Posted in thoughts

Another Weekend, Another Week

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

So, I’ve been at my new job for four weeks.  I still haven’t stopped listening to A7X’s Nightmare, and I’ve been writing like a beast.  I’m just going to write down random thoughts as they come.  Well, not quite random because I kind of already know what I’m going to write.  But, anyway.

1.  Collingwood will finish top of the ladder this season.  Eddie McGuire reckons they should win a cash reward because it’ll be the first time in a very long time [33 years] that they’ve ended a season at the top.

2.  Simple Plan are slowly slogging away in the studio.  I am really hoping that You Suck At Love will be their first single, I am really hankering for some Simple Plan-age.  It’s been far too long between hiccups.  I sill believe that Still Not Getting Any was their best album.  But, as always that’s subjective and is only my opinion.

3.  I have a feeling we might be on the way to recording a new worship album at Church.  The number of new songs written by our very own worshippers have been sung lately.  Also, I think the purple and black and white for the choir looks great.

4.  Someone asked a very curly, yet interesting question at Bible class last Thursday.  If the Old Testament stories and prophesies all point to Jesus, why then do the majority of Jews not believe He is the Messiah? One of the answers is in the Bible, I can’t remember the verse, but it basically states that God hardened their hearts so that the Gentiles [that is the rest of the world] can get to know Jesus.  I thought that was a very good point to make, and I now actually find myself compelled to read the Old Testament more, and not avoid the lessons that can be learned from it.

5.  The bus runs have been reorganised at work.  The Year six and seven boys at one school really annoy me, but at the same time are easy to get along with.  A new girl will be starting this week, and apparently she has experience with accreditation, which happens in October…fun stuff.  I’ve also finally got my key-tag.

6.  Victim is officially my favourite song off Nightmare.  And yes, the whole album is still EPIC.

7.  I think my writing has improved.

8.  Work at STAWA is still the same.  It’s going to be mad this week, probably, what with another mailout and entries for a science awards thing coming in.  Should be fun.  Sort of.  I’m going to try and motivate myself to get to work sooner, though.  9 AM at the earliest, 9.30 AM at the latest.

9.  Next weekend I’m going to motivate myself to help Mum with the MYOB stuff, considering I’m the one who did the course.  And I actually found it sort of gratifying helping Mum with it today.

10.  I thought of a new story idea, which at the moment I’ve turned into an A7X fic.  But, I could so easily turn it into an original idea.  We’ll see though.  Maybe I could use the characters from my other original fics?

11.  I voted yesterday.  Liberal.  It’s a hung parliament, though, so we probably won’t know until the middle of the week who will be Prime Minister.  Guess Julia Gillard gets to be PM for a few more days.

So, that’s it for tonight.  I’ll leave you with this final thought.

As humanity broke relationship with God, we then became relationally broken.  This is why in life we struggle with relationships.  To fix this, we first need to heal our relationship with God, and then the ones we have with those we love will be easier to heal. – paraphrase of Haydn Nelson’s message 21 August 2010.

Posted in Random

This week and the previous one…

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

So a few things have happened over the past few weeks that I would like to recap:

  1. I’ve finished two gratifying weeks at the OSHC centre and am looking forward to more good days.  The other two women in the room are great.  I feel welcomed by them and the kids.  For some reason I’ve managed to click with quite a few of the kids.  And apparently I’ve become liked by most them quite quickly.  Apparently, I’m also pretty good at remembering names.  I’m still waiting for my personal key-tag and I don’t get my pay for the fortnight until Tuesday.  But that’s all good.
  2. I might not need Centrelink payment very soon… if I have six times at getting $0 from them then the allowance is cancelled.
  3. I’ve come to the realisation that I actually look forward to going to work in the afternoons.
  4. We’re learning ‘Our God’ for Church this coming Tuesday night.  God must’ve put the song in my heart…because I’ve already listened to it too many times to count.
  5. Bible class has been eye-opening so far.  I’ve never had the chance to sit down and look at The Bible as a whole book.  It’s extremely interesting, but at the same time helps to inform my faith.
  6. I honestly cannot understand why people reject or hate or refuse to believe in any form of religion.  I guess it may have to do with the negative things some religions have been associated with.  In a way, I’m not exactly an advocate of strict religion.  I’m a little jaded with traditional Presbyterian-ism.  Guess that’s why Riverview is my home Church and not the WPC that my Mum goes to.
  7. I do respect what other people believe and I hope I do not come across as forceful when I’m trying to discuss my own beliefs…
  8. Mibba.com forums are my second home for religious discussions and the like…
  9. I’m still listening to Nightmare the album.  I have it in my car and I can listen to the whole album in a day while driving to and from my two jobs.  However, at home and on my iPod I tend to listen mostly to Victim, Tonight the World Dies and Fiction.  
  10. The only other music I’ve been listening to with any regularity is Simple Plan’s Perfect World, The Eagles’ Hole in the World, Hillsong’s The One Who Saves and Chris Tomlin’s Our God.
And that’s all for tonight, heading off to an early night… got a lergy…need to sleep.  
Posted in Random

