun-loving, but there are some things you don't mess with Him.
This was a biggie.
The accountant guy at work said that he needed to get "robust" at Telstra the other day.
It was the second day in three that we had no internet, no email, nothing.
His robustness was infectious.
Partly due to the fact it is such a cool word to be.
Robust.
There, I said it again.
You just don't hear words like robust these days.
Anyway back to me.
I'm robust, with a but.
Of course I've got a but.
A different but.
Cheeky. ;)
But, settle, I can't shake this cough.
Sticky-throat-annoying-everybody-happen-at-the-worst-moment cough.
Apart from that, I am robust.
Now I can't say it without giggling.
Robust. (giggle)
See.
Leviticus 21
Ok, so the priests are being instructed to remain pure.
They stand in the gap between the people, their offerings and God.
They set the standard.
They are the closest some of the people would get to interacting with God.
Image mattered.
Standards mattered more.
I guess that's where I need to be careful.
It's not about how they "appeared" to be. Image will only get you so far.
They had to be strict in their behaviour.
They had to not just explain the law.
They had to enact it.
To the letter.
Totally.
So they could be effective in their duty before God.
The last time they got it wrong, people died.
I'm sure God is jolly and fun-loving, but there are some things you don't mess with Him.
This was a biggie.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
110 The Kids are Precious (Lev 20)
Hello.
Such a busy time of the year.
This will be a challenge over the next few weeks.
I'll be fine.
I hope you will be too.
Leviticus 20
So it sounds innocent enough doesn't it.
"..... giving the children to Molech...."
Except until you realise that by "giving" it actually means "ritually sacrificing in fire."
Somewhere alone the way, the Israelites were so infatuated by their neighbours and their lush crops, someone asked
"How do you get your crops to grow so well?"
"Oh we sacrifice our kids to Molech."
"Hmmm ok. Well let's give it a go. I'm sick of their runny noses and smelly bums anyway."
"Sweet. I'll show you how. C'mon."
"Sweet. Ok."
Dummies.
Over and over again God showed His promises were good.
He provided.
He protected.
He listened.
He explained.
He loved.
(He got frustrated.)
Again God reminds us all of the importance of respecting your parents.
The penalty for cursing your parents.
Death!!!
Da da daaaaaaaa!!!
I love my parents.
There are other reminders of things not to do.
Why?
v23-24 "And you shall not walk in the customs of the nation that I am driving out before you, for they did all these things, and therefore I detested them.
But I have said to you, You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey."
The current inhabitants did these despicable things.
And they were the wrong thing to do.
And they were going to pay for that.
By losing everything.
Why, oh why would you copy that?
The hope is they pay attention to the warnings from God.
They hold fast and obey Him.
For those who know how this finishes, don't wreck it for the others.
It's nail biting stuff.
Heh heh.
Such a busy time of the year.
This will be a challenge over the next few weeks.
I'll be fine.
I hope you will be too.
Leviticus 20
So it sounds innocent enough doesn't it.
"..... giving the children to Molech...."
Except until you realise that by "giving" it actually means "ritually sacrificing in fire."
Somewhere alone the way, the Israelites were so infatuated by their neighbours and their lush crops, someone asked
"How do you get your crops to grow so well?"
"Oh we sacrifice our kids to Molech."
"Hmmm ok. Well let's give it a go. I'm sick of their runny noses and smelly bums anyway."
"Sweet. I'll show you how. C'mon."
"Sweet. Ok."
Dummies.
Over and over again God showed His promises were good.
He provided.
He protected.
He listened.
He explained.
He loved.
(He got frustrated.)
Again God reminds us all of the importance of respecting your parents.
The penalty for cursing your parents.
Death!!!
Da da daaaaaaaa!!!
I love my parents.
There are other reminders of things not to do.
Why?
v23-24 "And you shall not walk in the customs of the nation that I am driving out before you, for they did all these things, and therefore I detested them.
But I have said to you, You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey."
The current inhabitants did these despicable things.
And they were the wrong thing to do.
And they were going to pay for that.
By losing everything.
Why, oh why would you copy that?
The hope is they pay attention to the warnings from God.
They hold fast and obey Him.
For those who know how this finishes, don't wreck it for the others.
It's nail biting stuff.
Heh heh.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
109 Honour and Obedience (Lev 19)
Spent some time at tea tonight with a plethora of cute kids.
Kids that say the cutest things.
Kids that say the cutest things but you have no idea what they said.
"dgfdafe dhf e heior fhfhfl vnvnkli hahahaha"
Oh really?
"sfhse flhlse fghidsl heieuaa foo hahahahaha"
Mmmmmmmm.
"dada hfoihfoe fhfhe fhejjo jjir hahahaha"
What does go on in those cute little heads?
How do they keep coming up with cute stuff?
When do they start becoming painful?
Probably never with these kids.
Probably.
Maybe I'm getting soft.
I never used to be able to handle other people's kids.
Or maybe we've just got good friends with cute kids.
Leviticus 19
God calls His people to be holy.
The first thing He says to do is "revere your mother and your father"
Then "keep My sabbaths"
Be respectful.
Have integrity.
Honour God in everything.
This is how you will be set apart.
Even today these things aren't common.
These acts are badges that should be worn with pride.
Our parents deserve respect.
Our friends need to trust someone.
Those we work with and for expect transparency and integrity.
God demands honour and obedience.
Think of others and do everything as if God is watching.
He is.
Obey.
You will be different.
People will look to you.
And you get to tell them why.
Heh heh cool.
Kids that say the cutest things.
Kids that say the cutest things but you have no idea what they said.
"dgfdafe dhf e heior fhfhfl vnvnkli hahahaha"
Oh really?
"sfhse flhlse fghidsl heieuaa foo hahahahaha"
Mmmmmmmm.
"dada hfoihfoe fhfhe fhejjo jjir hahahaha"
What does go on in those cute little heads?
How do they keep coming up with cute stuff?
When do they start becoming painful?
Probably never with these kids.
Probably.
Maybe I'm getting soft.
I never used to be able to handle other people's kids.
Or maybe we've just got good friends with cute kids.
Leviticus 19
God calls His people to be holy.
The first thing He says to do is "revere your mother and your father"
Then "keep My sabbaths"
Be respectful.
Have integrity.
Honour God in everything.
This is how you will be set apart.
Even today these things aren't common.
These acts are badges that should be worn with pride.
Our parents deserve respect.
Our friends need to trust someone.
Those we work with and for expect transparency and integrity.
God demands honour and obedience.
Think of others and do everything as if God is watching.
He is.
Obey.
You will be different.
People will look to you.
And you get to tell them why.
Heh heh cool.
Monday, December 6, 2010
108 Great Hackle (Lev 18)
I had a bit of a breakthrough over the weekend.
I actually had a few, but I want to mention this one in particular.
It may not mean much to many, but it represented a step forward in my short history of fly tying.
For the first time, wait for it, I was able to successfully tie in a reasonably great hackle onto my Parachute Addams.
I know.
Fascinating stuff.
I give praise to my recent illness for my focusability.
I've struggled with this for a while.
The intricacy of tying a feather horizontally around a vertical post of neer hair has been a struggle for me to achieve consistently.
And then tie in another.
You do need two, of course.
Otherwise it just becomes a Parachute Addams VARIATION.
Previously,
I've been unable to maintain a consistent amount of hackles around the post.
I've tied it off and entangled the hackle in the thread.
I've tried using superglue to finish it with all tension being lost and the fly collapsing.
On Saturday though, I tied off 3, yes 3 nigh perfect flies with GREAT hackles.
I believe I have finally cracked the code.
I know that in sharing this, you shall all undoubtedly sleep better.
Please, there is no small need for thanks.
It's one of those free community services I am happy to provide for the insomniacs amongst you.
Still, I can feel the thanks, thick in the air.
You are welcome.
I am humbled yet again.
Leviticus 18
The people are reminded they are set apart.
They are different from the Egyptians.
They are different from the Canaanites.
The expectations are high and they need to shun the deviant practices their neighbours embraced.
It starts simple with the recognition of appropriate relationships within the family.
Basic.
Clear.
Safe.
I for one hope to never be exposed to the nakedness of my mum.
Or dad.
Aaaaaarrggghhhhhhh!
Quick.
Mind bleach.
Oh that is so bad.
Sorry.
From all the other chapters though, even though it seems such a no-brainer, it still needed to be spelled out.
Other behaviours are then also exposed for their depravity and wrongness. Including homosexuality, child sacrifice and sleeping with animals.
Don't do it.
It's wrong.
If you see someone else jump off a cliff, doesn't mean it's right.
Right!
It doesn't matter why they said they did it.
Or who they jumped off with.
Ok.
Peer pressure at it's worse and God needed to make sure it stopped.
I actually had a few, but I want to mention this one in particular.
It may not mean much to many, but it represented a step forward in my short history of fly tying.
For the first time, wait for it, I was able to successfully tie in a reasonably great hackle onto my Parachute Addams.
I know.
Fascinating stuff.
I give praise to my recent illness for my focusability.
I've struggled with this for a while.
The intricacy of tying a feather horizontally around a vertical post of neer hair has been a struggle for me to achieve consistently.
And then tie in another.
You do need two, of course.
Otherwise it just becomes a Parachute Addams VARIATION.
Previously,
I've been unable to maintain a consistent amount of hackles around the post.
I've tied it off and entangled the hackle in the thread.
I've tried using superglue to finish it with all tension being lost and the fly collapsing.
On Saturday though, I tied off 3, yes 3 nigh perfect flies with GREAT hackles.
I believe I have finally cracked the code.
I know that in sharing this, you shall all undoubtedly sleep better.
Please, there is no small need for thanks.
It's one of those free community services I am happy to provide for the insomniacs amongst you.
Still, I can feel the thanks, thick in the air.
You are welcome.
I am humbled yet again.
Leviticus 18
The people are reminded they are set apart.
They are different from the Egyptians.
They are different from the Canaanites.
The expectations are high and they need to shun the deviant practices their neighbours embraced.
It starts simple with the recognition of appropriate relationships within the family.
Basic.
Clear.
Safe.
I for one hope to never be exposed to the nakedness of my mum.
Or dad.
Aaaaaarrggghhhhhhh!
Quick.
Mind bleach.
Oh that is so bad.
Sorry.
From all the other chapters though, even though it seems such a no-brainer, it still needed to be spelled out.
Other behaviours are then also exposed for their depravity and wrongness. Including homosexuality, child sacrifice and sleeping with animals.
Don't do it.
It's wrong.
If you see someone else jump off a cliff, doesn't mean it's right.
Right!
It doesn't matter why they said they did it.
Or who they jumped off with.
Ok.
Peer pressure at it's worse and God needed to make sure it stopped.
Friday, December 3, 2010
107 Routine without a Reason (Lev 17)
Tomorrow morning will represent the seventh morning since I last had a coffee.
I think I may have referred to this occasion previously.
I think I need to drink a coffee soon.
Not because of any "need" other than the process has become a part of my routine.
My evenings start after tea, with me making my coffee for the night.
And then I do whatever.
It hasn't taken until tonight, where my head has become slightly less befuddled, that I realised without a start, my evenings go nowhere.
I flutter like a caffeine free butterfly from couch to table to computer to couch to talk with Donna to watch TV to try and work to the couch to the computer to WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY NICE QUIET PERFECT ROUTINE THAT USED TO HAVE A START?????
I think I'll have one soon.
Leviticus 17
I realised something yesterday after reading through some of the stuff about sacrificing.
The Israelites knew about sacrifices before now.
Maybe I'm thick but until now I've just been reading through thinking that this was something new.
But no.
Going back to Cain and Abel, there was sacrificing.
Abraham made an altar and sacrificed.
These rules aren't all about teaching how to sacrifice.
They are about WHY to sacrifice.
Maybe that's been lost along the way.
Maybe it has become a thoughtless routine.
A way of showing how pure you were to the neighbours.
As soon as the reason is lost, the sacrifice was just a meaningless facade anyway.
Maybe the intent was lost and now everybody needs to come together and get it sorted.
It's not about them.
It's about them and God.
And getting right.
I think I may have referred to this occasion previously.
I think I need to drink a coffee soon.
Not because of any "need" other than the process has become a part of my routine.
My evenings start after tea, with me making my coffee for the night.
And then I do whatever.
It hasn't taken until tonight, where my head has become slightly less befuddled, that I realised without a start, my evenings go nowhere.
I flutter like a caffeine free butterfly from couch to table to computer to couch to talk with Donna to watch TV to try and work to the couch to the computer to WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY NICE QUIET PERFECT ROUTINE THAT USED TO HAVE A START?????
I think I'll have one soon.
Leviticus 17
I realised something yesterday after reading through some of the stuff about sacrificing.
The Israelites knew about sacrifices before now.
Maybe I'm thick but until now I've just been reading through thinking that this was something new.
But no.
Going back to Cain and Abel, there was sacrificing.
Abraham made an altar and sacrificed.
These rules aren't all about teaching how to sacrifice.
They are about WHY to sacrifice.
Maybe that's been lost along the way.
Maybe it has become a thoughtless routine.
A way of showing how pure you were to the neighbours.
As soon as the reason is lost, the sacrifice was just a meaningless facade anyway.
Maybe the intent was lost and now everybody needs to come together and get it sorted.
It's not about them.
It's about them and God.
And getting right.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
106 Getting Things Right Again (Lev 16)
I don't get having hot feet.
The most annoying thing of the last week, hasn't been the coughing.
It hasn't been the sweaty brow.
It hasn't been the achy muscles.
It's been the hot feet.
I can't sleep with hot feet.
My body should know that.
My head does.
Catch up body!!!!
Oh and morning TV is woeful.
And I'm definitely over that. If you're not sick and you watch it, especially those dumb infomercials, it may be enough to push you over the edge.
Seriously, stay away.
I got away with my life, but it was close.
You have been warned.
Leviticus 16
Ok so we step back to chapter 10 when Aaron's sons mucked up and were killed.
Aaron needs to bring restitution to his family's name and position before God.
It's serious stuff.
And it's sacrificing again.
If only there was a way to come before God without the need to sacrifice each time.
I was surprised by the use of a "Scapegoat".
2 goats to be sacrificed.
Lots drawn.
1 killed.
1 a living sacrifice sent to the wilderness.
They should have be abandoned and sent off away from God, but the goat instead took their place, as did those that were sacrificed.
Great for the people.
Bad for the goat.
Interesting using a goat. Smelly, cantankerous, ornery, stubborn.
Actually probably a fairly apt representative for the people.
And so Aaron makes atonement for himself, the priests and the people.
Everything back on track.
For the moment.
The most annoying thing of the last week, hasn't been the coughing.
It hasn't been the sweaty brow.
It hasn't been the achy muscles.
It's been the hot feet.
I can't sleep with hot feet.
My body should know that.
My head does.
Catch up body!!!!
Oh and morning TV is woeful.
And I'm definitely over that. If you're not sick and you watch it, especially those dumb infomercials, it may be enough to push you over the edge.
Seriously, stay away.
I got away with my life, but it was close.
You have been warned.
Leviticus 16
Ok so we step back to chapter 10 when Aaron's sons mucked up and were killed.
Aaron needs to bring restitution to his family's name and position before God.
It's serious stuff.
And it's sacrificing again.
If only there was a way to come before God without the need to sacrifice each time.
I was surprised by the use of a "Scapegoat".
2 goats to be sacrificed.
Lots drawn.
1 killed.
1 a living sacrifice sent to the wilderness.
They should have be abandoned and sent off away from God, but the goat instead took their place, as did those that were sacrificed.
Great for the people.
Bad for the goat.
Interesting using a goat. Smelly, cantankerous, ornery, stubborn.
Actually probably a fairly apt representative for the people.
And so Aaron makes atonement for himself, the priests and the people.
Everything back on track.
For the moment.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
105 Keeping it Clean (Lev 15)
Still no good.
5 days of fever and meds don't seem to be working.
Well they take the edge off, but come on!
It almost took me two hours to recover from last night's blog.
Kidding.
But it did make me a little tired and teary with fatigue.
Maybe.
Today I felt a bit hungry, but I still can't face a hot drink.
No coffee since 8:30 Saturday morning.
That's some sort of record for me since birth I think.
It's odd I'm not craving it.
Although apparently I have been talking about it a lot.
"No coffee since Saturday."
"No coffee for 5 days."
"Must be some sort of record."
"Etc."
"Etc."
The worse part is it looks like I'll have to cancel a trip this weekend.
3 days fishing "Up top" seems highly unlikely.
Stupid viruses.
Leviticus 15
A lot of talk about discharges.
I try not to think too much about them in too much detail.
But the treatment is about remaining sanitary.
It just makes sense.
Keeping everything clean.
Reducing the risk of spreading infection.
And once clean, making absolutely sure.
And giving thanks.
Except it took 33 verses to say it.
5 days of fever and meds don't seem to be working.
Well they take the edge off, but come on!
It almost took me two hours to recover from last night's blog.
Kidding.
But it did make me a little tired and teary with fatigue.
Maybe.
Today I felt a bit hungry, but I still can't face a hot drink.
No coffee since 8:30 Saturday morning.
That's some sort of record for me since birth I think.
It's odd I'm not craving it.
Although apparently I have been talking about it a lot.
"No coffee since Saturday."
"No coffee for 5 days."
"Must be some sort of record."
"Etc."
"Etc."
The worse part is it looks like I'll have to cancel a trip this weekend.
3 days fishing "Up top" seems highly unlikely.
Stupid viruses.
Leviticus 15
A lot of talk about discharges.
I try not to think too much about them in too much detail.
But the treatment is about remaining sanitary.
It just makes sense.
Keeping everything clean.
Reducing the risk of spreading infection.
And once clean, making absolutely sure.
And giving thanks.
