God I love temptation....
It's like being at a lolly counter and the shopkeeper's been called away for just a minute. It's like the tantalising whiff of freshly-baked cookies. Better than the bash of endorphins after playing sport or a never-ending caffeine high. Like driving down a country road at 160km/h and wondering if you can slow down fast enough to get around the rapidly approaching corner. Or standing on the edge of a cliff knowing one rogue bluster of wind and it's all over. It's the thrill of being strapped into a rollercoaster looking down at the 50m drop ahead, and knowing you can't get off....
It's the one-off high and the freedom of a night on the town, leaving the cares of the world behind, just enjoying the moment. Like taking refuge in a fantasy where all is rosy and people actually like you. Where you can laugh at your fears and forget the reality of your own constant companion called Pain....
It's ignoring the mandatory hangover and repressing the regrets. It's forgetting the busted relationships and hoping that someday you might undo the harm, torturing yourself with unanswerable what-ifs. It's wishing you'd never been born and trying to cope with the self-inflicted war wounds. It's the inner torment, wondering if or when you'll get caught. It's the eternal hope that one day you might fill the emptiness and stem the loss, while hating yourself for crawling back to your chosen substitute, night after night after night....
God I hate temptation....
Thursday, 31 October 2013
Wednesday, 30 October 2013
Tuesday, 29 October 2013
Spice of Life
My choice from a week's work at Hawke's Bay Today J
Zumba fun
Centre: Alana Rahui, Napier, Zumba at a public concert at the Sound Shell, Marine Parade, Napier, to raise awareness about health and problem gambling.
HBT133464-03
Happy diggers
L-R: Leyton Makea, Hastings; Jade Whirongi, QRS, Wairoa, operating a Hitachi excavator - kids' activity at the Hawke's Bay Excavators Competition, run by the New Zealand Contractors Federation, at the ENZA/Turners and Growers grounds at Whakatu
HBT133467-01
Worth the wait
L-R: Hayley Douch, drive through crew, from Rotorua, in Hastings to help out; Phillip Coop, Havelock North, who with his mate Brad Knight, Hastings, were just back from a hunting trip, "a bit short of venison." - Busy lunchtime on the first day, opening day of the new Carl's Jr, corner Heretaunga St West and Nelson St North, Hastings
HBT133480-11
Hawke's Bay Today Photo Sales
Centre: Alana Rahui, Napier, Zumba at a public concert at the Sound Shell, Marine Parade, Napier, to raise awareness about health and problem gambling.
HBT133464-03
L-R: Leyton Makea, Hastings; Jade Whirongi, QRS, Wairoa, operating a Hitachi excavator - kids' activity at the Hawke's Bay Excavators Competition, run by the New Zealand Contractors Federation, at the ENZA/Turners and Growers grounds at Whakatu
HBT133467-01
L-R: Hayley Douch, drive through crew, from Rotorua, in Hastings to help out; Phillip Coop, Havelock North, who with his mate Brad Knight, Hastings, were just back from a hunting trip, "a bit short of venison." - Busy lunchtime on the first day, opening day of the new Carl's Jr, corner Heretaunga St West and Nelson St North, Hastings
HBT133480-11
Hawke's Bay Today Photo Sales
Spice of Life - Trucking special
My choice from a week's work at Hawke's Bay Today J
One of the biggest FUN weekends for Hawke's Bay kids, the Mitre 10 Mega Ride in a Truck Day raises funds for the Trucking for Hawke's Bay Child Cancer Charitable Trust. Convoys left Hastings and Napier, finishing up at the ENZA/Turners and Growers grounds at Whakatu.
