Signs of the Times
December 2006
More Than a Good Idea
To many fans “The Idea of North” has come to refer to a kind of music blending rich harmonies with a jazz-inspired sense of fun. But, according to Piper, the group has always had a love of gospel music.
In Pursuit of Happiness 
Given our fascination with happiness, it’s remarkable that its taken until now for research psychologists to seriously turn their attention to the phenomenon. They have begun to ask questions like, “What is happiness?” and “What brings happiness?” What is most intriguing is the findings of the numerous studies on the state we call “happiness” powerfully endorse what the Bible has been teaching us for thousands of years.
Our New Religion
Unofficially, Australia has a new national religion. This startling pronouncement was made by Professor Ian Lowe, president of the Australian Conservation Foundation, when he addressed the National Press Club in Canberra in late August. “Consumerism is now our unofficial national religion, with ever larger shopping centres being built so we can worship seven days a week.”
Dangerous Love
A teenage girl pregnant before her marriage. Hardly an unusual situation today. A little more unusual in her day, but not unheard of. Eyebrows were raised. Gossip whispered. The old women shook their heads, walking back from the well with their water jars. “Such a quiet girl . . . Such a good family . . . Who’d have thought it?”
Christmas at Our Place
Traditions of Christmas vary from home to home. As a boy, I recollect scrambling into bed early on Christmas Eve to give Santa plenty of time to visit and leave his presents. In those days there was a pillowcase fixed to the end of the bed, to be filled—hopefully—with all kinds of goodies.
How Kids Manipulate Us
I know what she’s doing; I know I must resist. And, honestly, most of the time I can steel myself against this cascade of cuteness. But I can’t help admiring her resourcefulness in finding the softest part of my psyche. She’s still knee-high to a grown-up, but she knows belligerent behaviour leaves me cold, while sweetness makes me melt.
Origin of the Species
God poured two things generously into humanity as He created our first parents. He gave them the breath of life, which was His alone to give, and then He gave them a creative streak, in His image.
The Real Deal
The birth of Jesus heralded the fulfilment of many messianic prophecies sprinkled throughout the Old Testament. Here are a few of them.
Keeping the Angels Busy
The day started as any other for Steve and soon he was immersed in his busy schedule. Then time stood still as Steve was emergency airlifted to hospital by helicopter.
Taking the Humbug Out of Christmas Finances
The financial ghost of Christmas past appears in the mailboxes of the majority of us a few weeks after all the excitement and joy of the Christmas season has gone. Unfortunately, this financial spirit often hangs around well into the year, and sometimes it even joins a second companion as they overlap into the following year’s Christmas splurge.
Alone for Christmas
For the first time in my life I was far away from my family. Not simply across the state, but on another continent, almost half a world away. I did have a place to stay with a loving Spanish family who had opened their home to me. On other days, I would have enjoyed sharing the family’s conversation and activities. But not today. Today was Christmas Day and I wanted to be with my family on Christmas!
Consider It a Gift
Enid stood in her front yard and looked up and down the street. There was nobody in sight, which surprised her. How could someone have left this letter, rung the doorbell and gone so quickly, she thought to herself, puzzled at this turn of events. The envelope she held was unstamped and her hands trembled as she carried it inside.
Young People Choose Health
Personal and sexual health are tough topics for teenagers. But young people in Vietnam are helping each other address these issues.
More Than Meets the Eye
She unwrapped the small parcel that had been lovingly lashed with numerous strips of sticky tape and discovered . . . a piece of cardboard! At least that’s what it looked like to me.
Signs Regular Columns
Deeper:
The Nurture of God
Food Matters:
Healthy Gift Ideas
Food Matters Recipe:
Macadamia Nut Christmas Cake
Our Times:
beam me up, Scotty . . . or not, big brother, Meow and more. . .
Book Review:
Jesus in Beijing
Bible Discovery:
You are never alone
Medical Hotline
Aboriginal meds, balding and more
Lifeguide
Battling Self-consciousness
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