This week and the previous one…

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

So a few things have happened over the past few weeks that I would like to recap:

  1. I’ve finished two gratifying weeks at the OSHC centre and am looking forward to more good days.  The other two women in the room are great.  I feel welcomed by them and the kids.  For some reason I’ve managed to click with quite a few of the kids.  And apparently I’ve become liked by most them quite quickly.  Apparently, I’m also pretty good at remembering names.  I’m still waiting for my personal key-tag and I don’t get my pay for the fortnight until Tuesday.  But that’s all good.
  2. I might not need Centrelink payment very soon… if I have six times at getting $0 from them then the allowance is cancelled.
  3. I’ve come to the realisation that I actually look forward to going to work in the afternoons.
  4. We’re learning ‘Our God’ for Church this coming Tuesday night.  God must’ve put the song in my heart…because I’ve already listened to it too many times to count.
  5. Bible class has been eye-opening so far.  I’ve never had the chance to sit down and look at The Bible as a whole book.  It’s extremely interesting, but at the same time helps to inform my faith.
  6. I honestly cannot understand why people reject or hate or refuse to believe in any form of religion.  I guess it may have to do with the negative things some religions have been associated with.  In a way, I’m not exactly an advocate of strict religion.  I’m a little jaded with traditional Presbyterian-ism.  Guess that’s why Riverview is my home Church and not the WPC that my Mum goes to.
  7. I do respect what other people believe and I hope I do not come across as forceful when I’m trying to discuss my own beliefs…
  8. Mibba.com forums are my second home for religious discussions and the like…
  9. I’m still listening to Nightmare the album.  I have it in my car and I can listen to the whole album in a day while driving to and from my two jobs.  However, at home and on my iPod I tend to listen mostly to Victim, Tonight the World Dies and Fiction.  
  10. The only other music I’ve been listening to with any regularity is Simple Plan’s Perfect World, The Eagles’ Hole in the World, Hillsong’s The One Who Saves and Chris Tomlin’s Our God.
And that’s all for tonight, heading off to an early night… got a lergy…need to sleep.  
Posted in Music, Nightmare

Avenged Sevenfold – Nightmare – Epic?

Posted on by marlytheadoptee


On the 30th of July, I went to the shops to hunt down the new Avenged Sevenfold album.  Sanity didn’t have it, but thank goodness for JB HiFi, the stand right at the front of the store that holds new release albums had a whole stack of Nightmare.

Then over the course of the day, driving to and between jobs, I listened to the album.  Here is my review from the first note of Nightmare, to the final note of Save Me. NB: I don’t do reviews, this is more a personal commentary on the album.

Nightmare:  This song is the single that the band released earlier in the year.  I must say it took me a few listens to get into it.  In fact the first time I listened to it I thought it was far too complicated a song, too much packed into it.  But then I really listened to it and I appreciate it now for the different parts.  The concept of the lyrics are dark and the music itself takes the listener on a journey.

Welcome To The Family:  All I have to say about this song is that it’s catchy as hell.  Again, another one I had to ease into.  The track is pop influenced, but is NOT a pop song unless you count the fact that it could fit easily on a popular listing along with something far more pop-based, for example Simple Plan’s Shut Up [but even that is a very weak thing to say.].  The whispering adds an extra dimension and elevates the track.

