Merry Christmas

my favourite christmas joke

healer

There's a lot of sickness about at the moment.

Everyone I speak to has either been ill recently or knows someone who has.

I have a friend who has pneumonia, another friend who was rushed to casualty at the weekend, and sadly a lovely lady from church died unexpectedly last week.

We know that one day there will be an end to all the sickness and suffering.

In the meantime, we pray for all those who are ill or grieving at this time, and ask that more of God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

awareness

Seeing your children grow up can be a bitter sweet thing.

Seeing them develop and grow and become independent can bring a joy like no other.

Sometimes there can also be a sadness. They become more self aware and more likely to experience a loss of innocence and a greater chance of feeling embarrassment.

This year Abby was very much more reluctant to wear her elf costume out in public. It was clear that she had become more self conscious and concerned with what other people might think. Last year she wasn't worried at all.

It reminds me of Adam and Eve when they discovered they were naked and felt the need to cover up.

We do live in a fallen and sinful world. Like all of us, I have sadly contributed to the sinfulness of our global community.

However, Jesus has set us free. We now live in freedom. We do not live in shame and condemnation.

God's grace is outrageous. May we all learn to live life to the full under the banner of such grace.

busy

Busy, busy, busy.

That's pretty much how things have been this last week.

Fortunately we all got to go away to the Forest of Dean for the weekend and spend some time together relaxing and having fun.

Swimming, walking, visiting family, playing games and not getting up too early all made for a fabulous time away.

Thank God for providing peace amongst the busyness.

Christmas

It's Christmas time!

It's Christmas time!

The best time of the year!

Because it's Jesus' birthday!

Yes! Oh yes!

That's why it's the best time of the year!

Katie (age 7)

Francisco Friday (Week 3)

The Package

I was awakened in the morning by a knocking on the door
So I got up and went to see what all the knocking was for
And there stood the Devil with a box addressed to me
He said "Boy, I've got something here I think you ought to see.”

I said, “I know that I don't want it if it's anything from you
'Cause I hate everything you say and don't like anything you do.”
But then he pointed with his finger and he smiled kind of sly
'Cause the package said "from God" there in the corner, way up high

So I said, "If it's from God, then why'd He send it here by you?"
He said, "He always sends me when there's dirty work to do
This box is full of misery, poverty and shame
To perfect you through your suffering 'till you're worthy of His name.”

Well, I'd been pretty patient, but that last line took the cake
I just could not take no more, I'd taken all that I could take
So I told him what I thought of him and all his filthy lies
And then I fired the shot that got him right between the eyes

I told him "Jesus took my sickness and my poverty away
You nailed Him to the cross yourself when you murdered Him that day
The suffering that I do will be for love and not for shame
I'm already worthy by His blood, to wear His name.”

“And I know my Father loves me and has only good in store
So you just pack up all your jive and get away from my front door
You can write my name on packages ‘til I'm ninety two
But every single one I'm sending back to Hell with you
So you can pack it on up and get down the road.”

I said, “I know my Father loves me and has only good in store
So you just pack up all your jive and get away from my front door
You can write my name on packages ‘til I'm a hundred and thirty two
But every single one is going back to Hell with you."

by Don Francisco

faith

Please take the time to read the following extract from, "Don't Just Sit There...Have Faith!" by Ron Dunn

A few years ago my family and some friends from our church spent a few days' holiday in Colorado. It was early March and winter still had an icy grip on everything. Near the place we stayed were twelve little trout lakes covered with ice. One day one of my friends suggested I walk across one of the frozen lakes, assuring me it was perfectly safe to do so since they ice-skated on the lakes all through the winter. I've lived in the South and Southwest all my life, and the lakes there don't freeze solidly enough (if they freeze at all) to support the weight of a child, much less that of an adult. I promptly relayed these critical facts to my friend and respectfully declined his gracious offer.

Laughing, he said, 'Come on, Pastor. It's safe. And it may be your only chance to walk on the water.'

