tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330441072012-01-13T00:00:52.268+11:00Reflections on the Good life...Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.comBlogger721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-33114626728018346842008-09-26T20:45:00.002+10:002008-09-26T21:14:05.124+10:00

Well, this is something almost entirely self-inflicted. But at the same time, even though traveling around Japan after my time in Mongolia didn't really bring me much joy at the time, there is an itching to go traveling again.The problem, and this is especially a problem when it comes to traveling alone, is that the joy tends to come for me in terms of what I buy (usually to give away as

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-59876627781083682692008-09-01T21:14:00.002+10:002008-09-01T21:22:32.241+10:00

He used to be a pretty decent cricketer (he was actually rated among the best ever)... he also had a way with wordsIf Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.Christ's call is to save the lost, not the stiff-necked; He came not to call scoffers but sinners to repentance; not to build and furnish comfortable chapels, churches, and cathedrals at

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-75731943307967662742008-08-25T23:04:00.004+10:002008-08-25T23:22:02.323+10:00

Ok, here are some of the best photos from my time away...

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-27532229710351973082008-08-01T14:14:00.002+10:002008-08-01T14:21:51.964+10:00

I guess less updates means that I've had more things happening.So what have I been doing?In Erdenet I spent time with the Eternal Springs Cafe (including teaching English), helped out Mercy Ministries with some gardening, spent time with a Japanese International team, and went out into the countryside for a khorkhot (traditional meal) and some animal rides.Back in UB now, I have been teaching

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-8073987352268105742008-07-22T18:05:00.003+10:002008-07-22T18:18:37.312+10:00

Day 2 in Mongolia was an interesting one. I had to tell my roommate I couldn't go watch his football team play (he coaches U15) but instead had to organise the mission content of my trip.I got some Tugriks (local currency), bought a phone SIM, found it wouldn't work in my phone, and then bought a new Nokia 3310 because it was cheap so my SIM would work.After this I also bought an SD card reader

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-21062873397153060122008-07-20T08:19:00.002+10:002008-07-20T08:26:37.145+10:00

The time zone thing means that I'm up pretty early this morning.Drove through the city last night, realised the roads are a bit crazy. Anyway, the place looks interesting. I have a concrete roof over my head at the moment, and my trip is less structured than I thought it would be. It means I'll get to spend some time looking around at things.Oh well, I'll be back here every so often to write

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-68117336919887708742008-07-19T20:02:00.002+10:002008-07-19T20:19:09.510+10:00

I'm in Incheon (Seoul - South Korea) waiting for my connecting flight.Taken a few photos already, and experienced a Free Korean cultural event involving Music and Craft. Incheon is an interesting place, lots of tech, lots of gadgetry, but it really feels like it is in the middle of nowhere. I'm going to have to learn to like Incheon though, will be spending a number of hours here in between

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-83478433418281364122008-07-18T21:49:00.003+10:002008-07-18T21:49:38.423+10:00

Hi everyone, I'm off tomorrow. Watch for some early photos etc when they come.Pete

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-62481889274958784782008-07-14T20:29:00.002+10:002008-07-14T20:36:52.272+10:00

Why am I going?Because Jesus' death offers grace to all nations.When am I going?Saturday morningWhere am I going?MongoliaAm I ready to go?Almost, just need to pack my bags.Why am I not updating my blog enough?Because I am busy and tiredWill you get updates while I am away?Maybe... hard to tell yet

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-70076959387010988792008-07-02T23:35:00.001+10:002008-07-02T23:37:40.904+10:00

I get excited about mission, and then this happens.

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-42695736828680063932008-06-30T21:24:00.001+10:002008-06-30T21:40:12.220+10:00

I have a visa now!It seems all so close to when I have to go to the Airport.Time has really flown this year.

