Wednesday 31 December 2008
Lips that touch Liquor
With thanks to Terry Virgo's blog for this, found in a 1919 Montana history book. After seeing these good folks...... no doubt you will be enjoying your drinks at the new year! Happy New Year.
Monday 22 December 2008
Puzzle....
You are riding on a beautiful white horse. On your left side is a steep drop. On your right side are several ostriches being chased by a lion. In front of you are four large gazelles that won't get out of your way and you can't seem to overtake them. Behind you is a stampede of horses. What must you do to get out of this highly dangerous situation?
Stop drinking so much and get off the carousel!
Stop drinking so much and get off the carousel!
Wednesday 17 December 2008
The Physics of Santa
· No known species of reindeer can fly. BUT there are 300,000 species of living organisms yet to be classified, and while most of these are insects and germs, this does not COMPLETELY rule out flying reindeer, which only Santa has ever seen.
· There are 2 billion children (persons under 18) in the world but only 15% in the ‘Santa’ believing world – so that’s 378 million. At an average of 3.5 children per household (latest census), that's 91.8 million homes. One presumes there's at least one good child in each.
· Santa has 31 hours of Christmas to work with, thanks to the different time zones and the rotation of the earth, and assuming he travels east to west (which seems logical). This works out to 822.6 visits per second. This is to say that for each household with good children, Santa has 1/1000th of a second to park, hop out of his sleigh, jump down the chimney, fill the stockings, distribute the remaining presents under the tree, eat whatever snacks have been left, get back up the chimney, get back into the sleigh and move on to the next house. Assuming that each of these 91.8 million stops are evenly distributed around the earth (which, of course we know to be false) we are now talking about 0.78 miles per household, a total trip of 75.5 million miles, not counting stops to do what most of us must do at least once every 31 hours. This means that Santa's sleigh is moving at 650 miles per second, 3000 times the speed of sound. For purposes of comparison, the fastest man-made vehicle on earth, the Ulysses space probe, moves at 27.4 miles per second - a conventional reindeer can run, tops, 15 miles per hour.
· The payload on the sleigh adds another interesting element. Assuming that each child gets nothing more than a medium-sized lego set (2 pounds), the sleigh is carrying 321,300 tons, not counting Santa, who is invariably described as overweight. On land, conventional reindeer can pull no more than 300 pounds. Even granting that "flying reindeer" (refer to point #1) could pull TEN TIMES the normal load, we need 214,200 reindeer. This increases the payload to 353,430 tons. Again, for comparison - this is four times the weight of the Queen Elizabeth cruise liner.
· 353,430 tons travelling at 650 miles per second creates enormous air resistance - this will heat the reindeer up in the same fashion as spacecrafts re-entering the earth's atmosphere. The lead pair of reindeer will each absorb 14.3 QUINTILLION joules of energy per SECOND. In short, they will burst into flames almost instantaneously, exposing the reindeer behind them, and create a deafening sonic boom in their wake. The entire reindeer team will be vaporized within 4.26 thousandths of a second. Santa, meanwhile, will be subjected to centrifugal forces 17,500.06 times greater than gravity. A 250 pound Santa (which seems ludicrously slim) would be pinned to the back of his sleigh by 4,315,015 pounds of force. Before he died, that is.
· There are 2 billion children (persons under 18) in the world but only 15% in the ‘Santa’ believing world – so that’s 378 million. At an average of 3.5 children per household (latest census), that's 91.8 million homes. One presumes there's at least one good child in each.
· Santa has 31 hours of Christmas to work with, thanks to the different time zones and the rotation of the earth, and assuming he travels east to west (which seems logical). This works out to 822.6 visits per second. This is to say that for each household with good children, Santa has 1/1000th of a second to park, hop out of his sleigh, jump down the chimney, fill the stockings, distribute the remaining presents under the tree, eat whatever snacks have been left, get back up the chimney, get back into the sleigh and move on to the next house. Assuming that each of these 91.8 million stops are evenly distributed around the earth (which, of course we know to be false) we are now talking about 0.78 miles per household, a total trip of 75.5 million miles, not counting stops to do what most of us must do at least once every 31 hours. This means that Santa's sleigh is moving at 650 miles per second, 3000 times the speed of sound. For purposes of comparison, the fastest man-made vehicle on earth, the Ulysses space probe, moves at 27.4 miles per second - a conventional reindeer can run, tops, 15 miles per hour.
· The payload on the sleigh adds another interesting element. Assuming that each child gets nothing more than a medium-sized lego set (2 pounds), the sleigh is carrying 321,300 tons, not counting Santa, who is invariably described as overweight. On land, conventional reindeer can pull no more than 300 pounds. Even granting that "flying reindeer" (refer to point #1) could pull TEN TIMES the normal load, we need 214,200 reindeer. This increases the payload to 353,430 tons. Again, for comparison - this is four times the weight of the Queen Elizabeth cruise liner.
· 353,430 tons travelling at 650 miles per second creates enormous air resistance - this will heat the reindeer up in the same fashion as spacecrafts re-entering the earth's atmosphere. The lead pair of reindeer will each absorb 14.3 QUINTILLION joules of energy per SECOND. In short, they will burst into flames almost instantaneously, exposing the reindeer behind them, and create a deafening sonic boom in their wake. The entire reindeer team will be vaporized within 4.26 thousandths of a second. Santa, meanwhile, will be subjected to centrifugal forces 17,500.06 times greater than gravity. A 250 pound Santa (which seems ludicrously slim) would be pinned to the back of his sleigh by 4,315,015 pounds of force. Before he died, that is.
Friday 12 December 2008
Friday 5 December 2008
The Pain Barrier
A month ago I pulled my back- I mean REALLY pulled my back. I have been able to keep working, but only with almost addictive doses of painkillers.
Today, I managed a whole day without painkillers. Phew!….. on the mend.
Like most men, I’m a wimp when it comes to pain, but I have found the whole episode helpful in a way. When your body hurts, it’s easy to let it affect your mind. Or, at least it is for me. I can choose to have my whole day affected by pain, or I can work through it. I have found the added challenge of each day has actually had a beneficial side effect- the pain has forced me only to do what matters. It has caused me to think about what matters. I have had to fight through each day, and my mind has been all the sharper for it.
One of the best examples of dealing with pain in the Bible is Jacob’s story. (Genesis 32: 24-32). He fought God and as a result walked with a limp, leaning on a staff- a reminder of how much he relied on God for his very existence.
My pain will soon be gone and I won’t have a limp- but I trust I will be clearer on my priorities and less assuming of my health. (Only a few more trips to the physio!)
Today, I managed a whole day without painkillers. Phew!….. on the mend.
Like most men, I’m a wimp when it comes to pain, but I have found the whole episode helpful in a way. When your body hurts, it’s easy to let it affect your mind. Or, at least it is for me. I can choose to have my whole day affected by pain, or I can work through it. I have found the added challenge of each day has actually had a beneficial side effect- the pain has forced me only to do what matters. It has caused me to think about what matters. I have had to fight through each day, and my mind has been all the sharper for it.