I still wasn't crazy about the idea, but after more coaxing, I ventured out. Perhaps ventured 'out' is stretching it. I inched my way out not more than a couple of yards from the shore because, unlike Peter, I doubted Jesus would reach out and save me if I began to sink. I kept a nervous eye on the shore and one on the ice, watching for cracks. And I tiptoed, because you weigh less when you tiptoe. You didn't know that?
Anyway, after a brief and nervous walk on the water, I scrambled back to the solid safety of the shore. I had little faith in the ice.

Later, as we drove back to our lodge, we passed another of the trout lakes and as I looked out the car window I saw a man sitting in the middle of the frozen lake. He was sitting on a wooden crate, hunched over a hole in the ice, fishing! I did a double take at that, feeling foolish as I recalled my timid excursion on the ice.

Now to the point: The man sitting in the middle of the frozen lake had great faith in the ice - right? I had almost no faith at all in the ice. Now which one of us was the safest? He with his great faith, or me with my little faith? Surely the man with the great faith was more secure. The fact is, the man with the great faith was no safer than I was with my little faith. Though my faith was practically nonexistent, I was just as safe as the fisherman who possessed great faith.

Why? It wasn't our faith that held us up. It was the ice. If it had been our faith supporting us, I would have sunk immediately. But I, with my little faith, was just as safe as the fisherman with his great faith.

What, then, is the advantage of having a great faith?

I'm glad you asked. Picture me on the ice: timid, nervous, afraid to venture out, constantly looking for cracks in the ice, fearing that at any moment the ice is going to betray me to the icy water beneath. Know any Christians like that? Timid, nervous, afraid to venture out on the Word of God, their eyes constantly searching for cracks in His promises, fearing that God may at any moment abandon them. There is no joy or excitement in their walk. That is the life of little faith.

Picture the fisherman: unafraid to step out on the ice, boldly venturing to the very middle, enjoying himself, resting his entire weight on the ice. You have seen a few Christians like that; they boldly step out on the promises of God, unafraid in the middle of His will, filled with joy and satisfaction, resting on the Word of God who cannot lie. That's the life of great faith.

As we drove past, I said, 'I wonder where he got enough nerve to do that.'

The driver answered immediately, 'Oh, he lives around here. He knows the ice.'

cheek

Me: Do you know where the raisins are please?

Shop assistant: Yes.

(I follow the shop assistant down a few aisles until we arrive at the men's toiletries section)

Shop assistant: There we are.

Me: Sorry, I said raisins.

Shop assistant: Oh, I thought you said razors.

Admittedly I haven't shaved for a few days, but I clearly said raisins!

We all watched 'Evan Almighty' the other day. It's a great film.

Evan works hard at not doing what God has asked. He goes to extraordinary lengths to be disobedient. Finally he gives in and does what God has asked.

The end result?

Evan dances with God.

That has to be worth it.

list

Abby and I were discussing Christmas lists on the way to school this morning.

We concluded that Father Christmas must have millions of elves in order to get all the toys made. In fact there might be as many elves as there are blades of grass in our local playing field.

This is just as well because there are millions of children around the world who'll be hoping for presents.

Abby: Even children in Africa will want presents.

Me: That's right they will.

Abby: I think I know what they will put on their Christmas list.

Me: What's that?

Abby: School, because they only have that old wooden building.

So there you have it.

If you are not sure what to spend your money on this Christmas, I have it on good authority that there are some African children who would like a school.

In fact I've met them and Abby's right.

jungle

It's back.

For the next three weeks we have to endure two monkeys presenting ITV's, I'm Not Much Of A Celebrity So You Might As Well Leave Me Here.

What a pointless load of nonsense.

It's not my favourite TV show.

GBP

Children in Need 2008 looks set to be the best event yet in terms of money raised.

Credit Crunch? The Great British Public have done themselves proud and dug deep to help out those in greater need, even at this type of financial hardship.

Abby's school had a non-uniform and mad hair day as a fundraiser. Abby didn't want to have mad hair, so it was decided that I should have pink hair.

All for a good cause.

