Image, Influence & Intelligence?

Today has been variety-packed.

This morning, Dabak and I, were privileged to meet with Captain Karen Castley and members of the Mooroolbark Home League and spend time together reflecting on the "Power of Images". It was a very interactive occasion that widened our perspectives on life in general and the love of God in particular. Using visual illustrations, vocal solos and verbal discussions, we rediscovered the joy of sharing in like-minded fellowship as we continue to acknowledge the greatness and graciousness of our Creator God.

This afternoon, we conducted a memorial service at Inala Chapel for one of our dear residents who was called to her Eternal Reward last month. It was indeed another privileged opportunity to minister to the family members and friends who gathered to celebrate the influence of this dear, faithful lady upon their lives, giving thanks to God for His every blessing!

Then, this evening, the Rotary Club of Box Hill hosted guest speakers from the Victoria Police, who gave us a most informative, yet disturbing, presentation about their work in the field of "Clandestine Laboratories" (illict drug manufacturing). Their presentation certainly opened our eyes to 'another world', and highlighted the great concerns that need to be addressed if we are to combat this within our society. For me, the most shocking discovery was not so much the statistics behind the problem, but more the awareness of the structures that are put in place by criminals to ensure that their manufacturing system succeeds.

The growing question for me centred around the understanding of the specific knowledge that is needed and the awareness that 'illicit manufacturing' rests mainly with the 'higly-educated and intelligent', who are obviously blinded by their own greed!

Lord, I want my life to always speak profoundly and positively of Your influence and impact of grace upon my life. In Your creativeness, You gave me an intellect so that I might 'think and act wisely'. Help me, by Your Spirit, to represent you well in all I do. AMEN

Inclusiveness

I'm currently in the process of searching for information on how to obtain a copy of the devotional publication, Every Day with Jesus, in braille format. And let me say...it is proving a real challenge! In this day and age of increasing technology and resources, I had envisioned that the request would be an easy one to cater to. But it seems that the more 'high tech' we get, the less inclusive we are becoming.

All this to say that, while in the course of the search process, I've been challenged personally about just how 'inclusive' I am of the needs of others to whom I minister. Do I communicate the message of God's love in ways that meet the needs of others? Are the mediums of worship I use effective in making everyone in my congregation feel included as a worshipper?

Hmmm...just some food for thought. Now I'm going to go and ruminate!