It took me a few seconds to 'get' this
For all Employees Who Work With Rude Customers.
An award should go to the Virgin Airlines gate attendant in Sydney some weeks ago for being smart and funny, while making her point, when confronted with a passenger who probably deserved to fly as cargo.
A crowded Virgin flight was cancelled after Virgin's 767s had been withdrawn from service. A single attendant was re-booking a long line of inconvenienced travellers. Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket down on the counter and said, "I HAVE to be on this flight and it HAS to be FIRST CLASS".
The attendant replied, "I'm sorry, sir. I'll be happy to try to help you, but I've got to help these people first, and I'm sure we'll be able to work something out." The passenger was unimpressed. He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?" Without hesitating, the attendant smiled and grabbed her public address microphone: "May I have your attention please, may I have your attention please," she began - her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal. "We have a passenger here at Gate 14 WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come to Gate 14." With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically, the man glared at the Virgin attendant, gritted his teeth and said, "F.... You!" Without flinching, she smiled and said, "I'm sorry sir, but you'll have to fly QANTAS for that service."
18.5.07
Friday Funny
17.5.07
Blog I happened upon
Check this one out all you greenies!!
He has inventful ideas for anything you may have lying around and different ideas he comes up with himself.
Check him out
15.5.07
Quote for the day
"Age is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese"
- Billie Burke
I LOVE IT!!!
Blood-clotting shows irreducible complexity using the explanatory filter ...
Photo courtesy of www.istockphoto.com
The blood-clotting pathway is compatible with, but not required by, the natural laws of biology and chemistry; so it is not a necessity.
It is complex because it is composed of many factors; thus, it has a smaller probability that it happened by chance.
The blood-clotting pathway does show design because it is complex and information-rich. All the factors must be present and interact with each other in a specified manner in order for the pathway to be functional. Thus, the blood-clotting pathway meets all the requirements for irreducible complexity and so it must be designed.
My 200th post!
Wow!! 200...
Anyway...I wanted to post the below article as it is something that effects all christians and education.
by Georgia Purdom, Ph.D.
May 2, 2006
The definition of ID can be best summarized as a theory that holds that “certain features” of living and nonliving things were designed by an “intelligent cause” as opposed to being formed through natural causes.1 The ID concept does not name the intelligent cause, nor does it claim that everything is designed, thus allowing for evolution/natural causes to play a role.
The historical roots of the ID movement lie in the natural theology movement of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The current movement, however, uses more than just philosophical arguments for a designer; it uses scientific evidences drawn from biology, chemistry and physics.
ID uses irreducible complexity2 (meaning that for something to function, it still requires a certain number of parts), to infer that living and nonliving things have been designed. Some examples are the biochemistry of vision and the mammalian blood-clotting pathway.2 These biological pathways consist of many factors, and all the factors are necessary for the pathway to function properly. 2 Thus, evolution—which works via the mechanism of small, gradual steps and keeping only that which is immediately functional—could not have formed these pathways. Evolution is goalless and purposeless; therefore, it does not keep the leftovers.
The question of whether or not a feature of a living organism displays irreducible complexity is answered by using what is called an “explanatory filter.” The filter has three modes of explanation:
Necessity: Did it have to happen?
Chance: Did it happen by accident?
Design: Did an intelligent agent cause it to happen?3
This is a very logical, common-sense approach used by individuals every day to deduce cause and effect. A feature of the universe or a living organism must be designed if the first two modes of explanation are answered as no.3
William Dembski states, “ID is three things: a scientific research program that investigates the effects of intelligent causes; an intellectual movement that challenges Darwinism and its naturalistic legacy; and a way of understanding divine action.”4 The ID theory focuses on what is designed rather than answering the questions of who, when, why, and how. Those within the movement believe this promotes scientific endeavor by looking for function and purpose in those things that are designed; whereas an evolutionary mindset presupposes waste and purposelessness and aborts further scientific investigation.
The ID movement does have several positives. ID may serve as a useful tool in preliminary discussions about God and creation to gain an audience that might be turned off at the mention of the Bible.5 Since the movement is very careful not to associate itself with Christianity or any formal religion, some think it will stand a better chance of gaining acceptance as an alternative to Darwinism in the schools.5 The movement has produced many resources which support the biblical creationist viewpoint.5 It makes clear that Darwinism/naturalism is based on the presupposition that the supernatural does not exist, thus affecting the way one interprets the scientific evidence.5
However, the major problem with the ID movement is a divorce of the Creator from creation. The Creator and His creation cannot be separated; they reflect on each other.