Francsico Friday (Week 2)

Everything Is Possible

At first we trusted anyone
who said they had a cure
But with every disappointment
it grew harder to be sure
Still, when we heard of Jesus,
we went looking for this Man
They said He break the grip of demons
by the power of His command

We found his close disciples
in the foothills where He'd been
But as I tried to talk with them,
the devil struck again
And my son began to scream,
and his eyes rolled back inside
He fell and moaned and stiffened out,
and I turned to them and cried

"Cast it out of him, I beg you!"
but it was all to no avail
And as each one made excuses,
all my hopes began to fail
but then I heard excited voices calling out,
"The Master's here!"
And as Jesus walked right toward me,
hope rose up above my fear

I cried out, "Rabbi help us!
He's my son, my only son!
Your men have tried to cast it out,
but nothing could be done!
He's been like this since childhood--
no one can tell us why
But, sir, if you can help at all,
I beg you please to try!"

"If You can!?!" He thundered
"You ask me if I can!?!
Everything is possible
when there's faith inside a man!"
I said, "Oh Lord, forgive me, please--
I've lived so long with grief
and I do believe You can, Oh Lord!
Please help my unbelief!"

He told the spirit, "Leave the boy
enter him no more!"
But it shrieked and dashed him on the ground,
worse than all the times before
Until at last he lay just like a corpse,
I thought it was the end
But Jesus raised him up and said,
"Here's your son my friend."

When we got back to our little town
somehow they all had heard
That Jesus cast the devil out
With the power of His word
So we told them all again
about the healing we received
And that everything is possible
To someone who believes

Everything is possible
to someone who believes
It is your Father's joy
to give to all who will receive
Those who strive may trip and fall
in the tangled webs they weave
But everything is possible
to someone who believes

Everything is possible
to someone who believes
It is your Father's joy
to give to all who will receive
Those who strive may trip and fall
in the tangled webs they weave
But everything is possible
to someone who believes

Everything is possible
to someone who believes
It is your Father's joy
to give to all who will receive
Those who strive may trip and fall
in the tangled webs they weave
But everything is possible
to someone who believes

by Don Francisco

fat

No time to blog.

Must go and get some exercise.

BBC News story says it all.

By the way, that's not a photo of me.

We called the rabbit Flame.

rabbit

We all bought a new rabbit yesterday.

She is very cute, but she doesn't have a name yet.

Everyone agreeing on a name is proving to be a lot harder than I had imagined.

So, it's over to you.

We need your help.

Please type your suggestion for the rabbit's name in the comments area.

Thank you.

terrorist?

Last night on the BBC News at Ten one of the headlines caught my attention.

Back Behind Bars
A radical preacher has been detained for allegedly breaking the conditions of his curfew.

It sounded like the kind of headline that could well have been about the apostle Paul, except that wouldn't really be classed as news now.

The headline was about Abu Qatada, who was once described as Osama bin Laden's right hand man. Not much in common with Paul on that one!

Paul was often in prison and regularly in trouble with both the Jewish and Roman authorities. He stood firm for what he believed in and faced the consequences with joy.

What about you and me?

I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have laboured and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
2 Corinthians 11:23b-27 (NIV)

desperate

Sometimes in church services children can get a bit bored.

Sometimes they will fidget and fuss.

Sometimes they will try and sleep.

Sometimes they will read the bible.

Yesterday in church Justine noticed that Katie was sitting quietly reading Lamentations!

A seven year old girl has got to be pretty desperate for something to do if she is choosing to sit and read Lamentations.

Must remember to bring a colouring book next week.

remember

Today is a day to remember.

I'm not a fan of war, but I do believe that it is sometimes necessary, and I'm grateful to those who make the sacrifice that provides me with the freedom I enjoy every day. All I did was stand quietly for a couple of minutes and make a small donation for a poppy.

I also enjoy total freedom in life because of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.

He did it all.

Interestingly, although we remember the sacrifice we are supposed to forget our sin to enable us to live in the freedom that has been won for us.

We invite defeat when we remember what we should forget.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103:11-14 (NIV)

gappy

At the age of 5 years, 9 months and 20 days Abby lost her first tooth.

She is very pleased about it and can't wait for the tooth fairy to come.

I have a feeling the tooth fairy is going to look a lot like me!