Except it took 33 verses to say it.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
104 My Panacea (Lev 14)
Well, it wasn't meant to be this long.
In between a trip away and getting this stupid virus while coming back, my energy to do anything has been non-existent.
Getting off the couch has been an effort, let alone think.
I find thinking hard.
It's not a natural thing.
I have to practice diligently.
Otherwise it gets awkward.
Like training wildebeest to tapdance, it's something you just shouldn't see.
So I have risen from my deathbed, my temperature is still 38.
My feet are hot.
I'm sick of coughing.
And I hope you had a really good day.
I am behind my schedule and need to continue.
Maybe this is my panacea.
Leviticus 14
Oh the irony of dealing with diseases again on today of all days.
I feel unclean.
Friends popped by on Sunday. We don't see them as much as we would like and it would have been great to catch up. But Donna was crook too and I wasn't sure how contagious I was. I felt the disappointment as they left without entering. We felt it too. I guess that's what it felt to be an Old Testament leper.
Only a lot worse.
Megaworse.
I'm not going to die.
My skin will stop being pasty when I return to the sunlight.
And I have a choice whether I shave off all my hair.
As an aside, Donna can't wait till the end of "Movember".
I see the sense in the total body shave.
Chapter 13 talks about the hair on the diseased skin being white.
If a person is healed, cleansed, he may still have white hair until new hair grows back.
Every hair gone.
All new hair should be ok again.
Just a big process.
These are generally pretty hairy guys.
Also another reason, given my current follicle challenged dome, that I'm glad I just went to a doctor for a script and a medical certificate.
The second part of this chapter talks about problems with mould and mildew in houses and buildings. How to get rid of it. How to cleanse the dwelling.
Interesting.
Because, they are a nation still living in tents.
Preparation for the Promised Land, years in the future.
Another indication that when setting rules, God laid everything out from the start.
There is no adding bits and pieces as He goes.
God is a planner.
Phew got through it.
Now for more panadol.
In between a trip away and getting this stupid virus while coming back, my energy to do anything has been non-existent.
Getting off the couch has been an effort, let alone think.
I find thinking hard.
It's not a natural thing.
I have to practice diligently.
Otherwise it gets awkward.
Like training wildebeest to tapdance, it's something you just shouldn't see.
So I have risen from my deathbed, my temperature is still 38.
My feet are hot.
I'm sick of coughing.
And I hope you had a really good day.
I am behind my schedule and need to continue.
Maybe this is my panacea.
Leviticus 14
Oh the irony of dealing with diseases again on today of all days.
I feel unclean.
Friends popped by on Sunday. We don't see them as much as we would like and it would have been great to catch up. But Donna was crook too and I wasn't sure how contagious I was. I felt the disappointment as they left without entering. We felt it too. I guess that's what it felt to be an Old Testament leper.
Only a lot worse.
Megaworse.
I'm not going to die.
My skin will stop being pasty when I return to the sunlight.
And I have a choice whether I shave off all my hair.
As an aside, Donna can't wait till the end of "Movember".
I see the sense in the total body shave.
Chapter 13 talks about the hair on the diseased skin being white.
If a person is healed, cleansed, he may still have white hair until new hair grows back.
Every hair gone.
All new hair should be ok again.
Just a big process.
These are generally pretty hairy guys.
Also another reason, given my current follicle challenged dome, that I'm glad I just went to a doctor for a script and a medical certificate.
The second part of this chapter talks about problems with mould and mildew in houses and buildings. How to get rid of it. How to cleanse the dwelling.
Interesting.
Because, they are a nation still living in tents.
Preparation for the Promised Land, years in the future.
Another indication that when setting rules, God laid everything out from the start.
There is no adding bits and pieces as He goes.
God is a planner.
Phew got through it.
Now for more panadol.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
103 Some Time Away (Lev 13)
Well sorry for the lapse in my output.
Something important came up.
I had to go fishing in Victoria for a couple of days.
Did I have to?
Well of course.
Donna paid for some flights in March or April and it would have been rude to not go.
The fishing was a bonus.
New water usually is.
Productive new water.
I had a ball.
A mate took time out of his busy schedule and did the "guide" thing.
Superbly.
I caught fish, so he must be good.
I caught a lot of fish.
For me.
Had a real blast.
I so will go back one day.
Leviticus 13
It concerns me when I first had a look and see subtitles such as
"Regulations about Mildew"
"Regulations about Infectious Skin Diseases"
Yet I headed on regardless.
It's all ok.
Practical and wise advice in a situation where the spread of these things ultimately could bring catastrophe to the whole encampment.
Close proximity to your friends, neighbours and sheep in a hardly sterile environment equals disaster from a nasty spreading infection.
It just makes sense.
How important was it to get this right?
It's a whole chapter in the Bible.
A priest now needs to know mycology as well as dermatology as well as "normal" priesty stuff.
These were amazing guys.
So much responsibility.
Gifted by God to ensure the longevity of His people to the maximum.
Sometimes, just sometimes, I'm sure they even got to have some sleep.
Something important came up.
I had to go fishing in Victoria for a couple of days.
Did I have to?
Well of course.
Donna paid for some flights in March or April and it would have been rude to not go.
The fishing was a bonus.
New water usually is.
Productive new water.
I had a ball.
A mate took time out of his busy schedule and did the "guide" thing.
Superbly.
I caught fish, so he must be good.
I caught a lot of fish.
For me.
Had a real blast.
I so will go back one day.
Leviticus 13
It concerns me when I first had a look and see subtitles such as
"Regulations about Mildew"
"Regulations about Infectious Skin Diseases"
Yet I headed on regardless.
It's all ok.
Practical and wise advice in a situation where the spread of these things ultimately could bring catastrophe to the whole encampment.
Close proximity to your friends, neighbours and sheep in a hardly sterile environment equals disaster from a nasty spreading infection.
It just makes sense.
How important was it to get this right?
It's a whole chapter in the Bible.
A priest now needs to know mycology as well as dermatology as well as "normal" priesty stuff.
These were amazing guys.
So much responsibility.
Gifted by God to ensure the longevity of His people to the maximum.
Sometimes, just sometimes, I'm sure they even got to have some sleep.
Friday, November 19, 2010
102 Hmmmm (Lev 12)
Leviticus 12
A brief chapter today.
One where I need to be a bit careful.
God's value on blood is clear.
In ANY circumstance.
The shedding of blood required atonement.
The joy of birth was no exception.
A time of happiness mixed with the sorrow of separation.
Complicated.
Painful.
Harsh? (The Hmmmmm moment)
Finished with thanksgiving for the beauty of creation.
That is all tonight.
Sleep well.
A brief chapter today.
One where I need to be a bit careful.
God's value on blood is clear.
In ANY circumstance.
The shedding of blood required atonement.
The joy of birth was no exception.
A time of happiness mixed with the sorrow of separation.
Complicated.
Painful.
Harsh? (The Hmmmmm moment)
Finished with thanksgiving for the beauty of creation.
That is all tonight.
Sleep well.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
101 Bruised from Sticks (Lev 11)
I was kidding about the pointed sticks!!
Ouch!!!
It wasn't meant to be literal!
Too many things happening tonight.
Donna must be out.
Editing. (Only 2 months late I think. My poor muso friend)
Study.
Fly tying quotas required.
So just another quickie tonight.
Leviticus 11
Things not to be eaten.
It's a fairly exhaustive list.
Then:
v13 " "And these you shall detest among the birds; they shall not be eaten; they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, ..........................the stork, the heron of any kind, the hoopoe, and the BAT."
Didn't think the bat was a bird.
Not that I'm going to argue here.
We know what happened last chapter.....
Also no shellfish :(
No Moreton Bay Bugs :(x2
But they can eat locusts AND bald locusts.
Not that these are shellfish.
But locusts and not "bugs"!
Bummer.
Some of these seem odd selections, such as pigs or hares.
Some not so like geckos, seagulls or mole rats.
Whatever we think of these inclusions and exclusions, they demonstrate again God cared for His people.
Some of these animals shouldn't be consumed due to health reasons.
You wouldn't want to have a full stomach of fatty meat while wandering in the hot conditions.
Some seem like common sense.
"everything on which any part of their carcass falls shall be unclean."
Well, hel-lo.
It also called the people to show discipline in an area we should all use some.
There has just been a whole wack of stuff about covering sins and becoming whole in a spiritual sense.
Now we are looking at the physical body.
Does there need to be reasons other than God thinks it's a good idea?
Hmmmm.
Possibly. But I think that comes from an inherent desire to just need to know stuff.
Do we really, really need to?
I think that's where trust comes in.
God, has shown throughout that He does care and He does wants what's best for His people.
Including what goes into their stomachs.
Ouch!!!
It wasn't meant to be literal!
Too many things happening tonight.
Donna must be out.
Editing. (Only 2 months late I think. My poor muso friend)
Study.
Fly tying quotas required.
So just another quickie tonight.
Leviticus 11
Things not to be eaten.
It's a fairly exhaustive list.
Then:
v13 " "And these you shall detest among the birds; they shall not be eaten; they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, ..........................the stork, the heron of any kind, the hoopoe, and the BAT."
Didn't think the bat was a bird.
Not that I'm going to argue here.
We know what happened last chapter.....
Also no shellfish :(
No Moreton Bay Bugs :(x2
But they can eat locusts AND bald locusts.
Not that these are shellfish.
But locusts and not "bugs"!
Bummer.
Some of these seem odd selections, such as pigs or hares.
Some not so like geckos, seagulls or mole rats.
Whatever we think of these inclusions and exclusions, they demonstrate again God cared for His people.
Some of these animals shouldn't be consumed due to health reasons.
You wouldn't want to have a full stomach of fatty meat while wandering in the hot conditions.
Some seem like common sense.
"everything on which any part of their carcass falls shall be unclean."
Well, hel-lo.
It also called the people to show discipline in an area we should all use some.
There has just been a whole wack of stuff about covering sins and becoming whole in a spiritual sense.
Now we are looking at the physical body.
Does there need to be reasons other than God thinks it's a good idea?
Hmmmm.
Possibly. But I think that comes from an inherent desire to just need to know stuff.
Do we really, really need to?
I think that's where trust comes in.
God, has shown throughout that He does care and He does wants what's best for His people.
Including what goes into their stomachs.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
100 Consequences (Lev 10)
Sometimes I sit here and just wonder what I'm doing.
You know I'm not consistent.
I don't think clearly under pressure.
I get rattled and say odd things.
There's heaps I don't get or understand.
I keep blurring the lines I set for this endeavour early on.
Often this blog has become a task. Something that I said I would do and so I do it.
Rereading some early stuff seems eons away from where I am now.
Sorry for the moaning.
Actually more like inward seeking of confidence and validity.
Don't respond to that.
It'll only feed it.
In fact next time you see me, poke me with a stick.
A pointed one if you must.
Not hard.
More a prod than a real poke.
Can you buy more head space?
Is there a shop somewhere?
Can you grow more?
I've seen some people with pretty big heads.
They could spare some you'd think.
I am reminded of the eternal words of a close friend:
"Suck it up princess!"
Leviticus 10
Let's just start back a bit.
Ch 9 v24 "And fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces."
Ok now what happens in v1
" Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, which he had not commanded them."
And they got killed by fire as a result.
So intense, it burned them without burning their robes.
What happened in between chapters?
Was it pride?
Was it self importance?
Stupidness?
Harsh consequences?
By today's standards, you could argue that the punishment didn't fit the crime.
But gee, they had warning.
Their responsibilities weren't light, and they knew it.
They must have known God could and would follow through with consequences.
But that's it there isn't it?
We sometimes come at something thinking we know.
Sure that stove is hot, but I know how to touch it without burning myself.
Pride(?) gets in the way of logic and commonsense and knowledge.
We can treat our responsibilities lightly and get burned.
Because you can say what you think all you like.
It won't change the unchangeable.
Hopefully the consequences won't be as extreme.
You know I'm not consistent.
I don't think clearly under pressure.
I get rattled and say odd things.
There's heaps I don't get or understand.
I keep blurring the lines I set for this endeavour early on.
Often this blog has become a task. Something that I said I would do and so I do it.
Rereading some early stuff seems eons away from where I am now.
Sorry for the moaning.
Actually more like inward seeking of confidence and validity.
Don't respond to that.
It'll only feed it.
In fact next time you see me, poke me with a stick.
A pointed one if you must.
Not hard.
More a prod than a real poke.
Can you buy more head space?
Is there a shop somewhere?
Can you grow more?
I've seen some people with pretty big heads.
They could spare some you'd think.
I am reminded of the eternal words of a close friend:
"Suck it up princess!"
Leviticus 10
Let's just start back a bit.
Ch 9 v24 "And fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces."
Ok now what happens in v1
" Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, which he had not commanded them."
And they got killed by fire as a result.
So intense, it burned them without burning their robes.
What happened in between chapters?
Was it pride?
Was it self importance?
Stupidness?
Harsh consequences?
By today's standards, you could argue that the punishment didn't fit the crime.
But gee, they had warning.
Their responsibilities weren't light, and they knew it.
They must have known God could and would follow through with consequences.
But that's it there isn't it?
We sometimes come at something thinking we know.
Sure that stove is hot, but I know how to touch it without burning myself.
Pride(?) gets in the way of logic and commonsense and knowledge.
We can treat our responsibilities lightly and get burned.
Because you can say what you think all you like.
It won't change the unchangeable.
Hopefully the consequences won't be as extreme.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
99 Post 101(Lev 9)
Yesterday passed without me recognising Post Number 100.
Cue fanfare, balloons and small furry animals covered in tinsel.
Which of course makes today's number 101.
For those with numeracy deficiency, no need for thanks. Money will suffice.
On a completely unrelated train of thought,
Gee, my hamstrings are sore!
Stooping low to coerce water from the floor into a bucket repeatedly will do that I guess. (Don't ask. Long story. Not mine.)
Tighter than a Scotsman's wallet.
Yeeearrrch.
Oh look, a bridge!
Oh look, there's me getting over it.
Taadaa.
Leviticus 9
The process is complete and God shows the people His glory.
Boy, did He what!!!
Moses and Aaron experience it close up.
Then the people.
Then
BAM
The fire consumes the already burnt sacrifice.
What had been seen from afar was now so very, very real.
A close encounter with God.
And exactly what was needed.
The people needed to know the process undertaken had purpose.
They needed to know it worked.
They needed to know God would respond.
I guess despite all they had seen before (plagues, Red Sea, etc), they needed a reminder of God's presence.
And His promise He would look after them.
The sacrifice made it possible.
God responded in a way you'd think would not be forgotten.
Cue fanfare, balloons and small furry animals covered in tinsel.
Which of course makes today's number 101.
For those with numeracy deficiency, no need for thanks. Money will suffice.
On a completely unrelated train of thought,
Gee, my hamstrings are sore!
Stooping low to coerce water from the floor into a bucket repeatedly will do that I guess. (Don't ask. Long story. Not mine.)
Tighter than a Scotsman's wallet.
Yeeearrrch.
Oh look, a bridge!
Oh look, there's me getting over it.
Taadaa.
Leviticus 9
The process is complete and God shows the people His glory.
Boy, did He what!!!
Moses and Aaron experience it close up.
Then the people.
Then
BAM
The fire consumes the already burnt sacrifice.
What had been seen from afar was now so very, very real.
A close encounter with God.
And exactly what was needed.
The people needed to know the process undertaken had purpose.
They needed to know it worked.
They needed to know God would respond.
I guess despite all they had seen before (plagues, Red Sea, etc), they needed a reminder of God's presence.
And His promise He would look after them.
The sacrifice made it possible.
God responded in a way you'd think would not be forgotten.
Monday, November 15, 2010
98 Pressed for Time :( (Lev 8)
Sort of in a rush tonight.
Brief and to the point is required.
Little head space but I'm feeling bad for no output over the weekend.
Again.
It's going to be a hard week.
Let's see what I can come up with.
Leviticus 8
Aaron and the priests are ordained before the people.
Everybody needed to realise who the priests were.
They are identified.
They are set apart.
The responsibility of representing the people before God now starts.
This was no picnic for the priests.
There was a lot of physical work to come.
Sacrificing animals wasn't easy.
Caring for the tabernacle wasn't easy.
Cleaning all the goldy sparkly things wasn't easy.
Lugging everything around once they started the wandering in the wilderness wasn't going to be easy.
On top of that, each offering needed to be precise.
Exact.
If not, it was unacceptable before God.
Fail.
That's youth speak.
Because I'm cool.
Yeah!
A lot of pressure and if they cracked, the guilt fell onto the entire tribe.
No wonder priests were generally bald.
;)
Brief and to the point is required.
Little head space but I'm feeling bad for no output over the weekend.
Again.
It's going to be a hard week.
Let's see what I can come up with.
Leviticus 8
Aaron and the priests are ordained before the people.
Everybody needed to realise who the priests were.
They are identified.
They are set apart.
The responsibility of representing the people before God now starts.
This was no picnic for the priests.
There was a lot of physical work to come.
Sacrificing animals wasn't easy.
Caring for the tabernacle wasn't easy.
Cleaning all the goldy sparkly things wasn't easy.
Lugging everything around once they started the wandering in the wilderness wasn't going to be easy.
On top of that, each offering needed to be precise.
Exact.
If not, it was unacceptable before God.
Fail.
That's youth speak.
Because I'm cool.
Yeah!
A lot of pressure and if they cracked, the guilt fell onto the entire tribe.
No wonder priests were generally bald.
;)
Saturday, November 13, 2010
97 Steve Thinks. A Bit (Lev 7)
I thought I should try and make up for another lax evening.
Well, I wasn't really laxing.
I had been out all night since work had merged into the coming of weekend land.
I had only seen Donna for maybe half an hour all day.
I felt the need to reconnect with her stronger than the prearranged plan to blog.