One of the best examples of dealing with pain in the Bible is Jacob’s story. (Genesis 32: 24-32). He fought God and as a result walked with a limp, leaning on a staff- a reminder of how much he relied on God for his very existence.
My pain will soon be gone and I won’t have a limp- but I trust I will be clearer on my priorities and less assuming of my health. (Only a few more trips to the physio!)
Monday 17 November 2008
Praise You in the Storm
A couple of months back, I had the privilege of speaking at KingsGate Church, my home church in Peterborough. As part of my talk, I used a short dvd of a song. A number of people have asked me what the song was and whether there was access to the dvd presentation. The link is below.
The song, ‘Praise You in the Storm’ by Casting Crowns, became very precious to me over a three year period. It was a period of turmoil in my life with two redundancies. Plus I turned 50. This was something of a shock! I coped with turning 40 without a problem but 50 was something else!
I determined that age would not be a barrier to life (and this blog was one of the results- the blog address refers to the mountains I intend to climb in my 50’s and beyond.)
Back to the song. In the hard times, the words expressed so well where I was at. Some times all I could do was sing the first verse- it just felt like it was still raining, so many things unresolved. Other times I reached the chorus- I can be thankful, even in the storm!
Enjoy the song.
The song, ‘Praise You in the Storm’ by Casting Crowns, became very precious to me over a three year period. It was a period of turmoil in my life with two redundancies. Plus I turned 50. This was something of a shock! I coped with turning 40 without a problem but 50 was something else!
I determined that age would not be a barrier to life (and this blog was one of the results- the blog address refers to the mountains I intend to climb in my 50’s and beyond.)
Back to the song. In the hard times, the words expressed so well where I was at. Some times all I could do was sing the first verse- it just felt like it was still raining, so many things unresolved. Other times I reached the chorus- I can be thankful, even in the storm!
Enjoy the song.
Friday 14 November 2008
Exclusive Picture- Water on Mars!
One of the big news stories this year has been the search for water on Mars- signs that there may have been life there. Here is an exclusive picture (well nearly!) showing that -yes indeed- there is water on Mars!
#Thanks to Tom Stevens for this
#Even funnier as I work for Mars! (The confectionery company, not the planet!)
#Thanks to Tom Stevens for this
#Even funnier as I work for Mars! (The confectionery company, not the planet!)
Friday 7 November 2008
The Audacity of Hope
Less than 150 years ago, there was still slavery in America. 80 years ago, there were over 6 million members of the racist Ku Klux Klan. 36 years ago, there was still racial segregation.
Just 45 years ago Martin Luther King delivered his famous ‘I have a dream’ speech which included: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
The dream came true. On Tuesday 4th November 2008, Senator Barack Obama was elected the first black President of the United States, the most powerful position on the planet.
In 2006, Obama wrote the book ‘The Audacity of Hope’, the title taken from a sermon he had heard. This is what he says:
‘I'm not talking about blind optimism here……….. No, I'm talking about something more substantial. It's the hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs; the hope of immigrants setting out for distant shores;…… the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too. Hope in the face of difficulty. Hope in the face of uncertainty. The audacity of hope!’
Just 45 years ago Martin Luther King delivered his famous ‘I have a dream’ speech which included: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
The dream came true. On Tuesday 4th November 2008, Senator Barack Obama was elected the first black President of the United States, the most powerful position on the planet.
In 2006, Obama wrote the book ‘The Audacity of Hope’, the title taken from a sermon he had heard. This is what he says:
‘I'm not talking about blind optimism here……….. No, I'm talking about something more substantial. It's the hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs; the hope of immigrants setting out for distant shores;…… the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too. Hope in the face of difficulty. Hope in the face of uncertainty. The audacity of hope!’
Monday 3 November 2008
Criminal
Ever got into something too deep and no matter what you do, it just gets deeper and deeper?
The Economist reports on the Governor of the Central Bank of Indonesia, just jailed for 5 years. He used bank funds to…. bribe members of parliament to…. pay for lawyers to…. defend bank officials accused of corruption!
The Economist reports on the Governor of the Central Bank of Indonesia, just jailed for 5 years. He used bank funds to…. bribe members of parliament to…. pay for lawyers to…. defend bank officials accused of corruption!
Monday 27 October 2008
We have a lot of know-how, but where’s the know-why?
We can split the atom, fly to the moon, scan the eye and sat-nav our way around the world. We can create, design, develop and build. We have an amazing amount of know-how. By why? What is the use of know-how if we don’t have any know-why?
Peter Lewis wrote ‘our data banks are loaded with technical know-how, while our century has become bankrupt of know-why. Even as we solve the problems, we remain our greatest problem. We can control colossal forces but we cannot control ourselves….. Having locked God out of a scientifically determined universe, we now find ourselves lost in a spiritually empty universe: one with no higher purpose and in which life has no ultimate meaning.’
In a time of credit crunch and bank collapses, we need more than know-how.
The know-why is approximately 2000 years old.
Peter Lewis wrote ‘our data banks are loaded with technical know-how, while our century has become bankrupt of know-why. Even as we solve the problems, we remain our greatest problem. We can control colossal forces but we cannot control ourselves….. Having locked God out of a scientifically determined universe, we now find ourselves lost in a spiritually empty universe: one with no higher purpose and in which life has no ultimate meaning.’
In a time of credit crunch and bank collapses, we need more than know-how.
The know-why is approximately 2000 years old.
Sunday 12 October 2008
Necker Island Again
Friends have asked me to post a few more photo's from our amazing holiday, so here they are. Trust they don't cause you to break the 11th Commandment - 'Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours holiday'!
Monday 6 October 2008
Thank you Virgin Atlantic
For those of you who are regular readers of this blog, you will know why it’s been silent for the last week or more. Roh and I have just returned from the holiday of a lifetime, courtesy of Richard Branson.
Earlier in the year I was the fortunate winner of a Virgin Atlantic frequent flyers draw- and the prize was a week for two on Richard Branson's private island, Necker Island in the Caribbean (the Virgin Islands of course!). It really was the holiday of a lifetime. We were the sole occupants a 3 storey Bali style villa in the middle of the island (see picture). There was sailing, tennis, speed boats, snorkelling- and as much food and drink as you could manage- all for free.
And the beauty was stunning. A tropical island next to a coral reef. I’m not sure the photo’s do justice to it.
And look who Roh found.....
One of the highlights was climbing up to the ‘crows nest’ in the main house at night and looking up at the stars (while drinking champagne!). You could see the Milky Way with the naked eye. The stars were in 3-D, not just a flat sky as we see in the UK. Such amazing beauty. Such incredible creation.
‘When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?’ Psalm 8: 3-4
Earlier in the year I was the fortunate winner of a Virgin Atlantic frequent flyers draw- and the prize was a week for two on Richard Branson's private island, Necker Island in the Caribbean (the Virgin Islands of course!). It really was the holiday of a lifetime. We were the sole occupants a 3 storey Bali style villa in the middle of the island (see picture). There was sailing, tennis, speed boats, snorkelling- and as much food and drink as you could manage- all for free.
And the beauty was stunning. A tropical island next to a coral reef. I’m not sure the photo’s do justice to it.