Francisco Friday (Week 1)

I'll Never Let Go Of Your Hand

I know what you've been hearing
I've seen you hide your fear
Embarrassed by your weaknesses
Afraid to let Me near
I wish you knew how much
I long for you to understand
No matter what may happen, child
I'll never let go of your hand

I know you've been forsaken
By all you've known before
When you failed their expectations
They frowned and closed the door
But even if your heart itself
Should lose the will to stand
No matter what may happen, child
I'll never let go of your hand

The life that I have given you
No one can take away
Cos I've sealed it with my Spirit, Blood and Word
The everlasting Father
Has made His covenant with you
And He's stronger than the world you've seen and heard

So don't you fear to show them
All the love I have for you
I'll be with you everywhere
In everything you do
And even if you do it wrong
And miss the joy I've planned
I'll never, never let go of your hand

The life that I have given you
No one can take away
Cos I've sealed it with my Spirit, Blood and Word
The everlasting Father
Has made His covenant with you
And He's stronger than the world you've seen and heard

So don't you fear to show them
All the love I have for you
I'll be with you everywhere
In everything you do
And even when you do it wrong
And miss the joy I've planned
I'll never, never, never let go of your hand
I'll never let go of your hand

by Don Francisco

predictable?

Yesterday I took a great photo of the fire I had painstakingly got going for Bonfire Night, only to be told by my good friend Lee,
"That'll be on the blog soon".

Today, after making a donation to the Poppy Appeal at Asda, I went on a bit about sacrifice and the cost others have paid for our benefit. Justine's response to my little speech was,
"I can see a blog coming on".

Am I really that predictable?

The truth is I was going to blog about both of those things, and in a way I just have.

Rather than admitting to being predictable, I like to think it is simply the fact that those close to me know me very well.

This means I have successfully maintained my mysterious edginess, and of course my overwhelming self-delusion!

whatever

This word has become synonymous with teenage apathy and indifference.

That's a shame, but it was great to see a record turnout amongst voters for the US election. Apathy was replaced with enthusiasm. People wanted change.

The last two lines of the hymn 'Be Thou My Vision' are:

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.

Here the word whatever speaks of resolution and determination, come what may.

Personally I'm pleased that President Obama will take up office in January. You may not be so pleased.

But, whatever befall, we still worship the ruler of all.

Though the fig-tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV)

justified?

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:

"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself:

'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said,

'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)

three

Yesterday in church our Old Testament reading was Isaiah 58:1-9a.

It really struck me that the reading finished halfway through a verse, so I read on.

Last night, as I was finishing a book in bed, I read a chapter that quoted Isaiah 58:9b-11.

This morning I had a conversation with a friend who had recently been subject to a whole load of malicious talk about another friend.

Let's spend our time fruitfully by meeting the needs of others.

If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
Isaiah 58:9b-10

food

Yesterday Olivia and Katie and I made orange muffins.

They turned out looking pretty good and tasted even better.

The photo is genuinely of one of the muffins we made, but a photo is never as good as the real thing.

Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

bold

Last Friday Abby had to wear her pyjamas to school as part of a promotion for reading books at bedtime. The teachers wore their pyjamas too, and I wore mine! Embarrassingly I was the only parent in pyjamas that day, but it gave everyone a laugh and fortunately there are no photos.

Every child also had to bring in their favourite bedtime story book. Abby chose her bible, and when we got to school she asked me to read her the stories of Jesus' death and resurrection. How refreshing for there to be no sense of whether it was politically correct or worrying what other people might think.

It made me think.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

phew-el

Today was the first day in a long time when I have bought petrol for less than £1 per litre.

It was good to look at the pump, when I had finished, and see that the number of litres was marginally greater than the number of pounds.

calm

rest

I'm exhausted.

Life's like that sometimes.

I was pleased to read this on a calendar today:

He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak.
Isaiah 40:29 (NLT)

signs and wonders

As part of my birthday celebrations this year we all went to the Isle of Wight for a day.

We visited Alum Bay. Katie and Abby braved the sea, and we all braved the chair lift!

We visited the Donkey Sanctuary. The girls liked the donkeys, and loved the ponies.

We visited the Model Village at Godshill. It was here that I saw a plaque that I couldn't resist buying (although to be honest Justine paid for it).

It simply says, "Expect Miracles". I like the idea of an expectant faith; a faith that really believes in an intimate and yet universal God.