So sue me!
It was a pretty easy call to make, despite the earlier recognition to get some consistency in the regularity of my postings.
As I figured, the breaks I needed to take due to different circumstances, have created the precedent that has become easier to defer to.
No blog for that day.
Fine, but detrimental to the initial goals I had for this process.
But I will get over it all.
Fairly easily to boot.
It looks like it's going to rain today.
I'm hungry so must get this done.
I also hear a paint brush call my name.
Possibly...........
Leviticus 7
Ok here's an "out there" thought.
In v6 it reads that every MALE priest may eat of the "guilt offering".
I haven't noticed this distinction before.
When the priests are mentioned earlier, it has always been the "SONS" of Aaron or just priests.
Can this reference to only the male priests infer female priests existed?
My limited knowledge of the cultural aspect would initially say "I doubt it."
It was just a small statement that jumps and and goes "think about that Steve."
So I have.
And I will.
(I'm not even sure that if it means there were or were not, that it's a big deal anyway. Just a curiosity.)
The importance of using blood in the sacrifices and never for food.
God's instruction to His people, don't eat blood or be cut off from everybody else.
The atoning power of the blood is recognised.
There is only one use for the blood.
Covering guilt.
Giving thanks.
Seeking peace.
Ok, technically that's 3.
It is morning time.
;)
Well, I wasn't really laxing.
I had been out all night since work had merged into the coming of weekend land.
I had only seen Donna for maybe half an hour all day.
I felt the need to reconnect with her stronger than the prearranged plan to blog.
So sue me!
It was a pretty easy call to make, despite the earlier recognition to get some consistency in the regularity of my postings.
As I figured, the breaks I needed to take due to different circumstances, have created the precedent that has become easier to defer to.
No blog for that day.
Fine, but detrimental to the initial goals I had for this process.
But I will get over it all.
Fairly easily to boot.
It looks like it's going to rain today.
I'm hungry so must get this done.
I also hear a paint brush call my name.
Possibly...........
Leviticus 7
Ok here's an "out there" thought.
In v6 it reads that every MALE priest may eat of the "guilt offering".
I haven't noticed this distinction before.
When the priests are mentioned earlier, it has always been the "SONS" of Aaron or just priests.
Can this reference to only the male priests infer female priests existed?
My limited knowledge of the cultural aspect would initially say "I doubt it."
It was just a small statement that jumps and and goes "think about that Steve."
So I have.
And I will.
(I'm not even sure that if it means there were or were not, that it's a big deal anyway. Just a curiosity.)
The importance of using blood in the sacrifices and never for food.
God's instruction to His people, don't eat blood or be cut off from everybody else.
The atoning power of the blood is recognised.
There is only one use for the blood.
Covering guilt.
Giving thanks.
Seeking peace.
Ok, technically that's 3.
It is morning time.
;)
Thursday, November 11, 2010
96 Do the Right Thing (Lev 6)
Officially I can't nail into wood.
Don't want to talk about it any further.
Luckily I'm good at fishing. Oh hang on.......
Great day let down by a sucky after work hammerfest on my fence.
Not really let down.
Just have to try again tomorrow.
At the rate I was going this afternoon, the cost of nails will outstrip the cost of wood.
Grrrr.
Stupid lack of handyman skills.
Leviticus 6
Y'know it's all about treating your neighbour alright.
If you do the right thing in the first place, life's good.
It's easy to get caught up in our own little part of the world, we sometimes neglect to look out and see what we can do to help others.
Sometimes something that we do that is good for us, may effect others adversely.
A bit more thought.
A bit more care.
Not much is required to fix that.
Do you know your neighbour?
I know her name is Lee.
Her son is Finn.
That's it.
All this sacrifice happens as a result of one thing.
Doing wrong.
The wrong stuff is what separates us/them from God.
Back then something had to die to make up for that wrong stuff.
Today someone already has.
Do you know that?
Do you know He did it for you?
I thought it would be hard coming up with titles for the stuff I blog.
I thought it would be hard not to repeat myself.
I haven't really checked but I don't think there has been any repetition.
That's a lot of different twoddle.
If there has been, I've just been reiterating a point.
An important point.
Like this one *points randomly at wall behind computer monitor*
Ha ha ha. I crack me up.
Don't want to talk about it any further.
Luckily I'm good at fishing. Oh hang on.......
Great day let down by a sucky after work hammerfest on my fence.
Not really let down.
Just have to try again tomorrow.
At the rate I was going this afternoon, the cost of nails will outstrip the cost of wood.
Grrrr.
Stupid lack of handyman skills.
Leviticus 6
Y'know it's all about treating your neighbour alright.
If you do the right thing in the first place, life's good.
It's easy to get caught up in our own little part of the world, we sometimes neglect to look out and see what we can do to help others.
Sometimes something that we do that is good for us, may effect others adversely.
A bit more thought.
A bit more care.
Not much is required to fix that.
Do you know your neighbour?
I know her name is Lee.
Her son is Finn.
That's it.
All this sacrifice happens as a result of one thing.
Doing wrong.
The wrong stuff is what separates us/them from God.
Back then something had to die to make up for that wrong stuff.
Today someone already has.
Do you know that?
Do you know He did it for you?
I thought it would be hard coming up with titles for the stuff I blog.
I thought it would be hard not to repeat myself.
I haven't really checked but I don't think there has been any repetition.
That's a lot of different twoddle.
If there has been, I've just been reiterating a point.
An important point.
Like this one *points randomly at wall behind computer monitor*
Ha ha ha. I crack me up.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
95 Donna Contributes. She's So Cute and Cheeky (Lev 5)
I was quite hungry the other day with not many options around.
I dug into a cupboard and discovered a pack of Milk Arrowroot biscuits.
Not my first choice but in the absence of a cooked steak or burger they'd do fine.
I had one and experienced a flashback to my childhood.
Not twenty years beforehand, I had almost repeated identically each step.
Probably except for desiring a steak.
The only difference was this time I'm sure the biscuit was half the thickness of it's earlier incarnation.
Now time does do funny things to a person's mind, and I may well be a bit deluded here, but I'm sure today's version was lacking substance.
Now I don't want to get into an argument about how good things were "back in the day"
But this was a MILK ARROWROOT biscuit!
Is nothing sacred?
Also I don't want to take this medium and refer to a large multinational company as being cheap.
But come on Arnott's stop being so cheap!
Anyway I had another and then another and then one more because once I had discovered the pack I really wanted to have 2.
After 4 I felt like I had had 2.
I've just re-read that and realised I've surpassed turning into my father, I am now my granddad.
Now get off my lawn and leave me alone.
Ya whipper snapper.
Leviticus 5
The awareness of one's guilt is the signal to do something about it.
No matter who you were, there was a way to be made right again.
Because everybody does something wrong.
At some stage.
Everybody.
If you could afford a lamb, sacrifice a lamb.
If you could afford a couple of doves, sacrifice them.
If all you could afford was flour, offer that up.
Make it right before God.
Wow. My wife is great. Really great. Really really great. Oops. She just side-tracked me with her beauty.
I really shouldn't leave this open when I go to another room.
Where was I?
Atoning for one's sins.....
Hmmmmm, appropriate.
I guess the big thing I extract from here is that everybody does something that is wrong.
Sometimes we just don't realise at the time.
But it happens.
Even with me....
I really should shave off my moustache. My wife hates it. And she's always right. All the time.
Donna needs to be in the spotlight.
She is such a shy delicate petal. Totally gorgeous and caring.
And such a cheeky saboteur.
Back to it.
We sin. Even when not trying to.
The important thing is to make it right when we realise.
Not just to God.
But definitely to those we may have hurt.
It's going to happen.
Just be thankful we don't need to kill stuff now to gain God's favour now.
I dug into a cupboard and discovered a pack of Milk Arrowroot biscuits.
Not my first choice but in the absence of a cooked steak or burger they'd do fine.
I had one and experienced a flashback to my childhood.
Not twenty years beforehand, I had almost repeated identically each step.
Probably except for desiring a steak.
The only difference was this time I'm sure the biscuit was half the thickness of it's earlier incarnation.
Now time does do funny things to a person's mind, and I may well be a bit deluded here, but I'm sure today's version was lacking substance.
Now I don't want to get into an argument about how good things were "back in the day"
But this was a MILK ARROWROOT biscuit!
Is nothing sacred?
Also I don't want to take this medium and refer to a large multinational company as being cheap.
But come on Arnott's stop being so cheap!
Anyway I had another and then another and then one more because once I had discovered the pack I really wanted to have 2.
After 4 I felt like I had had 2.
I've just re-read that and realised I've surpassed turning into my father, I am now my granddad.
Now get off my lawn and leave me alone.
Ya whipper snapper.
Leviticus 5
The awareness of one's guilt is the signal to do something about it.
No matter who you were, there was a way to be made right again.
Because everybody does something wrong.
At some stage.
Everybody.
If you could afford a lamb, sacrifice a lamb.
If you could afford a couple of doves, sacrifice them.
If all you could afford was flour, offer that up.
Make it right before God.
Wow. My wife is great. Really great. Really really great. Oops. She just side-tracked me with her beauty.
I really shouldn't leave this open when I go to another room.
Where was I?
Atoning for one's sins.....
Hmmmmm, appropriate.
I guess the big thing I extract from here is that everybody does something that is wrong.
Sometimes we just don't realise at the time.
But it happens.
Even with me....
I really should shave off my moustache. My wife hates it. And she's always right. All the time.
Donna needs to be in the spotlight.
She is such a shy delicate petal. Totally gorgeous and caring.
And such a cheeky saboteur.
Back to it.
We sin. Even when not trying to.
The important thing is to make it right when we realise.
Not just to God.
But definitely to those we may have hurt.
It's going to happen.
Just be thankful we don't need to kill stuff now to gain God's favour now.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
94 Omitting and Committing (Lev 4)
I mowed the lawn this afternoon.
Yay.
I often tell myself that I'll come home from work and mow the lawn.
Never seems to happen.
But today it did.
Yay x2.
Part of our yard is on a bit of a slope.
Not completely inconvenient, but can be harder than I require at times, particularly if the grass is a bit longer.
Today was okay.
Ish.
But I was a bit weary after a long day and was finding coming back up the hill tiresome.
Going down was easy enough, so I devised a cunning plan.
Instead of pushing the mower back up the hill, I just kept it pointing downhill and eased it backwards.
It had to be easier as it was still facing the best of the two directions.
My ingenious astounds me sometimes.
Still...
I didn't quite experience the lightening of the load as much as I expected.
Probably the wind had picked up by that stage.
Maybe......
;)
Leviticus 4
Oooo if a priest sins it brings guilt onto ALL the people.
Talk about weight of responsibility.
I can't recall a previous chapter that also deals with unintentionally sinning.
But the Israelites have God's commandments now.
There is detail.
There is reason.
Things that shouldn't be done were.
Things that should be done weren't.
And there was a need to make things right before God.
The shedding of blood and a burnt offering.
It is also interesting to discover that God viewed the sin differently, depending on who committed/omitted it.
The priests, the nation, leaders, the common man all were separately mentioned.
The consequences differed as well.
If you had authority and sinned it was of higher significance because you had authority.
It does confuse me reading the details for each sacrifice.
They seem so similar, yet there are differences.
I just need to read and re-read and re-read to sort it.
Short version.
You sin.
You sacrifice.
All good.
You sin.
You sacrifice.
All good.
Repetitive.
But good.
Until you sinned again.....
Yay.
I often tell myself that I'll come home from work and mow the lawn.
Never seems to happen.
But today it did.
Yay x2.
Part of our yard is on a bit of a slope.
Not completely inconvenient, but can be harder than I require at times, particularly if the grass is a bit longer.
Today was okay.
Ish.
But I was a bit weary after a long day and was finding coming back up the hill tiresome.
Going down was easy enough, so I devised a cunning plan.
Instead of pushing the mower back up the hill, I just kept it pointing downhill and eased it backwards.
It had to be easier as it was still facing the best of the two directions.
My ingenious astounds me sometimes.
Still...
I didn't quite experience the lightening of the load as much as I expected.
Probably the wind had picked up by that stage.
Maybe......
;)
Leviticus 4
Oooo if a priest sins it brings guilt onto ALL the people.
Talk about weight of responsibility.
I can't recall a previous chapter that also deals with unintentionally sinning.
But the Israelites have God's commandments now.
There is detail.
There is reason.
Things that shouldn't be done were.
Things that should be done weren't.
And there was a need to make things right before God.
The shedding of blood and a burnt offering.
It is also interesting to discover that God viewed the sin differently, depending on who committed/omitted it.
The priests, the nation, leaders, the common man all were separately mentioned.
The consequences differed as well.
If you had authority and sinned it was of higher significance because you had authority.
It does confuse me reading the details for each sacrifice.
They seem so similar, yet there are differences.
I just need to read and re-read and re-read to sort it.
Short version.
You sin.
You sacrifice.
All good.
You sin.
You sacrifice.
All good.
Repetitive.
But good.
Until you sinned again.....
Monday, November 8, 2010
93 A Problem (Lev 3)
I think I have a problem.
Probably more than one.
But one in particular.
Recently.
That has been obvious to me.
No, I fib again. I'm aware of many shall we say "issues" that abound in me.
Not that I'm alone.
In seeing my problem, that is.
Or having a problem.
I doubt there are many of us who have no problems.
Some, are maybe a bit less obvious than others.
But we all have some.
Der!
But that's not my point.
I have this problem.
The one I started typing about earlier.
And when I say it's become obvious to me.
I mean PAINFULLY obvious.
Not painful as in a physical pain.
But it's just really, really obvious to the point of "pain".
Yes, metaphorical pain.
Not literal pain.
Maybe it's not even that.
It's just annoying that it may have been around for a while, yet I have only just become aware of it.
Actually I'm not even sure if the word "pain" should be used in this case.
Okay.
I have a problem.
I just can't remember what it is now.
What a pain!
Nothing to write about now.
Bother.
Leviticus 3
The burning of the peace offering. It would appear that excellence of the animal sacrificed is required. Actually demanded.
There would be no cost in sacrificing something inferior. A blemished animal would not be valued by the owner hence tarnishing the value of the offering.
Sort of defeating the purpose.
I assume the peace offering was a kind of chance for reconciliation between the offerer and God.
More than a chance.
I need to stop talking in indefinitive terms.
Grrrr.
Sincerity dictates the perfect offering be given.
I wonder, with the number of sacrifices that were carried out, how hard did it become to find an unblemished animal?
Did this in turn increase the value of the sacrifice?
If unblemished animals were required, how much care would be given to those animals required for the sacrifices?
You know, to ensure supply.
There was a need for a special sacrifice to provide the way to peace with God.
Very special.
Probably more than one.
But one in particular.
Recently.
That has been obvious to me.
No, I fib again. I'm aware of many shall we say "issues" that abound in me.
Not that I'm alone.
In seeing my problem, that is.
Or having a problem.
I doubt there are many of us who have no problems.
Some, are maybe a bit less obvious than others.
But we all have some.
Der!
But that's not my point.
I have this problem.
The one I started typing about earlier.
And when I say it's become obvious to me.
I mean PAINFULLY obvious.
Not painful as in a physical pain.
But it's just really, really obvious to the point of "pain".
Yes, metaphorical pain.
Not literal pain.
Maybe it's not even that.
It's just annoying that it may have been around for a while, yet I have only just become aware of it.
Actually I'm not even sure if the word "pain" should be used in this case.
Okay.
I have a problem.
I just can't remember what it is now.
What a pain!
Nothing to write about now.
Bother.
Leviticus 3
The burning of the peace offering. It would appear that excellence of the animal sacrificed is required. Actually demanded.
There would be no cost in sacrificing something inferior. A blemished animal would not be valued by the owner hence tarnishing the value of the offering.
Sort of defeating the purpose.
I assume the peace offering was a kind of chance for reconciliation between the offerer and God.
More than a chance.
I need to stop talking in indefinitive terms.
Grrrr.
Sincerity dictates the perfect offering be given.
I wonder, with the number of sacrifices that were carried out, how hard did it become to find an unblemished animal?
Did this in turn increase the value of the sacrifice?
If unblemished animals were required, how much care would be given to those animals required for the sacrifices?
You know, to ensure supply.
There was a need for a special sacrifice to provide the way to peace with God.
Very special.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
92 Time Vortexes (Lev 2)
I seemed to just chase my tail around in circles today at work.
I had soooooooo much to do.
However, my schedule just opened itself to enable all these tasks to be achieved.
I just couldn't have planned it any better.
Now some of this is a result of having a few "short" weeks.
Holidays.
Public holidays.
Children with dislocated knees.
Multiple day training.
Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
But today was mine to claim back my lack of productivity.
When I left work this afternoon. A bit later than normal.
Well, I don't know. I'm not sure what happened to my day.
It's a bit hazy.
I do know I was really busy all day.
Yet for all that busyness, I was still dealing with the same bit of paper at the end of the day that I had at the start.
Hmmph.
Uuuunnnllllllleeeeessssss....
there was some sort of split in the time vortex surrounding my office and as I left in the morning it actually sent me into the afternoon and what I thought was me being busy was just a random collection of memories I had of being busy and this enabled me to assume I had been doing stuff all day which was absurd because I still had the same bit of paper in my hand that I had at the start and I can't remember having coffee but there was an empty glass on my desk as well and I always wash up after I've had a coffee because I don't like a messy desk so I mustn't have had a coffee because it was just a memory caused by the same split in the time vortex and I should use space time continuum but that would sound too trekkie and I am not a trekkie what was I saying?
Anyway my plans came to naught and I need to try and catch up again tomorrow.
I did have some pleasant chats with people though.
Apparently.
Parts of it are a blur.
Maybe I fell asleep.
Egad! I hope not.
A dream?
A dream within a dream?
