I've been thinking a lot about certain theological issues lately, and trying to work out what they say from the bible. From church and CU and talking to my mum and sister, I get a mix of evangelical and charismatic theology. Both declare Jesus Christ as Lord and say faith is necessary for salvation. But there are just some little topics that are confusing me at the moment.

For example, a lot of charismatic songs sing 'let your glory fall over us' or 'let your glory fall in this room'. What does that mean? Is God's glory always there but we can't see it all the time - or does God's glory appear to us at different times.

Another thing is about the Holy Spirit. All Christians have the Holy Spirit within them - but then there's also being filled with the Holy Spirit. I'm tending to think that these are different things. A Christian who is actively sinning still has the Holy Spirit, but they might not be *filled* with the Holy Spirit or abiding in Christ (John 15)

Then, final thing, there's the idea of protection. I got this question from a conversation with my sister. Can Christians lose God's protection? If they are sinning or neglecting to read the Bible, for example, can they lose God's protection and open themselves up to negative spiritual influences? I'm confused on this one - this is a very charismatic idea.

Anyhoo...please let me know what you think - if you can, try to give biblical references. Don't worry if you have no idea at first, neither do I !!!!

Crazy conversation at dinner today. Jono asked another guy if he would wear a skirt, if it was socially acceptable. So then the topic revolved around guys wearing skirts, the advantages and disadvantages - and also about ancient Roman and Greek dress. One strange qq comes from discussing the advantages of a skirt

Jono: Wearing a skirt would be just like being naked but no-one can see that you're naked
Matt: Like being naked but no-one can see that you're naked? The clothes I'm wearing fulfill that function.
Jono: I won't elaborate cause there are ladies present, but you can think about it.
Bella: Thankyou

So basically, it seems the guys are looking for a skirt that is masculine, functional and comfortable. Or a robe of some sort. Or a maternity dress.

Am I the only one who finds that Pacific forum thing kind of funny? All I can imagine is all the Islander leaders sitting around in a big circle drinking kava.

And here's a little conversation that happened at my college bible study that I thought was funny. Both people in the conversation are called Nick, so I will use last names to avoid confusion

Stolk: I don't like the idea of God being wrathful. I want him to be just, but in a friendly way.
Bowie: He throws people into the lake of fire in a friendly way. He's smiling.

I'm not sure what the theological basis of that is!!

When I was on the bus today, I saw someone who was dressed exactly like Captain Jack Sparrow! It was very amusing. I can only hope he was going to a costume party - on a Tuesday night?

Yesterday was a good day. At church we had a guest speaker who was a Messianic Jew and she talked to us about the relationship between Christ and the Passover. So kind of like what Scott was talking about a few weeks ago, but from a Jewish perspective. She actually set up a Passover table at the front of the church, with all the cups and food and stuff, and took us through the tradition, explaining how each part points to Christ. Really interesting stuff and such a good gospel message. Christ is the passover lamb that brings redemption through his blood!

And from Jewish traditions to shellfish and pork, all in one day! I went to Hala's 16th birthday which took the form of a Tongan feast. I love those!! The food was delicious as usual, and Hala looked beautiful in a pale blue lavalava and ta'ovala. And, Joseph who used to be in Australian Idol was there because Hala is his cousin. He sang a few songs and he does have a really good voice. He's so much more suited to intimate performances rather than big Australian Idol things. I talked to him for a little while - he's such a sweetie but really very shy. And I got to see J.J again, who is one year old now and walking around by himself. He's a chubby baby! I think Tongan parties are so fun.

Feeling a little disappointed for a few reasons

Youth group was supposed to start today, after not having done much at all since Easter. Mum's not feeling so well, so I had to wait for dad to get home for him to drive me. So I rang Theresa, the youth leader, to tell her this at about 3:30 - and she said no-one had turned up. She sounded upset cause she is *so* committed to this. Anyway, we're having a youth meeting with the kids aswell tomorrow, so we'll see what comes of that.

And...my family almost got another dog...but it didn't work out. There was someone who needed to give away their labrador, and they knew we already had one, so they asked if we wanted theirs. So Charlie, this other labrador, came to visit us and meet Daisy to see if they got on. There was way too much growling and barking so Charlie ended up not staying :( That was sad cause Charlie was very beautiful, but they probably would have fought initially - so that's not good. Mum says we're going to get another dog next time Daisy's on heat - she needs a boyfriend!

