welcoming another nephew into the world

Kids Expressions

This afternoon we went ten pin bowling with our nephew and his friends to celebrate his 6th birthday party. Apart from enjoying a family event, I also had fun experimenting taking photos in a different setting.

This photo is my favourite from the shoot. I love the contrasting expressions on the kids faces. It captures the seriousness and fun of this activity for them.

The photo has been added to my best photos gallery, under 'family events'.

We Do Remember Them

This morning I reverted to my normal ANZAC Day practice and attended the dawn parade at the Cenotaph near Parliament in central Wellington. Last year I missed it and my friend Mark, who was with me this morning as he is most years, was in Gallipoli for the commemorations there. One day I hope to go too.

As usual there were thousands at the Cenotaph, no doubt in part because it was a stunning clear morning. The service was the usual dignified memorial to those who served in various theatres of war and conflict. Particularly those who died, but also those who were injured or traumatised and also those who kept the country running back home.

Mid-morning my son Joel and I, with other members of our church, marched in our local Johnsonville community ANZAC parade. The march ended at the RSA club where a service was held on the forecourt. I'd have to say I was astounded. There were over a thousand people there, with strong representation of all sectors of our local community. The photo to the top left is part of the crowd arriving at the RSA at the end of the march.

The Johnsonville service itself was in some ways better than the earlier dawn parade. I actually thought it was better in terms of raw quality of the speaking, singing and remembering. But that is not the only way in which it was better. This was a community celebration, and in all senses our community was together this morning.

Today has very much echoed the words I wrote last year

April 25 is ANZAC Day here in New Zealand (and Australia). The date commemorates the attempt to capture Gallippoli in 1915 during WWI, but over the years the day has evolved into a remembrance of all Kiwis (and Aussies) who have gone to war - any war. It is, in a very real sense, the day on which we feel most united as a nation.

Each year ANZAC Day gives me pause to think of those in my extended family who served in the various wars of the last century. In particular I think of my Poppa; my Mum's father. He served in the Pacific during WWII. He never talked much of war, and by the time I was old enough to want to ask, he was too ill. He passed away 27 years ago.

In no way did either of this morning's services celebrate or glorify war itself, and neither is that the point in my writing about today. War is horrific, and often wrong. I long to live in a world where international disputes can be settled without going into armed conflict.

However, we should remember, and thank God for, those who did (and do) serve.

They shall grow not old,
As we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun,
And in the morning,
We will remember them.
Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

We do remember them!

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

I have been reflecting today on Easter. Both in a literal historical sense given that it is Good Friday, but also in a personal sense in that what we celebrate this weekend is at the very centre of what it means for me to be a christian.

This weekend - Easter - we celebrate that Christ died for us. But not only that he died for us. Also that he rose again and lives forever with us. This is symbolic of the heart change we experience when we make him the leader of our lives. Our previous selfish self is said to 'die' and be replaced by a desire to live a life devoted to serving others and making our world a better place. It doesn't always work out that way in the cut and thrust of day to day life - but that is the goal to which we aspire.

This morning at my church (SAJ) we reflected on the events of that first Good Friday through a monologue, a very meaningful yet simple rendition of "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" and by singing a series of simple worship songs focussed on the meaning of Easter.

This afternoon I took my son out for a bike ride around Wellington's stunning south coast. The time I spent enjoying the company and love of my son caused me to reflect on what God must have gone through that first Easter when he "gave his one and only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life". The photo to the top left is of my son this afternoon unknowingly imitating God's son spreadeagled on a cross - the symbolism of it only occurs to me now I am home looking through photos from our day while also contemplating Easter.

One of the blogs I have been following closely more recently is "MandM", written by a NZ christian theologian/philosoper couple (I commend their writings to you). Today Matt has written his reflection on some of the more ceremonial aspects of Easter. This paragraph particularly resonated with me:

"... this is why ritual is important. As an excessively cerebral person christianity can become simply an intellectual project, a research program where I simply expound and defend a philosophy. Rituals force me to focus and refocus over and over again on the realities behind what I do. Rituals force one to quiet one's soul and really reflect at a level beyond the mere intellectual."

