They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here is an essay on what a good weekend is all about.
29 November 2007
Weekend
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here is an essay on what a good weekend is all about.
03 November 2007
Grace
So, I daily find myself broken by the concept of grace. I've never really been one of those "woe is me a sinner" kind of people. Its not that I don't think I'm a sinner, but I don't understand why people dwell on their own sin so much...repent, and move on. I realize its not as easy as that sometimes, but I'd rather focus on Christ and on grace, rather than on me and my sin.
But, I digress from grace (don't we all?).
Grace. What a simple, foundational concept to our Christian faith. Words cannot describe this, and yet we always try. I think the best visions of grace are not in sermons, no matter how eloquent. They are in the eyes of a child, immediately after being disciplined, yet the child clearly wants nothing more than a hug to realize they're still loved. Grace is seen in an overworked parent taking the five minutes to play an undignified game of tag with a four year old. A child's laugh. A crisp, clear sunset.
Grace is me spending hours on a sermon, and yet still being unsatisfied with the outcome...getting angry with myself for not putting in the hours I "should"...and yet, on Sunday morning, seeing the dry bones come together, tendons and sinews spring forth, and skin come on the bones. And the bones then move, breathed with new life.
Grace is being freed from your sin, so it no longer has to take up the majority of your life. Grace is the chains of bondage to laziness, to greed, to lust, to whatever...shattered and left to rust into nothing. Grace is the freedom to run on new legs, given, free of charge, to a paralytic.
I choose to live in grace, in that gap beyond my own abilities, the place called 'faith'. I can't live their on my own, and trust me, I've tried. I have tried to live larger, live bigger, live better than my abilities would allow...but, it only works out when I do this with grace.
I still feel like I've come up short in my description, but words can't describe a concept like grace. But, would we want them to? Grace is not something to be describe, or discussed, or analyzed. It is rather something that must be experienced and lived, beyond ourselves, and immersed wholly in God's love.
But, I digress from grace (don't we all?).
Grace. What a simple, foundational concept to our Christian faith. Words cannot describe this, and yet we always try. I think the best visions of grace are not in sermons, no matter how eloquent. They are in the eyes of a child, immediately after being disciplined, yet the child clearly wants nothing more than a hug to realize they're still loved. Grace is seen in an overworked parent taking the five minutes to play an undignified game of tag with a four year old. A child's laugh. A crisp, clear sunset.
Grace is me spending hours on a sermon, and yet still being unsatisfied with the outcome...getting angry with myself for not putting in the hours I "should"...and yet, on Sunday morning, seeing the dry bones come together, tendons and sinews spring forth, and skin come on the bones. And the bones then move, breathed with new life.
Grace is being freed from your sin, so it no longer has to take up the majority of your life. Grace is the chains of bondage to laziness, to greed, to lust, to whatever...shattered and left to rust into nothing. Grace is the freedom to run on new legs, given, free of charge, to a paralytic.
I choose to live in grace, in that gap beyond my own abilities, the place called 'faith'. I can't live their on my own, and trust me, I've tried. I have tried to live larger, live bigger, live better than my abilities would allow...but, it only works out when I do this with grace.
I still feel like I've come up short in my description, but words can't describe a concept like grace. But, would we want them to? Grace is not something to be describe, or discussed, or analyzed. It is rather something that must be experienced and lived, beyond ourselves, and immersed wholly in God's love.
29 October 2007
Update...?
I have no idea where to start. I'm not entirely sure there is a place to start. The youth group here is both amazing and horrific, all at the same time. I find my heart breaking for each one of the kids, as they virtually all have had more hardship in their lives than any 5 people should. Going to youth and the various ministries are some of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
And yet...I love it. I can't imagine life without this kind of hardship. Had I known what I was praying for all these years in terms of "Jesus, send me to the place where your love is most needed" I might not have done it, but I am sure glad that I did. There is no joy greater than spending time with a girl whose mother has decided she doesn't want her around and sends her to live with her grandmother (who is already caring for her mother). Yes, the girl has a few "behavior problems", but just getting a chance to play basketball with her (we split the games 1-1) and realizing that through that, I'm helping God redeem His Creation.
Me. God has chosen me for this. He has chosen you for this. We get to help God! He doesn't need us, but, like a loving father, He wants us to participate, to take on the family business, if you will. Words cannot describe what this means to me.
And, I get paid to preach the gospel. I feel almost guilty. This is nuts.
Anyway, I could go on, but I'd just be saying the same thing. I got a flat the other day, though, so that's fun. I'll be welcoming quite a few friends to come by and visit in the coming months, but there's always room for more, so please contact me to book in your stay at my place...the shuttle service can pick you up at Sydney or Newcastle airports, or anywhere in between.