And look who Roh found.....
One of the highlights was climbing up to the ‘crows nest’ in the main house at night and looking up at the stars (while drinking champagne!). You could see the Milky Way with the naked eye. The stars were in 3-D, not just a flat sky as we see in the UK. Such amazing beauty. Such incredible creation.
‘When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?’ Psalm 8: 3-4
Saturday 13 September 2008
Laminin
I’d never heard of Laminin until the other day, but it’s been with me all of my life. Laminin, according to Wikipedia, is a protien molecule that ‘is capable of binding to cells, which helps anchor the actual organs to the membrane. Laminin is vital to making sure overall body structures hold together.’
In other words, Laminin is the vital piece in our body that holds us together. Now have a look at the shape of Laminin:
Wow! Laminin, the essential protien that holds our body together is cross shaped. Paul, writing to the Colossian church says this about Jesus:
‘He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.’ (Colossians 1: 15-17)
All things hold together by the cross.
Have a look at this short talk. It’s worth your time:
In other words, Laminin is the vital piece in our body that holds us together. Now have a look at the shape of Laminin:
Wow! Laminin, the essential protien that holds our body together is cross shaped. Paul, writing to the Colossian church says this about Jesus:
‘He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.’ (Colossians 1: 15-17)
All things hold together by the cross.
Have a look at this short talk. It’s worth your time:
Friday 5 September 2008
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 mountains....
Each day this week has been a mountain as I start my new job with Mars. I love it so far- but have a severe case of information overload! Inevitable with a new job I guess. Anyway, I’ll keep climbing…
Tuesday 26 August 2008
Mountain climbed!
A great two weeks in the Lake District. Except for the weather. Any ‘sun tan’ is actually rust!
Appropriate to my blog, Roh and I actually climbed a few mountains. The photo is me at the top of Ullock Pike, having just got through a hail storm to get there!
We followed the Alfred Wainwright guides for the most part. A remarkable man, he walked, wrote about and drew every mountain, hill and fell in the Lakes. His books continue to sell, even though they were written over 50 years ago now.
He has a nice line in book dedications and his book on the North Western Fells is dedicated to ‘those unlovely twins, my right leg and my left leg, staunch supporters that have carried me about for over half a century, endured much without complaint and never once let me down’.
I trust that as I continue to climb mountains, both metaphorical and literal, my legs, heart, mind and spirit will continue to be my staunch supporters!
Thursday 21 August 2008
Gold medals
I’m not sure how many medals Great Britain has accumulated so far in the Beijing Olympics, but I do know it’s more than we had ever hoped for! At the time of writing, we are still third in the medals table, behind the ‘superpowers’ of China and the USA. Gold, gold and more gold!
I love sport. Any sport really. I love the competitiveness, the passion to win. You see the raw emotion on the faces of the rowers as they cross the line. You hear the incoherent interview with a sailing winner as she cries her heart out. You watch the incredulity on the face of a track winner as they look up at the big screen and see they have won.
I’m in a race too. The Bible tells me to 'throw off every weight that slows' me down and 'run with endurance the race marked out' for me. This race lasts a lifetime. It’s completed as I cross the finishing line into the forever-life God offers freely if you believe. I believe.
I don’t deserve this forever-life from God. But He gives it freely. I accept.
And one day, as I cross the finishing line, I will take my medal and lay it at the feet of the One who ran His race and gave His life for me.
I love sport. Any sport really. I love the competitiveness, the passion to win. You see the raw emotion on the faces of the rowers as they cross the line. You hear the incoherent interview with a sailing winner as she cries her heart out. You watch the incredulity on the face of a track winner as they look up at the big screen and see they have won.
I’m in a race too. The Bible tells me to 'throw off every weight that slows' me down and 'run with endurance the race marked out' for me. This race lasts a lifetime. It’s completed as I cross the finishing line into the forever-life God offers freely if you believe. I believe.
I don’t deserve this forever-life from God. But He gives it freely. I accept.
And one day, as I cross the finishing line, I will take my medal and lay it at the feet of the One who ran His race and gave His life for me.
Friday 1 August 2008
Hello, I'm from Mars
Not many people can say that.
The paperwork was completed this week. From September I will be working for Mars as their Pensions and Benefits Director. I'm looking forward to it. So are the kids.... free chocolate rates better than discounted paint from my last job at ICI!
The paperwork was completed this week. From September I will be working for Mars as their Pensions and Benefits Director. I'm looking forward to it. So are the kids.... free chocolate rates better than discounted paint from my last job at ICI!
Monday 28 July 2008
The Uncommon Reader
I have just finished reading a short book by the playwright Alan Bennett, called The Uncommon Reader.
It’s a fictional story of a mobile library arriving at Buckingham Palace and the Queen rediscovering her love for books. Walking her corgis one day the Queen stumbles upon the mobile library. Not wanting to seem rude she borrows a book, and then another. Soon she has been bitten by the bug and finds herself reading whenever she gets a moment. She becomes adroit at reading in the car while waving with her free hand and seems to be neglecting her once impeccably performed duties….
It’s very clever- anyone who genuinely loves books will be smiling on every page! It’s a kick at ‘the establishment’ too, but mostly it’s about the love of books… so if you know me, you know why I loved it!
It’s a fictional story of a mobile library arriving at Buckingham Palace and the Queen rediscovering her love for books. Walking her corgis one day the Queen stumbles upon the mobile library. Not wanting to seem rude she borrows a book, and then another. Soon she has been bitten by the bug and finds herself reading whenever she gets a moment. She becomes adroit at reading in the car while waving with her free hand and seems to be neglecting her once impeccably performed duties….
It’s very clever- anyone who genuinely loves books will be smiling on every page! It’s a kick at ‘the establishment’ too, but mostly it’s about the love of books… so if you know me, you know why I loved it!
Wednesday 16 July 2008
Chariots of Fire?
One of the funnier moments at the conference last week was when I decided to go out running. I ran from the centre of Brighton up to the Marina and back. It was a lovely afternoon, the sun was shining- and I felt good! In fact I felt strong and healthy.
I noticed that I seemed to be running faster than usual. There was a spring in my step. I complimented myself on my fitness. The theme tune from ‘Chariots of Fire’ was running in my head….
Having stopped to look around the Marina, I started to run back. I could hardly move forward! The strength of the wind was such that it was all I could do to walk into it.
I had totally missed the fact that the wind was pushing me along on the first leg. My feeling fit was nothing more than a wind assisted run. The Chariots of Fire theme tune has been relegated to the back of the mind again!
I noticed that I seemed to be running faster than usual. There was a spring in my step. I complimented myself on my fitness. The theme tune from ‘Chariots of Fire’ was running in my head….
Having stopped to look around the Marina, I started to run back. I could hardly move forward! The strength of the wind was such that it was all I could do to walk into it.
I had totally missed the fact that the wind was pushing me along on the first leg. My feeling fit was nothing more than a wind assisted run. The Chariots of Fire theme tune has been relegated to the back of the mind again!
