The Vicar

I have a new identity -

A lovely lady from Redroofs Resthome came up to me after the Sunday service and said I reminded her of someone. Not the Vicar of Dibley is it, I said. Yes she said, only much smaller.
I'm taking it as a compliment ........

"The Least Shall Have The Best"

I found the above quote somewhere, I don't know where and haven't been able to find it again. I hope it is a Booth quote, but if it's not then I believe it is a good description of the Booth's philosophy on raising the standard for the poor.
My dream would be that every area of The Salvation Army would promote this philosophy. Imagine what that would look like. The Family Stores would have a top priority of giving the best goods to those in need instead of a top priority of making a dollar. Designer clothing, quality household goods, well made furniture - these things would be reserved for those who find themselves at our doors in need. The excess of these sold to make a dollar.
Is this already how we do it - what do you think?

Kylie all ready for the wedding, not hers, (still looking) maybe today Mr Right will sweep her off her feet.

Goodlookers from EC08

JUST ACTION

Time to start blogging again after Danielle Strickland's workshop at JUST ACTION Conference on Blogging - we were reminded just what an amazing tool for good that the internet can be. What a conference! I am inspired by everything that I saw and heard but the highlight had to be the documentary on homeless youth - cared for by Oasis in Sydney. If I can attain to that kind of selfless love I will be happy.
I've had a fun time with selfless love myself this week - I know she saw me as an easy target to get what she needed - but who could resist the innocent smile and loving kiss as she happily left the building - a petrol voucher in hand. But I need to get to my Dad's she pleads the next day - but I gave you a petrol voucher yesterday, what happened to it? I gave it to my friend to do messages. My Dad's really sick, staying at the SA Hostel, I ring - no he's fine, fit as a fiddle - they tell me he's not got cancer I say to her - well he looked yellow to me she offers - well we aren't giving you more petrol or buying you a ticket - but I have no cash because my boarder punched me and stole $87 from my card - need to get rid of the boarder I say then you'll have cash - ok she says - Dear Boarder I write, please leave G's house as soon as possible - signed her Salvation Army Officer - of course she probably won't give the letter to him - word on the street is she's been sniffing petrol - no doubt helped by yours truly giving her a petrol voucher (oops) - look forward to her next visit.

“It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.”

Mark Twain

Furlough

Alexandra from "The Linger and Die". So called presumably because if you lingered on this spot too long you could be drowned by a flood.

Today was my first day at work after a weeks holiday. It's been kind of a watershed week. We decided to go to Alexandra for most of it and catch up with friends and surroundings that we left behind 2 or more years ago to enter The Salvation Army Training College. We had been back only once for a quick trip so it was time to relax and spend time.

The picture above doesn't do Alexandra justice and being winter it didn't look a bit like that blue sky and brown grass. It was mostly grey skies and below zero temperatures with a bit of rain thrown in and snow on the surrounding hills.
Nevertheless it was great and we enjoyed our stay with friends.
I preached at my old Corps on the Sunday about Mephibosheth grandson of the King who lived a crippled life in poverty and through David found a love that seeks, elevates and is secure. The Corps people there are my personal fan club so I couldn't fail but I do hope they heard the message as it's a great story.

We had a trip through to Wanaka for a haircut. Cause that's what you do when your on holiday you travel an hour there and an hour back with the threat of snow over you just for a haircut.

I feel much better for the break even if it was packed to the hilt with friends and family and not a minute to spare. I've done a lot of thinking and a lot of off loading and I think I am understanding a lot more the way I've got to go in terms of work and calling and who I am and who God is - yes things are back in perspective like they never have been before.
Today was my first day back at work and for the 3rd time this winter I had to wait for an hour or so before I could get out of the driveway because of ice or snow. This time it wasn't that the tyres wouldn't grip - I actually had no control for a full 2 seconds because of ice. Just might have to leave the car at the top of the hill and walk up to it every morning to avoid the excitement.