And, to close, the old hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" by Isaac Watts (from which I have titled this blog post):

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

Forbid it Lord, that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to His blood

See, from His head, His hands, His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were a present far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all

"Inventory" of Keeping Stock blog also referred me to a modern rendition:

Happy Birthday Mike (x2 !)

as I write this it is still Monday in New Orleans where my brother-in-law Mike Brantley lives

even though it is already Tuesday here in New Zealand where I and my good friend Michael Sampson live

so for both of them it is still their birthday even though they have different birth dates

so, Happy Birthday Mike (x2 !)

I must be getting old!

I must be getting old! my daughter Andrea is learning to drive!

they're heading home to NOLA

As I type this my sister Susanne and the Communitas NOLA team are preparing to return home to New Orleans which re-opened a few hours ago. Mike will rejoin them on Sunday after a CRM ministry leadership meeting in New York he went to earlier today (at the insistence of the Communitas NOLA team!).

I am sure they would appreciate your continuing prayers as they resettle into a damaged city (eg power is still off in much of the city) and minister to the wounded people around them who have been through the stress of Hurricane Gustav itself and the painful memories of Hurricane Katrina it evoked.

still waiting

they're still waiting to return to New Orleans

safe and waiting

Susanne Mike and the Communitas team are "safe & waiting" in Florida as per this report from Mike in which he also gives guidance on where we can focus our prayers.

Latest reports are that the worst of Hurricane Gustav is bypassing New Orleans.

My Prayer for New Orleans

Today at my church I had the opportunity in our morning service to pray for the people of New Orleans as they evacuate their city in the face of Hurricane Gustav.

A recording of my prayer is here - it is just over 5 minutes.

While my prayer is specific to my family and friends there it is also general. So I encourage you to listen as I outline some of the detail that is not always fully reported down under here in New Zealand.

As I write this my sister Susanne Mike Logan & Jordan, Chad Cindy Andrew & Nicholas, and their colleagues from Communitas are driving east from New Orleans to a more sheltered spot in Florida. In more normal times this would be a 4 hour drive, but today it could be up to 24 hours depending on traffic, and how far north they have to go before heading east.

I am in regular email, TXT & phone contact with Susanne & Mike and will blog or updates.

Update: Mon-1-Sep: Susanne has emailed - they have arrived safely in Floria. Now the long wait.

3 years ago Katrina, now Gustav

I had been planning to write tomorrow (Fri-29-Aug) about it being three years since Hurricane Katrina reached New Orleans and caused devastation. Primarly to the levee system, which then caused major floods - from which the city, its people, and the surrounding area are still recovering. But current events have overtaken me.

An hour or so ago I read a blog post from my friends Cindy and Chad and then received a TXT from my sister Susanne.

New Orleans is preparing to evacuate. Because of a hurricane. Again.

Hurricane Gustav is heading for New Orleans and the city is planning for the possibility of an evacuation within the next few days.

Just over two years ago Susanne & Mike moved back to New Orleans to start a christian ministry "Communitas NOLA" which aims to bring a sense of deep supportive community back to their part of New Orleans. Chad & Cindy joined last year, others since, and more are planning to join them (eg Mike & Brenda).

I had the privelege of visiting last November and saw the devastation of Katrina first hand, the vitality of the Communitas ministry, and met some of the wonderful locals.

Despite the insights I gained on that visit I cannot begin to understand the new nightmare Hurricane Gustav is now inflicting on the people of New Orleans. To a degree the city has been rebuilt since Katrina, although there is still much to be done. But Katrina's emotional damage goes much deeper. Having another hurricane head their way with talk of evacuation will only be causing more worry, stress and horror. These next few days, as they contemplate what might happen, will be awful - even before they have to deal with the hurricane itself.

My prayers are with Susanne Mike Logan & Jordan, Chad Cindy Andrew & Nicholas, the wider Communitas team, Pastor James Willis and the people of Carver Desire Baptist Church with whom I shared a wonderful Sunday worship service, and with all the people I met in New Orleans.