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-73663773256785128082008-06-28T23:27:00.003+10:002008-06-28T23:30:04.090+10:00

From GAFCON, a quote linked to a seminar attended by Tony PayneChristianity rejects the idea of an exclusive or superior language or culture, or for that matter a taboo or unclean culture. No culture or language can claim exclusive access; and none is so marginal or remote that it can be excluded. None is indispensable; none is unworthy. Here is an implicit Christian anthropology of culture. The

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-26699321380341613052008-06-26T23:31:00.003+10:002008-06-26T23:40:56.655+10:00

Sometimes we can get too obsessive about structures.  I am formally connected to you, and you are formally part of me.But in the end, the gospel will grow, and the church will grow, not because of structures (though sometimes they can get in the way), but as the word of God is allowed to change lives. Passion to teach the word, to read the word and to live the word is what grows the church.  The

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-33804310820626743202008-06-14T23:30:00.002+10:002008-06-14T23:37:26.725+10:00

I guess this is well and truly public knowledge, but I had an info night about it tonight.It was enjoyable to spend some time with people I know and who want to find out more about what it is I am doing, and why I am going.Thanks guys who came.  I appreciated your prayers, and will continue to be praying for you all too.Less than five weeks to go now, it is now slightly scary.

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-3467697053034034012008-06-12T23:19:00.003+10:002008-06-12T23:28:42.780+10:00

All through my law degree, the example of Canada was held high as a place where we should aspire to look for our legal framework.Now even the state that elects pretty much only Conservative Party members to the National Parliament has gone nuts.Unfortunately I can't be bothered reading the whole story here, but it has also been picked up by the ACL.the Alberta Human Rights Commission ordered

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-84162221543190411572008-06-10T21:06:00.003+10:002008-06-10T21:22:52.410+10:00

I had my second round of shots for my expedition. Tonight it felt like I'd been given a new set of instructions.  Hopefully I won't get ill from any major diseases. It is strange to think that many long term missionaries had nowhere near the precautions I take medically for such a short trip.Anyway, thank God for the way things are all slowly falling into place.

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-40916955924213818432008-06-08T23:44:00.002+10:002008-06-09T00:06:33.317+10:00

Part of the following passage is reflected in Anglican and other wedding rites.  But perhaps the last paragraph is the most interesting from my perspective.  In ancient cultures, some of the most precious jobs were given to those who had been physically incapacitated.  These jobs included looking after the king's harem.  But here it just seems a bit out of place... the disciples say "if marriage

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-16571361116659042962008-05-24T10:13:00.001+10:002008-05-24T10:13:24.391+10:00

If you want to know why I am going to Mongolia short term with OMF, and why I would greatly love your prayers for the Mongolian church, just watch this video.I can't watch it without crying tears of joy. Tears of joy at the great work Jesus has done through his blood on the cross, and joy at the way he has continued to work through ordinary people, and driven them to extraordinary lengths to see

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-37855864604920069462008-05-18T22:05:00.002+10:002008-05-18T22:16:12.277+10:00

Don Carson.To know why, watch the interviews that ACL has linked.Now, that may seem a bit unusual to come from me.  I don't usually like going around and making a big fuss about big name preachers.  But the small amount of Don's writings that I have read have been helpful to me, and also, he has a "local church first" perspective on things that is worth continually being reinforced with. All of

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-49434978048904075722008-05-17T20:46:00.002+10:002008-05-17T21:11:22.747+10:00

There is something that surprises me every so often, and that is the force with which I hold certain views.This is a struggle for me, and I need to be careful to appropriately express these thoughts. Please keep me in your prayers.  I need to keep upholding Christ as king, and living it by example, whether at work or at play.

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-36300740191143531212008-05-10T23:43:00.002+10:002008-05-10T23:54:59.032+10:00

Today was an exciting day, getting to go and hear all these wonderful stories from Overseas Missionary Fellowship missionaries, and to tell people about Mongolia (and show the DVD).But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)One of the great joys of today was realising the

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-72311104818536976942008-05-10T00:09:00.001+10:002008-05-10T00:21:21.661+10:00

Tonight was a night to support a mate in his ministry training.He wants to serve, knows where to serve, and has a good support group of people praying for him.Once again, hearing what he is doing and why has helped me think through what I should be doing too... it isn't the same thing, but it can be similar.Anyway, time for some rest.  Big OMF day tomorrow will say more later.

