Where Life and Faith Meet
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4Ü #275

Overindulgence

26 April 2007

WASSUP - Renewal of ANZAC day

Something is happening in our nation with more and more people turning out to commemorate ANZAC Day. The returned soldiers (those who are left) look on in amazement, some thinking, "too little too late" while others say, "better late than never".

I think that something very deep is happening in our nation. There is a search for our nation's soul. It is not found in our wealth or our political leaders but is touched when we tell the stories of young men who gave their lives in sacrifice and service.

The voices from the Gallipolli trenches speak to us today about our priorities, our hopes and our dreams.

What is really important that is worth living and dying for?

I am not afraid dearest and am certain that I will come through all right. But if I don't dear you will always have the satisfaction of knowing that your husband has done his duty, and that his last thoughts were of his wife and children. I am a bit sentimental tonight dearest and feel better after mentioning the above. Fondest love to my dear Wife, Noni, Wyn, Jim, and wee Athol, your loving husband Wilfred.

Wilfred Smith died nine day later.

From the trenches fear is faced with love.

Andrew

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INSIGHT OUT - An in between world of going and coming

Rees / Dart - day five

Dawn breaks to another day in paradise
Today is the day we return to the "other world"
A world of fine food, family and friends
but also a world of Mondays;
of work, responsibilities, people and noise
The walk out was a leaving
as much as it was a returning
A saying good-bye
to my friends who have nourished my soul
the mountains who speak of awesome power
the streams which never sleep
the forest - the guardians of mystery
an in-between world of going and coming

Like being at an all-you-can-eat restaurant
You want to cram every last bit before you leave
To savour every last sight, sound and taste
This was a visual feast to over indulge
Standing still and turning 360?
Just take it in
And for dessert
a real treat
A jet boat ride down the Dart
Once over the ethics of noise and not walking in this pristine beauty
To be transported packless and without moving your feet!
Sheer delight!

Back in the "other world"
It was fascinating how quickly you revert
to so called "civilization"
Like a shower
Clean socks
Bacon, eggs, hash brown and a beer
And to stories of yesterday
"What goes on tour stays on tour"
So I won't mention ...
the hostile reception and missing our flight
an empty gas canister
two lost cameras
violence committed on senior citizens with the aid of a walking stick
far right political views expressed
insomnia

until next time...

Thanks for taking this walk with me

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OUTSIGHT IN - Overindulgence

Lesson for the day:

Some things in life you can never have too much of - overindulge!

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SEE YA SUNDAY - "Prophets for profit"

8.30 & 10.30

"Thank God it's Monday"

This series will explore the meaning and significance of work

This week:
God expects a return on investment, He doesn't run a charity. The church in not a "not for profit" organization! Now that's something to get your head around; check it out in Luke 16:1-15

week three: Prophets for profit (productivity)
week four : The work of rest (re creation)

Sunday evening service this week 7.00

Can't wait ... see ya Sunday

Thanks for this time to chat.

Andrew
St Columba
Where Life and Faith Meet
andrew.norton@stcolumba.org.nz

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It's free but don't steal

If this is of help to others, you are welcome to forward it. This e-mail letter is 97% original - 3% cut and paste & 100% fat free. 4U is copyright to Andrew Norton. That means you can't cut and paste it and call it your own (that's stealing). I'm happy for it to be used but please refer to the author.

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LAST WORD - Be moved

The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience

Emily Dickinson


© 2008, St Columba Presbyterian Church, Auckland