In today's culture, many are attracted to the ID movement because they can decide for themselves who the creator is—a Great Spirit, Brahman, Allah, God, etc. The current movement focuses more on what is designed, rather than who designed it. Thus, leaders in the movement do not have problems with accepting an old age for the earth or allowing evolution to play a vital role once the designer formed the basics of life.
Proponents of ID fail to understand that a belief in long ages for the earth formed the foundation of Darwinism.5 If God’s Word is not true concerning the age of the earth, then maybe it’s not true concerning other events of the Creation Week; and maybe God was not a necessary part of the equation for life after all.
Without the framework of the Bible and the understanding that evil entered the world through man’s actions (Genesis 3), God appears sloppy and incompetent. People ask why God is unable to prevent evil from thwarting His plans, resulting in such poor design, instead of understanding that because of the Fall there is now a cursed design.
God’s role as Creator is foundational to His role as Redeemer.
In addition, because the ID movement does not acknowledge God as Redeemer, there seems to be no final solution for the evil in this world; and by all appearances it will continue to reign supreme. However, when trusting the Bible as opposed to neglecting it, we read that Jesus clearly conquered death with the Resurrection (Romans 6:3–10) and that one day death will no longer reign (Revelation 21:4). Again, the Creator and the creation reflect on each other.
Romans 1:20 states that all men know about God through His creation. However, recognizing that there is a designer is only the first step. Colossians 1:15–20 and 2 Peter 3:3–6 demonstrate how God’s role as Creator and Redeemer are inexorably intertwined. Again, God’s role as Creator is foundational to His role as Redeemer. Recognizing a designer is not enough to be saved; submitting to the Redeemer is also necessary.
The Creator and His creation cannot be separated; therefore, knowledge of God must come through both general revelation (nature) and special revelation (the Bible). The theologian Louis Berkhof said, “… since the entrance of sin into the world, man can gather true knowledge about God from His general revelation only if he studies it in the light of Scripture.”6 It is only then that the entire truth about God and what is seen around us can be fully understood and used to help people understand the bad news in Genesis and the good news of Jesus Christ.
14.5.07
Quote for the day
"Joy in looking and comprehending is nature's most beautiful gift."
-Albert Einstein
CN2010
My work is hoping to be Carbon Neutral by 2010 and as such committees are forming everywhere to try and cut back on our Greenhouse emissions (I think I got that bit right!)
We have all been invited to watch a screening of "An Inconvenient Truth" by the Sundance Film Festival.
"From director Davis Guggenheim comes the Sundance Film Festival hit, which offers a passionate and inspirational look at one man's fervent crusade to halt global warming's deadly progress in its tracks by exposing the myths and misconceptions that surround it. That man is former Vice President Al Gore, who, in the wake of defeat in the 2000 election, re-set the course of his life to focus on a last-ditch, all-out effort to help save the planet from irrevocable change. In this eye-opening and poignant portrait of Gore and his "travelling global warming show", Gore also proves himself to be one of the most misunderstood characters in modern American public life. Here he is seen as never before in the media - funny, engaging, open and downright on fire about getting the surprisingly stirring truth about what he calls our "planetary emergency" out to ordinary citizens before it is too late."
Source: www.climatecrisis.net/aboutthefilm
I dont know a lot about this sort of stuff, but I know that Im interested. I think I may just go along and watch this little flick, enjoy the wine and cheese provided and everything!! Im really just going for the free booze - that was a joke!
Manna Soup Kitchen
Yesterday I spent roughly 2-2 ½ hours at the Manna kitchen in Northbridge handing out dinners to those who are less fortunate in our society. Some are homeless and some are just desperate for food (I think).
It’s a new outreach for our church. We started on Easter Sunday and every second Sunday of a month, we head down to Manna and prepare/cook/clean/and feed quite a few people.
The girls in my small group are really wanting to get out into the community and do something so we decided to join the church in serving these meals.
Last night was the first time we had gone, and it was eventful to say the least. Ever heard the phrase "Too many Chiefs and not enough Indians"? This was exactly the case last night. There was an overload of volunteers which can be a positive and a negative thing. There were way too many people making thoughtless decisions, rather than going to the person in charge.