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-36809558279951356022008-05-05T20:33:00.002+10:002008-05-05T21:24:02.442+10:00

OMF has a meeting this weekend.  I've been asked to go and do a segment on my trip to Mongolia. It is weird being asked to go and talk to people.  Part of that weirdness is probably coming from me deluding myself about what I'm doing.I blog about mission quite a bit, and my excitement about Mongolia has me talking about it all the time, because it is such a big thing happening in my life. But at

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-13921557278038811172008-04-30T20:44:00.003+10:002008-04-30T21:47:46.829+10:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to greet applicants for graduate positions at KPMG as they were getting ready for a first round interview.It was a moment that let me think back two years to where I was up to the first time I walked into the KPMG office.I was a little bit arrogant, assuming to some extent that I had what it took to get a job wherever one was offered.  There were just so many

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-61552727811930230622008-04-26T18:31:00.003+10:002008-04-26T18:51:12.897+10:00

Deciding I wanted to have a week to do a sightseeing holiday (in Japan) at the end of my trip to Mongolia made todays efforts at booking flights and accommodation bit more complicated. Then again, there was always going to be some tough bits to it.Doing my homework paid off, and I feel like my flights, accommodation and JR Rail pass will be about the same cost as what one relatively cheap seller

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-25138850797629469532008-04-23T22:30:00.003+10:002008-04-23T22:46:07.691+10:00

I have a ticket with the City Bible Forum Grads Club for the 2008 Engage Conference.Engage sounds like one of those events that everyone wants to attend, and unfortunately I have a double booking which I have known about since Engage last year.So, should I go to Engage with the big names, the big crowds and the big mountain, or should I go to the small names, small crowds and small mountain (well

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-14420998480148814152008-04-19T21:12:00.002+10:002008-04-19T21:24:18.550+10:00

A new piece of information learned about Mongolia (and much of Asia) today relates to the type of toilets that they often use.A quick internet search indicates that there is lots of support for the squat toilets, from certain quarters.I'm sure this is just one of many lessons to learn about the rest of the world, but one that would seem rather uncomfortable at the time.

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-14743364912536401972008-04-19T00:21:00.003+10:002008-04-19T00:42:26.136+10:00

I'm trying to cut back on my addition to Facebook, so to compensate, I will try and spend some time writing on an ordinary blog again - Woo-hoo.At the moment, this will be the place to be when it comes to finding the latest news about my OMF short-term trip to Mongolia.Some more key things to know:Last day in the office before leaving - 18 July 2008First day back at work after the trip - 18

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-67601955163653252052008-04-14T20:42:00.002+10:002008-04-14T21:08:51.225+10:00

This is one of those posts that gives a big life update.I'm tomorrow going to ask work to take three weeks off work in July and August to go and work with a group of Christians in Mongolia (and to take a holiday for a week on the way home).There are some interesting plans, and I hope to learn as much as I help.  Some day soon I will get around to organising an information night. The main point of

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-77509240197573309952008-04-12T22:40:00.002+10:002008-04-12T23:02:08.285+10:00

I waste so much time on the internet.Oh well... Some questions, I'd be interested to know what people think:Does everyone lose passion for things when they get tired because of work or is it just part of growing up?Is it easier for guys and girls to talk as friends when one or both are in a relationship?Why does it cost more (sometimes) to fly directly in and out of a location, than to have an

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-86528138843879969202008-04-06T14:45:00.003+10:002008-04-07T20:19:04.763+10:00

The Anglican Churches in Sydney are trying to make their focus outward, to focus on building relationships in the community, and to pray that God would use those relationships for sharing the gospel.They call this initiative Connect 09.So what better way to promote this initiative, and to get in the spirit of this initiative, than for my Dad (pictured) to join one of the local over-45's soccer

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-49608073943980576702008-03-30T21:20:00.003+11:002008-03-30T21:24:17.479+11:00

I have had some conversations where I've been helping out some friends by telling them how some men think.This list was recommended by a friend Craig admittedly he didn't write it, but it is still a good list.It isn't gospel, so don't get angry if you don't like what it is suggesting, but I'm sure lots of guys actually think along these lines.