BTW, my heart shaped scab is really sore. I hope its not getting infected.

One fun thing, though. I have a new mp3 player, called Jeremy. Not really new, it was my sisters but she got a new one (called Patrick) and she gave me her old one. But it's still really decent.

I beat Kate in the gross sores competition...this morning as I was walking down the asphalt path to college, I got my foot stuck in a pothole and I tripped over. As a result, I have a big graze on my knee, and a smaller graze on my foot and my other ankle is sore. I feel like I'm in primary school again...as having grazes on any one of my knees or elbows was standard back then. It's a good thing I'm wearing a black skirt today, cause blood got all over it but you can hardly tell. If I'd been wearing a white skirt that would have looked particularly nasty.

Anyhoo, Stiney and I were having a random discussion and we came up with a list of places I need to visit:

Bella (a province in Italy)
Belfast
Belarus
Belgium
Belgrade
Belize
Belair

I'm sure there were others, but I can't remember them all. And I've been trying to think of places for you guys...

When I look into your holiness
When I gaze into your loveliness
When all things that surround become shadows in the light of you

When I've found the joy of reaching your heart
When my will becomes enthroned in your love
When all things that surround become shadows in the light of you

I worship you, I worship you
The reason I live is to worship you
I worship you, I worship you
The reason I live is to worship you

Complete craziness today! The madness started after CU, when Kate, Ali, Manda and I sat down - later to be joined by Matt, Em and Ash. As soon as I heard Manda mention the word TROGDOR!!!! we couldn't be shut up about it. And I'm sure the hilarious picture will inevitably find its way onto Manda's blog. Such a good song to sing:

TROGDOR!!!! Burninating the country side TROGDOR!!! Burninating the peasants.

Or...Nickdor, who me and Stiney met yesterday in the blue mountains. Nickdor is Trogdors little brother who is currently hatching out of his shell. Nickdor has not yet mastered the art of burninating, so is stuck with scorchinating the countryside for the time being. Yes, I'm sure Stiney will have fun tomorrow.

Kate's dragon was very well drawn, if a little sad. I'm sure it felt better after Ali consoled it by stroking it. And I'm sure I made the poor scribbled out dinosaur feel more loved. Possibly one of the most bizarre things of this afternoon was taking a photo of Kate's gigantic bloody blister (which will also make its way onto someones blog). And I don't even like feet.

There is no way I can remember all of the amusing quotes that sprouted forth today, so I will leave that to Katus, who wrote most of them down. We are so crazy.

On another note, Neighbours is a stupid show. I like Stingray cause he's all hyperactive and sweet, but the show is so pointless. I guess its mindless diversion.

And on another note, the CU talk was really good today. Very relevant, and challenging. I'm going off to have dinner now.

Maddy and Mike's engagement party was fun...simply for the fact that there were so many CU-ers there. And I got to see Ali to wish her a happy birthday! Highlights of the night included Ash, Ali and I talking in lithpth, and me announcing to them that they were more immature than the 2 year olds who are still not yet toilet trained. That may be a slight exaggeraton. Anyhoo, acting out emotions was also fun...if anyone is interested, go to emotioneric.com

Speeches were amusing actually, poor Mike got completely picked on. But that is always the spirit of speeches, in Australian culture anyway. Why is that? I liked how instructions were provided for getting food - in case someone didn't know. And good on Mike for being so open with his faith and having a Christian wedding. Although I'm sure his statement that 'he's under no illusion that this marriage will last forever' was misinterpreted when everyone started laughing. Maddy looked beautiful, as usual. I'm sure I would look very silly if I tried to wear some of her clothes, but she always looks lovely in all kinds of crazy clothes.

Ah, it's fun to be back at uni. The RMC talent quest was very funny/disturbing...it just isn't a talent quest without guys in drag! And it's talk to everyone again. I have so much free time now. Actually, not completely true. I only have two hours of class, but I have other fun stuff like CU meetings, bible study, slam meetings, etc. that are welcome distractions from working on assignments. Still, it's quite ridiculous

My sister Stiney is coming to stay overnight at college next Thursday. I predict she'll spend most of her time at the mac centre, but she may come to CU and meet you guys aswell. Oh, if only Justin was still here....or not :P