This blog is based on a real conversation this lunchtime; only the names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved.
What follows is a series of quotes that I found particularly amusing
Cathy: I asked for tap water at the café and they wouldn’t give it me
Magnum: Why didn’t you try the bar?
(points to bar the length of the room about 20 yards away)
Cathy: Ah
On viewing a picture that looked strangely like herself (mainly because it was)
Cathy: It can’t be me, I don’t own that top!
On feeling a banana to see if it was soft
Cathy: I could do an obstetrics test to see which way the baby is
Magnum: You do know that’s a banana?
Cathy: Sorry, I’ve been doing obstetrics for too long, everything feels like a foetus
Magnum: And we’re done with the muffin (which up till that point I had been enjoying)
Disclaimer: The more astute amongst you will have realised that, in fact, the names were not changed at all.
I also include news of a legalise cannabis march in London last week. According to one member, it started as a march but ended up as more of a wander! And of course the times managed to run with the headline that the turnout for the march was High!
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
When work is over. . . .
Todays post is somewhat of a cheat. I read this story in the times today and thought it was wonderful and should be shared with all of you. It's long but worth reading. . . . . this is Arthur
IF THE US economy had more workers like Arthur Winston then George Bush would not fret so much about spiralling social security and medicare bills.
Mr Winston retired from his job as a bus maintenance worker in Los Angeles yesterday. It was his 100th birthday and, in a 90-year working career, he has had only one day off — when his wife died in 1988.
Nine years ago, he received a Congressional citation from President Clinton as America’s “Employee of the Century”. In the same year LA’s transport authority renamed its South Bay bus depot the “Arthur Winston division”.
But still he carried on working, reporting at 6am each day to supervise cleaning and refuelling of the city’s buses, so that he could support his family. His wife and four children are now all dead. “It wasn’t heavy work, that’s the main thing,” Mr Winston said yesterday.
Sergio Rubalcava, a fellow worker, said that Mr Winston began each work day by bending over to touch his toes to demonstrate that he was fit: “He’s incredible”.
Mr Winston’s story is one of black America over the past century. Born in Oklahoma, he began picking cotton when he was 10. When droughts and storms ruined several crop seasons, his family headed west and in 1924 he found work as a janitor with a railway company.
Apart from a four-year stint parking cars, he has been working in public transport in the city ever since. The job he had really wanted was driving a bus, not cleaning it. But black people were not allowed such careers in the 1920s.
Dana Coffey, a bus service manager, said that Mr Winston had shown what hard work and dedication could accomplish. “Whenever someone complains the work is too hard, the hours too long, I tell them to go see Arthur,” she said. “No one has ever heard Arthur complain.”
Mr Winston said: “Don’t get me wrong. I had my bad days, but there was no use just laying around the house, so I came in.” How will he cope with retirement? “I’m kind of nervous,” he replied. “But I won’t be sitting down, no sir. Man my age sits down, he might not get up. I’m too smart to sit down..”
IF THE US economy had more workers like Arthur Winston then George Bush would not fret so much about spiralling social security and medicare bills.
Mr Winston retired from his job as a bus maintenance worker in Los Angeles yesterday. It was his 100th birthday and, in a 90-year working career, he has had only one day off — when his wife died in 1988.
Nine years ago, he received a Congressional citation from President Clinton as America’s “Employee of the Century”. In the same year LA’s transport authority renamed its South Bay bus depot the “Arthur Winston division”.
But still he carried on working, reporting at 6am each day to supervise cleaning and refuelling of the city’s buses, so that he could support his family. His wife and four children are now all dead. “It wasn’t heavy work, that’s the main thing,” Mr Winston said yesterday.
Sergio Rubalcava, a fellow worker, said that Mr Winston began each work day by bending over to touch his toes to demonstrate that he was fit: “He’s incredible”.
Mr Winston’s story is one of black America over the past century. Born in Oklahoma, he began picking cotton when he was 10. When droughts and storms ruined several crop seasons, his family headed west and in 1924 he found work as a janitor with a railway company.
Apart from a four-year stint parking cars, he has been working in public transport in the city ever since. The job he had really wanted was driving a bus, not cleaning it. But black people were not allowed such careers in the 1920s.