One example: A guy turned up for a meal while we were still open but after nearly everyone had already eaten and left. He was wanting a meal and we were serving Shepherds Pie. We had 4 big dishes of it and had only served up 2 dishes, so there were 2 left over, untouched. These go away into the freezer to be used during the week or later down the track. One guy and I asked to serve up another plate for the bloke and they started saying that they didn’t want to cut into another dish. (!!!!) This was also after some of the volunteers decided to have some of the Shepherds Pie for their dinner (I couldn’t bring myself to do this – it just didn’t sit right) and they had finished off the 2nd dish and were now telling a homeless guy ‘no’. After a bit of debating we managed to get a plate to him with a bit of dessert.
The above story may not upset some people and may not agree with my opinion, but isnt the whole point of the soup kitchen, to serve people!?!
There were too many people, a positive because people are out doing things in the community and a negative because there were too many people in the kitchen that one lady and I just stood in the same spot all night for fear of running into someone or stepping on someone’s toes. Its great that so many people are helping and are willing to serve on these nights, maybe we just need a roster done up or something.
I found that the problems I have at church don’t just go away because we are serving out in the community. I thought this might be a great opportunity to talk to people outside of church and get to know them in a different context, but they are the same as they are in church (which can be a good thing sometimes). The same issues I have at church became issues at the soup kitchen. I got frustrated with some of the idiodic and thoughtless ‘jokes’ and generalisations some people made as well. Some people just shouldn’t be let loose into the community! I also got frustrated that the girls in my small group were pushed aside and didn’t really get to serve as much as they had hoped.
On the upside, it was great to serve people who are without. I left feeling truly blessed in what I have. I have been trying to cut back on the amount of ‘want’ that I have and be content with what God has given me, and this was a great experience. I loved watching the girls in my small group be able to bless different members of the community, and there’s nothing better than seeing a truly thankful smile on someone’s face. The girls are still keen to be involved and I am too. I guess we will have to see how the future months pan out I guess!
11.5.07
Today is going to be a good day
I havnt had the best week this week.
However, this morning while I was catching the bus into work, I popped on my MP3 and started to listen to a sermon by Rob Bell. I got about 2mins into it and decided that I wanted to listen to music instead.
I put on Taking Back Sunday’s ‘Louder Now’. Its amazing how music can just reach down into you very soul and stir things up for you! I may be the only person who thinks that….but ah well.
As I was sitting on the bus I got to watch one of the most beautiful sunrises I have seen in a very long time! Its funny, we move closer to the beach and we still havnt seen a sunset over the sea, yet when we lived a long way from the beach, we would drive an 1hr just to see the sunset over the beach! It has been a few years since Ive seen a sunrise over the hills and I was just gobsmacked this morning. It was really beautiful.
So there I was, trying not to look too much like a doofus grooving away in my seat to the musical geniuses that are Taking Back Sunday. I had my eyes closed (as this is the easiest way to concentrate on every note and every beat) and was just listening to the music. I wasn’t paying as much attention to the words as I was the notes, beats, tunes, melodies, harmonies, etc. When I listen to/play music it really gets my energy levels back up. This morning reminded me of what my passions in life have always been. Music, and mission.
What the?? Where did I get mission from?
While I was grooving away in the back seat of my bus I was thinking about all the music I love and how much I miss playing my instrument and how much I love to sing and be involved in anything musical. I started thinking about church – not a good idea, that just got me frustrated, so I stopped. My mind just started wandering and I was thinking about all the mission trips I have been on and the ones that I have missed. I started thinking about how I want to be more involved in missions and that Im tired of listening to other peoples wishes over my own (by this I mean that there have been a few mission trips that I havnt gone on because people have talked me out of it).
So, here I am thinking about the two greatest passions in my life, music and mission. Having all these thoughts running through my head and trying to devise plans that will set me on some sort of journey.
I want to go back to Bible College and finish off some of my studies (YES I KNOW – I still havnt handed in my assignment that was due in Oct. I am hoping to get some of it done this weekend, and hand it in. Even if I do fail!)
I want to start getting back into my music (although I highly doubt this will be at church). I also want to start planning to go, (or at least plan to send others) on a mission trip (early) next year (Ive already used up most of my holidays for this year!!!) I also started thinking about possible internships or other Bible Colleges that I could possibly join. Not sure where that will happen or even if its possible, but its something Im interested on.