Dangerline:  As with the first two tracks, I had to ease myself into this one.  Several listens though served to give me time to pick up the nuances within the vocals particularly.  This track is proof that M Shadows can do anything with his voice.  It can tell a tale, carry emotions and I admire the band for writing something for the troops [even though their focus was the US troops, it fits for troops from all countries all over the world].

Buried Alive:  I’ll start with one major point.  THIS song is my favourite on the album.  And one line stands out for me:  ‘Meanwhile the mice endure the wheel.’  As M Shadows has stated in interviews the song has two choruses and moves seamlessly between the two parts.  This was one song that I liked as soon as I first heard it.  The breakdown between the first part of the song and last part is almost like a wakeup call.

Natural Born Killer:  This is a fast, hard crazy song.  The beat is reminiscent of a rapidly beating heart.  The lyrics are heartfelt as it has been for the last few tracks.  Not a favourite for me.

So Far Away:  M Shadows is a great vocalist.  He has the ability to sing clearly and convey a sense of emotion.  This track was written by Synyster Gates as a tribute to the band’s fallen friend and drummer, The Rev.

God Hates Us:  An angry song filled with M Shadows brutal vocals.  Screaming in a guttural, visceral manner you can feel the pain and anger bleeding out.  Again a track that took me awhile to appreciate.  I was honestly scared to even listen to the track, not being a fan of screaming vocals at the best of times, I was ready to cringe.  But when I got to listen to it for the first time, I really understood how well it suited the emotions.  The beat itself is one which you could imagine bobbing your head to.  Crank this one up on your car stereo, wind down the windows.  And if you’re angry at the world, lost someone close to you in an untimely fashion…then this is an anthem for you.

Victim:  M Shadows voice, gospel voice and church bells?  A beautiful melody threading throughout?  And heartfelt, heartwrenching lyrics?  This track is everything and more.

Everyone can relate to the words he sings:  “We’re all just victim of a crime.”  Harking back to the passing of their friend…it gives deeper meaning.

Tonight The World Dies:  This song honestly gave me a vibe similar to that of a track written by The Eagles.  And that band to me is a collection of some of the most amazing singer/songwriters around.  [They also have a drummer who can sing…just like The Rev could drum and sing…].  A track about loss, and listened with the passing of The Rev in mind…gut wrenching.

Fiction:  Haunting.  Written in a minor key the song is almost one of mourning.  The mix of M Shadows and The Rev’s vocals is surreal.  I had a vision of Shads standing in darkness with The Rev’s voices washing over him from above.

And then after a short vocal interlude Jimmy’s voice kicks in with this line: I hope it’s worth it, here on the highway; I know you’ll find your own way when I’m not with you… 
The first time I heard it, it broke something in me and tears started to stream down my face.  But after several more listens I noticed that there is a key change, just a slight one from minor to major.  Giving almost a sense of hope for better things.

Save Me:  First off, I found this a difficult track to get into.  It is a long one with many different parts.  I have only listened to it once all the way through.  However, what M Shadows said in an interview is very true, it is cinematic.  One could use it to tell a tale.  It’s a journey.

The whole album IS epic. It has some technical flaws, yet one can overlook those.

It takes one through an emotional rollercoaster, it tells a tale and it is a wonderful tribute to The Rev.  May he Rock In Peace.

Highlights:  Buried Alive, Victim, Fiction

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Posted in A7X, Music, Nightmare

Avenged Sevenfold – Nightmare – Epic?

Posted on by marlytheadoptee


On the 30th of July, I went to the shops to hunt down the new Avenged Sevenfold album.  Sanity didn’t have it, but thank goodness for JB HiFi, the stand right at the front of the store that holds new release albums had a whole stack of Nightmare.

Then over the course of the day, driving to and between jobs, I listened to the album.  Here is my review from the first note of Nightmare, to the final note of Save Me. NB: I don’t do reviews, this is more a personal commentary on the album.

Nightmare:  This song is the single that the band released earlier in the year.  I must say it took me a few listens to get into it.  In fact the first time I listened to it I thought it was far too complicated a song, too much packed into it.  But then I really listened to it and I appreciate it now for the different parts.  The concept of the lyrics are dark and the music itself takes the listener on a journey.

