Vision...

"Vision involves our ability to understand space." This clip is an incredible testimony to God's genius!! Science is a undeniably a passion of mine, but science without God is not science at all and unfortunately for those science purists out there, God can blow any hypothesis clear out of the water. Once again I have realised the fallibility of "conclusive evidence" and the magnitude of our Creator's variables!

For me as a pilot and a photographer, this concept of spacial awareness is a deep cavern yearning to be explored. One would probably find that it relates to people's awareness and sensitivity of those others within their "personal space" too but that's an entirely new discussion on it's own.

Please review my blog "blurb" before watching the clip, this clip epitomises "seeing without sight". I found this clip on a friends blog, I encourage you to take a look and be amazed at how God has revealed "Vision" to them through their son Cameron. http://reyburnboys.blogspot.com

Natural Light Show

This is a video I found while simply checking the weather. It had me transfixed and just in awe of the dynamic creativity within this universe. It's all very well looking at beautiful pictures of mountain landscapes and capturing animal behaviour as an illustration of what our Creator has done and not to belittle every detail of creation, but this is mind blowing... don't only ask yourself how, but why??

Why did the Creator of the universe create the Northern Lights? Sure, I understand it may be a result of the collision of charged particles directed by the Earth's magnetic field but what functional purpose does it serve? All science aside, after watching this brief spectacle, I choose to believe that our very own creator is the "producer" of His own natural light show, purely for our enjoyment...

And so... ENJOY!

Aurora Borealis timelapse HD - Tromsø 2010 from Tor Even Mathisen on Vimeo.

Weeping with Joy

Late last night, an sms from a friend inspired me to once again, look with more than my eyes alone at something so magnificent in it's simplicity. Salix babylonica... Say what?? Salix babylonica, more commonly known as The Weeping Willow.



There are some things in life that we have a natural affinity for, those things that please the senses without a conscious recognition of why? The smell of cut grass, the sound of running water, and the cool beckoning of deep shade on a warm day. The Weeping Willow's association with the tranquility of running water, it's forlorn appearance, drooping branches and wispy, light foliage is symbolic in so many ways of mourning and grief and has in the past, frequently been referred to in such context. Even the name itself, eludes to the River's of Babylon in the biblical context, where the exiled Hebrews sang "By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept,
when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our lyres." (My apologies for eliciting spontaneous outbreaks of Boney M impersonations)

There are numerous poetic references but one such reference echoed the thoughts of a friend who called herself a Weeping Willow in a moment of grief. It contrasts the gloomy dark shade of the Cypress with with the light elegance of the Willow and in essence highlights the paradox of joy in our loss.

"The Cypress was long considered as the appropriate ornament of the cemetery; but its gloomy shade among the tombs, and its thick, heavy foliage of the darkest green, inspire only depressing thoughts, and present death under its most appalling image, whilst the Weeping Willow, on the contrary, rather conveys a picture of the grief felt for the loss of the departed than of the darkness of the grave. Its light and elegant foliage flows like the disheveled hair and graceful drapery of a sculptured mourner over a sepulchral urn, and conveys those soothing, though melancholy reflections that made the poet write--

"'Tis better to have lov'd and lost,
Than never to have lov'd at all.'"

Copyright © 2009-2010 LoveToKnow Corp

As much as the tree has been likened to forsaken love, the irony is that with the exception of the above mentioned biblical reference, all other references to the Weeping Willow in the bible are indicative of joy, abundance & fertility.

"Then he took of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil. He placed it beside abundant waters. He set it like a willow twig,"
(Ezekiel 17:5)

"Therefore the abundance they have gained and what they have laid up they carry away over the Brook of the Willows."
(Isaiah 15:7)

"They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams."
(Isaiah 44:4)

For those familiar with JK Rowling, her character in Harry Potter, the Whomping Willow even introduces a little attitude into our stereotypical view of the hunched, somber demeanor of the Willow, possibly offering us a glimpse into the strength that lies within.

For me the Weeping Willow is a symbol of humility, there is immense strength in apparent weakness. It has never been used for supporting structures or for railway sleepers, it is not an obnoxious tree that towers over the rest, in the words of an unknown author, "The weeping willow seeks a humble scene--some romantic footpath bridge, some quiet grave, which it half conceals, or some glassy pond, over which it hangs its streaming foliage."

However, the Willow has been used in more subtle yet equally, if not more important roles, from fish traps sustaining a families humble subsistence, to broom handles in service within the home to the source of so many people's hope and joy, musical instruments like the flute, not without it's own small amount of pride, cricketers have used it to the delight of thousands of spectators as they've slammed sixes out of the stadium in the final over of a cricket match. Few know that one of it's most humble testimonies is one of healing, as the first discovered source of salicylic acid, more commonly known as aspirin, it has brought relief to millions.