Crossing the Clive
The Napier convoy crosses the Clive River bridge
HBT133038-03
Photographer's perch
Julie Gale, Bay View
HBT133038-04
Friendly cyclists
Front: Mary Beattie, Waikanae, with her friends from Waikanae, were in Hawke's Bay to enjoy the cycle trails, got an added bonus
HBT133038-09
Cheery wave
Matthew Crawford, Hastings, driving for Cool Train
HBT133038-12
Caught in the convoy
Toot for the scooter
HBT133038-13
Happy truckers
$2 truck rides
HBT133038-19
Not so sure
$2 truck rides
HBT133038-20
Driving lessons
L-R: Finn Hutcheson, 8, his father Glenn Hutcheson, Napier, mini-jeeps run by TC's Fun for Kids
HBT133038-21
Family fascination
Right: Brian Cope, Hastings, with twins L-R: Annabelle Cope, Michael Cope
HBT133038-23
Back in my father's day
A 1938 Bedford ASXC
HBT133038-25
Vintage voyeurs
L-R: Max Craven, 8, Havelock North, Aidan Welch, 10, Havelock North, looking at a 1928 Ford Model AA
HBT133038-27
Hawke's Bay Today Photo Sales
One of the biggest FUN weekends for Hawke's Bay kids, the Mitre 10 Mega Ride in a Truck Day raises funds for the Trucking for Hawke's Bay Child Cancer Charitable Trust. Convoys left Hastings and Napier, finishing up at the ENZA/Turners and Growers grounds at Whakatu.
The Napier convoy crosses the Clive River bridge
HBT133038-03
Julie Gale, Bay View
HBT133038-04
Front: Mary Beattie, Waikanae, with her friends from Waikanae, were in Hawke's Bay to enjoy the cycle trails, got an added bonus
HBT133038-09
Matthew Crawford, Hastings, driving for Cool Train
HBT133038-12
Toot for the scooter
HBT133038-13
$2 truck rides
HBT133038-19
$2 truck rides
HBT133038-20
L-R: Finn Hutcheson, 8, his father Glenn Hutcheson, Napier, mini-jeeps run by TC's Fun for Kids
HBT133038-21
Right: Brian Cope, Hastings, with twins L-R: Annabelle Cope, Michael Cope
HBT133038-23
A 1938 Bedford ASXC
HBT133038-25
L-R: Max Craven, 8, Havelock North, Aidan Welch, 10, Havelock North, looking at a 1928 Ford Model AA
HBT133038-27
Hawke's Bay Today Photo Sales
Monday, 28 October 2013
Quips & Quotes
Cameron Burnell: Never complain about getting older. It is a privilege to grow old when so many wonderful people don't get to.
Sunday, 27 October 2013
Living the Dream
"Woman Healed of HIV - Middled aged woman was experiencing weird symptoms that wouldn't heal. Goes to the Dr. And is diagnosed with HIV. A group of women pray for her at bible study over a couple weeks. 4 weeks later she is back at the Dr and the symptoms are gone and so is the HIV. The doctors can't make any sense of it, but Jesus did. He fixed the problem. via Co-labor Ministries, Portland"
Living the Dream, a series of true and verified stories of real people who have encountered God for themselves and have learnt to apply His principles in their normal everyday world, sourced from Dream Culture: Bringing your Dreams to Life
Saturday, 26 October 2013
My World
Napier Port handles more than 200,000 containers a year
A 5x-weekly photograph from around Hawke's Bay J
Friday, 25 October 2013
Thursday, 24 October 2013
The biggest problem
Is the Bible as it is translated, infallible? Probably not. Are the truths behind the words dependable? Most definitely!
And herein lies the conflict. When quotes are taken out of context, or we rely exclusively on the King James translation, or we neglect to consider the poetry and picture language of the original, we fail to truly "understand." And too often we supplant the literal for the metaphorical, or vice-versa.
However, the biggest problem in any discussion is this, that it is impossible to test ideas with someone who knows they are always right.
And herein lies the conflict. When quotes are taken out of context, or we rely exclusively on the King James translation, or we neglect to consider the poetry and picture language of the original, we fail to truly "understand." And too often we supplant the literal for the metaphorical, or vice-versa.
However, the biggest problem in any discussion is this, that it is impossible to test ideas with someone who knows they are always right.
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Spice of Life
My choice from a week's work at Hawke's Bay Today J
Meet the Mayor and Mayoress
Bill Dalton, the new mayor of Napier City Council, Napier, and his wife, Shirley
HBT133032-03
Such energy!