Dana Coffey, a bus service manager, said that Mr Winston had shown what hard work and dedication could accomplish. “Whenever someone complains the work is too hard, the hours too long, I tell them to go see Arthur,” she said. “No one has ever heard Arthur complain.”
Mr Winston said: “Don’t get me wrong. I had my bad days, but there was no use just laying around the house, so I came in.” How will he cope with retirement? “I’m kind of nervous,” he replied. “But I won’t be sitting down, no sir. Man my age sits down, he might not get up. I’m too smart to sit down..”
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
You kept reminding me of what I am
The title of todays blog is taken from a song called "once a thief". The lyrics go something like ; Once a thief, always a suspect. Once a liar, never be believed.
The song then centres around the idea that because the protagonist was once a thief he will never be allowed to forget it and as my title has it, people keep reminding me of what I am. This then somehow lead me to start thinking of what we are as christians, and what we once were and how it is very easy to forget that. (It is difficult to follow my thought patterns sometimes, I know!)
Being entirely honest with you all, I know I frequently think about how good it is being a christian and make the distinction between myself and secular people. Obviously a Christian there are some differences but I often get caught in the trap of thinking or saying "why would you do that" or "what sort of people are interested in that". Then later on I think about it some more and realise I know exactly, what sort of people.....people like me. Without the grace of God I would be in exactly the same position as the people I condemn, even if I don't mean to do it, when I think how I am now better than them, having been saved.
I feel that I am rambling slightly and not making myself very clear so I will end by letting God (through Paul) explain. The following verse is from 1 Timothy 1:15-16 and somes up pretty neatly that God saves us when we are just as bad, if not worse, than everyone else.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners— of whom I am the worst.
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
To this end I pray that everyone I know will keep reminding me of exactly what I am!
The song then centres around the idea that because the protagonist was once a thief he will never be allowed to forget it and as my title has it, people keep reminding me of what I am. This then somehow lead me to start thinking of what we are as christians, and what we once were and how it is very easy to forget that. (It is difficult to follow my thought patterns sometimes, I know!)
Being entirely honest with you all, I know I frequently think about how good it is being a christian and make the distinction between myself and secular people. Obviously a Christian there are some differences but I often get caught in the trap of thinking or saying "why would you do that" or "what sort of people are interested in that". Then later on I think about it some more and realise I know exactly, what sort of people.....people like me. Without the grace of God I would be in exactly the same position as the people I condemn, even if I don't mean to do it, when I think how I am now better than them, having been saved.
I feel that I am rambling slightly and not making myself very clear so I will end by letting God (through Paul) explain. The following verse is from 1 Timothy 1:15-16 and somes up pretty neatly that God saves us when we are just as bad, if not worse, than everyone else.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners— of whom I am the worst.
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
To this end I pray that everyone I know will keep reminding me of exactly what I am!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
That's why I remain yours truly, confused N10
O.K.... . .I'm gonna post today purely to avoid the continual barracking of "when are you going to update your blog?", despite the fact that I don't have a whole lot to say.
The title of my post today comes from a song on the new album by Ray Davies, a man who I talk about continually as the greatest songwriter in the world, period. His new solo album came out last week and debuted on chart at number 36, not bad for a dude in his sixties most famous in THE sixties!
Anyhow, it also makes a good title for my post as yesterday after having been up and working on my dissertation project for far too many hours straight, I attempted to leave a message as my msn sign in name asking for prayer for a meeting with my supervisor. It was only when I returned to this message after the meeting and some coffee that I realised it made no sense at all, it read
"please pray for me, dissertation dude at 3, work is hard, lost in santa fe, ants everywhere!"
If anyone can guess as to what that message means (imagine you read it on msn yesterday) please do let me know.
until then, I remain yours truly, confused, N10
The title of my post today comes from a song on the new album by Ray Davies, a man who I talk about continually as the greatest songwriter in the world, period. His new solo album came out last week and debuted on chart at number 36, not bad for a dude in his sixties most famous in THE sixties!
