What a Tragedy!!!

Recently in Brisbane Australia a 12 year old boy was knifed and murdered by a 13 yr old boy at their school.
Allegedly the accused was the victim of bullying .

It is tragic to think that a young boy has been killed. Words fail me. It is also tragic that a boy sees no other way out from his unhappy circumstances than to lash out with a knife.

For me personally it makes me determined to spend time with my kids. I want to enjoy building memories with them and to keep in touch with how they are really feeling.

Our lives become so busy with "the stuff of life" that I wonder how many of us are really totally unaware of what is going on in the minds of our children. Often we become a taxi service but we can produce about as little conversation as some of the taxi drivers with very limited English who pick me up from Sydney Airport. [Thank goodness for the invention of the GPS]

Whatever the true circumstances surrounding the recent case I am just provoked to make sure I am tuned into my children's feelings.

Just to add, older children/teenagers need to know you are there to talk to them when they want to talk and not when you can squeeze them in to your busy schedule. That's been my experience anyway.

Much Love
Peter 
 

Storms are part of Life!

Hi All

Sorry it's been a while since I posted a blog. There has been much going on as there is for all of us.

I thought I would in part return to a story I mentioned some months ago. A gutsy girl called Jessica Watson whose ambition at 16 is to be the youngest person to sail solo around the world.

The good news is she is still going!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The bad news is she has hit storms!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have noticed something interesting about sailors and storms - They expect them!

I am currently in Hong Kong on my way back from Japan where I spoke to our Newfrontiers Church in Japan on the subject of "Storms are part of life". After I spoke, from the life of the Apostle Paul, there was a sincere and heartfelt response. Basically there was a determination placed in peoples hearts to trust God and believe in him to get us through any storm.

I am hoping Jessica Watson makes it around the world but even if she doen't she is reminding us of some important lessons

All the Best 
Peter 
 

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT AUSSIE STYLE!!!!!

I was embarrassed to read the following report of a recent Carol service in Sydney

Man tasered at Carols by Candlelight

'Police say they were forced to use a Taser on an 18-year-old man after they were called to help a teenage girl at a Carols by Candlelight concert in Sydney's inner west last night. Police say an officer approached two men at Halliday Park in Five Dock who had allegedly been abusive and aggressive to people in the crowd, including the girl. Sonia Roberts from Police Media says the 18-year-old man from Five Dock allegedly punched the police officer, cutting him above his eye. "A sergeant has come across two men who were allegedly abusive and aggressive towards the crowd, he's approached them regarding their behaviour and one of them has allegedly turned on him and punched him in the face," she said. "At this stage the sergeant was then surrounded by the crowd and was forced to use his Taser to bring the man under control and defuse the situation." The man was arrested and charged with assault on police, resisting arrest and affray. He will appear in Burwood Local Court in January.'

I think the thing that most disturbs me about this incident is the complete lack of respect demonstrated by the young man not only to the event he was attending but to the authority of the police. It seems of late I have read countless reports of police being attacked and assaulted by young people both male and female. I believe this attitude represents a definite shift in Aussie society. I imagine also it is fuelled by alcohol dependence.

 
The bible says, "Do not get drunk with wine but be full of the Spirit". Drunkenness was obviously a problem in Jesus day and it is still with us today.The bible has relevance today!

Let me ask you a question! What controls you? Is it alcohol? Is it fear? Is it a desire to rule and exert power? God desires that our lives be controlled by the Spirit. If you are finding yourself relying on other things to control and calm you can I urge you to "get into the Holy Spirit". He is free and will provide you with the kind of highs that will last forever.

This Christmas may our Carol Services be full of Joy and Peace rather than violence and disruption.

God Bless You and give you a Fantastic Christmas
Peter