All this aside, to quote my friend "Tonight my heart feels like a weeping willow beside a cool humming stream. Weeping but so alive". Salix babylonica represents all that is alive, in despair and grieving, we recognise just how alive we are, just how strong we are yet just how fragile life is, and we are humbled like the Weeping Willow beside the cool waters, to know that without those streams of living waters, we are nothing. Like the Weeping Willow, we should bow down, stooping to dip our entire being into the life giving waters, seeking sustenance. Like the Weeping Willow, we should point to the living waters and provide protection to all who seek our shade, as they themselves begin to quench their thirst in the streams of living waters.

Other references:
http://redslipperdiary.wordpress.com/2010/01/21/under-the-weeping-willow-tree/
The Willow Song
Weeping Willow Tree Facts
Willow Bark

Fame for resentment

We've all resented work we've done in the past... This subject of toil and labour is one that I have discussed in past blog entries. My interest, (bordering on passion) for why we work and our attitude towards our work has once again found expression through an interesting source.

I stumbled across this incredible site which has used 360 degree panoramic technology with high res photographs (not unlike gigipan technology) and at first I was just amazed at the site. The spectacle that lies before me on a computer screen is the Sistine Chapel and I am not for one moment claiming that this site in any way simulates the grandeur and pure ambiance that an observer in the Sistine Chapel would encounter, but having never witnessed it first hand, the site tweaked my interest.

Sistine Chapel


If ever someone has mentioned Sistine Chapel in the past, my poor performance in Std. 4 history does conjure up one image, and that is of a painter named Michelangelo lying on his back to paint narratives covering 1100 square meters of ceiling with the most intricate detail possible. What I didn't realise is that Michelangelo resented his commission, he believed his work only served the Pope's need for grandeur, (which in reality probably holds true, but that's a debate for another day). The point being, that something a man literally despised for it's motive, even while involved in conducting a passion, literally became his "crowning glory", one of the most defining accolades of who he is or should I say was, today.

It is not for us to question why we do what we do, so long as our passion is in it, so long as we acknowledge there is a purpose in it, perceived or not. Once again, I encourage everyone to work with all their hearts and remember that "it is good for a man to enjoy his toil under the sun". You never know what may become in the future, of what you think is trivial today.

Preposterous Gospel

There is not a whole lot more that I can say... apart from the fact that John Piper's messages have proved that he is grounded in scripture and God's sovereignty. It would be difficult to argue the fact that Piper's soul purpose is to bring glory to God alone, Creator of Heaven and Earth and ALL within it, rich and poor!

I refer back to a previous post "The Gospels in Today's World" when I say that societies' (and some who claim to serve Jesus), perception of what rich or poor is, is horribly tainted. The "Prosperity Gospel" may in actual fact exist but "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven".

Please give this a watch, I'd love to read your comments...

John Piper and the Prosperity Gospel

The Power Within...

Click the image to enlarge

Source: Fixr lightning rod cost

Cool infographic! A little too American but that's okay, I can live with it. For me it was just an incredible revelation, when I read, 100 Million Volts, 30000 amperes, and, who creates every one of those 16 Million lightning storms a year?

"When he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain, and he brings forth the wind from his storehouses."
(Jeremiah 10:13)

When he utters His voice... no shouting, no screaming, no repetition, when He simply utters His voice...

And then, consider this... "For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."
(Matthew 24:27)

May we be like bolts of lightning, baby bolts, but bright nonetheless, with the power that he has given to us to proclaim His salvation through His Son who can only be likened to a lightning bolt!

Prayer - A Journey in Conversation

In my 22 years as a follower of Christ's I have still not grasped a definitive and conclusive understanding of prayer. For some "inexplicable" or should I say... in the mind of a true reform, explicable reason, since I returned from my year of "rest and reinvention" in the Cape to my home, Pretoria, I have literally been bombarded by this topic, prayer!! From cell groups to questioning teens to sermons... it has become apparent that prayer is... important!! "Newsflash!!" you may say. Well, yes in substance, I have always known prayer is a vital ingredient to our spiritual journey with Christ and have practiced it to some lesser and occasionally greater degree, but there is something fresh about it that I am presently discovering.