Anyhow, it also makes a good title for my post as yesterday after having been up and working on my dissertation project for far too many hours straight, I attempted to leave a message as my msn sign in name asking for prayer for a meeting with my supervisor. It was only when I returned to this message after the meeting and some coffee that I realised it made no sense at all, it read
"please pray for me, dissertation dude at 3, work is hard, lost in santa fe, ants everywhere!"
If anyone can guess as to what that message means (imagine you read it on msn yesterday) please do let me know.
until then, I remain yours truly, confused, N10
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
There are so many lies around
Firstly I have to apologise for the complete lack of posting for about a month but with one thing and another I haven’t really had time.
Today’s post will concern mainly a question arising from last night hall group bible study on Joshua 2. The question being “Is it ever right to lie?” The background to this being that Rahab lies to the king in order to protect two Israelites spies. This then ensures that she is kept safe when the Israelites later take control of the land. Initially, the question was raised that by her lying she was serving God’s purpose because in Matthew 1 we discover she is in fact an ancestor of Jesus. I think it is important to say that I don’t think God ever wants us to lie to serve him; he was simply using the fact that she lied and was then spared. It is also true that had she not lied and had been killed God would have brought about Jesus’ coming to earth in another way; it would not have made it impossible to happen. Anyway, the debate “Is it ever right to lie” is what I’m going to talk about if I haven’t bored you all to death already.
Disclaimer: the following is my opinion so please feel free to comment and disagree as you see fit.
I think the first thing to say is that lying is wrong, always. God does not want us to lie to people and I think that is quite clear, it’s up there with things like murder that most people would agree we just shouldn’t do. My opinion from this point is that although lying is wrong, there are circumstances in which we all do it. The fact that I think something is wrong does not mean that I wouldn’t do it at some point.
The cliché Hollywood example would be, someone is pointing a gun at the person I love and is going to kill her, I have a gun and can therefore take out the “bad guy” first, if I want to. Others may disagree but I am almost 100% certain that I would take the chance and shoot the other man, in order to protect the person I loved. This means that although I know killing is wrong, it would not prevent me from doing it if I thought it was necessary. This then effectively makes all situations like this a “means to an end” type scenario. If we value the end result highly enough then we will sacrifice principles and go against what we know is right to achieve them.
This ties in nicely with a point from a film I watched the other day, namely Batman Begins.
Liam Neeson’s character, Ducard, is intent on stopping the crime wave that is Gotham City. His means is by simply destroying it so that there is no trace of the evil remaining. Although you are meant to side with Batman, that this is not good, I can easily see how Ducard’s approach is reached and justified. The end, that the crime and evil in the city is ended for good, is so important to the man that he is willing to do something seemingly horrific and evil in order to achieve it.
I think that this lead to a sort of “everyone has there price” situation where it becomes simply a question of what we value highly enough to make us go against our beliefs. This would no doubt be different for everyone although there may well be some things that would affect many people.
Well there we go, that was a lot more than I intended to say, I hope I haven’t offended anyone and may have inspired some debate!
Moving to less deep subjects I was keenly watching the championship play-offs this weekend where Seattle beat Carolina and then Pittsburgh Steelers beat Denver Broncos. This deserves special mention as Denver have not been beaten at home all season and previously knocked out the N.E. Patriots, winners for the last two years.
So there it is, Pittsburgh Steelers Vs Seattle Seahawks – Sunday 5th Feb, about 11o’clock in England and sadly only available on Sky Sports 3 – I’m backing the Steelers!
Oh and one last thing especially for Angie
Detroit Tigers Rule!
Two guys called Magnum can’t be wrong!
Today’s post will concern mainly a question arising from last night hall group bible study on Joshua 2. The question being “Is it ever right to lie?” The background to this being that Rahab lies to the king in order to protect two Israelites spies. This then ensures that she is kept safe when the Israelites later take control of the land. Initially, the question was raised that by her lying she was serving God’s purpose because in Matthew 1 we discover she is in fact an ancestor of Jesus. I think it is important to say that I don’t think God ever wants us to lie to serve him; he was simply using the fact that she lied and was then spared. It is also true that had she not lied and had been killed God would have brought about Jesus’ coming to earth in another way; it would not have made it impossible to happen. Anyway, the debate “Is it ever right to lie” is what I’m going to talk about if I haven’t bored you all to death already.