Lisa Halbert, Zumba Fitness Hawke's Bay, on stage with a group of Zumba instructors - Party in Pink Zumbathon, an event at the Hawke's Bay Opera House, Hastings, fundraiser to raise money towards the Zumba Global Research Grant for Breast Cancer Prevention
HBT133033-01
Dancing for Diwali
L-R: Mifzy Thazleem, Yaleney Sivapalan, Indian 21st Century Performing Arts, Wellington - Diwali Festival of Lights, at The Sound Shell, Marine Parade, Napier
HBT133034-06
Generations and cultures
L-R: Manjot Dhillon, Hastings, Harbans Kaur, Hastings - Diwali Festival of Lights, at The Sound Shell, Marine Parade, Napier
HBT133034-09
Hawke's Bay Today Photo Sales
Bill Dalton, the new mayor of Napier City Council, Napier, and his wife, Shirley
HBT133032-03
Lisa Halbert, Zumba Fitness Hawke's Bay, on stage with a group of Zumba instructors - Party in Pink Zumbathon, an event at the Hawke's Bay Opera House, Hastings, fundraiser to raise money towards the Zumba Global Research Grant for Breast Cancer Prevention
HBT133033-01
L-R: Mifzy Thazleem, Yaleney Sivapalan, Indian 21st Century Performing Arts, Wellington - Diwali Festival of Lights, at The Sound Shell, Marine Parade, Napier
HBT133034-06
L-R: Manjot Dhillon, Hastings, Harbans Kaur, Hastings - Diwali Festival of Lights, at The Sound Shell, Marine Parade, Napier
HBT133034-09
Hawke's Bay Today Photo Sales
Monday, 21 October 2013
Sunday, 20 October 2013
Living the dream
"CEO calls business friend to pray for his son who was stabbed seven times as a result of drug deal gone bad. Medical professionals expect son to die from injuries. But businessmen pray and God backs them up. The very next morning the son was checked out of hospital with no damage to organs or body! Six months later son checked into rehab facility, got clean, got a job… all completely on his own. CEO calls business friend choking up with emotion…. “I got my son back.” Via Co-Labor Ministries"
Living the Dream, a series of true and verified stories of real people who have encountered God for themselves and have learnt to apply His principles in their normal everyday world, sourced from Heaven in Business
Living the Dream, a series of true and verified stories of real people who have encountered God for themselves and have learnt to apply His principles in their normal everyday world, sourced from Heaven in Business
My World
Tree hut in Richmond Rd, Clive
A 5x-weekly photograph from around Hawke's Bay J
Saturday, 19 October 2013
Sex, politics and the media
I'd be surprised if there was anyone this week who hasn't been aware to some degree of the rather lurid revelations about Len Brown, mayor-elect of Auckland SuperCity, a married man whose had an extra-marital affair over the last couple of years.
Commentators on both sides of the spectrum have launched into print to reveal more facts and background, and have also provided balanced or biased commentary, depending of course on your own viewpoint.
I've read a lot of the stories and commentaries, so I'm not going to rehash those. What follows are just some of my own thoughts which I haven't seen considered elsewhere - No excuses, no blame, just asking some questions....
How is it that we, as a society, can expect our elected leaders to work 12-16 hours a day, when most of us would be happy working less than eight? How can we justify the effect on their families, whom by all accounts are the most important people in their lives? Is it any surprise that relationships become strained and at risk? Wouldn't you get a bit lonely if you rarely saw or connected with the one to whom you've pledged your undying love? Why do people go into politics anyway?
How is it that when an MP retires, or announces they are not going to stand at the next election, invariably they say it's for the sake of the family? That logic would suggest they went into politics because they wanted to harm their family. Nonsensical. Obviously every decision has a cost, but why must the price be set so high?
Various commentators have suggested that if fidelity was a measure of our representatives, Parliament would be empty. Really? You're telling me 120 of them think bonking outside a committed relationship is okay? I don't think so, but I'd be happy for any of my elected acquaintances to enlighten me.