It is slowly becoming less of a discipline and more of a lifestyle... I mean, let's face it, we don't "discipline" ourselves to have a conversation with a good friend do we? To the contrary, if you're like me, you crave intelligent, humorous, and in depth conversation with a friend, in some instances, we can't wait and will sacrifice other engagements and commitments to quench our thirst for such conversation. Isn't this how we should feel about communicating with our Father in Heaven?

It isn't about a monotonous, extended monologue defined by a time of day, it isn't about a guilt driven obligatory utterance before dinner, it isn't about bowing your head, getting onto your knees, lifting your hands or closing your eyes. It isn't even about inviting Him into your life... although usually, this will precede a healthy prayer life. So what then is it about??

With only myself to amuse (or impress) in an aircraft, flying 10000 ft above the earth, as the sky transitioned between the light of day and darkness of night, I was granted the most tangible understanding of what it is about... quite simply, like most good things in life, it is about His Presence!! His Presence and our presence within His Presence. It is about sharing a moment with him, sharing an experience, sharing an emotion and yes, ultimately allowing Him the glory for each of those moments! At this realization, any request or list of wants that I may have felt the need to present Him with became futile, inconsequential in comparison with that moment with Him! Of course, this may have changed had one of my engines decided to quit right then but then I think the moment may have passed!!

Some of us are verbose, inclined to talk much and listen too little, some are quiet, introspective and possibly a little shy, should we have to change who we are to commune with our creator, should we be forced to conform to models of prayer that people have dictated through the ages?? Christ himself, instructed us to pray in secret (Matt 6:6), not to say that our prayer life should be a secret to others but our presence in His Presence is intimate, personal and tangible. In this communion with Him our motives are made right and our prayers are directed because the Spirit becomes our reason for everything we do, see, taste, smell and touch. We ask little of Him because we understand how much He has given to us, and are thankful for every small thing. We consider others more highly than ourselves because this is the very image of who Christ Himself is. And we are exhilarated by this because no one understands our experience quite as much as He does!

Praise God for revelation!! This is my revelation and may not be yours but my prayer is that yours would be equally magnificent!!

Want to be famous??

Have a look at this... There may be a major debate whether Google Street View is invasion of privacy or not but who cares with innovation like this! It's insane, you get to have your part in a music video at last http://www.thewildernessdowntown.com/

Bonus of it is that it's a wicked song too!!

The Bear Necessities

This is genius advertising, the concept illustrates how modern media and technology are going to create a generation that are spoilt for choice. Now we even get to choose our own ending to adverts, how ridiculous, but oh soooo cool!!

Try all sorts, dances with, hugs, plays with, fishes with, marries... etc. You'll see what I mean.
http://www.youtube.com/profile?feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_820885&user=tippexperience

Our little piece of the sky

"A Fly-in is not a "fly-in" unless you fly in". At least this was my rational when I decided that the best way to experience the biannual Overberg fly-in/ air-show was to arrive in an aeroplane. Added to that, the easiest way to ensure a camp site for myself on the Friday night was to provide a wing to camp underneath, logical conclusion, take my 'own' aircraft. Little did I know as I booked one of FTC's C152's for my adventure, what a cocktail of experiences I was lining up for the weekend.
Navigation log - check, filed a flight plan - check (for two aircraft in formation), in my mind this was going to be a fairly straight forward flight to Overberg with Jaco in the right seat and Koos and "J" in ZS-IIK flying just off my wing. Princess LIA who has not been much of a princess to me in the past was being given a second chance... As forgiving as I am, I'm not sure I'll be giving her a third!! After take off we were climbing through 800 ft when LIA coughed, not a chesty cough but certainly enough to get my attention, being the "Princess" I gave her the benefit of the doubt, another cough was enough to turn both Jaco, (my passenger) and my heads briefly before the third cough which prompted an immediate call to the tower & a right turn back towards the field! It would seem there was definitely a change in the tone of my voice because we landed out of a low circuit with fire engines on the taxiway eagerly anticipating some excitement for the day.