Disclaimer: the following is my opinion so please feel free to comment and disagree as you see fit.
I think the first thing to say is that lying is wrong, always. God does not want us to lie to people and I think that is quite clear, it’s up there with things like murder that most people would agree we just shouldn’t do. My opinion from this point is that although lying is wrong, there are circumstances in which we all do it. The fact that I think something is wrong does not mean that I wouldn’t do it at some point.
The cliché Hollywood example would be, someone is pointing a gun at the person I love and is going to kill her, I have a gun and can therefore take out the “bad guy” first, if I want to. Others may disagree but I am almost 100% certain that I would take the chance and shoot the other man, in order to protect the person I loved. This means that although I know killing is wrong, it would not prevent me from doing it if I thought it was necessary. This then effectively makes all situations like this a “means to an end” type scenario. If we value the end result highly enough then we will sacrifice principles and go against what we know is right to achieve them.
This ties in nicely with a point from a film I watched the other day, namely Batman Begins.
Liam Neeson’s character, Ducard, is intent on stopping the crime wave that is Gotham City. His means is by simply destroying it so that there is no trace of the evil remaining. Although you are meant to side with Batman, that this is not good, I can easily see how Ducard’s approach is reached and justified. The end, that the crime and evil in the city is ended for good, is so important to the man that he is willing to do something seemingly horrific and evil in order to achieve it.
I think that this lead to a sort of “everyone has there price” situation where it becomes simply a question of what we value highly enough to make us go against our beliefs. This would no doubt be different for everyone although there may well be some things that would affect many people.
Well there we go, that was a lot more than I intended to say, I hope I haven’t offended anyone and may have inspired some debate!
Moving to less deep subjects I was keenly watching the championship play-offs this weekend where Seattle beat Carolina and then Pittsburgh Steelers beat Denver Broncos. This deserves special mention as Denver have not been beaten at home all season and previously knocked out the N.E. Patriots, winners for the last two years.
So there it is, Pittsburgh Steelers Vs Seattle Seahawks – Sunday 5th Feb, about 11o’clock in England and sadly only available on Sky Sports 3 – I’m backing the Steelers!
Oh and one last thing especially for Angie
Detroit Tigers Rule!
Two guys called Magnum can’t be wrong!
Monday, December 12, 2005
It's really good to see you rocking out and having fun
Well, its been an eventful few weeks since my last post and if it were not for my own incompetence I would have some entertaining and amusing pictures to post. However I have not yet managed to get them from my camara to the computer so todays post will be "text-only"
As the title may suggest not only am I having a great time at the moment I'm now even enjoying seeing other people having fun. Recent events including an open mic night, carol service and international christmas events have given me that feeling inside usually only read about in books. I've sort of had the time to take a step back and watch everyone else and think, isn't life great?
And then following on from that observation I've had the chance in my quiet times to relect on who makes life so great. If it wasn't for God's amazing gifts to us we wouldn't even be alive, never mind enjoying singing, playing football, dancing and all the other great things we do! With the situations in other countries and regions of the world at the moment it makes me realise just how priveledged I am to live where I do and I hope that I never take that for granted.
Anyway, future events for my 3 readers to note!
Mossley Hill carol service, tonight, 7:30pm
Is the Bible Valid? - Lunchbar, Mountford Hall, Thursday, 1pm
and for all those who I don't see again before the big day (though I suspect there may be an early morning post on the 25th)
Merry Christmas!
As the title may suggest not only am I having a great time at the moment I'm now even enjoying seeing other people having fun. Recent events including an open mic night, carol service and international christmas events have given me that feeling inside usually only read about in books. I've sort of had the time to take a step back and watch everyone else and think, isn't life great?
And then following on from that observation I've had the chance in my quiet times to relect on who makes life so great. If it wasn't for God's amazing gifts to us we wouldn't even be alive, never mind enjoying singing, playing football, dancing and all the other great things we do! With the situations in other countries and regions of the world at the moment it makes me realise just how priveledged I am to live where I do and I hope that I never take that for granted.