I also pray and plead that this time the city, state and federal politicians and officials will do what is right for the people of New Orleans. Now, during and after Hurricane Gustav. Rather than engage in the petty politicking that has poisoned so much of their response to Hurricane Katrina.

a sad but wonderful day farewelling a wonderful lady

as I've just said on Twitter today was a "a sad but wonderful day farewelling a wonderful lady"

My Tribute to Grandma Major

Jill's Grandma passed away today.

I first came into contact with the Major family in the mid 1980s and very soon became aware of how respected Grandma Major is within her family, and within her wider community. I quickly came to love her myself when I joined the family in 1990.

It has been treasured within the family that not a day has passed without each of us being named in her prayers. Until very recently grandchildren and great-grandchildren would receive a personal phone call on their birthday. Family mattered to Grandma.

Until a year or so ago Grandma expressed her pastoral heart by visiting other residents at the retirement village and hospital where she lived. We would laugh with her when she told us she had been out 'visiting the oldies'. She was one of the oldest, often 20 or more years older than those she was visiting! People mattered to Grandma.

Grandma's dignity was amply displayed in a deeply meaningful story we learnt around the time of her 90th birthday. When she was a young girl she sat a school test which included memorising a long poem. She got it word perfect but the teacher was adamant no child could achieve that without cheating, and so failed her - meaning she had to repeat the year.  For over 80 years Grandma carried this painful experience within while getting on with living a dignified and effective life in ministry and raising her family. Then, she heard from the teacher's daughter, who wanted to make contact with her mother's former pupil. At some stage the teacher had realised her error and carried the guilt of what she had done. Before dying she asked her daughter to find "the girl McChesney" and apologise. So, Grandma visited the daughter, herself in a home, and shared in a deeply meaningful experience of restoration and forgiveness with the daughter on behalf of the mother, her former teacher. For Grandma it was never too late to forgive.

This coming Friday Grandma Major's extended family, her friends and her church community will gather to celebrate her life. She will be deeply missed.

Wanaka

Went to Wanaka Thursday through Saturday for a cousin's wedding on Friday, and on to Queenstown Saturday / Sunday.

We found Wanaka quite stunning. The alpine scenery and the lake are amazing. The town itself retains true Kiwi charm, despite being primarily focussed on serving the tourist market. My cousin's Australian friends were astounded at the beauty. We took a quick drive up to Treble Cone ski field.

We stopped in at the iconic Cardona Pub on our way over the scenic Crown Range. We also dropped into the quaint Arrowtown and did a drive through the Millbrook Resort before heading up for a walk around the base of the Coronet Peak ski field where it snowed on us!

Queenstown town itself didn't do much for us - it is too commercial, crass even. However, the alpine scenery, particularly the view from the top of the gondola, is amazing.

A great weekend. Thanks to friends and family for looking after the kids while we were away.

Joel trials for Rep Rugby

This morning Joel trialled for the Wellington Under 12 Rugby representative team in a 4 zone tournament comprising players from around Wellington city. He played very well in demanding wet/cold conditions, and out of position at lock --- he plays in the backs for his club! Three 1 hour games is a lot of physical activity for anyone, especially in these conditions. We're not sure when we'll find out if he gets selected, but he's also well placed having played U11s last year with the same coaches.

His club game yesterday was a cracker --- his team came from behind a few minutes from the end with a length of the field try to his best friend Daniel to secure a close win. This year both Daniel and Joel are playing up a year --- under 13s even though they're only 11 --- so it's great to see them holding their own against bigger and faster thinking kids.

I've posted a couple cellphone photos on my Twitpic showing Joel during and after the games this morning.

Mesonychoteuthis Hamiltoni

Rare Colossal Squid and Giant Squid are being defrosted and immediately studied in detail this week (before they preserve it in formalin to prevent decay).

This is an incredibly significant natural history event as very little is known about either of these massive squid, and few specimens in good condition are held. It is fantastic that this is happening right here in my home city Wellington, and so publicly.

Ta Papa (New Zealand's national museum) is live blogging the event, and there are 4 live webcams which can also be viewed on one (bandwidth hungry!) page. Further reports are available on various media sites - eg Stuff, NZ Herald or collated at Google News. Natural History New Zealand will be filming the entire process for a Discovery Channel in-depth documentary series.