When we left the shop I looked up and saw a sign on the adjacnet building, it read: "Loaves & Fishes". Perhaps just another little reminder to expect miracles.

still small voice

Life is simple for a child.

Me: I can't hear you reading.

Abby: I'm reading in my head.

Me: Oh.

Abby: Do you know how to read in your head?

Me: No.

Abby: You just look at the words and God reads them to you.

today

World leaders are gathering in New York today to renew commitments to achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, and to set out concrete plans and practical steps for action.

Actions speak louder than words.

In the midst of the current financial crisis The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, has highlighted the irony of the US decision to bail out its banks and other financial systems at a cost of $700bn, while the lives of six million children could be saved with only $5bn.

Something is wrong. Very wrong.

May the voice of God be heard in New York today and may justice be done.

moon

I can't believe it's been a week already since my last post. What a slacker!

Tonight I am leading our fortnightly home group; the subject is light.

There are a lot of references to light throughout scripture, and one of my absolute favourites is Psalm 89:37 where the moon is described as the enduring or faithful witness in the skies.

I think we are supposed to be like the moon. We don't have light or produce light, but we do reflect the light that shines on us. If you can see the moon you know the sun is still shining.

When people look at us they should be able to tell that Jesus is alive.

A favourite verse because it challenges me and inspires me and reminds me that it is all about God.

faith

At the start of the new school term I shared a verse from the bible with two of my colleagues.

Luke 17:5-6 The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' The Lord replied, 'If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, "Be uprooted and planted in the sea", and it would obey you.

A few days later I bought a book by Ron Dunn called 'Don't just sit there...have faith.'

Yesterday I was talking to my very good friend James about faith and prayer, and how we understand all of that.

This morning the UCB bible notes were about 'The prayer of faith' with reference to James 5:15 The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.

We must have faith. We must pray. The rest is up to God.

mad world

I like the free newspaper that comes through my door every Thursday.

I like reading about what's happening in the community in which I live.

I like some of the adverts and the TV guide.

I don't like the fact that someone from India phones me up to see if my newspaper has been delivered. That is mad!

Ready and waiting

I have finally finished all my preparations for my trip to Ghana, which is just as well as I leave tomorrow!

All the money has been paid. I've had all my injections and taken my first malaria tablet. My bags are packed and my lift to the airport is arranged. Everything is in order.

My preparations have been very thorough, not least because I got sunburned in Devon last week and endured the primitive toilet facilities at Bridgwater services on the M5 on the way home.

I'll post details of my trip upon my return.

Farewell for now.

Run the race

I am a very proud Daddy today.

I had the pure joy of watching Abby take part in her first ever school sports day.

Seeing her running and smiling with all her might was absolutely fantastic.

Abby didn't win her race, and I didn't fair too well in the Dad's race, but we both ran as though to win and enjoyed every minute of it.

There was another boy who didn't do so well. He came last, by a long way, in the egg and spoon race but still threw his arms into the air triumphantly as he crossed the finish line.

There's a poem that for a long time I thought was about running a race, but I was wrong. It's really a love poem.

The Race

"Quit!” “Give up, you’re beaten,” they shout at me and plead
there’s just too much against you now, this time you can’t succeed.
And as I start to hang my head in front of failure’s face,
my downward fall is broken by the memory of a race.

And hope refills my weakened will as I recall that scene,
for just the thought of that short race rejuvenates my being.
A children’s race, young boys, young men; how I remember well,
excitement sure, but also fear, it wasn’t hard to tell.

They all lined up so full of hope, each thought to win that race
or tie for first, or if not that, at least take second place.
Their fathers watched from off the side, each cheering for his son,
and each boy hoped to show his dad that he would be the one.

The whistle blew and off they went, young hearts and hopes afire,
to win, to be the hero there, was each young boy’s desire.
One boy in particular, his dad was in the crowd,
was running near the lead and thought “My dad will be so proud.”

But as he speeded down the field across a shallow dip,
the little boy who thought to win, lost his step and slipped.
Trying hard to catch himself, his hands, flew out to brace,
and mid the laughter of the crowd he fell flat on his face.

