After 20 years of renting we can now say we are home owners. Linda and I exchanged contracts on our home that is not far from where we live.

We have moved 12 times in those 20 years but this one is exciting.

We had our family photo taken just recently so here they are.

Well here it is, for those who didn't think I would be wearing a collar and tie. I just recently had this photo taken for the company website.

Micah and I went to the driving range it was our first time out together to hit some balls. I purchased a kids set of clubs and we started hitting away. I am not sure that he has the hang of it yet but at he is almost 4 so I am sure it won't take long to pick it up.

I purchased him a set of Srixon Junior Clubs they seem like a great starter set.

The heart of the message of the Gospel is that no matter what station in life we come from, ie. whether rich or poor, slave or free, have an education or not, no matter what race, or colour, we can all enter the Kingdom of God.

I have recently come to realise that while this may be true, there is a strong class system that exists within the Church and it is predominately middle class. The wealthy don't need it and the poor are not accepted in it. (I know this is a generalisation)

Jesus said very clearly that he came to help the poor, the broken, the hurting and those with mental illness, but are these the people that fill our Churches. A good friend while speaking at a conference boldly and honestly said, he found being around the poor and broken was "uncomfortable" he didn't like it. But he was also very aware that the heart of God was love for the poor.

So he continued to help and love the those who were in need. I even realised that in my attitude toward serving the poor was conditional - I had the expectation they would become "like me" middle class. How sick that is....

My attitude has changed a lot, not yet like Christ but certainly has changed in the right direction. Yet I fear that there are many who are crying out for help but but the help that, IF given, is conditional.

I am interested in knowing your experience with serving the poor, the broken, the hurting and those with mental illness. Are they an integral part of the community? or do they exist on the fringe? or is your church predominately middle class?

A friend who returned from South Africa, visited Nelson Mandela's home and read a quote on the wall that said...

There is nothing that a man cannot do...... if he is willing to let others take the credit.

Is it possible......?

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Phoenix is hot and dry but is a pretty spectacular place. The rental car terminal was as big as many airport I have been at. I got to play golf and have had a great time here.

I have been in Portland for 2 weeks and it is a really fun place to be. I have seen quite a lot of the city and got to visit Multnomah Falls and see the Columbia Gorge. It was all pretty spectacular.

I am looking forward to seeing Phoenix Arizona soon.

I decided to attend a home loan seminar our bank was putting on last night. And while it was informative the thought of borrowing just under half a million dollars scares the pants off me.

Why so much? Well, the average 4 bedroom home here in Sydney is not cheap and you would get much change from $450,000 AUD or about $340,020 USD. This would be our first home purchase so it is all new.

For those who have encouraged me to move to Boise or Kentucky, Vermont for more affordable housing, your encouragement has always been tempting BUT Australia is too beautiful to want to leave.

I got to order my new car this past week and hope to take delivery in September. It is a Holden Calais and is being provided by CCLI for my new role.