Friends of ours from church, Jiun Der and Jenny, took us out last night for what turned out to be a sensational evening.

Dinner at the wharf restaurant provided outstanding views of the water and bridge, and the food oozed* tasty tasty goodness. Great conversation, and wonderful dessert – chocolate and walnut bavarois with cognac creme. mmm. If you ever want a classy night out in a relaxed and interesting location – this is it.

Afterwards, we saw ‘metamorphosis’ @ sydney theatre based on Kafka’s novella. Very entertaining, amazing sets and topped off with music by Nick Cave. Not sure how much longer it is showing for but I’d heartily recommend it.

So a fairly cultured evening, certainly by our usual standards enjoyed with very generous friends – we loved it and felt loved, so thanks J + J.

Incidentally, Sam is blogging about ‘how to love your college student’ this kind of thing gets my vote

*not sure if you are meant to place the word ‘oozed’ next to ‘food’, but it seemed right.

I know many of you are preachers and even more are subject to preaching. Here is a question that i’ve been thinking over lateley:

How would you know whether God has gifted someone for preaching? what criteria do you use? or maybe better, what criteria should you use, do you think?

for example: do you look to oratory ability? clear thinking and presentation? the growth in love and knowledge of God in the hearers over time? That hearers ‘vote with their feet’ and come back next week?

I’m sure you have others, love to hear your thoughts!