Apparently adultery is okay, and what happens privately has no bearing on your public life. Tell that to any man or woman who has felt the very real pain of a betrayal. It's a question of broken trust.
In all the commentary, why has no-one considered the fact that the break-down in the marriage would have started long before the affair started? Or have we gone so far down the track of no-fault divorce that we're prepared to accept the concept of a no-obligation marriage?
Is there any chance of forgiveness or reconciliation? Will Mrs Brown take him back? Will his daughters ever be able to look him in the eye? Actually, dear reader, that's none of your business. At that point, while said questions might be in the interest of the public, it is NOT a matter of public interest.
It is perhaps no coincidence that for the last couple of weeks I've been reading and re-reading the book of Hosea, one of the so-called minor prophets of the Old Testament. It's taken a bit of getting my head around, but the guts of it is this: God feels the same way about people who give him the finger and cheat on him, as a husband might feel about his wife who's headed off into whoredom.
And while one should read the whole tale to understand it in full - and yes there are consequences - the Best News is found in the poetry of the final chapter:
Yes, God was bitterly disappointed and angry with His people, and for good reason, but in a way that I can only hope to one day truly comprehend, at the end of the story He wanted them back. And that, my friend, is just one of the truths which gives me hope. J
Commentators on both sides of the spectrum have launched into print to reveal more facts and background, and have also provided balanced or biased commentary, depending of course on your own viewpoint.
I've read a lot of the stories and commentaries, so I'm not going to rehash those. What follows are just some of my own thoughts which I haven't seen considered elsewhere - No excuses, no blame, just asking some questions....
How is it that we, as a society, can expect our elected leaders to work 12-16 hours a day, when most of us would be happy working less than eight? How can we justify the effect on their families, whom by all accounts are the most important people in their lives? Is it any surprise that relationships become strained and at risk? Wouldn't you get a bit lonely if you rarely saw or connected with the one to whom you've pledged your undying love? Why do people go into politics anyway?
How is it that when an MP retires, or announces they are not going to stand at the next election, invariably they say it's for the sake of the family? That logic would suggest they went into politics because they wanted to harm their family. Nonsensical. Obviously every decision has a cost, but why must the price be set so high?
Various commentators have suggested that if fidelity was a measure of our representatives, Parliament would be empty. Really? You're telling me 120 of them think bonking outside a committed relationship is okay? I don't think so, but I'd be happy for any of my elected acquaintances to enlighten me.
Apparently adultery is okay, and what happens privately has no bearing on your public life. Tell that to any man or woman who has felt the very real pain of a betrayal. It's a question of broken trust.
In all the commentary, why has no-one considered the fact that the break-down in the marriage would have started long before the affair started? Or have we gone so far down the track of no-fault divorce that we're prepared to accept the concept of a no-obligation marriage?
Is there any chance of forgiveness or reconciliation? Will Mrs Brown take him back? Will his daughters ever be able to look him in the eye? Actually, dear reader, that's none of your business. At that point, while said questions might be in the interest of the public, it is NOT a matter of public interest.
It is perhaps no coincidence that for the last couple of weeks I've been reading and re-reading the book of Hosea, one of the so-called minor prophets of the Old Testament. It's taken a bit of getting my head around, but the guts of it is this: God feels the same way about people who give him the finger and cheat on him, as a husband might feel about his wife who's headed off into whoredom.
And while one should read the whole tale to understand it in full - and yes there are consequences - the Best News is found in the poetry of the final chapter:
"I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him. I will be like the dew to Israel; He shall grow like the lily, And lengthen his roots like Lebanon. His branches shall spread; His beauty shall be like an olive tree, And his fragrance like Lebanon. Those who dwell under his shadow shall return; They shall be revived like grain, And grow like a vine. Their scent shall be like the wine of Lebanon."