Friday 11 July 2008
Honouring the founder and the future
I’m just back from a Newfrontiers Christian conference down in Brighton. The keynote speaker, Mark Driscoll said something that I think has such a wisdom about it, not just for Newfrontiers, but for any organisation.
Mark spoke of the need to honour both the founder and the future. Too much honouring of the founder means the future gets forgotten. Too much honouring of the future means the founder gets shipwrecked. The two need to be in balance. In any organisation, there has to be recognition of what has been achieved and the pioneers who managed it. But there always needs to be a looking forward to the future. If there is not, the organisation will be short-lived.
The best leaders allow for succession- honouring the past, looking to the future.
Mark spoke of the need to honour both the founder and the future. Too much honouring of the founder means the future gets forgotten. Too much honouring of the future means the founder gets shipwrecked. The two need to be in balance. In any organisation, there has to be recognition of what has been achieved and the pioneers who managed it. But there always needs to be a looking forward to the future. If there is not, the organisation will be short-lived.
The best leaders allow for succession- honouring the past, looking to the future.
Thursday 3 July 2008
God-life
The book is out....
Having been writing it for the last 2 years or so, in airport lounges, hotel rooms and many a weekend, it's great to get the book published.
I'm not exactly a prolific writer- this is only my second book and the first was nearly 15 years ago!
It's called 'God-life' and it helps those with a Christian faith go deeper. I've filled it with stories, quotes and illustrations which I hope will help make it both readable and memorable. And more importantly, life-changing.
If you want a copy, email me at
ralphcturner@gmail.com
The recommended retail price is £6.99, but I can sell for £5.70 including post and packaging. Hope you enjoy it!
Tuesday 1 July 2008
Murray's mountain
Josh and I settled down to watch Andrew Murray take on Roger Gasquet on TV last night, at Wimbledon. Some hours later, still playing through to about 9.30pm, we felt as if we had played the match, it was so exhausting.
Having been two sets down and with the Frenchman serving for the match, Murray managed to break back. He then won the tie break and followed it by winning the final two sets. What a comeback. One of the best matches I’ve seen in a long time.
Quite a mountain to climb, but Murray did it.
Thursday 26 June 2008
How the mighty have fallen
I’ve just walked from Baker Street tube station to Manchester Square for the last time. Or at least for the last time to the ICI Head Office. The office closes this weekend and I’m redundant from today.
I’m not sure the new Dutch owners have done a very good job of managing the acquisition, but I wish them well. For me it’s been a frustrating job, joining just 18 months ago. The clouds of being bought as a company gathered soon after my arrival and any worthwhile work stopped soon after.
I’m sure I’ll find another job, though I could have done without this after such a short time! What I will miss most is what I always miss on a job move- the people. Now scattered to the four corners of the job market, I hope to keep in touch with my former ICI colleagues.
ICI, once the ‘bellwether’ of British industry. How the mighty have fallen.
I’m not sure the new Dutch owners have done a very good job of managing the acquisition, but I wish them well. For me it’s been a frustrating job, joining just 18 months ago. The clouds of being bought as a company gathered soon after my arrival and any worthwhile work stopped soon after.
I’m sure I’ll find another job, though I could have done without this after such a short time! What I will miss most is what I always miss on a job move- the people. Now scattered to the four corners of the job market, I hope to keep in touch with my former ICI colleagues.
ICI, once the ‘bellwether’ of British industry. How the mighty have fallen.
Monday 23 June 2008
30 years and still going strong
Roh and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in style at the weekend. Around 140 friends and family gathered for an evening soiree (didn't know that was what they were called until someone told me at the weekend- I was just calling it an evening do!).
It was a great time. We hired a band called Sejuice, up from London. A mix of swing, jazz and easy pop, they were a real success. I was so proud of Roh, she did a fantastic speech. And after 30 years, I love her more than ever. My contribution in my speech was a poem by E E Cummings. A bit soft and sentimental, but it says all I wanted to say:
i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)
i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear;
and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)
i want no world (for beautiful, you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)
It was a great time. We hired a band called Sejuice, up from London. A mix of swing, jazz and easy pop, they were a real success. I was so proud of Roh, she did a fantastic speech. And after 30 years, I love her more than ever. My contribution in my speech was a poem by E E Cummings. A bit soft and sentimental, but it says all I wanted to say:
i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)
i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear;
and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)
i want no world (for beautiful, you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)
Thursday 19 June 2008
Climbing the mountain of forgiveness
I read an amazing thing the other day. At the point that East Germany became free from communist rule, they had their first free elections.
The first thing the newly elected politicians did was to make a statement, part of which follows:
‘We, the first freely elected parliamentarians of the GDR… on behalf of the citizens of this land, admit responsibility for the humiliation, expulsion and murder of Jewish men, women and children. We feel sorrow and shame, and acknowledge this burden of German history…. Immeasurable suffering was inflicted on the people of the world during the era of national socialism… We ask the Jews of the world to forgive us….’
Having read the statement, there was spontaneous applause throughout the parliament, and then a period of silence as they remembered those who had died.
Such forgiveness will not bring back those who died, but it builds bridges of friendship and a release of forgiveness. As Lewis Smedes says, ‘when we genuinely forgive, we set a prisoner free and then discover that the prisoner we set free was us’.
Climbing the mountain of forgiveness is always worth it.
The first thing the newly elected politicians did was to make a statement, part of which follows:
‘We, the first freely elected parliamentarians of the GDR… on behalf of the citizens of this land, admit responsibility for the humiliation, expulsion and murder of Jewish men, women and children. We feel sorrow and shame, and acknowledge this burden of German history…. Immeasurable suffering was inflicted on the people of the world during the era of national socialism… We ask the Jews of the world to forgive us….’
Having read the statement, there was spontaneous applause throughout the parliament, and then a period of silence as they remembered those who had died.
Such forgiveness will not bring back those who died, but it builds bridges of friendship and a release of forgiveness. As Lewis Smedes says, ‘when we genuinely forgive, we set a prisoner free and then discover that the prisoner we set free was us’.
Climbing the mountain of forgiveness is always worth it.
Monday 9 June 2008
Living above the clouds
A stressful day and a glorious day. I was over in Munich, undergoing three interviews for a job I may or may not want- and may or may not be offered! It was a gloriously hot day, so despite the stress levels, I couldn't but enjoy it!
Coming back on the plane, the sun was shining in through the window most of the way. As the plane went through a cloud, it caught the suns rays in a hundred different colours.
The Psalmist says (Psalm 139, Amplified Bible) God has embroidered our lives in various colours- I caught a glimpse of some of them today.
I got home and went running round the lake- a good stress reliever! The sun had gone down but was still casting light on the horizon, causing the clouds to turn beautiful shades of red and gold.
Solomon was having a bad day when he wrote in the Bible 'there is nothing new under the sun' He's right of course- if we choose to live under the sun! But I chose to live above it- or at least above the clouds!
Coming back on the plane, the sun was shining in through the window most of the way. As the plane went through a cloud, it caught the suns rays in a hundred different colours.
The Psalmist says (Psalm 139, Amplified Bible) God has embroidered our lives in various colours- I caught a glimpse of some of them today.