But.........................
Leviticus 2
So we have a grain offering.
Burning flour and oil.
In some cases it would appear as making a small loaf.
Possibly for those who own no livestock.
Maybe for those who were poor. They could at least bring flour.
As long as it was the best they had.
I've said it before, but I think I'll repeat it.
God is interested in receiving your best.
It may not be THE best, but as long as it's YOUR best, God would like you to do it, give it, use it or honour Him with it.
The fiery part of this is interesting me.
All the sacrifices include burning.
Purification?
All consuming?
When the grain offerings are burnt, frankincense is added.
A fragrance added to something that in my mind doesn't need it.
I love the smell of bread being baked.
Isn't that what grain and oil burned together would smell like?
Although I've smelt burnt toast as well.
Maybe it does need the fragrance.
But compared to burning meat, heads, fat, doves, I know which I'd put the nice smelly stuff.
Okay, leap of faith....
Maybe because the grain is not the most ideal offering, the frankincense is a way of God saying "You've given your best, I can use that. I'll cover the imperfections. You've done all you can."
My thoughts for the moment anyway.
I had soooooooo much to do.
However, my schedule just opened itself to enable all these tasks to be achieved.
I just couldn't have planned it any better.
Now some of this is a result of having a few "short" weeks.
Holidays.
Public holidays.
Children with dislocated knees.
Multiple day training.
Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
But today was mine to claim back my lack of productivity.
When I left work this afternoon. A bit later than normal.
Well, I don't know. I'm not sure what happened to my day.
It's a bit hazy.
I do know I was really busy all day.
Yet for all that busyness, I was still dealing with the same bit of paper at the end of the day that I had at the start.
Hmmph.
Uuuunnnllllllleeeeessssss....
there was some sort of split in the time vortex surrounding my office and as I left in the morning it actually sent me into the afternoon and what I thought was me being busy was just a random collection of memories I had of being busy and this enabled me to assume I had been doing stuff all day which was absurd because I still had the same bit of paper in my hand that I had at the start and I can't remember having coffee but there was an empty glass on my desk as well and I always wash up after I've had a coffee because I don't like a messy desk so I mustn't have had a coffee because it was just a memory caused by the same split in the time vortex and I should use space time continuum but that would sound too trekkie and I am not a trekkie what was I saying?
Anyway my plans came to naught and I need to try and catch up again tomorrow.
I did have some pleasant chats with people though.
Apparently.
Parts of it are a blur.
Maybe I fell asleep.
Egad! I hope not.
A dream?
A dream within a dream?
But.........................
Leviticus 2
So we have a grain offering.
Burning flour and oil.
In some cases it would appear as making a small loaf.
Possibly for those who own no livestock.
Maybe for those who were poor. They could at least bring flour.
As long as it was the best they had.
I've said it before, but I think I'll repeat it.
God is interested in receiving your best.
It may not be THE best, but as long as it's YOUR best, God would like you to do it, give it, use it or honour Him with it.
The fiery part of this is interesting me.
All the sacrifices include burning.
Purification?
All consuming?
When the grain offerings are burnt, frankincense is added.
A fragrance added to something that in my mind doesn't need it.
I love the smell of bread being baked.
Isn't that what grain and oil burned together would smell like?
Although I've smelt burnt toast as well.
Maybe it does need the fragrance.
But compared to burning meat, heads, fat, doves, I know which I'd put the nice smelly stuff.
Okay, leap of faith....
Maybe because the grain is not the most ideal offering, the frankincense is a way of God saying "You've given your best, I can use that. I'll cover the imperfections. You've done all you can."
My thoughts for the moment anyway.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
91 Pendantic Steve (Lev 1)
Okay new book, I've played around with the titling again.
Not that it really matters, but I've been discontent with the way it's been reading for a while.
The pedant side of me wouldn't let the change happen though until I started the new book.
Need to have words with that side of me.
Slows everything down.
And makes simple things, complicated.
I don't like complicated.
I do like simple.
There are so many lines I could follow that with but I will behave.
It will create less complication later.
I don't like complications later.
I also don't like sore arms.
Or dirty looks.
I've had a few of both lately.
I better stop and get on with the real reason I'm tapping away.
Leviticus 1
The people need an unblemished, blood sacrifice as an offering to God.
Every time before they come into the presence of God.
Every single time.
And you can bet there would be a queue each time.
Only one lot of priests.
A lot of time to cut up a beast into pieces and then burn it.
A very precise process.
But it was instituted for a reason.
Without the sacrifice, there was no atonement.
No reconciliation.
No way of getting close to God.
There needed to be a better way.
One would come.
Not that it really matters, but I've been discontent with the way it's been reading for a while.
The pedant side of me wouldn't let the change happen though until I started the new book.
Need to have words with that side of me.
Slows everything down.
And makes simple things, complicated.
I don't like complicated.
I do like simple.
There are so many lines I could follow that with but I will behave.
It will create less complication later.
I don't like complications later.
I also don't like sore arms.
Or dirty looks.
I've had a few of both lately.
I better stop and get on with the real reason I'm tapping away.
Leviticus 1
The people need an unblemished, blood sacrifice as an offering to God.
Every time before they come into the presence of God.
Every single time.
And you can bet there would be a queue each time.
Only one lot of priests.
A lot of time to cut up a beast into pieces and then burn it.
A very precise process.
But it was instituted for a reason.
Without the sacrifice, there was no atonement.
No reconciliation.
No way of getting close to God.
There needed to be a better way.
One would come.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Two Down (Ex 40/ 90)
Well the end of my second book of the Bible.
A few breaks through the process has made it seem like it's taken forever.
There has been some moments of assessing and reassessing.
Obviously my initial goal of 1189 consecutive days failed.
But this overall process has been cathartic to me.
Cleansing some of my odd perceptions about my ability.
Reinforcing some ideas of my stubborninity.
Clarifying my urges to be creative, especially with the English language.
Adding to the list of things I've started and yet to complete.
There has been encouragement and support.
Kind words filtered through to me via the interwebs and spoken in person.
My stats tracked has shown at least momentary interest from 16 countries.
Over 3000 individual pages opened.
A few of those by me admittedly.
But not that many.
I'm learning.
I'm enjoying.
I'm pretty amazing.
But special thanks must go to Donna.
For enduring my jibes, my queries on grammar and for being the defenseless butt of many of my posts.
I love you.
If you've kept up with me, I thank you for your patience and your misled loyalty.
My prayer is you've gained something other than bewilderment at the ramblings of my confused mind.
Shall we continue.
Exodus 40
So with all the work done, everything finished.
It gets used.
This is above all, a functional building/ tent/ thingy.
Nothing can hide that despite all the glitter and glam, this is to be used.
God will meet with the priests here.
God will communicate here.
God will be worshiped here.
Ornamental?
Yes.
Magnificent?
Yes.
Designed with purpose?
You betcha.
God displays His glory and it fills the tabernacle.
Fills it so much, Moses cannot enter.
Moses who just spent time on Mount Sinai in the presence of God,
(Twice!)
couldn't enter the tabernacle when God filled it with His glory.
The cloud descends and covers the tent.
God is here.
God is with you.
You don't need to fear.
You don't need to look for other options.
God is here.
Today we don't need an external reminder that God loves, protects and provides for us. We don't need the lavishness of the tabernacle. We don't have to do hours of preparation and ritual to come before Him.
He is with us always.
We need but pause and think and speak.
The magnificence is around us in the natural beauty God has created.
The stars in the sky that stretch forever.
The lashings of colour in the plants that surround us.
The intricacy of a butterfly's wing.
The mightiness of a mountain range.
All scream and testify that God loves you.
He loves me too.
A few breaks through the process has made it seem like it's taken forever.
There has been some moments of assessing and reassessing.
Obviously my initial goal of 1189 consecutive days failed.
But this overall process has been cathartic to me.
Cleansing some of my odd perceptions about my ability.
Reinforcing some ideas of my stubborninity.
Clarifying my urges to be creative, especially with the English language.
Adding to the list of things I've started and yet to complete.
There has been encouragement and support.
Kind words filtered through to me via the interwebs and spoken in person.
My stats tracked has shown at least momentary interest from 16 countries.
Over 3000 individual pages opened.
A few of those by me admittedly.
But not that many.
I'm learning.
I'm enjoying.
I'm pretty amazing.
But special thanks must go to Donna.
For enduring my jibes, my queries on grammar and for being the defenseless butt of many of my posts.
I love you.
If you've kept up with me, I thank you for your patience and your misled loyalty.
My prayer is you've gained something other than bewilderment at the ramblings of my confused mind.
Shall we continue.
Exodus 40
So with all the work done, everything finished.
It gets used.
This is above all, a functional building/ tent/ thingy.
Nothing can hide that despite all the glitter and glam, this is to be used.
God will meet with the priests here.
God will communicate here.
God will be worshiped here.
Ornamental?
Yes.
Magnificent?
Yes.
Designed with purpose?
You betcha.
God displays His glory and it fills the tabernacle.
Fills it so much, Moses cannot enter.
Moses who just spent time on Mount Sinai in the presence of God,
(Twice!)
couldn't enter the tabernacle when God filled it with His glory.
The cloud descends and covers the tent.
God is here.
God is with you.
You don't need to fear.
You don't need to look for other options.
God is here.
Today we don't need an external reminder that God loves, protects and provides for us. We don't need the lavishness of the tabernacle. We don't have to do hours of preparation and ritual to come before Him.
He is with us always.
We need but pause and think and speak.
The magnificence is around us in the natural beauty God has created.
The stars in the sky that stretch forever.
The lashings of colour in the plants that surround us.
The intricacy of a butterfly's wing.
The mightiness of a mountain range.
All scream and testify that God loves you.
He loves me too.
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Horn of My Ute (Ex 39/ 89)
I had to use the horn on the ute today.
Not an emergency or anything. Just a friendly "hello" toot.
It was embarrassing.
It had less oomph then the last breath of an asthmatic duck.
Not even a beep.
Just a be..................pthhhhhh.
Sadly I did it twice just in case I hit the spot wrong.
I didn't.
It wasn't a very manly sound.
Unless it was a man blowing one of those party blowy things that was broken and underwater and he farted at the same time.
That's it.
My ute's horn sounded like a duck fart.
A duck on a high fibre diet.
Can I use that word?
It's a bit risque.
I don't think I've used it around here before....
Ok, just this once.
You won't see the word "duck" used again.
Here.
Today.
Exodus 39
They made thread out of beaten gold leaf!
No extrusion here.
Wow that must be hard.
The terms "in skilled design", " skillfully woven", "in skilled work", "it was square", attest to the abilities of those craftsmen.
These are the clothes for the priests, God's direct representatives to the people.
They needed to be fine.
They needed to be magnificent.
They couldn't be shabby.
Or sort of okayish.
They were perfect.
Moses thought so.
God thought so.
The people were blessed.
God wants our best.
If we do our best, then it is perfect.
Notice the "our best" bit.
It may be THE best. It may not.
But it does need to be OUR best.
Others may not know.
But God will.
You will too.
Not an emergency or anything. Just a friendly "hello" toot.
It was embarrassing.
It had less oomph then the last breath of an asthmatic duck.
Not even a beep.
Just a be..................pthhhhhh.
Sadly I did it twice just in case I hit the spot wrong.
I didn't.
It wasn't a very manly sound.
Unless it was a man blowing one of those party blowy things that was broken and underwater and he farted at the same time.
That's it.
My ute's horn sounded like a duck fart.
A duck on a high fibre diet.
Can I use that word?
It's a bit risque.
I don't think I've used it around here before....
Ok, just this once.
You won't see the word "duck" used again.
Here.
Today.
Exodus 39
They made thread out of beaten gold leaf!
No extrusion here.
Wow that must be hard.
The terms "in skilled design", " skillfully woven", "in skilled work", "it was square", attest to the abilities of those craftsmen.
These are the clothes for the priests, God's direct representatives to the people.
They needed to be fine.
They needed to be magnificent.
They couldn't be shabby.
Or sort of okayish.
They were perfect.
Moses thought so.
God thought so.
The people were blessed.
God wants our best.
If we do our best, then it is perfect.
Notice the "our best" bit.
It may be THE best. It may not.
But it does need to be OUR best.
Others may not know.
But God will.
You will too.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Bezalel (Ex 38/ 88)
Sunday afternoons are a bit of a luxury.
Now the kids are a bit more independent, the leisurely time spent relaxing is a bit of a spoil.
I like it.
The week can just stop.
Everything keeps going on around us, but we can just stop.
Donna takes the stopping bit pretty literally.
I had to check a pulse earlier.
Kidding!
Ha ha ahhhhh.
Not that funny really.
But she does like a snooze in the afternoon for health reasons.
If she doesn't get a sleep, we all die.
Kidding again.
Actually I forgot Donna likes to read these.
Oh man, I'm so dead again.
I really try not to have a giggle at Donna, but it's so hard.
Sometimes.
Most of the time it's pretty easy.
But I love her a lot because she is so kind and understanding and gentle.
Please be gentle......
Exodus 38
v22"Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses"
What a trooper.
Great leadership right there people.
"Bezalel, these are the instructions. This is the pile of stuff. Do it.
I don't care how. (Well I do, but, well, here's the list thing)
Let me know when you're done, I'm having a nap."
Time passes.........
"All done. MO-SES I'm do-ne."
"What's next?"
And we don't know any more about Bezalel.
But I doubt there is much more to know.
An important job.
Done well.
Done completely.
As instructed, to glorify God.
Now the kids are a bit more independent, the leisurely time spent relaxing is a bit of a spoil.
I like it.
The week can just stop.
Everything keeps going on around us, but we can just stop.
Donna takes the stopping bit pretty literally.
I had to check a pulse earlier.
Kidding!
Ha ha ahhhhh.
Not that funny really.
But she does like a snooze in the afternoon for health reasons.
If she doesn't get a sleep, we all die.
Kidding again.
Actually I forgot Donna likes to read these.
Oh man, I'm so dead again.
I really try not to have a giggle at Donna, but it's so hard.
Sometimes.
Most of the time it's pretty easy.
But I love her a lot because she is so kind and understanding and gentle.
Please be gentle......
Exodus 38
v22"Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses"
What a trooper.
Great leadership right there people.
"Bezalel, these are the instructions. This is the pile of stuff. Do it.
I don't care how. (Well I do, but, well, here's the list thing)
Let me know when you're done, I'm having a nap."
Time passes.........
"All done. MO-SES I'm do-ne."
"What's next?"
And we don't know any more about Bezalel.
But I doubt there is much more to know.
An important job.
Done well.
Done completely.
As instructed, to glorify God.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Repeat repeat (Ex 37/ 87)
There's not much better than a long weekend.
But a long, long weekend is.
Exodus 37
Compare the details of how the altar is being made by Bezalel in this chapter to the details given to Moses by God.
They are pretty much exactly the same.
This chapter could have been shorter.
v1 And Bezalel followed Moses' instructions. He made everything fineth.
And there was much rejoicing and feasting on rams and bullocks and assorted breakfast cereals.
But I guess the purpose of what was written was to provide an accurate account of what happened. This would be passed on and so there is a good reason for so much repetition.
I wonder what Bezalel thought as he discovered what he could do.
Bang bang bang.
Wow look what I can do.
Bang bang bang
Crikey!
Bang bang bang
Oooooooo
Bang bang bang
I wonder if I can........Yeah!
Melt melt melt bend
Hey look what I can do.
I doubt he had done anything close to the precise work described.
So much of it is a single piece of gold.
So big and yet so fine.
Not unlike my good self.
heh heh.
But a long, long weekend is.
Exodus 37
Compare the details of how the altar is being made by Bezalel in this chapter to the details given to Moses by God.
They are pretty much exactly the same.
This chapter could have been shorter.
v1 And Bezalel followed Moses' instructions. He made everything fineth.
And there was much rejoicing and feasting on rams and bullocks and assorted breakfast cereals.
But I guess the purpose of what was written was to provide an accurate account of what happened. This would be passed on and so there is a good reason for so much repetition.
I wonder what Bezalel thought as he discovered what he could do.
Bang bang bang.
Wow look what I can do.
Bang bang bang
Crikey!
Bang bang bang
Oooooooo
Bang bang bang
I wonder if I can........Yeah!
Melt melt melt bend
Hey look what I can do.
I doubt he had done anything close to the precise work described.
So much of it is a single piece of gold.
So big and yet so fine.
Not unlike my good self.
heh heh.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Building Starts (Ex 36/ 86)
I'm getting fairly excited at the moment.
I'm approaching a couple of biggish milestones.
First of all I've nearly finished blogging my second book of the Bible.
Secondly, in less than 20 posts I will have made comments on 100 different occasions.
I know those two things are sort of closely connected and kind of intertwine around each other. But I needed to let people know how little a life I actually have.
These are highlights to me!
And I can't get depressed by this.
That's the really sad bit.
Irony, irony.
I tried to think "Oh whoa is me, my high point in life is getting to the end of Exodus."
But I can't feel sad or even sort of unhappyish.
Because it has sort of proven that I can do this stuff.
It may not be brilliant.
There's certainly more riveting stuff around.
And it has no pictures and stuff.
But it's all me.
Yeah!
Oh and Leviticus rises in the distance.
Looming closer and closer.
It's invigorating scent of excitement inches towards me.
Now that's something to really look forward to.
And what's that in its shadow, lurking silently beyond the horizon.
Oh.
It's Numbers.
Might be time for a holiday then.
(Today I really wanted to use the words lurking and looming. I have no idea why. It was just one of those odd thinking processes that struck me today.)
Exodus 36
So the craftsmen get stuck in straight away.
They know the plans.
They have the skills.
They just do it.
(Today's post has been brought to you by Nike. No it hasn't. Just me.)
And the people bring gifts.
And gifts.
And gifts.