Yes, God was bitterly disappointed and angry with His people, and for good reason, but in a way that I can only hope to one day truly comprehend, at the end of the story He wanted them back. And that, my friend, is just one of the truths which gives me hope. J
My World
Eroding confidence in the banks
A 5x-weekly photograph from around Hawke's Bay J
Friday, 18 October 2013
My World
Last chance to see the seals, before they are relocated to Australian zoos
A 5x-weekly photograph from around Hawke's Bay J
Thursday, 17 October 2013
My World
Painted-out graffiti in Caroline Rd, Hastings
A 5x-weekly photograph from around Hawke's Bay J
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
Tuesday, 15 October 2013
Spice of Life
My choice from a week's work at Hawke's Bay Today J
Charlie Beetham, pilot, Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter, pictured at their hangar at Hawke's Bay Hospital, Hastings, pre-flight inspection on the BK117 twin engine helicopter, back in service after being repaired.
HBT133027-03
Change of code
Clint Newland, Napier Panthers rugby league team, training, leading up to the Hawke's Bay Premier rugby league final against Outkast Sports
HBT133450-01
Adam Bradey, Hawke's Bay Magpies, scores a try, new score 28-24 - Magpies vs Wellington Lions, final score Magpies won 35-24, rugby at McLean Park, Napier
HBT133457-07
Ihaia West, Hawke's Bay Magpies, backed up by Richard Buckman - Magpies vs Wellington Lions, final score Magpies won 35-24, rugby at McLean Park, Napier
HBT133457-04
Ihaia West, Hawke's Bay Magpies, celebrates after scoring a try behind the posts, new score 33-24, he went on to convert it - rugby vs Wellington Lions, final score Magpies won 35-24
HBT133031-06
Hawke's Bay Today Photo Sales
Monday, 14 October 2013
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Living the Dream
"Man in restaurant has word of knowledge about a kitchen worker with back pain. Worker didn’t want to come out for prayer so man prayed over dinnerware and said that when it was returned to kitchen for worker to touch it and he would be healed. When dinnerware was returned, worker touched it and all back pain immediately left. Two owners then came out to find out “Who are you people?” "
Living the Dream, a series of true and verified stories of real people who have encountered God for themselves and have learnt to apply His principles in their normal everyday world, sourced from Dream Culture: Bringing your Dreams to Life
My World
An artwork by Carole A Stewart, in the Bayleys carpark, Tennyson St, Napier.
A 5x-weekly photograph from around Hawke's Bay J
Saturday, 12 October 2013
My World
Hardinge Rd, Napier
A 5x-weekly photograph from around Hawke's Bay J
Friday, 11 October 2013
My World
Burmese Elephant
Statue at Elephant Hill Estate Winery, Te Awanga
A 5x-weekly photograph from around Hawke's Bay J
Thursday, 10 October 2013
Reason to Smile
If I had a dollar for each time I've been told to "just get over it", or "HTFU".... Then there was the time I told a friend I'd been reading Job to which they replied, "Mate, you are NOT having a Job experience." Funny that, I never said I was, but there is much in the story I can relate to. Isn't that why it's there? The book of Hebrews says it pretty clearly: "Don't get discouraged! Jesus had it worse, but remember this, He won in the end!" And the Good News is, I can too! J
Wednesday, 9 October 2013
My World
Swamp Rd, Omarunui
A 5x-weekly photograph from around Hawke's Bay J
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Spice of Life
My choice from a week's work at Hawke's Bay Today J
With ball: Campbell Ingram, Dannevirke - Dannevirke vs Wairoa, Ross Shield Tournament, schoolboy rugby at Central Park, Waipukurau. Dannevirke won the game 12-10
HBT133419-04
Clowns await their turn in the ring - Zirka Circus, Anderson Park, Napier
HBT133423-07
Many more than three cheers - Zirka Circus, Anderson Park, Napier
HBT133423-11
Amazing gymnasts - Zirka Circus, Anderson Park, Napier
HBT133423-18
Hawke's Bay Today Photo Sales
Monday, 7 October 2013
Sunday, 6 October 2013
Living the Dream
"Museum manufacturing company was struggling with income. Owner called a business friend to come pray although friend had never done this before. They just did what they knew to do and released Presence of God on owner and business. Owner then started coming in early praying over plant and operation daily. Four months later owner called a second time requesting more prayer. Initially business friend thought there was a problem but soon heard it was the opposite. Owner needed help to restructure company because so much increase! He would go pray around business and when he returned to office there would be accepted bids and requests waiting for him on email and phone. From a fearful owner to a partner with the Person of God. Via Blake Schellenberg."