So, down he fell and with him hope, he couldn’t win it now.
Embarrassed, sad, he only wished to disappear somehow.
But as he fell his dad stood up and showed his anxious face,
which to the boy so clearly said, “Get up and win the race!”

He quickly rose, no damage done, behind a bit that’s all,
and ran with all his mind and might to make up for his fall.
So anxious to restore himself, to catch up and to win,
his mind went faster than his legs, he slipped and fell again.

He wished that he had quit before with only one disgrace.
“I’m hopeless as a runner now, I shouldn’t try to race.”
But, in the laughing crowd he searched and found his father’s face,
that steady look that said again, “Get up and win the race!”

So he jumped up to try again, ten yards behind the last,
if I’m going to gain those yards, he thought, I’ve got to run real fast.
Exerting everything he had, he regained eight or ten,
but trying so hard to catch the lead, he slipped and fell again.

Defeat! He lay there silently, a tear dropped from his eye,
there’s no sense running anymore—three strikes I’m out—why try'
The will to rise had disappeared, all hope had fled away,
so far behind, so error prone, a loser all the way.

“I’ve lost, so what’s the use,” he thought, “I’ll live with my disgrace.”
But then he thought about his dad, who soon he’d have to face.
“Get up,” an echo sounded low. “Get up and take your place.
You were not meant for failure here, get up and win the race.”

With borrowed will, “Get up,” it said, “you haven’t lost at all,
for winning is not more than this; to rise each time you fall.”
So, up he rose to run once more, and with a new commit,
he resolved that win or lose, at least he wouldn’t quit.

So far behind the others now, the most he’d ever been,
still he gave it all he had and ran as though to win.
Three times he’d fallen stumbling, three times he rose again.
Too far behind to hope to win, he still ran to the end.

They cheered the winning runner as he crossed the line, first place;
head high and proud and happy—no falling, no disgrace.
but, when the fallen youngster crossed the line, last place,
the crowd gave him the greater cheer for finishing the race.

And even though he came in last with head bowed low, unproud,
you would have thought he’d won the race, to listen to the crowd.
And to his dad he sadly said, “I didn’t do so well.”
"To me, you won,” his father said. “You rose each time you fell.”

And now when things seem dark and hard and difficult to face,
the memory of that little boy helps me in my own race.
For all of life is like that race, with ups and downs and all.
And all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.

“Quit!” “Give up, you’re beaten,” they still shout in my face,
but another voice within me says, “Get up and win that race.”

Listen to the voice of your heavenly Father and get up and win the race!

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:24

Keep going

Lovers, keep on the road you're on
Runners, until the race is run
Soldiers, you've got to soldier on

(lyrics by Coldplay)

Land of milk and honey

As I get older I realise that I am generally less impressed with things than I used to be. There is a feeling that I've seen it all before. Fortunately I have a constant reminder to stop and appreciate the little things in life.

On Sunday evening after a visit to the toilet, Abby came downstairs and exclaimed,

"Daddy, it's amazing! Now we have soap made by cows and bees."

Jesus, all for Jesus

Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.

All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands.
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands.

For it's only in Your will that I am free,
For it's only in Your will that I am free,
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.

(words and music by Robin Mark)

Rest

I'm not very good at resting. I can't sit still for very long before I get an overwhelming desire to be up and about and doing something.

The story of Martha and Mary is always a good reminder about the need to stop and just be. After all, time spent quietly in the presence of Jesus is always going to be good.

In a world full of people with troubled minds, troubled hearts and troubled souls there is nothing better than to stop focusing on ourselves and start focusing on God.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10

Electromagnets (and Ark Building)

This is one of many subjects in which I have an extremely limited knowledge.

The only thing I do know is that as the flow of electricity is increased the stronger the pull of the magnet becomes.

Right now it feels that God is on the move with me. It's almost as if there is a kind of electromagnet inside me and God is increasing the flow of electricity.

As a result of this I'm coming into contact with people and seeing opportunities and having ideas that all appear to be fitting together. It's exciting because God is controlling it.

When God is at work, we need to be ready.

God told Noah to build the Ark. He had to get ready before the flood came.

When there is a flood of the Spirit of God coming we need to get ourselves ready, else we will be washed away!