Anyway, future events for my 3 readers to note!
Mossley Hill carol service, tonight, 7:30pm
Is the Bible Valid? - Lunchbar, Mountford Hall, Thursday, 1pm
and for all those who I don't see again before the big day (though I suspect there may be an early morning post on the 25th)
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
I'm oh so happy, so glad to be alive
I nearly killed a small child today.
Having told this story to KC I was told I had to begin my blog with that opening.
Well I have to say that since returning from house party I am in a remarkably relaxed happy feeling. I was challenged along with many others to review my priorities and more importantly God’s priorities and I feel that I am getting a clearer understanding of what God wants me to be doing. I thought I was passionate about evangelism before but now I know I am. I will finish by saying that yesterday was our halls “go-week” event and at about twenty after nine, Rick and I went to talk to a guy. We were cautiously worried having been warned that he may throw a buddha at us, but he was actually a nice guy! He was open and actually interested in what we were saying and despite an obvious desire not to be converted by what we were saying it was good to talk to him for a while. And when I say a while, by the time we got done talking it was about eleven and I was feeling very tired, but very happy.
p.s. I didn’t kill the child – she ran in front of my bike but I managed to stop without hitting it!
Having told this story to KC I was told I had to begin my blog with that opening.
Well I have to say that since returning from house party I am in a remarkably relaxed happy feeling. I was challenged along with many others to review my priorities and more importantly God’s priorities and I feel that I am getting a clearer understanding of what God wants me to be doing. I thought I was passionate about evangelism before but now I know I am. I will finish by saying that yesterday was our halls “go-week” event and at about twenty after nine, Rick and I went to talk to a guy. We were cautiously worried having been warned that he may throw a buddha at us, but he was actually a nice guy! He was open and actually interested in what we were saying and despite an obvious desire not to be converted by what we were saying it was good to talk to him for a while. And when I say a while, by the time we got done talking it was about eleven and I was feeling very tired, but very happy.
p.s. I didn’t kill the child – she ran in front of my bike but I managed to stop without hitting it!
Thursday, November 24, 2005
This is Captain America Calling
Well finally the day of thanksgiving is upon us and in my quest to avoid becoming Americanised I am failing miserably. I have therefore decided, in a true British way, to pretend it isn't happening and hope that i'm not too Americanised when i go home at christmas. Try as I might to be British and Ignorant of thanksgiving I took the suggested quiz by KC and well see my score below, but I swear I guessed at some of them!
And so today I stand, a former typically awkward Englishman who is celebrating Thanksgiving, knows the words to "star spangled banner" and can recite the "Pledge of Allegiance" (anybody remember July 4th in Russia?)
Friday, November 04, 2005
Because the summer's all gone
No todays title is not in reference to the recent weather, although having been thoroughly soaked several times over the last few days i was seriously tempted to post critising the weather of this country.
Though the summer may be gone for this year there is always next year and with summer there is also . . .summer project!!! Yes these exciting evangelical extravaganza's will be back so i will take this opportunity to encourage everybody who is . . .actually no just everbody to consider going on a project. They are absolutely amazing times when you can learn so much about yourself and about God and his will for your life.
Failing that you can always get to know the Agape team in Liverpool and evangelise here in this very city!
"Students have begun to catch the vision for reaching their campus with the gospel and a desire to multiply their lives" say Ryan Hawkins, who has stepped up to lead this years team. "The most exciting thing has been seeing believers get to grips with what making disciples really means"
In other news, summer projects 05 beloved football team Zenit St Petersburg lost 1-0 to Bolton last night. Hopefully though we will all still be wearing those shirts with pride (we paid at least 4 pounds for them!!)
And finally, having gone to the doctors for about the zillienth time in recent months i was told they had screwed up my appointment and couldn't change my dressing, despite the fact that they also told me it needed changing. As a nurse (who couldn't help me, but could apparantly spend 10 minutes telling me why she couldnt help me without an appointment) explained that it needed doing, but they couldn't do it, i decided to make my point by saying "oh give me the dressing, i'll do it myself!"