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-43350416083896449232008-03-29T00:42:00.001+11:002008-03-29T00:45:56.172+11:00

When work gives you free tickets to a quaint British game called Rugby, what should be the response?  Especially if you get fed too, and have to chat with clients at least some of the time.I think the right answer is yes.  Was a nice game too, until the Waratahs decided at some point in the second half to play like it is Round 11 of the Super 14. (rather than round 7).One wag in the crowd yelled

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-77862569650851006902008-03-27T22:14:00.002+11:002008-03-27T22:57:32.111+11:00

Well, another part week has come and gone.  I have been working too hard though, and sometimes it just feels like well, work.I've been planning the holiday bits after my mission trip (if it happens - God willing) so that I can book appropriate flights to get back. That has been lots of fun, as has been catching up on chat with some random friends... God has been good.Off topic:  I have bought a

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-5061785262704178212008-03-24T20:18:00.002+11:002008-03-24T20:41:48.119+11:00

I have got to a really weird situation when it comes to my church now.After years of struggle and toil, effort to get things happening, I actually like what God has done. I like my church, I like what has been happening, and I probably spend too much time when I see my friends sharing how wonderful God has been.But in the middle of all those good things, and all the big things that have been

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-51563565457703489672008-03-22T17:42:00.005+11:002008-03-22T18:16:07.150+11:00

The following quote was not said by me. It wasn't even said by someone working in tax. But it seems to reflect my job, albeit that I work for companies (which in the end are owned by wealthy people) but it takes an axe to what tax people actually achieve from a broader societal perspective."....become a tax consultant!! Does no good for anybody but gives you a safe income. And there's always a

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-11717646849020767622008-03-20T23:00:00.004+11:002008-03-20T23:30:48.590+11:00

Growing up, a trip to the Sydney CBD was a rare treat, an occasional joy, but it was rare enough to feel the magic of Sydney. The trip over the Harbour Bridge after an Easter show as we headed back to my grandmother's house. The bright lights really were bright, everything seemed so important, although there always seemed to be just too many people everywhere, and the streets never seemed safe

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-81290884801798199052008-03-20T20:50:00.002+11:002008-03-20T21:19:11.553+11:00

Perhaps the strangest thing about my new life at work is how many times I have caught a taxi in the past twelve months. I've never really done it before this year, and it sometimes seems an indulgent luxury in the light of the fact that I have a relatively workable and safe public transport system (but then again, I do live in Sydney).The weirdest thing is the different type of cab drivers and

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-15268513113496542152008-03-15T15:57:00.003+11:002008-03-15T18:52:12.595+11:00

This is one of those contentious issues that sometimes comes up between different godly caring Christians, and it can sometimes cause fights. My gut reaction and answer to this question is "No, but..." but then again, maybe that is just me and my experiences.Definitions:Small - up to 70 peopleLarge - more than 200 peopleSome thoughts that I have in coming to the "No, but..." conclusion are as

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-80113455273721331522008-03-13T22:41:00.002+11:002008-03-13T23:35:18.483+11:00

This week the following has happened:A friend has decided to leave work (and been told tomorrow is her final day);XLS Ministry Resources received an order from the USA;I have come back to earth (with a thud) after an awesome concert;I am trying PayPal for my business;PWC had their sign go up in flames;I got to experience relative blindness (without my glasses) at soccer training;I visited a

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-72335068765701989212008-03-12T21:44:00.002+11:002008-03-12T22:25:38.039+11:00

You may have noticed that I have been in the mood to blog very recently. Maybe that reflects a restlessness in my life, or just that I've reached a new stage in thinking. A whole heap of choices about my life have been made in the last month, and I guess that the certainty in these big decisions helps me think through other issues, and move back into thinking about life in general.I was at the

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-64674163870308918592008-03-11T19:21:00.002+11:002008-03-11T19:45:18.340+11:00

I have just applied to go on a short term trip into Northern Asia to meet with local Christians, and for us to be mutually encouraged by what God is doing in his world. At the moment, this is an exciting thing, but it is only at the application stage. Please pray that God would give wisdom to those who would consider this application, and if it is his will to give me the opportunity to go.

