In between the rain and the clouds

What amazing weather we've been having in the UK. Our two older children who live in Sheffield have nearly been washed away. And wherever you go, you are in between the rain and the clouds. This is June and the sun has taken a holiday.

I don't know if it's global warming or God shouting at us, but the weather is certainly different. Maybe it will make some of us think. Maybe we need to consider that there is something more than work, home, holidays, tv.... Maybe we need to think about the 'what if'...

Hello Gordon Brown

Yesterday, Gordon Brown became leader of the Labour Party. In two days time he will be Prime Minister. In some ways he is similar to Tony Blair, in other ways very different.

Whereas Tony Blair was very much a head and heart politician, Brown seems to be much more cerebral. He will lead with his head. So we are probably in for a less interesting time, but maybe more manegable, with a reasoned, logical approach.

I expect there will be a lessening of ties with the United States, especially while Bush is still in office. But perhaps not much warmth towards Europe either- Brown is instinctively less trusting of Europe than Blair.

The son of a Scottish pastor, he shares a Christian faith with Blair, though his expression of it seems somehow more solid and measured. And also not as noticeable. I hope it is real. He will need that faith in God for what is the most difficult job in the UK.

20 Quadrillion Years

How big is God?

Is He able to meet my needs?

Consider the universe. I travel to the States a lot. It takes about 6 to 7 hours on a 747 at about 500 mph to get there. If I travelled at the same speed, nonstop to the moon, it would take 3 weeks to arrive. The Sun? 21 years of constant travel. The edge of our solar system? 900 years!

And if we were to travel on a 747 jet at 500 miles per hour to the farthest star discovered by our telescopes, it would take 20 Quadrillion years. That's a 20 with 15 noughts after it!

Is God big enough to meet my needs? The Bible says he made the stars. The God of 20 quadrillion years worth of stars is the God who cares for me.

The sea and the mountains

There is something about sitting by the sea. Preferably on rocks, watching the waves crash in. Or on hills and mountains, watching the sun set on God's creation.

I'm just back from treating Roh to a week in Wales, visiting some of our favourite locations. It was a bit of a surprise for Roh, to celebrate her birthday, and included some friends joining us for the weekend in Dolgellau. Roh had no idea they were coming! Kevin & Kate and Colin & Carolyn are 'old' friends from our days in Crawley. Zan & Annelle are 'new' friends from Peterborough. It was a great time. The look on Roh's face as all these people turned up unexpectedly!

There will be lots of memories of good times, meals together, walking in the hills, sitting on the beach....

And as for the sea and the mountains.... Every wave is different. Every view changes the landscape in front of you. How can you not praise God for such amazing creation?