Welcome To The Family:  All I have to say about this song is that it’s catchy as hell.  Again, another one I had to ease into.  The track is pop influenced, but is NOT a pop song unless you count the fact that it could fit easily on a popular listing along with something far more pop-based, for example Simple Plan’s Shut Up [but even that is a very weak thing to say.].  The whispering adds an extra dimension and elevates the track.

Dangerline:  As with the first two tracks, I had to ease myself into this one.  Several listens though served to give me time to pick up the nuances within the vocals particularly.  This track is proof that M Shadows can do anything with his voice.  It can tell a tale, carry emotions and I admire the band for writing something for the troops [even though their focus was the US troops, it fits for troops from all countries all over the world].

Buried Alive:  I’ll start with one major point.  THIS song is my favourite on the album.  And one line stands out for me:  ‘Meanwhile the mice endure the wheel.’  As M Shadows has stated in interviews the song has two choruses and moves seamlessly between the two parts.  This was one song that I liked as soon as I first heard it.  The breakdown between the first part of the song and last part is almost like a wakeup call.

Natural Born Killer:  This is a fast, hard crazy song.  The beat is reminiscent of a rapidly beating heart.  The lyrics are heartfelt as it has been for the last few tracks.  Not a favourite for me.

So Far Away:  M Shadows is a great vocalist.  He has the ability to sing clearly and convey a sense of emotion.  This track was written by Synyster Gates as a tribute to the band’s fallen friend and drummer, The Rev.

God Hates Us:  An angry song filled with M Shadows brutal vocals.  Screaming in a guttural, visceral manner you can feel the pain and anger bleeding out.  Again a track that took me awhile to appreciate.  I was honestly scared to even listen to the track, not being a fan of screaming vocals at the best of times, I was ready to cringe.  But when I got to listen to it for the first time, I really understood how well it suited the emotions.  The beat itself is one which you could imagine bobbing your head to.  Crank this one up on your car stereo, wind down the windows.  And if you’re angry at the world, lost someone close to you in an untimely fashion…then this is an anthem for you.

Victim:  M Shadows voice, gospel voice and church bells?  A beautiful melody threading throughout?  And heartfelt, heartwrenching lyrics?  This track is everything and more.

Everyone can relate to the words he sings:  “We’re all just victim of a crime.”  Harking back to the passing of their friend…it gives deeper meaning.

Tonight The World Dies:  This song honestly gave me a vibe similar to that of a track written by The Eagles.  And that band to me is a collection of some of the most amazing singer/songwriters around.  [They also have a drummer who can sing…just like The Rev could drum and sing…].  A track about loss, and listened with the passing of The Rev in mind…gut wrenching.

Fiction:  Haunting.  Written in a minor key the song is almost one of mourning.  The mix of M Shadows and The Rev’s vocals is surreal.  I had a vision of Shads standing in darkness with The Rev’s voices washing over him from above.

And then after a short vocal interlude Jimmy’s voice kicks in with this line: I hope it’s worth it, here on the highway; I know you’ll find your own way when I’m not with you… 
The first time I heard it, it broke something in me and tears started to stream down my face.  But after several more listens I noticed that there is a key change, just a slight one from minor to major.  Giving almost a sense of hope for better things.

Save Me:  First off, I found this a difficult track to get into.  It is a long one with many different parts.  I have only listened to it once all the way through.  However, what M Shadows said in an interview is very true, it is cinematic.  One could use it to tell a tale.  It’s a journey.

The whole album IS epic. It has some technical flaws, yet one can overlook those.

It takes one through an emotional rollercoaster, it tells a tale and it is a wonderful tribute to The Rev.  May he Rock In Peace.

Highlights:  Buried Alive, Victim, Fiction

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Posted in Uncategorized

Avenged Sevenfold – Buried Alive Lyric Video

Posted on by marlytheadoptee


Okay, so this is a band I’m obsessing over at the moment. I have to honestly say they are my favourite band since first hearing them at the end of October. I did hear one song back in 2006, but at that stage I wasn’t into that sort of music.
This is the second pre-released song before their 5th album comes out on the 27th of July. [30th for us here in Australia].
The song is called Buried Alive and I can’t really explain it except it makes me realise again how true a vocalist the lead singer is.
The band by the way is Avenged Sevenfold. It consists of:
M Shadows [Matt Sanders] – Lead Vocals
Zacky Vengeance [Zachary Baker] – rhythm guitars
Synyster Gates [Brian Haner Jr] – lead guitar
Johnny Christ [Johnny Seward] – bass
and The Rev [Jimmy Sullivan] – drums [deceased] – RIP The Rev FoREVer [1981-2009]
An amazing band. The album is Nightmare. The first single was Nightmare. The album is a mix of concept ideas loved by The Rev and songs that are about and for the drummer.
May he Rock In Peace.