Now, all this has happened, simply by listening to some music and watching a sunrise this morning. I think its because for about an hour today I quietened my heart and was open to hearing from God and things happened! (even if I was listening to Pagan music!!!)
Here are just a few links to the cd’s I was listening to this morning:
Taking Back Sunday, Incubus, and The Getaway Plan
10.5.07
mum n dad n dru update
Update on mum and dad...for those of you who may be interested.
They have just spent the past 2/3 days in Brisbane and flew up to Cairns yesterday to spend 12 days with old friends and church members. They will then head back down to NSW and start deciding how they will make their way back home!
It has been really weird not having my parents around and that was evidenced today when my brother came into my work place to have one of my colleagues help him learn how to do up a tie. He shouldve been able to do that with Dad :( its a bit sad
Anyway...they are going well....I think
For those of you who keep asking me how their going - theyre good.
A towel hanging on the tips of my fingers
I
have
had it.
(very Rob Bell like I know)
I don’t know how many times Ive said it regarding church, but Ive had it. I am so close to throwing in the towel that its just not funny anymore.
I wish I could just up and leave and never come back.
I say ‘wish’ because I don’t have the guts to just chuck it in. As many of you know, Russell and I are currently going through the process of whether we stay at our current church or not, and I don’t want my own feelings dictate what happens. God may very well still want me where we are currently, and Im afraid to admit it, but if that’s true, then he wont get much outta me. I have NO long term investment in this place and I couldn’t care less about what happens there anymore.
Im sick of putting myself out on a limb and nothing happening. Im sick of peoples stagnant ways and peoples complacency. Im tired of feeling unwanted, unused, and boxed in.
But heres where I get caught. No matter where I go, I think the same things will frustrate me. There will always be problems and will always be frustrations. I just want to be apart of somewhere that is moving. That no matter the personal issues, things are happening and people are getting out into the community, getting into missions, doing things.
This has been really hard to write, and Ive been tossing and turning all night and don’t think Ive expressed myself adequately. So…if your going to comment, please keep that in mind.
So, now Im once again back to this point where I don’t know what to do and Im ready to throw in the towel and say "You’ve won. You have successfully squashed me into the position you’ve wanted me in for a long time. You win."
9.5.07
Quote for the day
I quite like this one:
"Great people have one thing in common - they do not conform."
- P.K. Shaw
The big move 2
The move went well and I was able to take an RDO on Mon. to try and unpack as much as possible.
I am loving the place at the moment. I love the space, the area, the beach, yada yada yada.
I am doing ok on the 5.30am starts so far. Im sure Ill be singing a different tune next week.
I know its only brief, but I thought I should post something about how we went on the weekend and I will hopefully get time this week to post some other things that have been on my mind lately. Until then, chow!! (mmmm im sure thats spelt something like ciou!)
4.5.07
Quote for the day
Thought this was fitting considering our big move this weekend...
"He who never made a mistake never made a discovery."
- Samuel Smiles
3.5.07
New Book
Just started this newy from Rob Bell - "Sex God". 2.5.07
Updated Photos 2
Playing with Felicity
"What you lookin at"
Jet n his daddy
Soooooo cute
and once again...
Sitting on my lap in the car Updated Photos
Me n' my lil sis Kate on my b'day
Jet follows and copies Felicity (aint they sooo cute!)
My favourite photo of Jet n his plush cow
Jet giving that look before he goes to bed
Me n' Russ on my b'day
About to cut the cake
Still waiting to cut...1.5.07
The big move
Ok, so Im really scared now.
We are making the big move on Saturday! We are moving into our new place, and hopefully starting a new lifestyle!
Ive been excited up until this week, where the reality of what we are doing is quite life changing.
We are moving away from family and friends. Even though its only 1/2 an hour away, I fear that we will be forgotten and unmissed. I fear that we will start to feel isolated which can really start to drain on your emotions.
I also fear that this will be a new pressure on our time - it is already hard on us with our busy schedules and I fear that living just that little bit further is going to really put a further strain on our time.
However, amidst all these fears, I still feel certain that God is in control, and that this is where God wants us for the time being. I just need to put my trust in God and stop worrying about things that I cant control.
Im still excited at this adventure we are going on. I hope that it is one that will help continue to shape both Russell and I as a couple, and us individually.
**By the way, if anyone has a really big furniture trailer they could let us borrow for the weekend, that would be awesome!! Just email me on bek.j.ingram@nab.com.au before Sat.**