Living the Dream, a series of true and verified stories of real people who have encountered God for themselves and have learnt to apply His principles in their normal everyday world, sourced from Heaven in Business
My World
Flaxmere West, Hastings
A 5x-weekly photograph from around Hawke's Bay J
Saturday, 5 October 2013
My World
A chandelier at Hawke's Bay Opera House, Hastings
A 5x-weekly photograph from around Hawke's Bay J
Friday, 4 October 2013
My World
Hawke's Bay Hockey Stadium, Park Island, Napier
A 5x-weekly photograph from around Hawke's Bay J
Thursday, 3 October 2013
Ticking the Box Too
Parochial? Not me!! Here's a free public service to my friends on the other side of the river J
The following links relate to just the Napier City Council, the Napier ward candidates for the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, and the Hawke's Bay District Health Board.
Please note I compiled the list using Google search and also a Facebook name search, so it may not be complete. If you see a gap, or if you want more information added or corrected, please let me know by email.
Vote.co.nz is also worth a visit because in some cases, especially for the HBDHB, there is a lot more information on the candidates than you'll find in the information pack posted out with your voting papers.
URGENT DEADLINE: They suggest you get your voting papers in the mail by Wednesday 09 October to meet the closing date of 12 noon Saturday 12 October.
And remember, if you don't vote, you can't complain J
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Napier City Council candidates on vote.co.nz
Napier City Mayoral candidates
John Cocking
Bill Dalton, also on Facebook
Rob Lutter, also on Facebook
Michelle Pyke
Roy Sye, also on Facebook, and again on Facebook
David Trim, also on YouTube, and again on YouTube
Napier City Mayor - Compare Top 5 Issues
Napier City Council - Ahuriri Ward
Ailne Bradley
Mark Herbert
Kim Mayne
Napier City Council - Ahuriri Ward - Compare Top 5 Issues
Napier City Council - At Large
Matthew Bonnett
Hamish Jamieson
Tony Jeffery
Gavin Long
Rob Lutter, also on Facebook
Andy Mason
Stuart McLachlan
Jude Minor
Jim Morunga
Emily Otto
Keith Price
Michelle Pyke
Kim Slater
Sherrise Spiller
Roy Sye, also on Facebook, and again on Facebook
Faye White
Napier City Council - At Large - Compare Top 5 Issues
Napier City Council - Nelson Park Ward
Maxine Boag, also on Facebook, also on Access Radio
Dave Bosley
Mark Hamilton
David Hannay
John Hennessey
Ken Simons
Derek Williams
Napier City Council - Nelson Park Ward - Compare Top 5 Issues
Napier City Council - Onekawa-Tamatea Ward
Annette Brosnan
Richard McGrath
Napier City Council - Onekawa-Tamatea Ward - Compare Top 5 Issues
Napier City Council - Taradale Ward
David George
Judy Siers
Graeme Taylor
David Trim, also on YouTube, and again on YouTube
Kirsten Wise, also on Facebook
Napier City Council - Taradale Ward - Compare Top 5 Issues
Napier ward, Hawke's Bay Regional Council candidates on vote.co.nz
Paul Bailey
Allan Baldock, also on Facebook
Alan Dick
Pauline Elliot, also on Facebook
Dave Pipe
Christine Scott
Tim Tinker
Hawke's Bay Regional Council - Napier Constituency - Compare Top 5 Issues
Hawke's Bay District Health Board candidates on vote.co.nz
(it's worth clicking through the candidates to read their answers to questions)
Lynlee Aitcheson
Kevin Atkinson
Dan Druzianic
Peter Dunkerley
Helen Francis
Beverley Fullerton-Smith
Diana Kirton
Lucy Lesperance
Graeme Norton
Jacoby Poulain, also on Facebook
Pip Rutherford
Heather Skipworth
Hawke's Bay District Health Board - Compare Top 5 Issues
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)