I got home and went running round the lake- a good stress reliever! The sun had gone down but was still casting light on the horizon, causing the clouds to turn beautiful shades of red and gold.
Solomon was having a bad day when he wrote in the Bible 'there is nothing new under the sun' He's right of course- if we choose to live under the sun! But I chose to live above it- or at least above the clouds!
Friday 30 May 2008
More than 100 uncontacted tribes
It's an amazing thought, in this internet century, that there are still uncontacted peoples on the face of the earth.
Just this week, a flight from the National Indian Foundation in Brazil photographed warriors living in six huts deep in the jungle by the border of Peru. Never before seen or photographed, they represent a first sight of one of the over 100 tribes still uncontacted by the rest of the world, most of them in Brazil and Peru.
May we tread carefully as we reach them. May they find the love of God and not the greed of man.
Monday 19 May 2008
Coffee with Ahmed and Ali the Iranians
Another day, another coffee.
I first came across the Iranian freedom movement when I met an Iranian businessman in London, whose wife had been buried alive by the current regime. How can I not respond to that?
This week I had coffee with Ahmed and Ali (names changed). Ahmed had returned to Iran with his wife a few years back in order to try and help the country in any way they could. One day Ahmed’s wife was returning from school where she was a teacher. She saw a disturbance and went over to look. At that moment the police arrived and arrested everybody, including Ahmed’s wife.
It took him three months to get permission to see her. By the time he did, she had lost half her body weight and her face was blue from bruising. They were torturing her, as one of the ‘educated elite’, so despised by the authorities. They were trying to get her to admit to crimes she had not committed. She refused to do so. Ahmed’s father and mother-in-law tried to bribe the authorities in order to secure release. This seemed to have worked as after about six months, Ahmed got a call to ask him to collect his wife.
He was kept waiting in the prison reception a long time and was eventually shown in to a room. There were dead bodies across the floor. All had been executed. He had been contacted in order to collect his wife’s body.
Ahmed is now in the West, working for freedom in Iran. My money may help a little. I trust my prayers will help more.
I first came across the Iranian freedom movement when I met an Iranian businessman in London, whose wife had been buried alive by the current regime. How can I not respond to that?
This week I had coffee with Ahmed and Ali (names changed). Ahmed had returned to Iran with his wife a few years back in order to try and help the country in any way they could. One day Ahmed’s wife was returning from school where she was a teacher. She saw a disturbance and went over to look. At that moment the police arrived and arrested everybody, including Ahmed’s wife.
It took him three months to get permission to see her. By the time he did, she had lost half her body weight and her face was blue from bruising. They were torturing her, as one of the ‘educated elite’, so despised by the authorities. They were trying to get her to admit to crimes she had not committed. She refused to do so. Ahmed’s father and mother-in-law tried to bribe the authorities in order to secure release. This seemed to have worked as after about six months, Ahmed got a call to ask him to collect his wife.
He was kept waiting in the prison reception a long time and was eventually shown in to a room. There were dead bodies across the floor. All had been executed. He had been contacted in order to collect his wife’s body.
Ahmed is now in the West, working for freedom in Iran. My money may help a little. I trust my prayers will help more.
Saturday 17 May 2008
Pancakes in Paris
I had a job interview in Paris this week and went over early to walk around, enjoying coffee and crepes in the sunshine, by the side of the Seine.
I also visited Notre Dame. It was full of tourists of course, all very noisy, but as I sat in the church and prayed, there was a real sense of God’s presence. Even though the school children around me were so loud, it was as if there was a silence you could listen to as well.
The Bible talks about God speaking with a still small voice.
We live in a noisy world, one full of pictures and images. But God still speaks for ‘those that have ears to hear’ (one of Jesus favourite sayings).
I also visited Notre Dame. It was full of tourists of course, all very noisy, but as I sat in the church and prayed, there was a real sense of God’s presence. Even though the school children around me were so loud, it was as if there was a silence you could listen to as well.
The Bible talks about God speaking with a still small voice.
We live in a noisy world, one full of pictures and images. But God still speaks for ‘those that have ears to hear’ (one of Jesus favourite sayings).
Saturday 10 May 2008
Coffee with Fred the Buddhist
I had a coffee with Fred the Buddhist this week. He was very helpful.
I call him Fred the Buddhist, though I’m not sure he’d agree. But he believes a lot of that stuff, reads the books and is going to see the Dalai Lama in a couple of weeks, so I think I can legitimately call him that.
Fred works in the pensions industry and has a tremendous number of connections- very useful to me at the moment when I’m looking for a new job.
He sent me a book not long ago, applying Buddhist teaching to the stresses and strains of the workplace. It was very good, a lot of good ideas and stress busters in there.
The problem is, I can’t do it- follow what the book says, I mean. I could try. I might manage one or two of the recommendations, but I’m doomed to failure. You see, that’s the difference between Buddhism and Christianity. Buddhism says you can do it. Christianity says you can’t.
For example, I might be able to slim for a while, go out running every morning, practice some good life disciplines. But in the end, because it depends on me, I will fail. Unlike any other ‘religion’, Christianity starts from the point of failure. I’ve done things my own way and it didn’t work. So I ask God through Jesus to forgive me and my efforts and to take over. Then I can succeed!
I look forward to many more cups of coffee with Fred the Buddhist. And maybe I should send him a book or two to read…..
I call him Fred the Buddhist, though I’m not sure he’d agree. But he believes a lot of that stuff, reads the books and is going to see the Dalai Lama in a couple of weeks, so I think I can legitimately call him that.
Fred works in the pensions industry and has a tremendous number of connections- very useful to me at the moment when I’m looking for a new job.
He sent me a book not long ago, applying Buddhist teaching to the stresses and strains of the workplace. It was very good, a lot of good ideas and stress busters in there.
The problem is, I can’t do it- follow what the book says, I mean. I could try. I might manage one or two of the recommendations, but I’m doomed to failure. You see, that’s the difference between Buddhism and Christianity. Buddhism says you can do it. Christianity says you can’t.
For example, I might be able to slim for a while, go out running every morning, practice some good life disciplines. But in the end, because it depends on me, I will fail. Unlike any other ‘religion’, Christianity starts from the point of failure. I’ve done things my own way and it didn’t work. So I ask God through Jesus to forgive me and my efforts and to take over. Then I can succeed!
I look forward to many more cups of coffee with Fred the Buddhist. And maybe I should send him a book or two to read…..
Monday 5 May 2008
Dear Gordon
Dear Gordon
I don't quite know how you have managed to do this, but in a few short months you appear to have made the Labour Party unelectable. I'm not sure it's any one thing- maybe a lack of style, lots of hesitation, a few gaffes such as the 10p tax rate....
I've been a labour supporter (with a few years over at the SDP) throughout my life but maybe- just maybe- I'm going to have to vote Tory next time. I don't think the Tories are being particularly clever though, other than keeping quiet and watching you fall lower in the ratings.
If you want to win the next election- a bit of a long shot after having seen the local election results- you will need a far more commanding manner in parliament and with the press. Iraq aside, I think your inability to lead is showing how good Tony Blair was- and maybe we now know why he hesitated so long in handing over the reins.