And, for those lovely people that want to send me things, my address is below. That should be everyone. If it isn't, we're in a fight.
And yet...I love it. I can't imagine life without this kind of hardship. Had I known what I was praying for all these years in terms of "Jesus, send me to the place where your love is most needed" I might not have done it, but I am sure glad that I did. There is no joy greater than spending time with a girl whose mother has decided she doesn't want her around and sends her to live with her grandmother (who is already caring for her mother). Yes, the girl has a few "behavior problems", but just getting a chance to play basketball with her (we split the games 1-1) and realizing that through that, I'm helping God redeem His Creation.
Me. God has chosen me for this. He has chosen you for this. We get to help God! He doesn't need us, but, like a loving father, He wants us to participate, to take on the family business, if you will. Words cannot describe what this means to me.
And, I get paid to preach the gospel. I feel almost guilty. This is nuts.
Anyway, I could go on, but I'd just be saying the same thing. I got a flat the other day, though, so that's fun. I'll be welcoming quite a few friends to come by and visit in the coming months, but there's always room for more, so please contact me to book in your stay at my place...the shuttle service can pick you up at Sydney or Newcastle airports, or anywhere in between.
And, for those lovely people that want to send me things, my address is below. That should be everyone. If it isn't, we're in a fight.
17 October 2007
Australian Tea Breaks
Tea Breaks in Australia.
Morning Tea - A break around about 10 or so for a quick "cuppah" (Australian for "a cup of tea or coffee, or whatever else you might desire"), that usually is supposed to last for 15 or so minutes, but will actually expand to fill any amount of time, from 5 minutes up to an hour or more. Tea or coffee is usually the drink, and biscuits and crackers are usually the food.
Afternoon Tea - A break around about 3 or so, and is more or less the same idea as morning tea, except this one is held in the afternoon. Usually some kind of spread is added for use with the crackers.
Tea - Now, this is the part that stands out. This is actually the evening meal, and no tea is served.
Why, perchance, would you have specific titles for the Morning and Afternoon Teas, and call the evening meal simply Tea, when the one simply called Tea is the only one where tea is not served?
Welcome to Australia, that's why.
Morning Tea - A break around about 10 or so for a quick "cuppah" (Australian for "a cup of tea or coffee, or whatever else you might desire"), that usually is supposed to last for 15 or so minutes, but will actually expand to fill any amount of time, from 5 minutes up to an hour or more. Tea or coffee is usually the drink, and biscuits and crackers are usually the food.
Afternoon Tea - A break around about 3 or so, and is more or less the same idea as morning tea, except this one is held in the afternoon. Usually some kind of spread is added for use with the crackers.
Tea - Now, this is the part that stands out. This is actually the evening meal, and no tea is served.
Why, perchance, would you have specific titles for the Morning and Afternoon Teas, and call the evening meal simply Tea, when the one simply called Tea is the only one where tea is not served?
Welcome to Australia, that's why.
08 October 2007
Changes
I don't even know where to start. The last three and a half weeks (has it only been that long?) have been a time of change, to say the least, for me. I'm not even talking about the external things (y'know, the whole moving around the world bit), but more the changes I've had to undergo internally.
No longer can I simply be Jesse, but I have the added title of "Pastor". The temptation is for that to go to my head, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that it almost can't. Not because I'm a great person, but because I'm not. I'm just like the next guy, except maybe a bit more strange. The only possible way for this ministry to work in any way, shape, or form is for God to be in it. I'm going to have to triple (at least) the amount of time I spend in prayer, and the same goes for study. Time spent just messing around won't be as plentiful.
I can no longer approach situations simply innocently, but I must also come wth a shrewdness borne of years of experience (again, something I lack that can only come of God). I can't afford to waste my time or my opportunities to spread God's love, which is something I've worried that I would do, consider my own tendencies towards laziness.
I think perhaps that is what has surprised me the most, is the ease with which I've stepped up to the changes. And I say this not out of ego, because this can only be because of God's grace and provision. I'm humbled by the responsibility, the gifts He's given me (why me?!), and the things He appears to be expecting me to do...as well as the apparent chances of success. Basically, if God is not involved, me unpacking my bags was foolhardy.
But, I'm realizing that I came here as an act of faith, and the only way is forward, again, in faith. Do I know what I'm doing? Not especially. Will that stop me? Nah. I'm excited about the things God will do through me, and in spite of me.
On an only semi-related note, I think I want to start writing letters, because, if nothing else, this will serve to encourage me and to learn discipline (letters don't write themselves, apparently, so I'll have to set time aside to do that), but it will also give me a chance to share what God's doing down here, and whatnot. I'm beginning to realize why St. Paul wrote so many letters. I make the promise that if you send me a letter, I will respond within a week's time (from when I receive it). I look forward to corresponding with you. Word.