And so i now find myself sitting here, with a dressing on the desk next to me wondering why oh why i made such a foolish offer? fortunately living opposite a staff nurse and church worker has its advantages! Thanks Kath (in advance)
Though the summer may be gone for this year there is always next year and with summer there is also . . .summer project!!! Yes these exciting evangelical extravaganza's will be back so i will take this opportunity to encourage everybody who is . . .actually no just everbody to consider going on a project. They are absolutely amazing times when you can learn so much about yourself and about God and his will for your life.
Failing that you can always get to know the Agape team in Liverpool and evangelise here in this very city!
"Students have begun to catch the vision for reaching their campus with the gospel and a desire to multiply their lives" say Ryan Hawkins, who has stepped up to lead this years team. "The most exciting thing has been seeing believers get to grips with what making disciples really means"
In other news, summer projects 05 beloved football team Zenit St Petersburg lost 1-0 to Bolton last night. Hopefully though we will all still be wearing those shirts with pride (we paid at least 4 pounds for them!!)
And finally, having gone to the doctors for about the zillienth time in recent months i was told they had screwed up my appointment and couldn't change my dressing, despite the fact that they also told me it needed changing. As a nurse (who couldn't help me, but could apparantly spend 10 minutes telling me why she couldnt help me without an appointment) explained that it needed doing, but they couldn't do it, i decided to make my point by saying "oh give me the dressing, i'll do it myself!"
And so i now find myself sitting here, with a dressing on the desk next to me wondering why oh why i made such a foolish offer? fortunately living opposite a staff nurse and church worker has its advantages! Thanks Kath (in advance)
Monday, October 31, 2005
Everone's got different views
I have to apologise profusely to all those people who said "I can't leave feedback on your blog because i don't have a blog and can't leave comments anonymously"
It turns out you were right . . . you couldn't leave comments!
but hopefully now that has been resolved so i hope to hear the views of "non-bloggers" on a regular basis.
And rest assured despite my hectic timetable, there will be something new to comment on in the next few days
As they say . . . .watch this space . . . . . . .
It turns out you were right . . . you couldn't leave comments!
but hopefully now that has been resolved so i hope to hear the views of "non-bloggers" on a regular basis.
And rest assured despite my hectic timetable, there will be something new to comment on in the next few days
As they say . . . .watch this space . . . . . . .
Friday, October 21, 2005
'Cause we're all Gods children
The titles are getting even more strained now, but this is still a song lyric so I'm not doing too badly.
I was walking down Smithdown Road the other day and passed one of those church billboards that display various gospel messages against a lurid fluorescent background. This one was different though, and despite the fact that I was too far away to know what the writing said I was strangely drawn to it and crossed the road to investigate further.
on it was the opening of Psalm 19 and for some reason, in a very cheesy cliche Christian sense, it just seemed really true. So I decided to share it with anyone who happens to read my blog.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands"
Wouldn't it be great to remember this passage next time we look out of the window and complain that its raining and cold and miserable. It's an amazing blessing from God that we're here at all so lets rejoice and give him the praise he deserves!
And now for the shameless plug now that I have everyones attention.
"24/7 Prayer!"
I can't help feeling that there is a lack of prayer around at the moment. I know everyone has work to do and even within Christian circles we have meetings to plan and events to co-ordinate and run but - in a similar theme to the verse above - its only by God's grace and blessing that any of these things can happen, let alone be a success.
So, please consider calling in a the Anglican Chaplaincy for this week of God centered prayer and I pray that we all come out of it with a renewed enthusiasm and passion for prayer.
I was walking down Smithdown Road the other day and passed one of those church billboards that display various gospel messages against a lurid fluorescent background. This one was different though, and despite the fact that I was too far away to know what the writing said I was strangely drawn to it and crossed the road to investigate further.
on it was the opening of Psalm 19 and for some reason, in a very cheesy cliche Christian sense, it just seemed really true. So I decided to share it with anyone who happens to read my blog.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands"
Wouldn't it be great to remember this passage next time we look out of the window and complain that its raining and cold and miserable. It's an amazing blessing from God that we're here at all so lets rejoice and give him the praise he deserves!