Yours sincerely......
I don't quite know how you have managed to do this, but in a few short months you appear to have made the Labour Party unelectable. I'm not sure it's any one thing- maybe a lack of style, lots of hesitation, a few gaffes such as the 10p tax rate....
I've been a labour supporter (with a few years over at the SDP) throughout my life but maybe- just maybe- I'm going to have to vote Tory next time. I don't think the Tories are being particularly clever though, other than keeping quiet and watching you fall lower in the ratings.
If you want to win the next election- a bit of a long shot after having seen the local election results- you will need a far more commanding manner in parliament and with the press. Iraq aside, I think your inability to lead is showing how good Tony Blair was- and maybe we now know why he hesitated so long in handing over the reins.
Yours sincerely......
Friday 25 April 2008
Soon I will see the lines on His face
I've been reading a really interesting book by Donald Miller called 'Blue Like Jazz'. It's his own journey towards faith. Here's a great quote:
'I am early in my story, but I believe I will stretch out into eternity, and in heaven I will reflect upon these early days, these days when it seemed God was down a dirt road, walking towards me. Years ago He was a swinging speck in the distance; now He is close enough I can hear His singing. Soon I will see the lines on His face.'
How wonderful. May I always hear Him singing. And one day, too, I will be so close as to see the lines on His face.
'I am early in my story, but I believe I will stretch out into eternity, and in heaven I will reflect upon these early days, these days when it seemed God was down a dirt road, walking towards me. Years ago He was a swinging speck in the distance; now He is close enough I can hear His singing. Soon I will see the lines on His face.'
How wonderful. May I always hear Him singing. And one day, too, I will be so close as to see the lines on His face.
Saturday 19 April 2008
Peak District beauty
One of my birthday presents from Roh was a new pair of walking boots- my previous pair had been bought when I was still a boy scout and were actually 35 years old! They knew how to make boots back then!
Anyway, last week I enjoyed two days in the Peak District with Roh, walking down Dovedale and Wolfcote Dale, trying out the new boots. What beauty! It was a cold couple of days and the weather changes from sunshine to hail and back again pretty quickly. The Peak District looks to be a couple of weeks behind Peterborough in the arrival of spring, so the wild daffodils were just opening, and buds were on the trees.
I'm not much of a bird watcher, but we also saw a Dipper, quite an amazing bird with a flight and speed not far away from a hummingbird.
It's such a long time since Roh and I have done any serious walking. I think this may be the first of many adventures with the new boots!
Saturday 12 April 2008
Pretty Amazing Grace
I'm not particularly a Neil Diamond fan, but caught the premier of his new single on the Simon Mayo show on Radio 2. Clearly, he has a Christian faith as he has written and reworked the theme of 'Amazing Grace'. His new single is called 'Pretty Amazing Grace' and here's some of the lyrics:
'Pretty amazing grace is how you saved me
And with amazing grace, reclaimed my heart
Love in the midst of chaos
Calm in the heart of war
Showed with amazing grace
What love is for
You overcame my loss of hope and faith
Gave me a truth I could believe in
You led me to that higher place
Showed me that love, truth, hope, grace
Were all I needed'
Simon Mayo (himself a Christian) has made it his record of the week.
'Pretty amazing grace is how you saved me
And with amazing grace, reclaimed my heart
Love in the midst of chaos
Calm in the heart of war
Showed with amazing grace
What love is for
You overcame my loss of hope and faith
Gave me a truth I could believe in
You led me to that higher place
Showed me that love, truth, hope, grace
Were all I needed'
Simon Mayo (himself a Christian) has made it his record of the week.
Monday 7 April 2008
Necker Island
Amazing. I still can't quite believe it. In fact when the phone call came in, as it was April 1st, I thought it was an 'April Fool'- but it wasn't.
I'm a 'gold frequent flyer' with Virgin Atlantic and as such, am entered into an annual prize draw. And out of 4,500 others, I was picked out.
The prize? An all expenses paid week for two on Richard Branson's private island in the Caribbean, plus first class flights there and back. The island is called Necker Island and it's part of (of course) the Virgin Islands. We go at the end of September.
It's our 30th wedding anniversary this year, and I can't think of a better way of celebrating. I know we have a lot of friends praying for us right now, for a new job, due to redundancy. As one of our friends said the other day- this is God's way of saying 'chill- enjoy the break - I'm in charge!'
I'm a 'gold frequent flyer' with Virgin Atlantic and as such, am entered into an annual prize draw. And out of 4,500 others, I was picked out.
The prize? An all expenses paid week for two on Richard Branson's private island in the Caribbean, plus first class flights there and back. The island is called Necker Island and it's part of (of course) the Virgin Islands. We go at the end of September.
It's our 30th wedding anniversary this year, and I can't think of a better way of celebrating. I know we have a lot of friends praying for us right now, for a new job, due to redundancy. As one of our friends said the other day- this is God's way of saying 'chill- enjoy the break - I'm in charge!'
Saturday 29 March 2008
Pies and Prejudice
The book lived up to the hype. 'Pies and Prejudice' by Stuart Maconie really is worth the read. He's billed as 'the new Bill Bryson' (not that there's anything wrong with the old one!) and I agree.
This book (it's a great title isn't it?) is a northerners return to the north of England. Very wittily written though I think you will apppreciate it more if you are from the north as well!
So many memories of my childhood years came flooding back. A wonderful return to the place where dinner is at midday, tripe and onion is on the menu and there are real football teams to go and see.
This book (it's a great title isn't it?) is a northerners return to the north of England. Very wittily written though I think you will apppreciate it more if you are from the north as well!
So many memories of my childhood years came flooding back. A wonderful return to the place where dinner is at midday, tripe and onion is on the menu and there are real football teams to go and see.
Monday 17 March 2008
Sparoda
I met Sparoda on my recent trip to India. She was a quiet lady with a gentle smile. This is her story…
When my friend Blessy first saw Sparoda, she was in chains with ropes tied around her hands. It took a number of men to hold her down. She was skin and bones, possessed of many evil spirits, shouting, screaming, spitting. Blessy and some other ladies began to pray for her. Sparoda’s family were desperate to see her free and in her right mind. They had been told of Blessy and the church by a Moslem lady where Blessy had helped restore her marriage.
At first there was no change. If anything, Sparoda screamed and shouted all the more. The ladies commanded the spirits to be quiet in Jesus’ name. Sparoda fell to the floor and stayed still for a long time. The ladies continued to pray.
Over the next month, Sparoda stayed in Blessy’s home. She was calm but would not eat. But day by day, she was getting better. Her demeanour was calmer and there was less and less shouting. The ladies continued to pray. After a month, Sparoda began to eat and build her strength again.
At first she would not wash. One of the curses put on her by the village witch doctor, who had caused the madness, was to see soap as human faeces. But with help, she began to see it for what it was and began to clean and wash herself. Sparoda stayed with Blessy for three months and went back home in her right mind and with a Christian faith replacing her Hindu superstitions.