Oh, here's the address (its for the church, but I get the mail there, so...yeah). Send letters here, but hold off on packages until I get my own place (a prayer point!).
Jesse Ryals
34 Dunkley Street
Rutherford, NSW 2320
Australia
No longer can I simply be Jesse, but I have the added title of "Pastor". The temptation is for that to go to my head, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that it almost can't. Not because I'm a great person, but because I'm not. I'm just like the next guy, except maybe a bit more strange. The only possible way for this ministry to work in any way, shape, or form is for God to be in it. I'm going to have to triple (at least) the amount of time I spend in prayer, and the same goes for study. Time spent just messing around won't be as plentiful.
I can no longer approach situations simply innocently, but I must also come wth a shrewdness borne of years of experience (again, something I lack that can only come of God). I can't afford to waste my time or my opportunities to spread God's love, which is something I've worried that I would do, consider my own tendencies towards laziness.
I think perhaps that is what has surprised me the most, is the ease with which I've stepped up to the changes. And I say this not out of ego, because this can only be because of God's grace and provision. I'm humbled by the responsibility, the gifts He's given me (why me?!), and the things He appears to be expecting me to do...as well as the apparent chances of success. Basically, if God is not involved, me unpacking my bags was foolhardy.
But, I'm realizing that I came here as an act of faith, and the only way is forward, again, in faith. Do I know what I'm doing? Not especially. Will that stop me? Nah. I'm excited about the things God will do through me, and in spite of me.
On an only semi-related note, I think I want to start writing letters, because, if nothing else, this will serve to encourage me and to learn discipline (letters don't write themselves, apparently, so I'll have to set time aside to do that), but it will also give me a chance to share what God's doing down here, and whatnot. I'm beginning to realize why St. Paul wrote so many letters. I make the promise that if you send me a letter, I will respond within a week's time (from when I receive it). I look forward to corresponding with you. Word.
Oh, here's the address (its for the church, but I get the mail there, so...yeah). Send letters here, but hold off on packages until I get my own place (a prayer point!).
Jesse Ryals
34 Dunkley Street
Rutherford, NSW 2320
Australia
25 September 2007
The Way of the Cross
I watched the movie 'Amazing Grace' recently, and it brought up a lot of things in my mind. The movie, for those of you who don't know, is about the campaign in England to abolish the slave trade, a movement which inspired the famous hymn the movie is named after.
The principle thing that it brought to mind was how the main character worked his whole life towards his goal of abolishing slavery in England, a pursuit that cost him greatly, in terms of his physical and emotional health. He suffered from colitis (I believe that's what it was), a condition most likely caused by being worn so emotionally thin from the campaign that his body suffered as well. But, ultimately, he saw his victory.
I desperately want to live that life.
I want to pour myself out as a sacrifice for Christ, working and striving always to further His Kingdom, both through my living and potentially through my dying. I want to be able to look back at the end of my life, and have given my all, successful or not. I want to spread the love of God everywhere I go, regardless of opposition.
And that brings me to the church in Maitland. I was recently disheartened when I was thinking of the way to go forward with the church here, and what factors would have to be overcome. The church is fragmented, not in terms of internal church politics, but in terms of myriad groups coming together. This has the potential to be an amazing part of the Body of Christ, a real celebration of diversity...but, that will be a long time in coming, methinks.
So, here I am, realizing this ministry is much bigger than I am, and that there is no sign on the horizon of success, either immediate or long-term. Its all well and good to talk about the theoretical aspects of picking up your cross daily, but its a different matter when the discussions end and its time to sign on the proverbial dotted line.
I have the pen, but I'm realizing what it means if I sign. This kind of thing goes against all that our culture teaches us, in that I will not be simply showing up to consume, and going where its easy. This will involve me getting stubborn and stuck in, refusing to surrender when times are difficult. That means when the horizon shows no signs of light, I push on for dawn.
It means, fully dying to self, and becoming alive to God.
Again, a concept that is easier said than done. So, in order to keep this marathon post from becoming too epic, I'll end it here. I'll need your prayers, and, if you're ever in the area, a visit would not go amiss either. I will need your encouragement, and your Reese's peanut butter cups (that's not a metaphor...they don't sell them down here). So, keep me in mind when next you pray...I'll be most appreciative.
The principle thing that it brought to mind was how the main character worked his whole life towards his goal of abolishing slavery in England, a pursuit that cost him greatly, in terms of his physical and emotional health. He suffered from colitis (I believe that's what it was), a condition most likely caused by being worn so emotionally thin from the campaign that his body suffered as well. But, ultimately, he saw his victory.
I desperately want to live that life.
I want to pour myself out as a sacrifice for Christ, working and striving always to further His Kingdom, both through my living and potentially through my dying. I want to be able to look back at the end of my life, and have given my all, successful or not. I want to spread the love of God everywhere I go, regardless of opposition.