And gifts.
So much that the workers say, "Stop! It's more than enough."
Never heard a tradie say that.
Reading between the lines I sense the excitement of working together in building a place to worship God.
There is no aimlessness.
No vague idea of what is meant to happen.
Direction.
And they all get into it.
I can almost hear the singing as they put it all together.
Or is that the 7 dwarves?
I'm approaching a couple of biggish milestones.
First of all I've nearly finished blogging my second book of the Bible.
Secondly, in less than 20 posts I will have made comments on 100 different occasions.
I know those two things are sort of closely connected and kind of intertwine around each other. But I needed to let people know how little a life I actually have.
These are highlights to me!
And I can't get depressed by this.
That's the really sad bit.
Irony, irony.
I tried to think "Oh whoa is me, my high point in life is getting to the end of Exodus."
But I can't feel sad or even sort of unhappyish.
Because it has sort of proven that I can do this stuff.
It may not be brilliant.
There's certainly more riveting stuff around.
And it has no pictures and stuff.
But it's all me.
Yeah!
Oh and Leviticus rises in the distance.
Looming closer and closer.
It's invigorating scent of excitement inches towards me.
Now that's something to really look forward to.
And what's that in its shadow, lurking silently beyond the horizon.
Oh.
It's Numbers.
Might be time for a holiday then.
(Today I really wanted to use the words lurking and looming. I have no idea why. It was just one of those odd thinking processes that struck me today.)
Exodus 36
So the craftsmen get stuck in straight away.
They know the plans.
They have the skills.
They just do it.
(Today's post has been brought to you by Nike. No it hasn't. Just me.)
And the people bring gifts.
And gifts.
And gifts.
And gifts.
So much that the workers say, "Stop! It's more than enough."
Never heard a tradie say that.
Reading between the lines I sense the excitement of working together in building a place to worship God.
There is no aimlessness.
No vague idea of what is meant to happen.
Direction.
And they all get into it.
I can almost hear the singing as they put it all together.
Or is that the 7 dwarves?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Team Israel (Ex 35/ 85)
I've had my ute for almost 8 years now.
It's no piece of art.
In fact it only just could be classified a vehicle.
Over that time the amount of attention I have given it has gently dwindled away.
It still gets a semi-regular clean.
I keep an eye on the oil and water.
But that's about it.
The window seals leak.
The electricals are peculiar.
The front bumper has received some panel-beating from Donna's car.
Now I just look to the day when I can get something a bit more practical.
I don't need the functionality it used to bring when we moved or collected wood for the fire.
Now, I'm tending to want to go out and about a bit more in search of fish.
A small 4WD with some clearance would be ideal.
One day.
Today I realised how little care I had been giving it.
Gradually the amount of dirt coming form my boots or fishing stuff has been collecting under the pedals.
How much?
This afternoon when I got home, I noticed where the water drips from the dodgy window seal, 3 blades of grass growing.
I probably should mow it before the weekend.
Because it's bound to get way out of control if I don't.
Exodus 35
Everybody was summoned to complete the work on the tabernacle.
Everybody.
And everybody did their bit.
They did what they could do.
There was a minimum of expectation.
Be involved.
Do what you can do.
Learn from those around you.
What a brilliant example of team.
Only one was mentioned by name. Bezalel.
Probably due to the fact that it was highly skilled work that was needed. Without being filled by the Spirit of God
it wouldn't have happened. he was
v31"filled with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship"
Even then he didn't keep it for himself. He was inspired to teach others.
Contradicting the universal knowledge that
"Those that can, do. Those who can't, teach."
Apologies to any teachers who may be reading this. Particularly Mrs Hudson, who continues to scare me 25 years on.
It does imply in v21 that there were some who didn't get involved. Their hearts weren't stirred.
Yet they still enjoyed the benefits of the work.
They were still included.
They may not have received the personal satisfaction in being involved.
But they were still God's chosen people.
It's no piece of art.
In fact it only just could be classified a vehicle.
Over that time the amount of attention I have given it has gently dwindled away.
It still gets a semi-regular clean.
I keep an eye on the oil and water.
But that's about it.
The window seals leak.
The electricals are peculiar.
The front bumper has received some panel-beating from Donna's car.
Now I just look to the day when I can get something a bit more practical.
I don't need the functionality it used to bring when we moved or collected wood for the fire.
Now, I'm tending to want to go out and about a bit more in search of fish.
A small 4WD with some clearance would be ideal.
One day.
Today I realised how little care I had been giving it.
Gradually the amount of dirt coming form my boots or fishing stuff has been collecting under the pedals.
How much?
This afternoon when I got home, I noticed where the water drips from the dodgy window seal, 3 blades of grass growing.
I probably should mow it before the weekend.
Because it's bound to get way out of control if I don't.
Exodus 35
Everybody was summoned to complete the work on the tabernacle.
Everybody.
And everybody did their bit.
They did what they could do.
There was a minimum of expectation.
Be involved.
Do what you can do.
Learn from those around you.
What a brilliant example of team.
Only one was mentioned by name. Bezalel.
Probably due to the fact that it was highly skilled work that was needed. Without being filled by the Spirit of God
it wouldn't have happened. he was
v31"filled with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship"
Even then he didn't keep it for himself. He was inspired to teach others.
Contradicting the universal knowledge that
"Those that can, do. Those who can't, teach."
Apologies to any teachers who may be reading this. Particularly Mrs Hudson, who continues to scare me 25 years on.
It does imply in v21 that there were some who didn't get involved. Their hearts weren't stirred.
Yet they still enjoyed the benefits of the work.
They were still included.
They may not have received the personal satisfaction in being involved.
But they were still God's chosen people.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A Glowing Head (Ex 34/ 84)
Well I did it.
At great cost to my pain barrier I set the final post in the ground today.
It has taken way longer than I first thought.
My soft delicate hands have been replaced by lumps of callouses and the odd blister.
My daughter has always said I have "lumpy" hands.
I guess she was right. My hands just didn't know it.
Until now.
18 fence posts and 2 gate posts.
Doesn't sound much.
Come to think of it, it doesn't really look like much either.
Anyhow it's done and I can return to work.
Whether it got done or not I will still be returning to work.
Shudder to think what's been building up on my desk.
Probably the bigger worry is my Inbox.
Sigh.
Donna returns from Sydney tonight.
I'm currently in a happy little place.
Everything looks alright.
I finished what I wanted to.
I had a fish on the weekend.
The kids haven't died or been struck by some weird illness.
We still have a dog.
She should be happy.
I will be.
Exodus 34
No murmuring in this chapter.
Maybe the people realise how close they were to getting wiped out.
Moses is away for 40 days and nights and there is not a peep of discontent.
Not a skerrick of muttering.
They all wait patiently for Moses to return and hear what God has planned.
I think God understands His people. I'm sure of it actually.
He makes a covenant with them, warning them not to be distracted by their neighbours and their nasty customs. He promises to clear the land of the current inhabitants as his end of the agreement. Big call.
Yep, but this comes from God, who loves His people immensely, hugely, always.
He wants whats best for them.
And He knows what isn't best for them.
No doubt this will get revisited. Over and over.
But for now, the instructions are clear and to this point the commandments are accepted.
I guess seeing Moses return with glowing skin would have some kind of impact on you.
"Hey Reuben, what's that coming down the hill all glowy like?"
"Don't know Eric. It's shiny though."
"Oo oo shiny"
"Hang on. It looks like Moses!"
"No. He doesn't glow. I think. I can't remember what he looks like."
"Yeah. It is him. Look he's got those rock things with 'im."
"Watch out for those. He likes to lob them. He nearly hit Micah with one a few weeks ago. You know when the calf thingy......"
"Oh yeah......."
"I like what he's done with his face. Not eating has given him a rosy, shiny, glowy, radioactive complexion."
"Don't let the missus know or we'll all not be eating for 40 days. Blinking trend setters. Um by the way......what's radioactive?"
"Hmmmmm, no idea."
"Gee it does glow don't it?"
"Yep. And that robe highlights his massive guns as well. I guess that comes with hacking rock out the side of a hill, carrying them around and occasionally hurling them at the ground. I prefer Zumba myself."
"What's Zumba?"
"You don't want to know. Let's check out what he's gonna tell us this time. Get a spot at the back just in case."
"Ok"
At great cost to my pain barrier I set the final post in the ground today.
It has taken way longer than I first thought.
My soft delicate hands have been replaced by lumps of callouses and the odd blister.
My daughter has always said I have "lumpy" hands.
I guess she was right. My hands just didn't know it.
Until now.
18 fence posts and 2 gate posts.
Doesn't sound much.
Come to think of it, it doesn't really look like much either.
Anyhow it's done and I can return to work.
Whether it got done or not I will still be returning to work.
Shudder to think what's been building up on my desk.
Probably the bigger worry is my Inbox.
Sigh.
Donna returns from Sydney tonight.
I'm currently in a happy little place.
Everything looks alright.
I finished what I wanted to.
I had a fish on the weekend.
The kids haven't died or been struck by some weird illness.
We still have a dog.
She should be happy.
I will be.
Exodus 34
No murmuring in this chapter.
Maybe the people realise how close they were to getting wiped out.
Moses is away for 40 days and nights and there is not a peep of discontent.
Not a skerrick of muttering.
They all wait patiently for Moses to return and hear what God has planned.
I think God understands His people. I'm sure of it actually.
He makes a covenant with them, warning them not to be distracted by their neighbours and their nasty customs. He promises to clear the land of the current inhabitants as his end of the agreement. Big call.
Yep, but this comes from God, who loves His people immensely, hugely, always.
He wants whats best for them.
And He knows what isn't best for them.
No doubt this will get revisited. Over and over.
But for now, the instructions are clear and to this point the commandments are accepted.
I guess seeing Moses return with glowing skin would have some kind of impact on you.
"Hey Reuben, what's that coming down the hill all glowy like?"
"Don't know Eric. It's shiny though."
"Oo oo shiny"
"Hang on. It looks like Moses!"
"No. He doesn't glow. I think. I can't remember what he looks like."
"Yeah. It is him. Look he's got those rock things with 'im."
"Watch out for those. He likes to lob them. He nearly hit Micah with one a few weeks ago. You know when the calf thingy......"
"Oh yeah......."
"I like what he's done with his face. Not eating has given him a rosy, shiny, glowy, radioactive complexion."
"Don't let the missus know or we'll all not be eating for 40 days. Blinking trend setters. Um by the way......what's radioactive?"
"Hmmmmm, no idea."
"Gee it does glow don't it?"
"Yep. And that robe highlights his massive guns as well. I guess that comes with hacking rock out the side of a hill, carrying them around and occasionally hurling them at the ground. I prefer Zumba myself."
"What's Zumba?"
"You don't want to know. Let's check out what he's gonna tell us this time. Get a spot at the back just in case."
"Ok"
Monday, October 25, 2010
God's Back (Ex 33/ 83)
I've been lax.
Slack.
A poor manager of time.
Distracted.
Weary.
Sore.
Really sore.
Oh Donna just rang from Sydney. Happy clap and dance.
Where was I?
Oh yeah poor sore me. blah di blah di blah.
Actually I was pretty sore from the fence stuff on Saturday. Poor excuses?
I've got heaps.
I really need to do more physical stuff. I'm getting soft in my old age.
Yeah I know sis, soft-ER.
Thanks.
Exodus 33
v11 " Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend."
Golly.
More on this in a bit.
Earlier God refers to the Israelites as a "stiff-necked people" again.
They don't seem to appreciate it, yet don't appear to change.
They tend to get the sulks easily.
Spoilt children without the spoiling.
I understand (sort of. I have bush walked a bit(a tiny bit)) the hardship involved in wandering through the wilderness.
Of giving up everything you knew to follow a man and follow God.
But they are going to a land they know they were promised.
They are being led by God who has demonstrated His power over and over.
Hello, pillar of cloud, pillar of fire ring any bells guys.
Yet as soon as something goes different to what they want, they crack the sads.
To the point God wants to do them all in and start again.
That He doesn't is a measure of His grace.
That He doesn't is a measure of His love.
That He doesn't is a measure of His patience.
God does find favour in Moses.
Some may argue this was because He had everything invested in Moses.
But Moses also loved this people.
Not as much as God.
But a lot.
He argues against their extermination.
He pleads for more food, more water.
He has fought for them continually since they left Egypt.
Maybe it is this passion they enables him to enjoy the relationship he has with God.
This common bond they have.
He asks God to reveal His glory to him.
What was he thinking?
Wasn't the maelstrom on the mount enough?
So God will let Moses see His back.
His back.
I have to say that again.
His back.
Moses, who knows God more than anyone, meets with God in a tent regularly and has just had a fairly deep and meaningful with Him on a mountain, can only just take in the glory emanating from God's back.
And God will let him see it.
Staggering.
Slack.
A poor manager of time.
Distracted.
Weary.
Sore.
Really sore.
Oh Donna just rang from Sydney. Happy clap and dance.
Where was I?
Oh yeah poor sore me. blah di blah di blah.
Actually I was pretty sore from the fence stuff on Saturday. Poor excuses?
I've got heaps.
I really need to do more physical stuff. I'm getting soft in my old age.
Yeah I know sis, soft-ER.
Thanks.
Exodus 33
v11 " Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend."
Golly.
More on this in a bit.
Earlier God refers to the Israelites as a "stiff-necked people" again.
They don't seem to appreciate it, yet don't appear to change.
They tend to get the sulks easily.
Spoilt children without the spoiling.
I understand (sort of. I have bush walked a bit(a tiny bit)) the hardship involved in wandering through the wilderness.
Of giving up everything you knew to follow a man and follow God.
But they are going to a land they know they were promised.
They are being led by God who has demonstrated His power over and over.
Hello, pillar of cloud, pillar of fire ring any bells guys.
Yet as soon as something goes different to what they want, they crack the sads.
To the point God wants to do them all in and start again.
That He doesn't is a measure of His grace.
That He doesn't is a measure of His love.
That He doesn't is a measure of His patience.
God does find favour in Moses.
Some may argue this was because He had everything invested in Moses.
But Moses also loved this people.
Not as much as God.
But a lot.
He argues against their extermination.
He pleads for more food, more water.
He has fought for them continually since they left Egypt.
Maybe it is this passion they enables him to enjoy the relationship he has with God.
This common bond they have.
He asks God to reveal His glory to him.
What was he thinking?
Wasn't the maelstrom on the mount enough?
So God will let Moses see His back.
His back.
I have to say that again.
His back.
Moses, who knows God more than anyone, meets with God in a tent regularly and has just had a fairly deep and meaningful with Him on a mountain, can only just take in the glory emanating from God's back.
And God will let him see it.
Staggering.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Ouch (Ex 32/ 82)
I want to return to my nice office.
With all its lovely paperwork, deadlines and comfy chairs.
With its requests from others for help.
NOW. If that's ok.
I want to return to my difficult clients and over-scheduling nightmares.
Because at the moment my body aches.
I'm in pain.
My arms and neck are burnt.
My shins have felt the wrath of a machine that operates at their height with a nasty habit of kicking out like a mule every couple of minutes.
My shoulders are worn out from the labour of mixing cement and trundling wheel barrows.
Trundling them,
Not to market. No.
Not laden with eider and soft lace. No.
But full of cement.
My back has been broken at least 4 times, possibly 7.
But
at
least
I
got
my fence
started.
Whoopee.
Dead.
Actually I'm not too bad.
Just as well.
As I have to try and finish the posts tomorrow.
I do have a bit of a blister on my thumb.
My wonky thumb.
Looks like a fish.
My thumb, not the blister.
Long story for another time.
Exodus 32
Oh bother. This chapter.
A few things annoy me here.
One.
The people get annoyed that Moses is late back from the chat with God.
Yet.
The cloud is still on the mountain.
God is speaking with thunder, lightning and earthquakes.
Hard to miss that.
And it's only been a few days.
They've seen the plagues.
They've seen the Red Sea divide.
They've seen manna.
They've seen quail in abundance.
They've seen water come from a rock.
They've seen bitter water made good.
But they can't wait until Moses is finished with God.
Two.
Aaron is a fool.
"Oh the people gave me their gold and I threw it in the fire and this golden calf came out. Oh wow"
Oh ppppuuullleeeaaassseee.
Come on bloke. that is weak.
"Oh, but you know the people. They are set on being evil."
Moses probably had a backhander ready about now.
When we make a bad decision, it makes no sense to make it worse.
Aaron's character wouldn't let him own up to a bad call. Instead it made things worse with some half-baked lame excuse.
Moses is able to make God change His mind.
He pleads the case not to obliterate the people for their sin successfully.
Instead of destruction he sent a plague.
Still, Moses got God to change His mind.
That one will mystify me greatly for a while.
Great. Now it's raining outside.
Silly qualification.
As opposed to last week when it rained inside.
Just hope it stops.
With all its lovely paperwork, deadlines and comfy chairs.
With its requests from others for help.
NOW. If that's ok.
I want to return to my difficult clients and over-scheduling nightmares.
Because at the moment my body aches.
I'm in pain.
My arms and neck are burnt.
My shins have felt the wrath of a machine that operates at their height with a nasty habit of kicking out like a mule every couple of minutes.
My shoulders are worn out from the labour of mixing cement and trundling wheel barrows.
Trundling them,
Not to market. No.
Not laden with eider and soft lace. No.
But full of cement.
My back has been broken at least 4 times, possibly 7.
But
at
least
I
got
my fence
started.
Whoopee.
Dead.
Actually I'm not too bad.
Just as well.
As I have to try and finish the posts tomorrow.
I do have a bit of a blister on my thumb.
My wonky thumb.
Looks like a fish.
My thumb, not the blister.
Long story for another time.
Exodus 32
Oh bother. This chapter.
A few things annoy me here.
One.
The people get annoyed that Moses is late back from the chat with God.