At the time Blessy and her friends were praying for Sparoda, at the very moment Sparoda fell to the floor, the village witch doctor who had performed curses over her (for payment from a family who disliked Sparoda’s family) began to act in the same way Sparoda had. He felt he was burning up, he wanted to scream and shout. But he did not want to admit to it as it would have given away the fact to the village that he had brought about the curses in the first place.
When Sparoda returned to the village, she went to the witch doctor. She said God had turned around all that had been intended for harm. She spoke of the power of Jesus. And she led the witch doctor to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.
An amazing story. And when you see Sparoda, you know how much God has done. Her smile says it all!
When my friend Blessy first saw Sparoda, she was in chains with ropes tied around her hands. It took a number of men to hold her down. She was skin and bones, possessed of many evil spirits, shouting, screaming, spitting. Blessy and some other ladies began to pray for her. Sparoda’s family were desperate to see her free and in her right mind. They had been told of Blessy and the church by a Moslem lady where Blessy had helped restore her marriage.
At first there was no change. If anything, Sparoda screamed and shouted all the more. The ladies commanded the spirits to be quiet in Jesus’ name. Sparoda fell to the floor and stayed still for a long time. The ladies continued to pray.
Over the next month, Sparoda stayed in Blessy’s home. She was calm but would not eat. But day by day, she was getting better. Her demeanour was calmer and there was less and less shouting. The ladies continued to pray. After a month, Sparoda began to eat and build her strength again.
At first she would not wash. One of the curses put on her by the village witch doctor, who had caused the madness, was to see soap as human faeces. But with help, she began to see it for what it was and began to clean and wash herself. Sparoda stayed with Blessy for three months and went back home in her right mind and with a Christian faith replacing her Hindu superstitions.
At the time Blessy and her friends were praying for Sparoda, at the very moment Sparoda fell to the floor, the village witch doctor who had performed curses over her (for payment from a family who disliked Sparoda’s family) began to act in the same way Sparoda had. He felt he was burning up, he wanted to scream and shout. But he did not want to admit to it as it would have given away the fact to the village that he had brought about the curses in the first place.
When Sparoda returned to the village, she went to the witch doctor. She said God had turned around all that had been intended for harm. She spoke of the power of Jesus. And she led the witch doctor to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.
An amazing story. And when you see Sparoda, you know how much God has done. Her smile says it all!
Thursday 13 March 2008
Peterborough- Strangely Attractive to the Rest of the World
There was a documentary on prime time BBC2 this week on Peterborough and the number of Eastern European immigrants who are coming to our city. The final narration in the documentary was 'Peterborough - strangely attractive to the rest of the world'. I guess it was said a bit tongue in cheek, but I take it as an accolade. I think it's great to have so many nations in our city. We have over 50 represented in our church alone.
I hope and pray that as a city we will lead the way with a vibrant, integrated, cooperative, international community!
I hope and pray that as a city we will lead the way with a vibrant, integrated, cooperative, international community!
Thursday 28 February 2008
Larry Norman, 1947 - 2008
For Christians of a ‘certain age’ Larry Norman was who we grew up with. His 1972 album ‘Only Visiting This Planet’ was voted the best Christian album ever recorded, by the American Christian music industry. It was my own introduction to Larry Norman’s music, and I agree.
In 1972, I had only recently found my Christian faith, and to be ‘baptised’ into Christian rock and roll with such classics as ‘Why Should the Devil have all the Good Music’ and 'I Wish We’d All Been Ready’ was no bad thing. Larry Norman led the way in the Jesus People revolution of the 1970’s and his ‘one way’ finger in the air became the signature of a generation. A whole raft of successful Christian artists followed in his wake, many of them signed to Larry Norman’s own record label ‘Solid Rock’.
He had been ill for some years and knew he was dying. In his own inimitable way, he signed off with some final lyrics:
Goodbye, farewell, we'll meet again
Somewhere beyond the sky.
I pray that you will stay with God
Goodbye, my friends, goodbye.
In 1972, I had only recently found my Christian faith, and to be ‘baptised’ into Christian rock and roll with such classics as ‘Why Should the Devil have all the Good Music’ and 'I Wish We’d All Been Ready’ was no bad thing. Larry Norman led the way in the Jesus People revolution of the 1970’s and his ‘one way’ finger in the air became the signature of a generation. A whole raft of successful Christian artists followed in his wake, many of them signed to Larry Norman’s own record label ‘Solid Rock’.
He had been ill for some years and knew he was dying. In his own inimitable way, he signed off with some final lyrics:
Goodbye, farewell, we'll meet again
Somewhere beyond the sky.
I pray that you will stay with God
Goodbye, my friends, goodbye.
Did the earth move for you?!.....
....It certainly did for me. At about 1.00am on Wednesday morning to be precise.
The centre of the earthquake was not far away, in Lincolnshire, so we felt a pretty strong tremor in Peterborough. In fact, including an earthquake when I was out in LA one time, this was the strongest I have felt. The bed shook, you could hear the rafters in the roof creaking and the walls were shaking. The whole house felt like it was paper thin.
'The mountains quake before God and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it.' Nahum 1: 5
'What a mess the world is in, I wonder who began it. Don't ask me, I'm only visiting this planet.' Larry Norman (died 24/2/08).
The centre of the earthquake was not far away, in Lincolnshire, so we felt a pretty strong tremor in Peterborough. In fact, including an earthquake when I was out in LA one time, this was the strongest I have felt. The bed shook, you could hear the rafters in the roof creaking and the walls were shaking. The whole house felt like it was paper thin.
'The mountains quake before God and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it.' Nahum 1: 5
'What a mess the world is in, I wonder who began it. Don't ask me, I'm only visiting this planet.' Larry Norman (died 24/2/08).
Monday 18 February 2008
The God who lengthens bones and changes cities
Still buzzing with the excitement of an amazing time out in India, I got back today to learn that I am to be made redundant, with my company having been bought by a Dutch company.
One of the talks I gave in India was on the theme of the 'God who lengthens bones and changes cities'. Claudette, one of the team, had spoken very powerfully in one of the church meetings on the miracle God had done in her life, growing a bone in her leg by three inches after she and her mother prayed- it's quite genuine and the physio has verified it! I spoke on the story of Nehemiah in the Bible where God restores the broken down walls of the city.
So as I face another job search, I have the 'God who lengthens bones and changes cities' on my side. How can I possibly fail?!
One of the talks I gave in India was on the theme of the 'God who lengthens bones and changes cities'. Claudette, one of the team, had spoken very powerfully in one of the church meetings on the miracle God had done in her life, growing a bone in her leg by three inches after she and her mother prayed- it's quite genuine and the physio has verified it! I spoke on the story of Nehemiah in the Bible where God restores the broken down walls of the city.
So as I face another job search, I have the 'God who lengthens bones and changes cities' on my side. How can I possibly fail?!
Tuesday 5 February 2008
Same shoes, different soil
On Friday I fly out with seven friends for eight days in India. A mix of speaking at church meetings and sending out medical supplies to the villages, it will be, as always, challenging and fulfilling.
It's one of those times when you want to be there and don't want to go all at the same time!
It's amazing that in 12 short hours, including a change of planes in Dubai, we can be on another continent. Same shoes, different soil.