PS.  Yes I know some people might be thinking, why are you listening to music like that, you’re such a clean cut person and you’re a Christian.  But honestly, I appreciate music as an art form and a way of expressing emotions.  But I do not prescribe to the artists’ own personal beliefs, whatever they may be; that’s not what the music is about to me.

Just saying.

Posted in A7X, Music

Avenged Sevenfold – Buried Alive Lyric Video

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

http://www.youtube.com/v/6PRfDJQY_Y8&hl=en_US&fs=1

Okay, so this is a band I’m obsessing over at the moment. I have to honestly say they are my favourite band since first hearing them at the end of October. I did hear one song back in 2006, but at that stage I wasn’t into that sort of music.

This is the second pre-released song before their 5th album comes out on the 27th of July. [30th for us here in Australia].

The song is called Buried Alive and I can’t really explain it except it makes me realise again how true a vocalist the lead singer is.

The band by the way is Avenged Sevenfold. It consists of:

M Shadows [Matt Sanders] – Lead Vocals
Zacky Vengeance [Zachary Baker] – rhythm guitars
Synyster Gates [Brian Haner Jr] – lead guitar
Johnny Christ [Johnny Seward] – bass
and The Rev [Jimmy Sullivan] – drums [deceased] – RIP The Rev FoREVer [1981-2009]

An amazing band. The album is Nightmare. The first single was Nightmare. The album is a mix of concept ideas loved by The Rev and songs that are about and for the drummer.

May he Rock In Peace.

PS.  Yes I know some people might be thinking, why are you listening to music like that, you’re such a clean cut person and you’re a Christian.  But honestly, I appreciate music as an art form and a way of expressing emotions.  But I do not prescribe to the artists’ own personal beliefs, whatever they may be; that’s not what the music is about to me.

Just saying.

Posted in Uncategorized

Another Monday

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

I think I have Monday-itis.  But then again I have everyday-itis.  If that even exists.  Tuesday nights are alright, though.  I have worship rehearsal at Church.  But I have weekday-itis, otherwise.

This week is going to be busy.  Have to organise everything for two PD’s one on Thursday, one on Friday.  I also have to go into Centrelink on Wednesday; need to go to my friend’s and water her plants as well.

I haven’t found ten jobs this fortnight, and I have to take my job seeking diary in to Centrelink.  I hope they’ll accept it, especially since I’m waiting to hear from the Childcare on whether I will get the position or not.  I hope and pray that I do.  Not that there’s anything wrong with where I work now, I would still work there.  The childcare is after school hours for two hours.  So, we’ll see.

In other news, I am excited for the release of A7X’s album.  I cannot wait.  18 days!

Oh, and Simple Plan are going into the studio tomorrow, I believe.  First single by Christmas, hopefully.  Maybe earlier?  I hope.  Yes, music is a big part of my life.

I might point out that I think that listening to all sorts of music does no one any harm, and that music that some people think Christians shouldn’t listen to isn’t really that bad at all.  Music is a form of art, people can appreciate it without subscribing to supposed beliefs the music puts out.

So, yes, I have no problem with listening to music such as metal where they cuss a bit.

Another note, sport.  When I say I think soccer is not a real sport, I think I am allowed to have my opinion and not have someone else tell me my opinion doesn’t count.  Thanks, it’s a free country and my opinion counts as much as the next person.  I think soccer is boring to watch.  Nothing wrong with that.

Also, cricket and AFL are real sports!

I will leave you with this:

Collingwood Football Club Song
Good old Collingwood forever,
we know how to play the game.
Side by side we stick together,
to uphold The Magpies name.
Hear the barrackers a shouting,
as all barrackers should,
Oh, the premiership’s a cakewalk
For the good old Collingwood!
Posted in Uncategorized

Another Monday

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

I think I have Monday-itis.  But then again I have everyday-itis.  If that even exists.  Tuesday nights are alright, though.  I have worship rehearsal at Church.  But I have weekday-itis, otherwise.

