Moved Mountains

Banner - Mt Trio, Stirling Range National Park, Western Australia - (c) 2007

Friday, January 12, 2007

Tagged - Again!

I've been tagged again - this time by one of my favourite bloggers, John Smulo.

This one is a little different to the last one, and has a restriction on the length of the answers - which I think is a good thing, given the amount of space I wasted the last time I was tagged. So, here goes (and these are tough questions!).

  • 1) What’s the most fun work you’ve ever done, and why? (two sentences max).
I've had heaps of jobs, but apart from my current work (which is really more challenging and rewarding than straight out fun) I would have to say the most fun work I've done was when I worked as director and production editor on a kids magazine style show. I got to work with a lot of famous people - film and TV stars and musicians - and go places you just normally don't get to go.
  • 2) A. Name one thing you did in the past that you no longer do but wish you did? (one sentence max)
I used to rock climb and abseil (surfing would have been on this list but I took that up again last year) and would like to get back into this but am not sure my body (particularly in relation to rock climbing) is up to it anymore.
  • 3) A. What two things would you most like to learn or be better at, and why? (two sentences max)
Where do I start?

1) Kinyarwanda - the local language of the Rwandan people. I know a little (a real little) but would love to get fluent as I am involved in a mission partnership there and would love to be able to speak to the people I work with in their own language. Imani'guhumugisha!

2) Blogging - I am better at repackaging news (aka other peoples ideas) - probably because of my background in TV news - than expressing new ideas or my own thoughts cogently.
  • 3) B. If you could take a class/workshop/apprentice from anyone in the world living or dead, who would it be and what would you hope to learn? (two more sentences, max)
Another hard one!

There are many people, but I think I would say the Apostle Paul. He was the master of missiology and I am so enthralled by the way he lived as a pretty ordinary kind of guy with a well above ordinary cross cultural ministry.
  • 4) A. What three words might your best friends or family use to describe you?
1) Tall - I'm nearly 6'5".

2) Busy - my wife just said that cause I was struggling with this question and asked for her help!

3) And I just can't come up with a 3rd.
  • 4) B. Now list two more words you wish described you…
1) Gentle - sometimes I think I come across as prickly.

2) Confident - not arrogant or self assured, but in God.
  • 5) What are your top three passions? (can be current or past, work, hobbies, or causes– three sentences max)
1) My family.
2) Ministry (particularly experimental ministry) in my local community and in the communities I work with in Bunbury via Mission Australia.
3) Rwanda and my Rwandan "family"
  • 6) Write–and answer–one more question that YOU would ask someone (with answer in three sentences max).
Q - What role has change played in your journey to now? (two sentences max)!

A - When I came to know Jesus Christ for who he really is (not some western, 18th/19th/20th century, white, middle class Jesus) my life changed for ever. All the bad stuff, my drug addiction etc. etc. that I had been trying to run away from and unsuccessfully deal with myself came into clear focus and through him and people who were genuinely committed to him and to change, I was able to change for the better. Of course this is a continuing process - people are like onions don't you know (apologies to Shrek - those who are also 'changing' will know what I mean!).

Phew ...

Last time I tagged only two of my victims blogging buddies actually responded, so hopefully I will have better results this time. I tag David at Church Blogger, Rodney at The Journey and Chris and Cindy at Tracking the Edge.

8 comments:

Rodney Olsen said...

Done.

cindy said...

I'll get on it....Phil Wyman also tagged me with these questions, so the pressure's mounting!

peace.

Anonymous said...

Great to read more about you! Thanks for responding to my tag.

The Creature said...

Rodney and Cindy, thanks - looking forward to reading your responses! John, thanks for tagging me!

:)

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed reading up your blogs especially O.A. I will remain anonymous for now if that is ok. I do have a question which concerns my past experience Andrew.

You mentioned family before God, in regards to the top 3 passions why is this so. Have you shifted your passion unknowingly and have been activity focused more than God focused.

The Creature said...

While I like to get to know the people who comment, if you want to remain anonymous that is fine with me. Though a nickname would be good - that way I can differentiate between different 'anonymous' commenters!

I think you raise a good point - it is easy to become project focused rather than God focused, and I find this is particularly the case when I have a lot going on - I need the reminder to let God take the lead and fall back into line myself. However, when I listed my "top 3 passions" I wasn't actually thinking of a descending hierarchical list - so the order isn't significant or representative of importance. I definitely want to put God first in every situation, always - although I find that I do need regular reminders. Also I consider my family my first priority as far as ministry is concerned. I have a responsibility, before God, to take care of them and ensure things are right at home, before worrying too much about my other responsibilities. I want my children and wife to have vitality in their spiritual lives and for my kids to grow up knowing and loving God and following the way of Jesus.

Thanks for your comments.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for tagging me Andrew, although I am going to be a spoilsport and decline. Sorry.
But hey, 2 out of 3 ain't bad.
It is partly because I do not like chain letters, partly because I have nothing of interest to write and lastly (and mainly) because I cannot seem to understand the question numbering system.
Of course, doing it would also force me to admit I do not have anyone to tag (as you have already done it).

The Creature said...

You spoilsport! ;)

No worries David, I hadn't look at blog tag as a chain letter - guess it kind of is really.

I just discovered I have been tagged again ... and am going to take your lead and decline myself this time round. All this tag is starting to wear me out!

:)