On being a Dad

Being the Dad of a five year old I know what it is to be in demand and to be bombarded with lots of questions.

Often times I reflect on my responses to Abby in the light of how I think God responds to my requests and questions.

The image of God as a Father is strong and consistent throughout the Bible.

The continuing challenge for me is ensure that I allow God to make me more like the Father He is, and not create a Father after my own image.

God clearly uses my role as a Dad to teach me many things, but interestingly it is in seeking to become more like His Son that the lessons learned are lived out.

Good catch

This morning Abby asked me if she could play with her fishing net in the house. It seemed like there were a lot of good reasons to deny this request, but I was soon rummaging under the stairs to find the net for her.

All was quiet for a few minutes (often a nervous time for a parent) and then Abby called out to me, "Daddy, I'm fishing for men."

Once I had recovered from the initial shock of this bold declaration, I discovered that she was throwing her Lego men in the air and then trying to catch them in the net.

You have to start somewhere I guess!

"Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
Matthew 4:19

A drop of the black stuff

I had to visit the doctor today as my left eye has been very sore and bloodshot for the past 48 hours.

I was prescribed some eye drops which may or may not work depending on the type of infection I have...at least I managed to get an appointment.

To be honest I am a little disappointed that he didn't suggest at least one pint of Guinness as remedy for my ailment...after all Guinness is good for you.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

It was twenty years ago today

I often joke that my "thing" is having a ridiculously good memory. Sometimes it seems more of a curse than a blessing, but today it is definitely a blessing as I look back and remember the day I chose to follow Jesus.

Someone asked me recently what I thought their "thing" is. I didn't respond at the time, but my honest and instinctive thought was faithfulness. It is a very attractive quality, especially in a fragmented and self-serving world.

Over the last twenty years I have not been as faithful in following Jesus as I would have hoped or expected, but despite this God has been remained faithful to me and for me that has always been enough.

But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.
Luke 15:20

Ghana

This summer I'm finally going to Africa. I will be spending a week in Ghana as a volunteer house builder with Habitat for Humanity.

I'm both excited and apprehensive about the trip, but I'm glad I've made the committment to go. My £200 deposit has been paid and I'm going to need an additional £1800 to cover all the expenses of the trip as well as making a good donation to the future work of Habitat for Humanity.

I have no idea where the money will come from, but I know it will come. God might provide through donations, extra web design work or any other number of ways, but I know He will provide if I pray.

So, please join me in praying about this trip and I will keep you up-to-date with all that God is doing in response.

Thank you.

Over and over again

I've lost track of the amount of times, over the last couple of months, Proverbs 3:5-6 has been brought to my attention. In a whole variety of ways these two verses have been highlighted to me, over and over again.

It happened again today, so I have decided it was about time it went on my blog!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6