Yet.
The cloud is still on the mountain.
God is speaking with thunder, lightning and earthquakes.
Hard to miss that.
And it's only been a few days.
They've seen the plagues.
They've seen the Red Sea divide.
They've seen manna.
They've seen quail in abundance.
They've seen water come from a rock.
They've seen bitter water made good.
But they can't wait until Moses is finished with God.
Two.
Aaron is a fool.
"Oh the people gave me their gold and I threw it in the fire and this golden calf came out. Oh wow"
Oh ppppuuullleeeaaassseee.
Come on bloke. that is weak.
"Oh, but you know the people. They are set on being evil."
Moses probably had a backhander ready about now.
When we make a bad decision, it makes no sense to make it worse.
Aaron's character wouldn't let him own up to a bad call. Instead it made things worse with some half-baked lame excuse.
Moses is able to make God change His mind.
He pleads the case not to obliterate the people for their sin successfully.
Instead of destruction he sent a plague.
Still, Moses got God to change His mind.
That one will mystify me greatly for a while.
Great. Now it's raining outside.
Silly qualification.
As opposed to last week when it rained inside.
Just hope it stops.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Rest (Ex 31/ 81)
Here I am at the computer again.
The couch in the lounge is empty.
There is no smell of tea.
I don't have to answer the question "Can I get you anything?"
I am not distracted by the sound of another keyboard.
It seems quiet.
Too quiet.
Only 5 days to go.
Golly it reads like someone died doesn't it?
Words are weird how they can convey incorrect emotions.
Or maybe that's the fault of the wordsmith. :(
Exodus 31
With all the fine work required, a craftsman of exceptional ability was also needed.
Bezalel makes up for a dodgy name with those abilities, given by God.
For someone who could create a sunrise, a galaxy, a spider's web, this other stuff would be a cinch.
So God gives this man the talent and skills to carry out the work.
And for all the work that needed to be done, something to remember.
Don't forget to rest.
It is important to rest on the seventh day.
Not just to take it easy.
It had another reason.
It shows the covenant between God and His people.
Rest.
Be refreshed.
And God gives Moses the two tablets with all the details and the laws.
Heavy bits of stone methinks.
The couch in the lounge is empty.
There is no smell of tea.
I don't have to answer the question "Can I get you anything?"
I am not distracted by the sound of another keyboard.
It seems quiet.
Too quiet.
Only 5 days to go.
Golly it reads like someone died doesn't it?
Words are weird how they can convey incorrect emotions.
Or maybe that's the fault of the wordsmith. :(
Exodus 31
With all the fine work required, a craftsman of exceptional ability was also needed.
Bezalel makes up for a dodgy name with those abilities, given by God.
For someone who could create a sunrise, a galaxy, a spider's web, this other stuff would be a cinch.
So God gives this man the talent and skills to carry out the work.
And for all the work that needed to be done, something to remember.
Don't forget to rest.
It is important to rest on the seventh day.
Not just to take it easy.
It had another reason.
It shows the covenant between God and His people.
Rest.
Be refreshed.
And God gives Moses the two tablets with all the details and the laws.
Heavy bits of stone methinks.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
My Poor Little Ute (Ex 30/ 80)
My old faithful ute nearly died today.
It was quite a scary few moments at the landscape supplies yard.
The half metre of gravel mix was gently tipped into the tray by the female driver.
Yes female.
Lovely lady but made me feel a tad inferior.
By a gigamile.
Like, she knew how to drive the big yellow thing with the scoop in the front. She also dumped the whole load exactly in the middle of the back bit of my ute.
She also called the stuff I called gravel something else that made it sound so much better.
Anyway when the load was dumped, my little ute dropped like a (insert appropriate analogy here as I can only think of ones I shouldn't use).
I lost sight of the top of the tyres and I thought the suspension would bust.
Kindly, the nice lady gave me some rather clever advice like "Drive carefully."
Kind of of burst the bubble of awe and admiration I had of her to that point.
It was a slow drive home.
Cornering was very, very interesting.
And felt peculiar.
Sort of like driving on bubbles that might pop at any moment.
So were some of the comments I supposed the drivers behind me had, as I dawdled along the highway at 50k's at 4:45 in the afternoon.
I did pull over twice to let the steady stream behind me past.
Yay me.
The bottom of the ute scraped the drive as I drove up.
Not sure how to handle the next load.
Might just get it delivered.
Piker.
Exodus 30
Okay, I have a confession tonight.
I have found the last 4 or 5 chapters really, really boring.
There I said it out loud.
That makes no sense when typing.
It was loud in my head.
They've been a struggle both reading and commenting.
I can't wait for Leviticus. *eyes roll*
But it wasn't meant to be easy.
And deep inside I knew it wouldn't be.
But golly, do something people, God, someone.
Quickly. Please.
See it just not the Gen Y'ers who need stuff to happen NOW.
Cubits, curtains, robes, gold, stones, ram fat, weights, measures, rings.........
Aaaaahhhhhhhh!
That feels better now.
Onwards.
So Moses is still on the mount taking all these details in.
The details of the altar are given and the process of consecrating the priests.
Important stuff. You do not want to forget, for example to wash in water before offering a burnt food offering to God.
v20 "..... to burn a food offering to the LORD, they shall wash with water, so that they may not die."
So much detail.
As I said before, really important detail.
Most of it goes over my head. Maybe because I am intimidated by all those instructions. It seems way too much. I can't fathom the reasons behind most, if not all of it.
There must be significant call for it to be just so.
Possibly health and hygiene concerns to cater for.
Symbolic and cultural aspects that need to be addressed.
Any of those and maybe none of those.
I don't really think I can do any justice to this on just one reading.
This odyssey I have embarked upon has made me realise though, that these chapters are important. They are in the Bible for good reason and just because I don't get it doesn't make it so.
I actually got that sliver of insight a while ago but this section has brought it home somewhat. A tendency to overlook or skim through the "dull" bits could equate to lost opportunities to glean important aspects about God and His word.
You have to take it ALL.
Not just the "good", "interesting" bits.
But I so want Judges or Kings to come soon.
It was quite a scary few moments at the landscape supplies yard.
The half metre of gravel mix was gently tipped into the tray by the female driver.
Yes female.
Lovely lady but made me feel a tad inferior.
By a gigamile.
Like, she knew how to drive the big yellow thing with the scoop in the front. She also dumped the whole load exactly in the middle of the back bit of my ute.
She also called the stuff I called gravel something else that made it sound so much better.
Anyway when the load was dumped, my little ute dropped like a (insert appropriate analogy here as I can only think of ones I shouldn't use).
I lost sight of the top of the tyres and I thought the suspension would bust.
Kindly, the nice lady gave me some rather clever advice like "Drive carefully."
Kind of of burst the bubble of awe and admiration I had of her to that point.
It was a slow drive home.
Cornering was very, very interesting.
And felt peculiar.
Sort of like driving on bubbles that might pop at any moment.
So were some of the comments I supposed the drivers behind me had, as I dawdled along the highway at 50k's at 4:45 in the afternoon.
I did pull over twice to let the steady stream behind me past.
Yay me.
The bottom of the ute scraped the drive as I drove up.
Not sure how to handle the next load.
Might just get it delivered.
Piker.
Exodus 30
Okay, I have a confession tonight.
I have found the last 4 or 5 chapters really, really boring.
There I said it out loud.
That makes no sense when typing.
It was loud in my head.
They've been a struggle both reading and commenting.
I can't wait for Leviticus. *eyes roll*
But it wasn't meant to be easy.
And deep inside I knew it wouldn't be.
But golly, do something people, God, someone.
Quickly. Please.
See it just not the Gen Y'ers who need stuff to happen NOW.
Cubits, curtains, robes, gold, stones, ram fat, weights, measures, rings.........
Aaaaahhhhhhhh!
That feels better now.
Onwards.
So Moses is still on the mount taking all these details in.
The details of the altar are given and the process of consecrating the priests.
Important stuff. You do not want to forget, for example to wash in water before offering a burnt food offering to God.
v20 "..... to burn a food offering to the LORD, they shall wash with water, so that they may not die."
So much detail.
As I said before, really important detail.
Most of it goes over my head. Maybe because I am intimidated by all those instructions. It seems way too much. I can't fathom the reasons behind most, if not all of it.
There must be significant call for it to be just so.
Possibly health and hygiene concerns to cater for.
Symbolic and cultural aspects that need to be addressed.
Any of those and maybe none of those.
I don't really think I can do any justice to this on just one reading.
This odyssey I have embarked upon has made me realise though, that these chapters are important. They are in the Bible for good reason and just because I don't get it doesn't make it so.
I actually got that sliver of insight a while ago but this section has brought it home somewhat. A tendency to overlook or skim through the "dull" bits could equate to lost opportunities to glean important aspects about God and His word.
You have to take it ALL.
Not just the "good", "interesting" bits.
But I so want Judges or Kings to come soon.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
I Did a Bad, Bad Thing (Ex 29/ 79)
I feel I have a confession to make to the almighty Blog.
It's been 3 nights since my last post.
I meant to post last night. I really, really did.
I wish I had an excuse for not posting.
On Saturday night, I needed to spend time with Donna.
It wasn't demanded. It wasn't requested. I just needed to spend time with my partner in life. It was great.
Sunday night......
Well Sunday is always going to be Sunday.
Fairly busy. Some down time. A bit of both.
But the head wasn't working by blogging time. It happens.
But last night.
I just didn't blog.
No good reason apart from the fact that I just didn't blog.
Why do I feel I've committed some heinous act? What's that about? It's not like I squashed a kitten or ate a goldfish.
Maybe it's because I talked about my blog on Saturday to some friends. I gave them the big spiel.
Performance anxiety perhaps? Couldn't come up with some quality writing so I did nothing?
Don't know. But now I have that out of my system I feel in mood to write some more.
Sorry.
Maybe the quiet was better?
Too bad.
Exodus 29
Aaron and the priests are dressed in clean immaculate garments. Then they are cleaned again and covered in oil. Then they are sprayed in blood and fat.
My image of a priest encompassed the first part of the picture but struggles with the second.
The covered in blood and fat bit.
Some butchery skills were to be required.
Anatomy of sheep and cows also a necessity.
7 bulls sacrificed for sin offerings in a week.
2 lambs sacrificed each day.
That's a lot of blood.
That's a lot of burning.
That's a nasty manky smell.
Each day there was a process before meeting with God.
Phew and what a process.
Not today.
Someone else has stood in place of the priests and the sacrifices. Blood was shed and covered not a beautiful garment, but something more hideous. Something that kept us from getting close to God.
I know there must have been some that wished they were a priest. Not me. I would daily thank me parents they were not Levites. Especially around the morning and evening.
Not a job for the squeamish of stomach.
Maybe if I was a Levite I could have brought a note from Mum to get out of it.
I'd try anyway.
"Hey we need someone to cut up this ram and wave the kidneys and tail fat around. Let me see.......You there cowering near the buckets. You'll do. See Aaron. The guy with the funny hat covered in blood. He'll show you what to do. Oh and be careful where you step. It's slippery."
I have this friend though who knows how to wield a knife quite well. He is certainly adroit at slicing animals up.
Hmmmmm.
No, I'm not going anywhere particular with this train of thought.
Just pondering.
Hmmmmm.
It's been 3 nights since my last post.
I meant to post last night. I really, really did.
I wish I had an excuse for not posting.
On Saturday night, I needed to spend time with Donna.
It wasn't demanded. It wasn't requested. I just needed to spend time with my partner in life. It was great.
Sunday night......
Well Sunday is always going to be Sunday.
Fairly busy. Some down time. A bit of both.
But the head wasn't working by blogging time. It happens.
But last night.
I just didn't blog.
No good reason apart from the fact that I just didn't blog.
Why do I feel I've committed some heinous act? What's that about? It's not like I squashed a kitten or ate a goldfish.
Maybe it's because I talked about my blog on Saturday to some friends. I gave them the big spiel.
Performance anxiety perhaps? Couldn't come up with some quality writing so I did nothing?
Don't know. But now I have that out of my system I feel in mood to write some more.
Sorry.
Maybe the quiet was better?
Too bad.
Exodus 29
Aaron and the priests are dressed in clean immaculate garments. Then they are cleaned again and covered in oil. Then they are sprayed in blood and fat.
My image of a priest encompassed the first part of the picture but struggles with the second.
The covered in blood and fat bit.
Some butchery skills were to be required.
Anatomy of sheep and cows also a necessity.
7 bulls sacrificed for sin offerings in a week.
2 lambs sacrificed each day.
That's a lot of blood.
That's a lot of burning.
That's a nasty manky smell.
Each day there was a process before meeting with God.
Phew and what a process.
Not today.
Someone else has stood in place of the priests and the sacrifices. Blood was shed and covered not a beautiful garment, but something more hideous. Something that kept us from getting close to God.
I know there must have been some that wished they were a priest. Not me. I would daily thank me parents they were not Levites. Especially around the morning and evening.
Not a job for the squeamish of stomach.
Maybe if I was a Levite I could have brought a note from Mum to get out of it.
I'd try anyway.
"Hey we need someone to cut up this ram and wave the kidneys and tail fat around. Let me see.......You there cowering near the buckets. You'll do. See Aaron. The guy with the funny hat covered in blood. He'll show you what to do. Oh and be careful where you step. It's slippery."
I have this friend though who knows how to wield a knife quite well. He is certainly adroit at slicing animals up.
Hmmmmm.
No, I'm not going anywhere particular with this train of thought.
Just pondering.
Hmmmmm.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Mockingness (Ex 28/ 78)
I am generally fairly aware of my surroundings.
As long as I'm not trying to find somewhere specific.
I can catch bits of conversations around me, and could (yes, could) take in information from a number of different sources at once.
I remember bewildering my mum when I was younger by simultaneously reading a book while watching TV and listening to a record.
Yes, a record.
An LP.
Or possibly an EP. I had a few of those.
Kids, ask your parents.
I doubt even google would shed much light on records.
Anyway, I can be quite in tune with my surroundings.
This was apparent today after a seemingly inocuous facebook post.
I complained of a sore ear and throat.
There's my first problem.
Normally I won't complain.
I dislike it as 1. It's unlikely to change anything
and 2. It bugs other people.
I was neither seeking sympathy or assistance.
Maybe I should have voiced that.
My mocking sensor was well and truly sounding by this afternoon.
There was no real evidence.
But I knew it was happening.
I'm a bloke.
I have a sore ear.
I made it public.
There references to small fluffy animals.
There was sighs of understanding.
Sincerity was unclear.
But I know what it's like to sit in front of facebook and think of something to submit. But just before hitting the "ENTER" key, deciding my comment shouldn't be made public and deleted.
The thought is still there, just deep inside and not published.
I know it's out there.
Lurking.
What's more I believe the mocking was laced with traces of estrogen.
Strong traces.
Well I am still feeling the same.
I won't tell anyone though.
I expect to keep this secret until the suffering passes.
For those concerned that I am cross or stressed, fear not.
I am neither.
I keep rereading what I have written, but cannot ascertain whether the intent of "tongue in cheek" comes across.
I can't read with any neutrality.
My determination to not delete has struck again and I fear rewriting may cause much mental anguish.
Soooooooooo take the above as you would.
I'm fine about it.
And so's my ear.
Exodus 28
I wonder how much of garments and other seemingly ostentatious design were for the purpose of pleasing God, and how much were pleasing the people.
They had no king and their leader was from the wilderness.
They had a God they couldn't see, but knew Him to be all powerful.
If the robes were simple would they be distracted by the rituals of neighbours?
Did they need the impressive stuff to feel important?
Better than others.
I know there is symbolism in the aspects of the tabernacle, altar, ark and clothing.
I just don't get it all and need to do some research.
You need time to do that and unfortunately I have a short resource of that.
It's on a list to follow up though.
With everything else.
When you worship the God who made everything, why not do it with the best you can build?
Honour and respect.
Not only in the design but in the manner they were created.
Very talented craftsmen.
Greatly gifted.
Again God makes a way.
It still seems too harsh.
The top bit.
Sorry.
As long as I'm not trying to find somewhere specific.
I can catch bits of conversations around me, and could (yes, could) take in information from a number of different sources at once.
I remember bewildering my mum when I was younger by simultaneously reading a book while watching TV and listening to a record.
Yes, a record.
An LP.
Or possibly an EP. I had a few of those.
Kids, ask your parents.
I doubt even google would shed much light on records.
Anyway, I can be quite in tune with my surroundings.
This was apparent today after a seemingly inocuous facebook post.
I complained of a sore ear and throat.
There's my first problem.
Normally I won't complain.
I dislike it as 1. It's unlikely to change anything
and 2. It bugs other people.
I was neither seeking sympathy or assistance.
Maybe I should have voiced that.
My mocking sensor was well and truly sounding by this afternoon.
There was no real evidence.
But I knew it was happening.
I'm a bloke.
I have a sore ear.
I made it public.
There references to small fluffy animals.
There was sighs of understanding.
Sincerity was unclear.
But I know what it's like to sit in front of facebook and think of something to submit. But just before hitting the "ENTER" key, deciding my comment shouldn't be made public and deleted.
The thought is still there, just deep inside and not published.
I know it's out there.
Lurking.
What's more I believe the mocking was laced with traces of estrogen.
Strong traces.
Well I am still feeling the same.
I won't tell anyone though.
I expect to keep this secret until the suffering passes.
For those concerned that I am cross or stressed, fear not.
I am neither.
I keep rereading what I have written, but cannot ascertain whether the intent of "tongue in cheek" comes across.
I can't read with any neutrality.
My determination to not delete has struck again and I fear rewriting may cause much mental anguish.
Soooooooooo take the above as you would.
I'm fine about it.
And so's my ear.