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-35013851928283201252008-03-10T23:12:00.004+11:002008-03-10T23:40:06.668+11:00

While visiting a church last night, I had a quick conversation with a man I played soccer with in a church yard when we both were boys. He's always been bigger than me, for as long as I remember (even when he was in Kindy and I was in Year 3), and time hasn't changed anything in that regard.One of the things he said was helpful, even if it wasn't intended to be. He asked if I was married, then

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-64875448391324040612008-02-29T22:33:00.002+11:002008-02-29T22:50:54.237+11:00

One of the strangest moments I have had recently is realising that I have enjoyed this year a lot better than most of last year, even though I haven't really been doing many things that differently.I work full time, I have been doing things at church, and have been hanging out with people every so often. But I have also found myself just enjoying things more.Part of it, I am sure comes from

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-72577543989291333562008-02-07T21:48:00.000+11:002008-02-07T22:10:47.488+11:00

The Rudd government is running around with a Razor gang looking to keep down government spending, so they can subdue what is still a fairly tame inflation result (historically), and then try not to cop the blame if a roll-back of Workplace reform leads to a real inflationary spiral. Their first target is $643 million of Howard Government programs. Considering that all government spending in

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-89867293113222899982008-02-07T21:46:00.000+11:002008-02-07T21:48:24.434+11:00

I have seen education graduates wanting to teach in public schools in "needy" subject areas, including maths and science, only to find they are locked out of all but the worst schools because they don't yet have any transfer points.The transfer system is an antiquated and counter-productive system, run by an inefficient bureaucracy that rewards permanent teachers before casual teachers and

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-52087477990076942992008-01-29T21:02:00.000+11:002008-01-29T21:26:17.898+11:00

I thought Facebook might triumph over blogging, but there is nothing like a blog on which you can express thoughts about life the world and everything.I think I have gotten to the point now where I feel comfortable with how I am going at work. That is a slightly scary point to reach. I still know that I don't understand everything, and I still have worked out different ways to do things, but I

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-60963714135702209052007-05-19T21:28:00.000+10:002007-05-19T22:02:41.833+10:00

I haven't blogged this past month, mainly because after everything else happens, I am not really sure what I have to say on here.Another site has my views on the federal budget, and there is the occasional banter over at The Emerald Green about my soccer team.I am trying to work out what impact work has been having on me, and to impart bits of it, so it may be helpful for others finding similar

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-85635251852528493612007-04-15T12:58:00.000+10:002007-04-15T13:41:11.275+10:00

Tony has made reference to the many biblical references to contentment on his blog. At the moment, I am currently working through in my own life a few issues related to usage of money. As a uni student I became quite good at living on the cheap. I learned to manage without too much cash at any point in time, and learned how to keep going. Now adjusting to a good wage, I have had to again rethink

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-29452148557009475212007-03-25T10:44:00.000+10:002007-03-25T11:27:30.644+10:00

Yesterday the people of NSW went to the polls and voted. In what is a rather interesting result, the state appears dramatically polarised. Assuming that the Liberals just fail to win Port Stevens, the Liberals and Nationals have moved many of their current seats beyond reach, with only five seats held with margins from 5-10%, and one seat less than 5%. This is a substantial change from the 2003

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-84044219757110091152007-03-03T16:33:00.000+11:002007-03-03T16:58:36.287+11:00

Over the past few years, I have been wondering about the cultural connections related to certain ways people do Music and Dancing. A week away with work collegues has probably enhanced my understanding of things a little, though I'm not sure how much is genuinely cultural. At the moment I feel that there are a few broad groups of people when it comes to dancing to jukebox music etc. At different

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-56447884593045837262007-02-25T09:45:00.000+11:002007-02-25T09:48:02.969+11:00