Rubbish

The other week I was walking to school with Abby when a dustbin lorry drove past. It was a warm day with hardly any breeze and the stench from the rubbish inside the lorry hung in the air. It was awful.

It got me thinking about how unbearable it must be for the thousands upon thousands (possibly millions) of people who live off the things they can scavenge from the enormous rubbish heaps around the world.

Most of us don't really relish the job of taking the rubbish outside, even when it's tied up in a plastic bag and then gets put in a big plastic bin with wheels. We have it easy by comparison, very easy.

What's my point? I don't know really, it just made me more aware of that very stark and very smelly contrast. I guess I need to remember to be more thankful for my own situation and remember to pray more for those whose situation is lot worse than mine.

Coming soon...

...blog posts about Rubbish, Rest, Electro-Magnets, Ark Building, and Prince Caspian!

In the meantime here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,
    we will also live with him;
if we endure,
    we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
    he will also disown us;
if we are faithless,
    he will remain faithful,
    for he cannot disown himself.

2 Timothy 2:11-13

I told you the weeds are big!

My garden

This post would probably be more accurate if it had the title 'My jungle'.

It's amazing how quickly the garden becomes over grown with weeds. They start off small and I think that it looks a bit untidy and I should probably get on and sort it out...tomorrow.

A couple of weeks later the weeds are looking pretty big. It's going to take a fair bit of time to get that lot sorted and I'm just too busy.

Still more time passes. It's a jungle out there. Enough is enough. It's time to get things back in order and stay in control.

Don't put off today what you can leave until tomorrow!

Ghana update

Only two months to go until I get to experience house building Ghana-style!

Well over half of the money I need for the trip has come in, so praise God for that!

Please continue to pray that the rest of the money will be provided, and that I will be aware and responsive to God's leading as He prepares me for this trip.

Thank you.

Congratulations

On Saturday my brother, David, got married to Jenny.

They are a wonderful couple and it was an excellent wedding.

The whole day was a real celebration of their love for each other, and it was an absolute privilege to be able to take part in the proceedings.

Seeing so many friends and family gathered together, and enjoying themselves, was a great expression of the love and affection felt towards a generous and hospitable couple.

God bless them both.

Thank God for Jesus

The opening line of one of my favourite christian songs goes like this:

There's a lot of pain, but a lot more healing

It completely busts open my heart when people tell me their stories of pain, hurt, anguish, guilt and confusion. I am so thankful to God that He is a healer...not a partial healer but a complete healer...a God who restores. I cannot conceive of a world that did not have the hope and love that is offered to us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Thank God for Jesus.

Give your heart a home

I hear your hollow laughter your sighs of secret pain
Pretending and inventing just to hide your shame
Plastic smiles and faces blinkin' back the tears
Empty friends and places all magnify your fears

If you're tired and weary, weak and heavy laden
I can understand how it feels to be alone
I will take your burden, if you'll let Me love you,
Wrap My arms around you, Give your heart a home

It hurts to watch you struggle and try so hard to win
But trade your precious birth right for candy coated sin
Wasting precious moments restless and confused
Building up defenses for fear that you'll be used

If you're tired and weary, weak and heavy laden
I can understand how it feels to be alone
I will take your burden, if you'll let Me love you,
Wrap My arms around you, Give your heart a home

Take My yoke upon you and walk here by My side
Let Me heal your heartaches, dry the tears you've cried
Never will I leave you, never turn away
Keep you through the darkness lead you through the day

If you're tired and weary, weak and heavy laden
I can understand how it feels to be alone
I will take your burden, if you'll let Me love you,
Wrap My arms around you, Give your heart a home
Wrap My arms around you, Give your heart a home

(Music and lyrics by Don Francisco)

He is mighty to save

Last Friday I remember saying to God that I was tired of hearing about people who are in pain and struggling through life. I asked God to come and bring healing and restore those people; to make them whole again.

Today and yesterday I have again heard of people who are really going through the worst of times.

All I know to do is to cry out "to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." (Ephesians 3:20)

God has big, strong arms. His arm is outstretched toward a hurting and broken world, and with tears in his eyes he cries out to each and every one, pleading with us to take his hand and let him save us.