It's one of those times when you want to be there and don't want to go all at the same time!
It's amazing that in 12 short hours, including a change of planes in Dubai, we can be on another continent. Same shoes, different soil.
Tuesday 29 January 2008
Leona
I remember writing on these pages a year back that I thought Leona Lewis would be something of a star- which can't be said of most of the X Factor/Pop Idol talent show winners (remember the MacDonald Brothers anyone?!)
Well, I've been listening to her first album 'Spirit', (yes I know I'm sad) borrowed from my daughter, and I think it's great. She has an amazing voice. Interestingly she also seems to have a Christian faith. The first 'thank-you' at the end of the album notes reads 'Thank you to God for all of the blessings you have given me and for the opportunity and gift of singing and song. Thank you for the love, comfort and strength you have given me.'
In addition, one of the tracks is called 'Footprints in the Sand', based on, I guess, the Christian poem. Intriguingly that particular track is co-written by Simon Cowell, and the only one that is. Hmmm.
Well, I've been listening to her first album 'Spirit', (yes I know I'm sad) borrowed from my daughter, and I think it's great. She has an amazing voice. Interestingly she also seems to have a Christian faith. The first 'thank-you' at the end of the album notes reads 'Thank you to God for all of the blessings you have given me and for the opportunity and gift of singing and song. Thank you for the love, comfort and strength you have given me.'
In addition, one of the tracks is called 'Footprints in the Sand', based on, I guess, the Christian poem. Intriguingly that particular track is co-written by Simon Cowell, and the only one that is. Hmmm.
Tuesday 22 January 2008
Ice Cold in..... St Pancras!
I met a couple of old friends at the new Champagne Bar at St Pancras Station last night. Not only can it claim to be the longest champagne bar in Europe, I think it can also claim to be the coldest!
In fact, here's a money saving tip to the owners- don't bother to put the champagne bottle in a bucket of ice, just leave it on the table- it will be colder still!
Despite the temperature (the bar is in the open station area, hence the coldness) the bar was full. Needless to say, everyone kept their coats on! I enjoyed it, and am sure I will go back again. July time.
In fact, here's a money saving tip to the owners- don't bother to put the champagne bottle in a bucket of ice, just leave it on the table- it will be colder still!
Despite the temperature (the bar is in the open station area, hence the coldness) the bar was full. Needless to say, everyone kept their coats on! I enjoyed it, and am sure I will go back again. July time.
Sir Edmund Hillary, conqueror of Everest
On the day of Sir Edmund Hillary’s funeral, it seems appropriate to record a couple of his mountain climbing quotes. Whatever our mountain, I trust we will continue to conquer!
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”
“People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.”
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”
“People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.”
Friday 18 January 2008
See you on the other side?
I knew I had to make a choice. As Huw Edwards introduced the report on last night’s BBC news, I knew it was going to be hard hitting. The reporter, Fergal Keane is one of the best. He has a way of getting under the skin. I made the choice- I decided to leave the TV on.
The report was introduced by way of a link to Gordon Brown’s current thinking in possibly banning ‘suicide web sites’. These are generally chat sites for young people thinking of committing suicide, often with advice and ‘help’ on how to achieve it.
Fergal Keane was talking to the father of a boy who took his life. They went through the web-chat before he died, including the telling line from one of his ‘suicide friends’; ‘see you on the other side’.
What makes young people so desperate they want to end it? I felt such a deep sadness as I watched the report. And an anger that in the name of freedom of speech such sites exist. I don’t suppose the banning of these sites will stop a determined suicide, but maybe it will just save one life. And even if it’s only one, it’s worth doing.
I finished watching the report last night almost in tears. Such loss of life. Such sadness. Such a young age. Most of us live a sheltered existence. We have no idea of the depth of despair some people face. But maybe I can help. I’m not sure how exactly. My first stop would be my local church. If I can reach just one person and help them through, that’s one less statistic, one less broken family, one life saved.
I’m glad I left the TV on.
The report was introduced by way of a link to Gordon Brown’s current thinking in possibly banning ‘suicide web sites’. These are generally chat sites for young people thinking of committing suicide, often with advice and ‘help’ on how to achieve it.
Fergal Keane was talking to the father of a boy who took his life. They went through the web-chat before he died, including the telling line from one of his ‘suicide friends’; ‘see you on the other side’.
What makes young people so desperate they want to end it? I felt such a deep sadness as I watched the report. And an anger that in the name of freedom of speech such sites exist. I don’t suppose the banning of these sites will stop a determined suicide, but maybe it will just save one life. And even if it’s only one, it’s worth doing.
I finished watching the report last night almost in tears. Such loss of life. Such sadness. Such a young age. Most of us live a sheltered existence. We have no idea of the depth of despair some people face. But maybe I can help. I’m not sure how exactly. My first stop would be my local church. If I can reach just one person and help them through, that’s one less statistic, one less broken family, one life saved.
I’m glad I left the TV on.
Monday 14 January 2008
For their tomorrow we gave our today
At Richard Bartrop's funeral on Friday, Alan Scotland spoke of Richard's selfless giving and quoted the lines from a monument in Nagaland, India (and copied by many other war memorials). The monument was an epitaph to the many Indian soldiers who died fighting the Japanese in the Second World War. It reads:
"When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say,
For Their Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today"
May we all have that attitude, reflected in Richard's life- that we give all we can today so that there will be a tomorrow for the next generation.
"When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say,
For Their Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today"
May we all have that attitude, reflected in Richard's life- that we give all we can today so that there will be a tomorrow for the next generation.
Friday 4 January 2008
New year, more mountains
At this time of year, many of us make new year resolutions. And many of us forget them within a month!
So how can we keep on track? One of the most tried and tested methods is to keep a diary or a journal. I started writing a daily diary in 1977 - and I'm still going! It's been so helpful in forcing me to reflect on the day, to think about what I'm going to be doing the next day, and to remind myself of those changes I want in my life- those resolutions I made.
Maybe a daily diary is a bit daunting. But how about a journal you keep with you and jot down your thoughts on an occasional basis? Just list 3 or 4 things you want to do this year, maybe a few things you want to change. Keep the journal with you, or next to your bed and remember to look back at it as you write in new stuff.
There will be more mountains for all of us this year. New challenges, good and bad. Times we have to push on through. Times we have to force ourselves to the top of the mountain. Enjoy the climb!
So how can we keep on track? One of the most tried and tested methods is to keep a diary or a journal. I started writing a daily diary in 1977 - and I'm still going! It's been so helpful in forcing me to reflect on the day, to think about what I'm going to be doing the next day, and to remind myself of those changes I want in my life- those resolutions I made.
Maybe a daily diary is a bit daunting. But how about a journal you keep with you and jot down your thoughts on an occasional basis? Just list 3 or 4 things you want to do this year, maybe a few things you want to change. Keep the journal with you, or next to your bed and remember to look back at it as you write in new stuff.
There will be more mountains for all of us this year. New challenges, good and bad. Times we have to push on through. Times we have to force ourselves to the top of the mountain. Enjoy the climb!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)