My working time has involved time spent in Sydney Airport, on the plane waiting for a bag to be found and taken away, on a plane to Melbourne, sightseeing for an hour or two around the Melbourne CBD, being bussed from place to place by work, going to crown, and then coming out to Ballarat. Has been an interesting week, and I'm just running out of money, but cya all when I get back, after working

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-17646361805295554772007-02-20T22:39:00.000+11:002007-02-20T22:42:48.549+11:00

I guess this is the toughest bit. Tomorrow I start full time work. A month ago, I didn't want to have to wait till now, but now I feel like it has all been ok to wait. Anyways, work should be fun, room for some fun on the side, and plenty of time to read up on all things important. Will be interesting to be on a plane a few times, and to trek around the unknowns of Melbourne for a few days. I

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-27397640891926867622007-02-14T00:05:00.000+11:002007-02-16T20:33:40.172+11:00

I've decided to have the thick skin to make posts on this blog public. While those with access didn't really make the blog easy to just rave on about anyway, the thoughts I express here should be open to the general public, and should be disciplined by that. I guess expressing my thoughts about relationships online may be slightly scary, but sometimes my honesty may help others dealing with

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-11963408439283640802007-02-13T23:54:00.000+11:002007-02-13T23:53:55.284+11:00

What better way to get in the mood for a strange day, and to welcome my blog back into the real world, than to quote some 1970's Christian Rock...Title: Why Don't You Look Into Jesus?Artist: Larry NormanSipping whiskey from a paper cup, You drown your sorrows till you can't stand up,Take a look at what you've done to yourself, Why don't you, you put the bottle back on the shelf,Yellow fingered

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-5988247556182329332006-12-11T00:21:00.000+11:002006-12-11T00:23:16.925+11:00

The past few months, many people have out of a decent sense of humour taken to calling me "Debnam". Recently this has escalated and now I have occasionally been greeted with "You're a Grub Debnam", and last night with "Stop taking advice from W26."Oh well, guess that is what comes about based on having a very similar sounding name. Not much else to report here yet, sorry for the long posting

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-77052915251898903462006-11-17T20:26:00.000+11:002006-11-17T20:45:57.539+11:00

It has been a weird week for me this week. I have entered into a strange transition, from dependance to independance. In a few months time I will have moved from relying on family generosity as I get through uni, to being able to support a reasonable standard of living on my own (if I want to go that way). In the meantime, it is a sad day. A lot of the ways in which I had come to serve my Lord

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-88189585684573315762006-11-10T23:29:00.000+11:002006-11-11T00:02:48.283+11:00

I have noticed in myself a slightly frustrating tendency, though it is one that had been noticed many times before, by me and also others. The natural human response expressed in me (and possibly a sinful one) is to desire certainty in all sorts of situations. The goldy response (I think) is rather to simply keep trusting God's timing on all things. Our God is a good God, who has given us his

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-5368168886605990982006-10-26T22:14:00.000+10:002006-10-26T22:23:34.422+10:00

A quick conversation late on Tuesday night has set things going for where I think I want to head longer term. I will keep it quiet for the moment, unless you ask me personally, but it seems a good option especially if I remain single for a reasonable period of time. Praise God for giving me contentment, and more importantly for giving me eternal life. I need to keep praying that I will serve him

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-28044680122190675482006-10-19T21:32:00.000+10:002006-10-19T22:18:26.830+10:00

Sometimes I have been critical of people in the past who have noted that I am at risk of being over-friendly around girls from time to time. Today I got another interesting taste of the problem, though at the moment I am quite happy to be content. I have noticed the occasional development of attraction to someone purely based on a little bit of shared time and contact. The thing is that this is

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-77340301767290362442006-10-14T12:01:00.000+10:002006-10-14T12:47:02.863+10:00

Life has had some interested twists in it lately. I feel rather keen to travel, and to visit some parts of the world that absolutely fascinate me. Those places for me are rather different to those that fascinate my friends though... Examples:I am generally quite fascinated with the idea of travelling around Australia. (Except thanks to sporting activities and also many road-trip holidays with my