And now for the shameless plug now that I have everyones attention.
"24/7 Prayer!"
I can't help feeling that there is a lack of prayer around at the moment. I know everyone has work to do and even within Christian circles we have meetings to plan and events to co-ordinate and run but - in a similar theme to the verse above - its only by God's grace and blessing that any of these things can happen, let alone be a success.
So, please consider calling in a the Anglican Chaplaincy for this week of God centered prayer and I pray that we all come out of it with a renewed enthusiasm and passion for prayer.
Monday, October 17, 2005
When he feels down he puts some rock and roll on . . .
Apologies for the strained title of todays Blog but I decided that all my titles would be borrowed from song lyrics and that was the most appropriate I could think of!
After a hard day yesterday I realised that I retreat into a musical haven by playing certain songs or bands that somehow just make me feel relaxed and put me in a good mood.
Do other people do the same? and if so, what is your music of choice? Do you have that song or maybe that band that puts you in a better frame of mind?
As a starting point I'll tell you that I listened to a relatively unknown band called The Kinks who I'm sure people are fed up of me talking about - they were big in the sixties but then transformed into a stadium rock act in america in the 70's - 80's.
After a hard day yesterday I realised that I retreat into a musical haven by playing certain songs or bands that somehow just make me feel relaxed and put me in a good mood.
Do other people do the same? and if so, what is your music of choice? Do you have that song or maybe that band that puts you in a better frame of mind?
As a starting point I'll tell you that I listened to a relatively unknown band called The Kinks who I'm sure people are fed up of me talking about - they were big in the sixties but then transformed into a stadium rock act in america in the 70's - 80's.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Disillusioned by the promises they made?
Good Morning, despite much advise not to begin debate on this subject the topic of blog today will be "who should be the next leader of the conservative party . . . .place bet now!"
It doesn't matter whether you are a political genius or you just like the name of one of the candidates, whoever you are and whatever your reasons i'd like to know your choice as leader. I'll also add now that i'll try to be objective in my comments and that i'm not trying to support or decry the conservatives and do not want a debate about how good or bad they are compared to other parties etc etc. The question is love them or hate them, who should be the next leader?
The Candidates
David Cameron - At 39 a young pretender to the throne and a very accomplished speaker and politician but can he lead the party with policy decisions?
Liam Fox - Frankly, doesnt stand much chance. campaigning for the same supporters a david davis, and there aren't too many of them
David Davis - Has proved he could do the job but is unknown. Could he hold the party together?
Ken Clarke - A bruiser from the Thatcher years he has the populist appeal, the experience and could certainly take on Blair, Brown et al. At 65 may be considered to old and his previous Europhile views will haunt him for a while
There you go, thats them all . . . . doesnt look too good does it! Feel free to include your own suggestions although i have already checked and Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street will not be entering the race!
For what its worth my backing goes to the Big Beast, Ken Clarke, anyone else?
It doesn't matter whether you are a political genius or you just like the name of one of the candidates, whoever you are and whatever your reasons i'd like to know your choice as leader. I'll also add now that i'll try to be objective in my comments and that i'm not trying to support or decry the conservatives and do not want a debate about how good or bad they are compared to other parties etc etc. The question is love them or hate them, who should be the next leader?
The Candidates
David Cameron - At 39 a young pretender to the throne and a very accomplished speaker and politician but can he lead the party with policy decisions?
Liam Fox - Frankly, doesnt stand much chance. campaigning for the same supporters a david davis, and there aren't too many of them
David Davis - Has proved he could do the job but is unknown. Could he hold the party together?
Ken Clarke - A bruiser from the Thatcher years he has the populist appeal, the experience and could certainly take on Blair, Brown et al. At 65 may be considered to old and his previous Europhile views will haunt him for a while
There you go, thats them all . . . . doesnt look too good does it! Feel free to include your own suggestions although i have already checked and Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street will not be entering the race!
For what its worth my backing goes to the Big Beast, Ken Clarke, anyone else?
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Hello, Good Afternoon and Welcome
This is my inaugural posting on my very own blog. I don't intend to write much but heres a question. . . .where does the term "blog" originate from?
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