Exodus 28
I wonder how much of garments and other seemingly ostentatious design were for the purpose of pleasing God, and how much were pleasing the people.
They had no king and their leader was from the wilderness.
They had a God they couldn't see, but knew Him to be all powerful.
If the robes were simple would they be distracted by the rituals of neighbours?
Did they need the impressive stuff to feel important?
Better than others.
I know there is symbolism in the aspects of the tabernacle, altar, ark and clothing.
I just don't get it all and need to do some research.
You need time to do that and unfortunately I have a short resource of that.
It's on a list to follow up though.
With everything else.
When you worship the God who made everything, why not do it with the best you can build?
Honour and respect.
Not only in the design but in the manner they were created.
Very talented craftsmen.
Greatly gifted.
Again God makes a way.
It still seems too harsh.
The top bit.
Sorry.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Nearly Finished the Instructions (Ex 27/ 77)
Not much in my head today.
Finished my screen training and it's a bit full.
Hang on.
That's a contradiction.
Not much in my full head!
Maybe I have thought constipation.
Eewwww.
Don't want to be around when it gets flowing again.
Donna will probably wear the brunt of my cranial diarrhea.
Poor girl.
Send commiserations now.
It could be messy.
Really messy.
Or blabbery.
Exodus 27
And so the altar and court instructions are given.
The tabernacle was the place were God manifested His presence,
the people needed a place to sacrifice.
Hence the court.
It interests me that the altar was made from acacia wood.
From memory some sacrifices included burning.
Wouldn't the wood burn?
Or is it overlaid in bronze?
This sort of makes sense from a weight point of view.
The wood would make it lighter to carry and
easier to work with in the actual making of the altar.
I like using "wood" and "would" close together in sentences.
All the rings and poles make it evident this is all set up for transporting.
I'm just glad it wasn't me doing the carrying.
Finished my screen training and it's a bit full.
Hang on.
That's a contradiction.
Not much in my full head!
Maybe I have thought constipation.
Eewwww.
Don't want to be around when it gets flowing again.
Donna will probably wear the brunt of my cranial diarrhea.
Poor girl.
Send commiserations now.
It could be messy.
Really messy.
Or blabbery.
Exodus 27
And so the altar and court instructions are given.
The tabernacle was the place were God manifested His presence,
the people needed a place to sacrifice.
Hence the court.
It interests me that the altar was made from acacia wood.
From memory some sacrifices included burning.
Wouldn't the wood burn?
Or is it overlaid in bronze?
This sort of makes sense from a weight point of view.
The wood would make it lighter to carry and
easier to work with in the actual making of the altar.
I like using "wood" and "would" close together in sentences.
All the rings and poles make it evident this is all set up for transporting.
I'm just glad it wasn't me doing the carrying.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Milkshakes. I love Milkshakes (Ex 26/ 76)
I was driving home after a longish day.
Day one of a two day introduction to a new screening model for alcohol and other drugs and mental health issues in indigenous clients.
Anyway I was driving home and I thought
"I could really do a milkshake now."
So I grabbed some ice-cream on the way home and waited.
Waited for the kids to get home.
Waited for tea to be finished.
Waited to get the dishes finished.
And then it was time.
I scooped out the creamy ice-cream.
I squeezed in lashings of chocolate topping.
I sloshed in the milk.
Full cream of course.
Wacked the cup into the milkshake maker and hit the button.
Actually there isn't a button, but I wasn't sure how to say, I twisted the top of the milkshake maker to frappe, succinctly. But there you go.
Switched it to 1 to break the ice-cream down.
Then to 2 to get that smooth creamy blend.
Not too short.
You need to be sure the chocolate has lifted from the bottom and mixed completely.
Then quickly back to 1 to get the maximum aerated thickness of decadent dairy.
Ease it off.
Disconnect the cup.
The cool bubbles of chocolatey air.
The richness of cold, creamy milk.
Enjoyed greatly.
I love milkshakes.
I really do.
Oh and the kids do too.
So I made 2 more.
Donna had some of mine.
Exodus 26
God sure liked curtains!
The tabernacle was certainly an intricate design for a portable tent.
So much detail.
So much care.
The ornateness set it apart from any other dwelling.
The dwelling of a King.
How would the craftsmen feel about making such a masterpiece?
Not just a fancy tent.
Not just a place of worship.
A place that the God who delivered them from Egypt, who spoke with thunder and lightning, who shook the earth, was going to inhabit.
It is probably the most refined, perfect set of curtains ever constructed.
But it's purpose was just as important.
This was going to be the focus of the entire camp.
All other dwellings would radiate from this one masterpiece.
But golly, how much would it weigh?
Then again, it wasn't as if the weight hadn't already been carried by someone.
They had all the materials at hand.
Now, they just looked a bit better.
Day one of a two day introduction to a new screening model for alcohol and other drugs and mental health issues in indigenous clients.
Anyway I was driving home and I thought
"I could really do a milkshake now."
So I grabbed some ice-cream on the way home and waited.
Waited for the kids to get home.
Waited for tea to be finished.
Waited to get the dishes finished.
And then it was time.
I scooped out the creamy ice-cream.
I squeezed in lashings of chocolate topping.
I sloshed in the milk.
Full cream of course.
Wacked the cup into the milkshake maker and hit the button.
Actually there isn't a button, but I wasn't sure how to say, I twisted the top of the milkshake maker to frappe, succinctly. But there you go.
Switched it to 1 to break the ice-cream down.
Then to 2 to get that smooth creamy blend.
Not too short.
You need to be sure the chocolate has lifted from the bottom and mixed completely.
Then quickly back to 1 to get the maximum aerated thickness of decadent dairy.
Ease it off.
Disconnect the cup.
The cool bubbles of chocolatey air.
The richness of cold, creamy milk.
Enjoyed greatly.
I love milkshakes.
I really do.
Oh and the kids do too.
So I made 2 more.
Donna had some of mine.
Exodus 26
God sure liked curtains!
The tabernacle was certainly an intricate design for a portable tent.
So much detail.
So much care.
The ornateness set it apart from any other dwelling.
The dwelling of a King.
How would the craftsmen feel about making such a masterpiece?
Not just a fancy tent.
Not just a place of worship.
A place that the God who delivered them from Egypt, who spoke with thunder and lightning, who shook the earth, was going to inhabit.
It is probably the most refined, perfect set of curtains ever constructed.
But it's purpose was just as important.
This was going to be the focus of the entire camp.
All other dwellings would radiate from this one masterpiece.
But golly, how much would it weigh?
Then again, it wasn't as if the weight hadn't already been carried by someone.
They had all the materials at hand.
Now, they just looked a bit better.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Another Ark (Ex 25/ 75)
A big day today and I feel a little sleepy.
Maybe more of a few big late nights.
Trouble sleeping on Sunday.
Got sucked into watching Shawshank Redemption to the end last night.
All self induced.
All my choices.
Don't really know why I'm waffling away about it.
Not really looking for sympathy or anything.
Just stating the facts.
Nothing but facts M'am.
I have just noticed that this is the 75th chapter I have written about.
Yay.
Still a long way to go.
Generally I am still enthralled by the process.
The mind process.
Not the typing and posting so much as the thinking of how the thoughts come out. I don't even think I've repeated too much, if anything.
This was one of my main concerns early on.
It may still be an issue later.
But I don't think I'll worry too much about that now.
I think I'll worry about..........why I have so much hair coming out of my ears.
Stupid hairy ears.
I must be part hobbit of something.
Without hairy feet, just ears.
Weird.
Exodus 25
My first reaction to this chapter was to ask where did they get all the stuff from?
The gold.
The onyx.
The scarlet and purple linen.
The goat hair yarn. (Actually I'm pretty sure they would have had some of this laying around)
Then after a brief pause to think.
............
I remembered the gifts the Egyptians gave them on leaving Egypt.
That would be it.
Secondly I thought the Israelites may have been glad that God chose to meet with them from the ark. The tabernacle.
It was a darn sight easier to carry around than the mountain He was having a chat with Moses from at that moment.
As heavy as all that gold was, Mount Sinai weighed, well you know, a bit more.
It's also hard to get handles to fit a mountain.
And the ring things don't really stick that well.
And often there are more than 4 sides and so you'd need significantly more ring things and poles and stuff to carry it.
Never going to happen was it?
Really.
Totally impractical.
So the ark was a good idea.
An added thought was the practical nature of all the candles and lamps.
We have a kangaroo hide that if you held up, well, it's not the most transparent of materials. I figure a goat's skin could be similar.
So if you have a tent made from goat skin, not much light is going to get in.
So as well as symbolic, the candlestick and lamp stand were useful to see inside.
Co-incidental?
I doubt it muchly.
Infinite wisdom shown before is seen again.
Maybe more of a few big late nights.
Trouble sleeping on Sunday.
Got sucked into watching Shawshank Redemption to the end last night.
All self induced.
All my choices.
Don't really know why I'm waffling away about it.
Not really looking for sympathy or anything.
Just stating the facts.
Nothing but facts M'am.
I have just noticed that this is the 75th chapter I have written about.
Yay.
Still a long way to go.
Generally I am still enthralled by the process.
The mind process.
Not the typing and posting so much as the thinking of how the thoughts come out. I don't even think I've repeated too much, if anything.
This was one of my main concerns early on.
It may still be an issue later.
But I don't think I'll worry too much about that now.
I think I'll worry about..........why I have so much hair coming out of my ears.
Stupid hairy ears.
I must be part hobbit of something.
Without hairy feet, just ears.
Weird.
Exodus 25
My first reaction to this chapter was to ask where did they get all the stuff from?
The gold.
The onyx.
The scarlet and purple linen.
The goat hair yarn. (Actually I'm pretty sure they would have had some of this laying around)
Then after a brief pause to think.
............
I remembered the gifts the Egyptians gave them on leaving Egypt.
That would be it.
Secondly I thought the Israelites may have been glad that God chose to meet with them from the ark. The tabernacle.
It was a darn sight easier to carry around than the mountain He was having a chat with Moses from at that moment.
As heavy as all that gold was, Mount Sinai weighed, well you know, a bit more.
It's also hard to get handles to fit a mountain.
And the ring things don't really stick that well.
And often there are more than 4 sides and so you'd need significantly more ring things and poles and stuff to carry it.
Never going to happen was it?
Really.
Totally impractical.
So the ark was a good idea.
An added thought was the practical nature of all the candles and lamps.
We have a kangaroo hide that if you held up, well, it's not the most transparent of materials. I figure a goat's skin could be similar.
So if you have a tent made from goat skin, not much light is going to get in.
So as well as symbolic, the candlestick and lamp stand were useful to see inside.
Co-incidental?
I doubt it muchly.
Infinite wisdom shown before is seen again.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Moving and Moses Memory (Ex 24 /74)
I changed my office around today.
It's not that I didn't have a particularly busy day.
It was really busy.
If my boss is reading this as he is sometimes prone to, it was extremely busy and I did lots and lots.
After I rearranged my furniture.
I'm not even sure why I started.
There was just a gap at the end of one desk that looked like the other desk might fit.
It did.
Wow.
I could have measured it, but I thought it would be easier to just unplug all the electronic stuff and move it all and then see if it would work or not.
As I said, it did.
Phew.
I also found some study papers I forgot.
AND some brochures I forgot about.
And.........
maybe I should have left everything as it was.
Maybe.
Probably.
Exodus 24
Although the people said "All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do."
They probably thought "All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do. As long as it means we can move on, I'm getting bored and hungry and this mountain just isn't doing it for me anymore."
Quickly followed by
"I wouldn't have agreed if I'd known you were going to chuck blood all over me. Since when does beige (they may have referred to their clothes as latte but I'll say beige for simplicity) and red go together with brown sandals and goat?"
I am amazed as Moses' memory.
There was a lot of information to take in and relay accurately. In the midst of all the thunder, lightning and earthquakes he remembered it all.
I can't even remember what I wrote last night.
Except for Exodus 23.
I probably used the letter "e" a bit, but everything else is blurry and dim.
*Insert predictable but inappropriate comment here. I know you want to and have no self-discipline.*
I have never noticed before that God does refer to both LAW and COMMANDMENTS.
I have used those words interchangeably.
But there's the basic Ten Commandments accompanied with the extra detail in how those commandments should be followed.
Red tape stuff basically.
Probably.
But important detail as I have previously typed and so will not do so again.
:p
It's not that I didn't have a particularly busy day.
It was really busy.
If my boss is reading this as he is sometimes prone to, it was extremely busy and I did lots and lots.
After I rearranged my furniture.
I'm not even sure why I started.
There was just a gap at the end of one desk that looked like the other desk might fit.
It did.
Wow.
I could have measured it, but I thought it would be easier to just unplug all the electronic stuff and move it all and then see if it would work or not.
As I said, it did.
Phew.
I also found some study papers I forgot.
AND some brochures I forgot about.
And.........
maybe I should have left everything as it was.
Maybe.
Probably.
Exodus 24
Although the people said "All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do."
They probably thought "All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do. As long as it means we can move on, I'm getting bored and hungry and this mountain just isn't doing it for me anymore."
Quickly followed by
"I wouldn't have agreed if I'd known you were going to chuck blood all over me. Since when does beige (they may have referred to their clothes as latte but I'll say beige for simplicity) and red go together with brown sandals and goat?"
I am amazed as Moses' memory.
There was a lot of information to take in and relay accurately. In the midst of all the thunder, lightning and earthquakes he remembered it all.
I can't even remember what I wrote last night.
Except for Exodus 23.
I probably used the letter "e" a bit, but everything else is blurry and dim.
*Insert predictable but inappropriate comment here. I know you want to and have no self-discipline.*
I have never noticed before that God does refer to both LAW and COMMANDMENTS.
I have used those words interchangeably.
But there's the basic Ten Commandments accompanied with the extra detail in how those commandments should be followed.
Red tape stuff basically.
Probably.
But important detail as I have previously typed and so will not do so again.
:p
Sunday, October 10, 2010
More Laws and My Bad (Ex 23/ 73)
It would appear I failed to blog last night.
Appearances are everything because I didn't.
It wasn't even that I forgot or had a good reason to not have posted anything.
Caught up in a day of mowing.
Had a bath. (Which I rarely do)
And then friends over for tea and a movie.
I could have.
I maybe should have.
But I didn't.
Boo hoo.
I had sort of thought of compensating by doing two today.
One this afternoon.
And another tonight.
But that hasn't worked out either.
Perils of a busy life I guess.
I sort of feel I owe somebody an apology.
But I won't.
I do feel bad for not saying "oopsy, my bad. I'm sorry."
Nah!
Who am I trying to kid.
It's all good and now I will continue.
Exodus 23
Again the people are instructed on ways to live in harmony.
The specifics in some of the laws stagger me slightly.
v19 "You shall not boil a young goat in its mother's milk."
It seems fairly exact. So I guess there was a reason for it.
Some brief research: who, it is said, at the end of their harvest, seethed a kid in its dam's milk, and sprinkled that milk-pottage, in a magical way, upon their gardens and fields, to make them more fruitful next year. But Israel must abhor such foolish customs.
Puts some context to that.
God knew the customs of those around the people.
He knew what would need to be discouraged.
He just knows.
Hence specific laws.
Wow.
Even the laws concerning their neighbours worship of fertility gods and poles and stuff. God promises no miscarriages. No barrenness. Again awareness of why others are tempted to worship these things, to encourage birth and increase, enables God to cut this off before it starts.
It's funny when it says "...and I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivites..."
Hiveites. Get it.
Have a great week all.
Appearances are everything because I didn't.
It wasn't even that I forgot or had a good reason to not have posted anything.
Caught up in a day of mowing.
Had a bath. (Which I rarely do)
And then friends over for tea and a movie.
I could have.
I maybe should have.
But I didn't.
Boo hoo.
I had sort of thought of compensating by doing two today.
One this afternoon.
And another tonight.
But that hasn't worked out either.
Perils of a busy life I guess.
I sort of feel I owe somebody an apology.
But I won't.
I do feel bad for not saying "oopsy, my bad. I'm sorry."
Nah!
Who am I trying to kid.
It's all good and now I will continue.
Exodus 23
Again the people are instructed on ways to live in harmony.
The specifics in some of the laws stagger me slightly.
v19 "You shall not boil a young goat in its mother's milk."
It seems fairly exact. So I guess there was a reason for it.
Some brief research: who, it is said, at the end of their harvest, seethed a kid in its dam's milk, and sprinkled that milk-pottage, in a magical way, upon their gardens and fields, to make them more fruitful next year. But Israel must abhor such foolish customs.
Puts some context to that.
God knew the customs of those around the people.
He knew what would need to be discouraged.
He just knows.
Hence specific laws.
Wow.
Even the laws concerning their neighbours worship of fertility gods and poles and stuff. God promises no miscarriages. No barrenness. Again awareness of why others are tempted to worship these things, to encourage birth and increase, enables God to cut this off before it starts.
It's funny when it says "...and I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivites..."
Hiveites. Get it.
Have a great week all.
Friday, October 8, 2010
More Laws (Ex 22/ 72)
Another weekend is almost upon me.
It's a weird one this week.
With the Thursday off.
So while today was hard going to work.
The benefit is that a quick recovery is in order for the weekend.
Yay.
Once I get all the blogging, editing, cleaning and stuff sorted.
Then sleeping, waking, breakfasting, etc.
Then the weekend really begins.
Lawnmowing, weeding, hole digging, planning..............
Yay.
Exodus 22
Laws about theft, trespass and fire.
Laws about lending money.
More and more.
Not the most exciting chapter I've read so far.
I find myself struggling with the context of some of the laws.
Talk about fields and vineyards seems odd to a group of people wandering without a home.
Or is that it?
God is preparing the Israelites for when they get home.
The law about not cursing a ruler of the people would maybe indicate this as well.