Half an hour later it was round two for our flight to Overberg, this time in good ol’ faithful, PIC. Flight time planned at a record breaking 90kts was 1 hour 30 minutes but as we glanced at the GPS, it was clear that our shadow on the ground was moving considerably slower than planned, 30kts slower at times. This became an amusing aspect to our adventure because relative to the speeds that Overberg controllers are used to it was akin to watching paint dry as we plodded out our track towards their reporting points. I believe this painfully slow moving blip on their radar screen became more of an intriguing fascination than an irritation by the way that they were routing us from a very long final approach to the coast, back to the final approach and back to the coast again several times as they fitted three or so crowd pleasing displays in front of us on a single approach. Eventually it was our turn, the combination of scarred perspex and direct sunlight as we squinted into the setting sun didn't help matters, particularly as Overberg appears to have two parallel runways, a glance at the plate on my lap confirmed that the left “runway” was in fact a taxiway that is built to double up as a runway in an emergency situation. At one point it became easier to sideslip the aircraft looking out of the corner of my windscreen and I was having visions of doing a very tricky landing trying to maintain an ounce of dignity as hundreds of people witnessed me approaching sideways and skidding all over the runway, until a large cloud saved the day as the sun slipped behind it. The rest was easy as we landed and were directed to our parking where we'd be camping under the wing for the night. For a young pilot, it's the stuff dreams are made of... until of course you're trying to knock your first tent peg into concrete solid ground with a rock that bears no resemblance to a decent mallet. Relieved appreciation doesn't do justice to the feeling as the last peg barely penetrates the ground, only just anchoring the last of the guy lines.










The show itself being predominantly military meant thundering jet engines, those of the Grippens, Hawks and Mirages, absolute precision demonstrated in the formation display of South Africa's pride, the Silver Falcons











and aerodynamically defying manoeuvres by the unsung heroes of the SAAF flying their rotary wings, the Oryx, Augusta and Rooivalk. Unfortunately though, there are occasions in this life that can blow a sombre dark cloud over even the most exhilarating, electric atmosphere and humble the most passionate of aviation enthusiasts. An aircraft crash forces all of us to remember that it is a privilege to taste the sky and not a given right, as much as we long to be, we are not birds and we are fallible in our flying machines! As Dave Stock's Lightning disappeared as a plume of black smoke on the horizon there was an instant, tangible lull in the atmosphere. The cause, the blame, the investigations, all futile in turning back time and in consoling those who knew him. The irony, he died fulfilling a passion and purpose that sustained his life. It may have been this fact that prompted the organisers to continue with the show as planned and it was only fitting that the day ended in a tribute to Dave as the Silver Falcon's flew the “missing man” formation. Few dry eyes witnessed that formation.

For me the air-show was a first, a first where I was not only a spectator but also a part of the aviation fraternity. To experience the show alongside contemporary's in the aviation world, students and instructors from FTC was unlike any I had previously felt and it was good to feel a part of something. Flying had become more than flying alone and I understood now why little boys want to be pilots!

Flying out of the Overberg show confirmed to me that this is my life, to touch the sky, taste adventure and find our God in places that few others do. Gazing down on His creation gives a perspective reminding me of how small I am in the grand scheme and it's humbling rather than heroic for me to be in a tiny flying machine above our blue green planet. I did however, in my frailty feel a little more heroic as one of the most humble of aviators himself, Maj. Scott Ternent agreed to formate with his exemplary team, the Silver Falcons on our 70's Cessna 152 ZS-PIC. As we had been briefed, as they strapped in, Scott gave us a call to let us know, I hastily started up and squeezed in a radio call to Overberg Tower between a dozen other enthusiasts departing. We received our clearance to route out coastwards, turning right along the coast for Arniston where the Falcons would find us and formate with us. As I advanced our throttle, balls to the wall with a slightly nose down attitude to maxmize our speed, Scott with the Falcon's in formation had an optimistic over-estimation of our cruise speed and did the same to “catch” us, suddenly, from nowhere, five Pilatus Astras appeared behind... and then as suddenly in front of us, air-brakes deployed in an attempt to slow down to our speed. Number 3 and 5 broke off left and number 1, 2 & 4 to our right to rejoin us in a more “civilized” manor for Cessna pilots, with full flaps and gear extended, positioning themselves either side of us, Scott's voice came over the radio, “How does it feel to be lead of the Silver Falcons Paul?”, ZS-PIC was the lead of the Falcon's, the excitement I felt cannot be described, I was like a child receiving the gift he'd waited for all year on Christmas morning, it was a privilege and an honour like none other. For a moment, I did feel a little heroic! An equally elated Jaco in my right seat and I were taking turns to fly and take photographs because after all, who would believe us if we had no solid proof? “Smoke on... go” five minutes of pure exhilaration and “flaps up... go, gear up... go” and they were gone, but not the experience, that will always remain. All I can and must say is, “Scott, and Silver Falcons, thank you for sharing your little piece of the sky with us, it made our little place in the sky a whole lot bigger, we are honoured!”

One weekend, one little Cessna 152, one tent, one reminder of the privilege and frailty of life and one National aerobatics team. A simple combination maybe, but one to remember for life. A simple note to students of FTC and any other flying schools, don't let opportunities like this pass you by, a little planning and a whole lot of enthusiasm is all it takes. Happy landings!!