Te Papa are running a concurrent lecture series by the scientists. Joel and I will be attending the closing lecture by Dr Steve O'Shea on Thursday evening. We saw an earlier specimen (pictured above) when it was on display at Te Papa a few years ago, and met Dr Steve O'Shea (also pictured above) who is the lead scientist this week and recognised world authority on these unbelievable creatures.

Image courtesy Ta Papa.

Movie Review: Lars and the Real Girl

Thursday night Andrea and I went to see the movie "Lars and the Real Girl" at the Paramount. I had seen a short that showed promise, but we weren't quite sure what to expect given its plot synopsis:

"In this comedy, Lars Lindstrom is an awkwardly shy young man in a small northern town who finally brings home the girl of his dreams to his brother and sister-in-law's home. The only problem is that she's not real - she's a sex doll Lars ordered off the Internet. But sex is not what Lars has in mind, but rather a deep, meaningful relationship. His sister-in-law is worried for him, his brother thinks he's nuts, but eventually the entire town goes along with his delusion in support of this sweet natured boy that they've always loved."

This is a very clean movie - I can't fathom the M rating - that is also side-splitting funny.

It is also a wonderful story of community - of people caring for people. The love of the sister-in-law, the tender care of the local doctor, the acceptance shown by his workmates, etc.

If every christian and local church community showed this much love to those within their reach - particularly those who are a little odd - we would make the world a much better place.

We loved it. Highly recommended.

We Will Remember Them

Tomorrow is April 25 - ANZAC Day here in New Zealand (and Australia). The date commemorates the attempt to capture Gallippoli in 1915 during WWI, but over the years the day has evolved into a remembrance of all Kiwis (and Aussies) who have gone to war - any war. It is, in a very real sense, the day on which we feel most united as a nation.

Usually I would be attending the Dawn Service at Wellington's Cenotaph. In the years I have been going attendance has grown again from hundreds to thousands, many of them young people.

This year I will be driving for our church youth group who are going to Taupo for the day for a sports tournament. In a way this is also a fitting way for me to remember those who fought, and those who gave their lives. Sobering really. Tomorrow our youth group kids need me to drive them to and from Taupo - but nearly 100 years ago we sent kids the same age off to war.

I am also thinking of my friend Mark, with whom I usually go to the Dawn Service. This year Mark is making the pilgrimage to Gallipoli with his brother, and with a friend with whom he served in the military. I would love to be there with them. It remains one of my unfulfilled life goals. Another year.

Each year at the Dawn Service I take the time to think of those in my extended family who served in the various wars of the last century. In particular I think of Poppa; my Mum's father. He served in the Pacific during WWII. He never talked much of war, and by the time I was old enough to understand, he had become too ill for me to ask. He passed away 26 years ago.

I am not glorifying war in any way. War is horrific, and often wrong. I long to live in a world where disputes can be settled without going to war.

However, we should remember, and thank God for, those who did go to war - they did it for us.

They shall grow not old,
As we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun,
And in the morning,
We will remember them.
Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

coffee is still on the menu at Scorching Bay

there was a furore in Wellington during September and November last year when Chocolate Fish Cafe announced they would be closing because they couldn't agree terms with the Council on renewing the lease for their premises in Scorching Bay on Wellington's Miramar peninsula

at the time this also provoked a lengthy email conversation amongst my family, most of whom live locally on the Miramar peninsula ... and the cafe was a favourite for my sister Susanne and Mike - particularly to take overseas visitors to when they lived in Wellington until a couple years ago ... my point then was that the cafe owners were simply playing a clever PR game by going public during their lease negotiations

so, I note with interest in yesterday's Dominion that "coffee [is] still on [the] menu at [the] revamped Scorching Bay" because "a small takeaway coffee and confectionery outlet ... is now being run from the premises" and "the former operators of the Chocolate Fish intend to re-open their eatery in a brick pavilion on the beach" and "[a] coffee cart has also been at the beach during [three months over] summer"

the heart of the father of a teenage daughter

I think you might have to be the father of a teenage daughter to understand the depth of meaning in this West Wing quote!