I found this statement in a Queensland Government document about the Recovery model in mental health services. It fits in many circumstances: Hope is the limitless belief that things do not have to remain the same and that change can and does happen. It is about concentrating on strengths rather than weaknesses, focussing on the future rather than the past and celebrating small successes rather than insisting on rapid change. Hope fuels the recovery process through expanding the sphere of possibility, colouring life perceptions and sustaining individuals even during period of relapse.

True worship

I attended a funeral last week of a lady who had not been able to communicate during her life as I do because of an intellectual disability. But the disability was far from the focus of attention at the funeral where her sheer joy of life was cause for celebration. A number of people spoke about the way she loved to attend her local Salvation Army church on Sunday and participate enthusiastically in worship and reference was made more than once to her now being in heaven, not in the angel choir, but leading the angel choir. It made me think that worship is not about excellence in presentation, well crafted leadership and musical skills, or deep and meaningful moments of reflection. Worship for this young lady was uninhibited joy in the presence of her Lord. The apostle Paul said: But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. I think that would be a good guide for worship.

Running Dry

Blogging's run a bit dry for me. Time seems to have got the better of me. I've been very excited about how things are developing for Jesus All About Life at the moment. We are seeing a growing number of people catching on to the concept of what could be one of the most significant evangelistic campaigns West Australia has seen for a long time. News has just come to hand that the V8 utes will be coming to WA for the first time in May 2008. Andrew Fisher with his distinctive Jesus All About Life V8 ute has just won the Rookie of the Year and came fourth in the driver points for 2007. An amazing witness to Jesus in a tough environment. We're hoping to come up with some good ideas when Andrew comes over next year.