And that brings me to the church in Maitland. I was recently disheartened when I was thinking of the way to go forward with the church here, and what factors would have to be overcome. The church is fragmented, not in terms of internal church politics, but in terms of myriad groups coming together. This has the potential to be an amazing part of the Body of Christ, a real celebration of diversity...but, that will be a long time in coming, methinks.
So, here I am, realizing this ministry is much bigger than I am, and that there is no sign on the horizon of success, either immediate or long-term. Its all well and good to talk about the theoretical aspects of picking up your cross daily, but its a different matter when the discussions end and its time to sign on the proverbial dotted line.
I have the pen, but I'm realizing what it means if I sign. This kind of thing goes against all that our culture teaches us, in that I will not be simply showing up to consume, and going where its easy. This will involve me getting stubborn and stuck in, refusing to surrender when times are difficult. That means when the horizon shows no signs of light, I push on for dawn.
It means, fully dying to self, and becoming alive to God.
Again, a concept that is easier said than done. So, in order to keep this marathon post from becoming too epic, I'll end it here. I'll need your prayers, and, if you're ever in the area, a visit would not go amiss either. I will need your encouragement, and your Reese's peanut butter cups (that's not a metaphor...they don't sell them down here). So, keep me in mind when next you pray...I'll be most appreciative.
21 September 2007
The Weirding Way
Well, here I am.
Australia.
Maitland.
Church.
My job.
Home.
After cramming a four year degree into five years, here I am. I spent three of those years being fairly rigidly devoted to learning what it means, academically, to do ministry. And, I even knew that I'd have to more or less re-learn everything once I actually got into ministry.
But, none of my classes prepared me for the sheer 'weirdness' of it all. After devoting my life (for the most part) to preparing me for this, its hard to fully grasp the fact that its here. No longer, when I have a suggestion for a ministry, do I go hint at it to the pastor. Nope. Now, I am the pastor. And, if I could find the darn formatting for this, 'am' would've been in italics.
Its also a bit hard to settle in, because right now I'm just staying with the vice chairman and his wife. They are wonderful people without a doubt (and I'm absolutely looking forward to working with them), but I think just the mere fact that there's not a place I can "call my own", so to speak, makes things a bit more difficult. It would be easier to help me get acclimated, if I could start setting a place up with my stuff and everything, start getting accustomed to my own way (which is half the reason I moved halfway around the world...to really strike out on my own).
I'm not sure if there is a way to prepare someone for all this, or even if its mostly compounded by the fact that I'm also in another country, but it is what it is. Weird.
Speaking of another country, I definitely like being here. I'm glad I signed up. I very much enjoy all the people I have to work with, and even though the youth group might be...exuberant, for the most part they're good kids. This is definitely a good starting church, if not one to continue at in the long term.
Well, I should be posting more, but its already 11:30 and I'm still in my pajamas, and there are a few things I need to do yet (like, eat...), so I'm off. I welcome any and all correspondence, especially in the way of goodies sent to me via snail mail (this will be easier once I get an apartment, and an address).
Australia.
Maitland.
Church.
My job.
Home.
After cramming a four year degree into five years, here I am. I spent three of those years being fairly rigidly devoted to learning what it means, academically, to do ministry. And, I even knew that I'd have to more or less re-learn everything once I actually got into ministry.
But, none of my classes prepared me for the sheer 'weirdness' of it all. After devoting my life (for the most part) to preparing me for this, its hard to fully grasp the fact that its here. No longer, when I have a suggestion for a ministry, do I go hint at it to the pastor. Nope. Now, I am the pastor. And, if I could find the darn formatting for this, 'am' would've been in italics.
Its also a bit hard to settle in, because right now I'm just staying with the vice chairman and his wife. They are wonderful people without a doubt (and I'm absolutely looking forward to working with them), but I think just the mere fact that there's not a place I can "call my own", so to speak, makes things a bit more difficult. It would be easier to help me get acclimated, if I could start setting a place up with my stuff and everything, start getting accustomed to my own way (which is half the reason I moved halfway around the world...to really strike out on my own).
I'm not sure if there is a way to prepare someone for all this, or even if its mostly compounded by the fact that I'm also in another country, but it is what it is. Weird.
Speaking of another country, I definitely like being here. I'm glad I signed up. I very much enjoy all the people I have to work with, and even though the youth group might be...exuberant, for the most part they're good kids. This is definitely a good starting church, if not one to continue at in the long term.
Well, I should be posting more, but its already 11:30 and I'm still in my pajamas, and there are a few things I need to do yet (like, eat...), so I'm off. I welcome any and all correspondence, especially in the way of goodies sent to me via snail mail (this will be easier once I get an apartment, and an address).
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