The laws would be passed from generation to generation and by the time there was a need, they would be ready to deal with any eventuality.
I guess it was easiest to let everybody know the law and the consequences for breaking them from the start.
No excuses.
It's a weird one this week.
With the Thursday off.
So while today was hard going to work.
The benefit is that a quick recovery is in order for the weekend.
Yay.
Once I get all the blogging, editing, cleaning and stuff sorted.
Then sleeping, waking, breakfasting, etc.
Then the weekend really begins.
Lawnmowing, weeding, hole digging, planning..............
Yay.
Exodus 22
Laws about theft, trespass and fire.
Laws about lending money.
More and more.
Not the most exciting chapter I've read so far.
I find myself struggling with the context of some of the laws.
Talk about fields and vineyards seems odd to a group of people wandering without a home.
Or is that it?
God is preparing the Israelites for when they get home.
The law about not cursing a ruler of the people would maybe indicate this as well.
The laws would be passed from generation to generation and by the time there was a need, they would be ready to deal with any eventuality.
I guess it was easiest to let everybody know the law and the consequences for breaking them from the start.
No excuses.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
A Day on the Water (Ex 21/ 71)
Public holiday today.
Lazy morning in bed.
Late breakfast.
Then some fly fishing. Yeah!
Took the boy today.
It's probably been too long since we last went out together.
I found a easy access spot with fish.
Last time, me and a mate caught a dozen in a couple of hours.
Today potentially looked better.
And it was.
The best bit was we spent time together.
About 3 hours on a cute little stream.
Fishing.
Learning.
Building memories.
Exodus 21
An interesting chapter looking at a lot of the dealings that go on between people.
Slave transactions.
What to do if your ox kills someone.
You can neither strike or curse your parents without being put to death.
What to do if you negligently dig a pit.
I can only think of one reason why you would dig a pit if you were wandering around in the desert.
If I was the donkey or ox that fell in that pit......
Shoot me quickly.
I don't want to be in that stuff for long.
I love days off.
I love days off with family.
I love my family.
Lazy morning in bed.
Late breakfast.
Then some fly fishing. Yeah!
Took the boy today.
It's probably been too long since we last went out together.
I found a easy access spot with fish.
Last time, me and a mate caught a dozen in a couple of hours.
Today potentially looked better.
And it was.
The best bit was we spent time together.
About 3 hours on a cute little stream.
Fishing.
Learning.
Building memories.
Exodus 21
An interesting chapter looking at a lot of the dealings that go on between people.
Slave transactions.
What to do if your ox kills someone.
You can neither strike or curse your parents without being put to death.
What to do if you negligently dig a pit.
I can only think of one reason why you would dig a pit if you were wandering around in the desert.
If I was the donkey or ox that fell in that pit......
Shoot me quickly.
I don't want to be in that stuff for long.
I love days off.
I love days off with family.
I love my family.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
The NEWS (Ex 20/ 70)
When I was a kid I hated mum and dad watching the NEWS.
It was dull.
It was boring.
It went too long.
And it wasn't "The Goodies".
I remember sneaking up to my parents bedroom and watching The Goodies or Monkey
on a small portable set they kept next to their bed.
It was the height of rebellion.
At least the height of what I could muster.
I guess I didn't have much of a clue how to rebel so this was pretty big.
I would race my li'l sis to get the best spot next to the bed.
The trick was to try and keep the noise down low enough so mum couldn't detect the deed in progress, but loud enough to hear.
'Cause you had to tell everyone at school the next day that you watched it.
Everyone's dad seemed to like the NEWS.
Few had two TV's in those days. *eyes roll to the back of my head*
Crikey I am getting old.
It's one of "those" talks tonight.
These days, I'm a NEWS nut.
I can hear the same arguments used today by my kids that I used to say to my parents.
It's dull.
It's boring.
It's too long.
It's not "The Simpsons".
But me I love it now.
The new ABC 24 hour NEWS channel is great.
I get regular update feeds through the internet.
I get twitchy if I miss the paper.
The little scrolly news tickers on the morning shows and the midday NEWS are probably the best invention.
Ever.
Just another sign I'm turning into my dad.
Sigh.
Maybe I should turn the Playstation on and play FIFA.
Exodus 20
The 10 commandments are given to the people.
They are unable to withstand the powerful voice of God.
Such power is used in speaking out the commandments.
The lightning, the thunder, the smoking mountain.
Who in their right mind would break the laws given with that sort of emphasis?
God certainly knows how to make a statement.
Or just another WWE Wrestling intro.
He commands a set of rules that are basic, but will encourage peaceful living is such a confined community.
Laws to bring peace and order, not dischord and resentment.
Practical.
This was probably Moses' scariest day in his life so far.
God had warned for the people not to come close.
He knew they wouldn't be able to deal with His forceful delivery.
The people knew it too.
"...don't let God talk to us or we will die."
I guess the impact God was hoping for was delivered.
I don't think anyone doubted Moses had been with God that day.
It was dull.
It was boring.
It went too long.
And it wasn't "The Goodies".
I remember sneaking up to my parents bedroom and watching The Goodies or Monkey
on a small portable set they kept next to their bed.
It was the height of rebellion.
At least the height of what I could muster.
I guess I didn't have much of a clue how to rebel so this was pretty big.
I would race my li'l sis to get the best spot next to the bed.
The trick was to try and keep the noise down low enough so mum couldn't detect the deed in progress, but loud enough to hear.
'Cause you had to tell everyone at school the next day that you watched it.
Everyone's dad seemed to like the NEWS.
Few had two TV's in those days. *eyes roll to the back of my head*
Crikey I am getting old.
It's one of "those" talks tonight.
These days, I'm a NEWS nut.
I can hear the same arguments used today by my kids that I used to say to my parents.
It's dull.
It's boring.
It's too long.
It's not "The Simpsons".
But me I love it now.
The new ABC 24 hour NEWS channel is great.
I get regular update feeds through the internet.
I get twitchy if I miss the paper.
The little scrolly news tickers on the morning shows and the midday NEWS are probably the best invention.
Ever.
Just another sign I'm turning into my dad.
Sigh.
Maybe I should turn the Playstation on and play FIFA.
Exodus 20
The 10 commandments are given to the people.
They are unable to withstand the powerful voice of God.
Such power is used in speaking out the commandments.
The lightning, the thunder, the smoking mountain.
Who in their right mind would break the laws given with that sort of emphasis?
God certainly knows how to make a statement.
Or just another WWE Wrestling intro.
He commands a set of rules that are basic, but will encourage peaceful living is such a confined community.
Laws to bring peace and order, not dischord and resentment.
Practical.
This was probably Moses' scariest day in his life so far.
God had warned for the people not to come close.
He knew they wouldn't be able to deal with His forceful delivery.
The people knew it too.
"...don't let God talk to us or we will die."
I guess the impact God was hoping for was delivered.
I don't think anyone doubted Moses had been with God that day.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
I am Treasured (Ex 19/ 69)
Daylight Saving Time absolutely rocks!!!!
Here it is, just after 7pm and it's still light.
It is just stunningly brilliant.
Good productive time after work.
It's not cold. (or as cold)
The kids think it's a blast.
Winter? What winter.
Exodus 19
v5 "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine"
One of my all time favourite verses.
It contains instruction.
A wonderful promise.
With a declaration that assures the listener.
God can back up any promise He makes.
I bushwalked once (actually a few times now) with a guy who carried a wok on the back of his pack.
We were coming down from the Blue Tiers and walked into a thunder storm.
The wok went inside the pack.
I reckon it would have never seen daylight if he was coming down Mt Sinai on the third day.
Here it is, just after 7pm and it's still light.
It is just stunningly brilliant.
Good productive time after work.
It's not cold. (or as cold)
The kids think it's a blast.
Winter? What winter.
Exodus 19
v5 "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine"
One of my all time favourite verses.
It contains instruction.
A wonderful promise.
With a declaration that assures the listener.
God can back up any promise He makes.
I bushwalked once (actually a few times now) with a guy who carried a wok on the back of his pack.
We were coming down from the Blue Tiers and walked into a thunder storm.
The wok went inside the pack.
I reckon it would have never seen daylight if he was coming down Mt Sinai on the third day.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Pondering the Random (Ex 18/ 68)
Randomness.
Can't live without it, can't shear giraffes.
It's that unexpected part of the day. The part that no-one sees coming.
It can be a highlight.
It can bring a smile.
There can be some head slapping shakes of the head.
But what happens when the randomness becomes the expected?
When everything seems random?
Is it possible for randomness to blend into the mundaneness of normal?
If everything is random, then nothing is.
Perhaps?
Maybe in the odd world of Steve.
There seems to be a trigger that keeps getting pulled in my head that fascinates me.
It urges exploration.
Delving into the muddled mists of "Well, what if.....?"
I guess there's no use in fighting it.
I should just yield to the power of suggestion and say what I've been thinking.
Maybe just not out loud.
Or around people I know.
Or don't know.
It's possible they've heard it all before anyway.
Donna even has a special look for when I do stuff like that.
It involves a head shake, the lowering of eyes, a strangled gasp and the ability to melt into the nearest available piece of furniture, particularly if we're out.
We don't go out much these days.
Coincidence?
I'd like to think so.
I can't seem to stop typing now.
It just keeps going on and on and on and......
I think maybe 5 or 6 sentences too many now.
Stop it.
Now.
I mean it.
Well this is just ridiculous.
Sorry.
Really, really sorry.
Just imagine what you could have been doing in the last 30 seconds.
Regret opening this page now?
What about now?
I shouldn't push for more but I just can't stop.
Stupid keyboard.
Should have run away and hid somewhere, but noooooooo I'll keep letting Steve type on and on and on.
Pointless stuff.
It's ok, I'm back under control now.
Anyone want a slightly slapped keyboard?
Exodus 18
There is something to be said about wise father-in-laws.
I have one.
And am exceeding grateful.
I hope one day that my son's wife has one.
And my daughter's husband.
Perhaps Jethro saw the frustrations coming out in Moses.
Often we can't see the issue that is so obvious to those who are close and know us.
Those that speak out constructively are the most valued of acquaintances.
Jethro saw a problem.
A big problem.
He didn't just question it, but offered sound advice.
Only thing wiser about the advice was that Moses took it on board.
He didn't take it personally.
He had no hang up about who gave the advise.
He heard it.
And used it.
So that God could direct him.
So that he could endure.
So that the people could live in peace.
Direct and constructive comment by Jethro.
The ability to implement the plan by Moses.
Brought peace to all.
Mainly Moses.
Good leaders listen and take smart stuff on board.
No matter its source.
Can't live without it, can't shear giraffes.
It's that unexpected part of the day. The part that no-one sees coming.
It can be a highlight.
It can bring a smile.
There can be some head slapping shakes of the head.
But what happens when the randomness becomes the expected?
When everything seems random?
Is it possible for randomness to blend into the mundaneness of normal?
If everything is random, then nothing is.
Perhaps?
Maybe in the odd world of Steve.
There seems to be a trigger that keeps getting pulled in my head that fascinates me.
It urges exploration.
Delving into the muddled mists of "Well, what if.....?"
I guess there's no use in fighting it.
I should just yield to the power of suggestion and say what I've been thinking.
Maybe just not out loud.
Or around people I know.
Or don't know.
It's possible they've heard it all before anyway.
Donna even has a special look for when I do stuff like that.
It involves a head shake, the lowering of eyes, a strangled gasp and the ability to melt into the nearest available piece of furniture, particularly if we're out.
We don't go out much these days.
Coincidence?
I'd like to think so.
I can't seem to stop typing now.
It just keeps going on and on and on and......
I think maybe 5 or 6 sentences too many now.
Stop it.
Now.
I mean it.
Well this is just ridiculous.
Sorry.
Really, really sorry.
Just imagine what you could have been doing in the last 30 seconds.
Regret opening this page now?
What about now?
I shouldn't push for more but I just can't stop.
Stupid keyboard.
Should have run away and hid somewhere, but noooooooo I'll keep letting Steve type on and on and on.
Pointless stuff.
It's ok, I'm back under control now.
Anyone want a slightly slapped keyboard?
Exodus 18
There is something to be said about wise father-in-laws.
I have one.
And am exceeding grateful.
I hope one day that my son's wife has one.
And my daughter's husband.
Perhaps Jethro saw the frustrations coming out in Moses.
Often we can't see the issue that is so obvious to those who are close and know us.
Those that speak out constructively are the most valued of acquaintances.
Jethro saw a problem.
A big problem.
He didn't just question it, but offered sound advice.
Only thing wiser about the advice was that Moses took it on board.
He didn't take it personally.
He had no hang up about who gave the advise.
He heard it.
And used it.
So that God could direct him.
So that he could endure.
So that the people could live in peace.
Direct and constructive comment by Jethro.
The ability to implement the plan by Moses.
Brought peace to all.
Mainly Moses.
Good leaders listen and take smart stuff on board.
No matter its source.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The Moony Thing (Ex 17/ 67)
The moon is more than just a ball of cheese.
In fact I guess that is not even a close description of our lunar body.
Unless you're Swiss. Maybe.
Poor way to get thing rolling tonight.
But it IS more than it appears.
You can hide it with your thumb.
Even if you have a small thumb. Just squint a bit.
It affects the rise and fall of water all over the world.
It can be round or ovally or moon shaped.
Which is such a weird shape description, "moon shaped", because you could say a circle is moon shaped.
Or a ball.
Or a ovally thing.
Not just a ) or (.
It has held civilisations in awe for centuries.
It has commanded small fortunes from governments and countries intent on its exploration.
It continues to generate mystery , intrigue and conspiracy.
It is a feature in music video clips.
And is critical for navigation.
And we call it "moon".
Simple.
Pretty low key name really.
Perfect.
Better than glowythingthatcomesoutatnightandchangesshapeandisnotmadeofcheese.
The Welsh are nuts.*
Exodus 17
I'm thinking Moses is a little over all the complaining. Maybe to the point of an exasperated exaggeration.
"They nearly stoned me!"
Possible, or was it that he too had lost some faith in God.
"Do something God. It's getting nuts again!"
Why did the people complain to Moses? Why not bypass the middle man and go straight to the source of their frustration?
To this point God has only spoken to Moses. He was God's vocal cords. He was the messenger that they wanted to shoot.
So the reasons for bringing the elders to see the miracle of the water coming from the rock first hand is a means of ending some doubts.
We can catch a sight of a leader and from our vantage point they block out the true source.
We look at them in a unnatural light.
We complain when they don't meet these inflated expectations.
It's not fair. Because they have no hope of and maybe had no intention in even trying to appease our hopes.
Sometimes we live vicariously through our childrens' lives.
It don't work, because they ain't us.
(My mum would have a field day with that superb sentence.)
We also shouldn't misconstrue what our leaders can and cannot achieve.
The Israelites had high expectations in Moses.
Fair enough.
But they HAD seen what God could do.
Bad situations cause blind panic.
Better to sit it out and wait.
Stress levels are lower.
And God will still do what is required.
Aaron had obviously had more experience using public transport than Moses had.
I say obvious because as a prince of Egypt, Moses would scarcely have need for a bus.
Aaron was used to the standing around with his arm in the air.
He could do it longer.
He could also read a newspaper one handed and was aware of his personal space.
And that was that for Amalek.
*The Welsh aren't really nuts. To my knowledge anyway. Comment was added for attempted humour. If offended please insert suitable people group that makes you smile.
In fact I guess that is not even a close description of our lunar body.
Unless you're Swiss. Maybe.
Poor way to get thing rolling tonight.
But it IS more than it appears.
You can hide it with your thumb.
Even if you have a small thumb. Just squint a bit.
It affects the rise and fall of water all over the world.
It can be round or ovally or moon shaped.
Which is such a weird shape description, "moon shaped", because you could say a circle is moon shaped.
Or a ball.
Or a ovally thing.
Not just a ) or (.
It has held civilisations in awe for centuries.
It has commanded small fortunes from governments and countries intent on its exploration.
It continues to generate mystery , intrigue and conspiracy.
It is a feature in music video clips.
And is critical for navigation.
And we call it "moon".
Simple.
Pretty low key name really.
Perfect.
Better than glowythingthatcomesoutatnightandchangesshapeandisnotmadeofcheese.
The Welsh are nuts.*
Exodus 17
I'm thinking Moses is a little over all the complaining. Maybe to the point of an exasperated exaggeration.
"They nearly stoned me!"
Possible, or was it that he too had lost some faith in God.
"Do something God. It's getting nuts again!"
Why did the people complain to Moses? Why not bypass the middle man and go straight to the source of their frustration?
To this point God has only spoken to Moses. He was God's vocal cords. He was the messenger that they wanted to shoot.
So the reasons for bringing the elders to see the miracle of the water coming from the rock first hand is a means of ending some doubts.
We can catch a sight of a leader and from our vantage point they block out the true source.
We look at them in a unnatural light.
We complain when they don't meet these inflated expectations.
It's not fair. Because they have no hope of and maybe had no intention in even trying to appease our hopes.
Sometimes we live vicariously through our childrens' lives.
It don't work, because they ain't us.
(My mum would have a field day with that superb sentence.)
We also shouldn't misconstrue what our leaders can and cannot achieve.
The Israelites had high expectations in Moses.
Fair enough.
But they HAD seen what God could do.
Bad situations cause blind panic.
Better to sit it out and wait.
Stress levels are lower.
And God will still do what is required.
Aaron had obviously had more experience using public transport than Moses had.
I say obvious because as a prince of Egypt, Moses would scarcely have need for a bus.
Aaron was used to the standing around with his arm in the air.
He could do it longer.
He could also read a newspaper one handed and was aware of his personal space.
And that was that for Amalek.
*The Welsh aren't really nuts. To my knowledge anyway. Comment was added for attempted humour. If offended please insert suitable people group that makes you smile.
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