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-70689602398710185872006-10-14T11:34:00.000+10:002006-10-14T11:56:08.905+10:00

There always seem to be a song lyric to define a mood, it is part of the whole nature of music promotion that will seek to connect with those most likely to buy their stuff, reflecting where they feel their life is going. (It doesn't fit the mood of many songs from an earlier era - but it fits things more appropriate now). Elsewhere on the internet a commenter suggested a certain song to define

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-23694800680562837752006-10-13T20:17:00.000+10:002006-10-13T20:41:12.727+10:00

Went to the movies tonight. Was slightly strange to sit there on my own and just absorb it all, but it was nice to be able to go and think through things without too many pressures. It was interesting considering what people do to pay their mortgage and what people justify in the name of choice and freedom. Of course the movie showed the moral dilemmas held as you think through lots of ethical

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-76970266916098015562006-10-10T22:47:00.000+10:002006-10-10T22:59:01.442+10:00

I think you need to be a blogger to get in here now... Weird huh...Anyways, I have had some interesting thoughts about various things these past few days. The world has had a nuclear test in North Korea, and a major merger of online companies. Google and Youtube have combined... Should make for interesting changes. Anyways, I might see how this user only thing works for a while... (and whether it

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-13576532803326121262006-09-29T23:59:00.000+10:002006-09-30T00:01:11.376+10:00

This blog is about to become a nice private one...If you want to check up on what matters for pete, give me a buzz, and then you will be able to keep up to date.

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-1158236549933027502006-09-14T22:17:00.000+10:002006-09-14T22:22:29.960+10:00

I have spent the past few days with a baby at my house (my sister is visiting with my nephew). It is rather strange really, because I really don't feel that comfortable around children until they reach a certain level of conversational capacity. What has struck me though is how much my life would have to change if all of a sudden I had to put a baby first, rather than me, when making decisions.I

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-1157699073356635032006-09-08T17:00:00.000+10:002006-09-08T17:04:33.366+10:00

Steve Irwin and now Peter Brock have died within a week. September 11 is being remembered five years on...Other deaths occur every day...Isn't it great that Jesus has conquered death. Pray for the people of Australia as they come to terms with it all.

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-1157255081964699402006-09-03T13:33:00.000+10:002006-09-03T13:44:41.983+10:00

I guess it shows that I am not using this as a news comment blog anymore...I will work on something else to do with it. (I really like the address...) but until then, just feel free to leave some comments.

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-1156250729797367722006-08-22T22:39:00.000+10:002006-08-22T22:45:29.806+10:00

Here it is...Probably the most discussed sports issue today... Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9)Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool. (Proverbs 19:1)Better is a poor man who walks in his integritythan a rich man who is crooked in his ways. (Proverbs 28:6)

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-1156115712821694972006-08-21T08:59:00.000+10:002006-08-21T09:15:12.830+10:00

It seems that the outer-suburbs of Sydney have suffered a sharp decrease in the value of property recently. The Herald checked 16 properties in south-western and western suburbs listed at the weekend and found 60 per cent had prices or had attracted offers at a discount to their last sale price.People who paid for their block of the Australian Dream look to be very much worse off by the increased

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-1156072274036552812006-08-20T20:59:00.000+10:002006-08-20T23:46:09.220+10:00

Jackie Kelly is not the kind of person who is best friends with the Union Movement. Anecdotes I have been told about her 1996 By-Election victory in Lindsay just seek to confirm the extent of the animosity that exists between Jackie and the Union Heavies who see her as out of place representing Outer-Western Sydney in the Federal Parliament. Unfortunately, they seem not to fully disclose any

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33044107.post-1156069546105874232006-08-20T20:17:00.000+10:002006-08-20T20:25:46.116+10:00

Life gets boring occasionally, so I thought I would use my final months as a university student contributing something of substance to the online world. - A daily news review. The formula - Pete reads the online news, seeking to find one key story for the day which could do with an evangelistic spin. Once the spin is decided upon, it will be posted here, and available free for use. I dont know

Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144708535489346282noreply@blogger.com0