This week is going to be busy.  Have to organise everything for two PD’s one on Thursday, one on Friday.  I also have to go into Centrelink on Wednesday; need to go to my friend’s and water her plants as well.

I haven’t found ten jobs this fortnight, and I have to take my job seeking diary in to Centrelink.  I hope they’ll accept it, especially since I’m waiting to hear from the Childcare on whether I will get the position or not.  I hope and pray that I do.  Not that there’s anything wrong with where I work now, I would still work there.  The childcare is after school hours for two hours.  So, we’ll see.

In other news, I am excited for the release of A7X’s album.  I cannot wait.  18 days!

Oh, and Simple Plan are going into the studio tomorrow, I believe.  First single by Christmas, hopefully.  Maybe earlier?  I hope.  Yes, music is a big part of my life.

I might point out that I think that listening to all sorts of music does no one any harm, and that music that some people think Christians shouldn’t listen to isn’t really that bad at all.  Music is a form of art, people can appreciate it without subscribing to supposed beliefs the music puts out.

So, yes, I have no problem with listening to music such as metal where they cuss a bit.

Another note, sport.  When I say I think soccer is not a real sport, I think I am allowed to have my opinion and not have someone else tell me my opinion doesn’t count.  Thanks, it’s a free country and my opinion counts as much as the next person.  I think soccer is boring to watch.  Nothing wrong with that.

Also, cricket and AFL are real sports!

I will leave you with this:

Collingwood Football Club Song
Good old Collingwood forever,
we know how to play the game.
Side by side we stick together,
to uphold The Magpies name.
Hear the barrackers a shouting,
as all barrackers should,
Oh, the premiership’s a cakewalk
For the good old Collingwood!
Posted in Uncategorized

Email from Mum: Holy Humour

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
 A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, ‘I know what the Bible means!’                                      
His father smiled and replied, ‘what do you mean, you ‘know’ what the
 Bible means?
The son replied, ‘I do know!’
‘Okay,’ said his father.  ‘What does the Bible mean?’
‘That’s easy, Daddy…’ the young boy replied excitedly,’ It stands for
 ‘Basic Information before Leaving Earth.’    (This one is my favorite.) 
*
 There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country.
‘Is there anything breakable in here?’ asked the postal clerk. ‘Only the Ten Commandments.’ answered the lady.
*
 ‘Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who  wake up in the morning and say, ‘Good morning, Lord,’ and there  are those who wake up in the morning and say , ‘Good Lord, it’s  morning.’
*
A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn’t find a space with a meter.
Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: ‘I have circled the block 10 times. If I don’t park here, I’ll miss my appointment.  Forgive us our trespasses.’
When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note ‘I’ve circled this block for 10 years. If I don’t give you a ticket I’ll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation.’
 *
There is the story of a pastor who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation: ‘I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is, it’s still out there in your pockets.’
*
While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humor, because attached to the back of  the carriage was a hand printed sign… ‘Energy efficient vehicle:  Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust.’
*
A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question, ‘Boys and girls, what  do we know about God?’
A hand shot up in the air. ‘He is an artist!’ said the kindergarten boy.
Really? How do you know?’ the teacher asked.
 ‘You know – Our Father, who does art in Heaven…  ‘
*
A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before  a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him.  Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump.
‘Reverend,’ said the young man, ‘I’m so sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip.’
The minister chuckled, ‘I know what you mean.  It’s the same in my business.’
*
People want the front of the bus, the back of the church, and the  center of  attention.
*
Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about.
The daughter answered, ‘Don’t be scared, you’ll get your quilt.’
Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed.  Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning’s Sunday school lesson was about.
 He said ‘Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming.’
*
The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building. Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute.
The substitute wanted to know what to play.
‘Here’s a copy of the service,’ he said impatiently. ‘But, you’ll have to think of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances.’
During the service, the minister paused and said, ‘Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected and we need $4,000 more.  Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up’.
At that moment, the substitute organist played ‘The Star Spangled Banner.’
And that is how the substitute became the regular organist!

And I leave you with this thought:
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:1-3  (New International Version)