The Power of Forgiveness

Maureen Greaves talks of forgiveness in this amazing radio interview:

On Christmas Eve, her husband Alan was murdered by two young men. Here she tells of her forgiveness towards them:

“I see them as two people who have done a terrible evil….. but they are made in God’s image and were living a life they were never meant to live.”

“I place them into God’s hands….. forgiveness is a strong commandment.”

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done…. To place them into God’s hands, so I don’t have to hate them or have any unforgiveness of them.”

“If Alan could have spoken to me for the last time, he would have said ‘forgive them…. Don’t give yourself permission to act like that [unforgiving]’”

“Every time I go past the spot of the murder, I pray for someone. And on Christmas Eve I will mourn Alan and pray for his attackers.”

“We [the family] don’t want to live in a grief that traps us…. I will live.”

Shout it out!

There are times as a church when it’s best to be quiet. But there are other times when we need to shout out loud!

Well done to the Archbishop of Canterbury for shouting!

An average bank loan is around 15%APR. The rate from Wonga? 4,214%. That’s not just profitable. That’s criminal.

If the church can help by expanding Credit Unions and promoting them as a safer alternative, we should do it. Not to would be criminal.

Twenty Albums Everyone Should Own (Part 2)

A reminder -  it’s a personal selection. Of course it is. And it reflects a certain time period as well. But you wouldn’t go far wrong in seeking out these albums/downloads and adding them to your collection…..

I’ve excluded compilations and they are kind of in an order, but can pretty much change at will, depending upon the mood you’re in. Here are the next ten; there could have been so many more! Let me know what you think!

1.       PINK FLOYD – THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Floyd at their best. ‘Time’, ‘Money’, The Great Gig’…. If you’ve not heard them, you’re missing one amazing album.

2.       ADELE – 21

A new and prodigious talent. A mix of folk and soul with most of the tracks written by Adele, who was only 21 when writing! ‘Rolling in the Deep, ‘Rumour Has It’ and ‘Set Fire to the Rain’ are just three of the brilliant tracks, with no weak ones in sight. Now famous the world over - with reason.

3.       HARRY NILSSON – NILSSON SCHMILSSON

The Beatles declared Nilsson as their favourite artist and this, the strongest of his albums, is why. ‘Gotta Get up’, ‘Coconut’ and ‘Without You’ are the best of a strong set of tracks. And Nilsson’s version of ‘Without You’ went on to be a worldwide hit.

4.       DEREK AND THE DOMINOES – LAYLA AND OTHER ASSORTED LOVE SONGS

Trying to tie Eric Clapton down to a ‘best album’ is next to impossible. He has continued to produce top quality albums to this day. But if I had to pick, I’d go back in time to this one. It has the best guitar lick of all time in ‘Layla’ and strong tracks all the way, partly due to the able assistance of a strong band including Duane Allman.

5.       JONATHAN KELLY – TWICE AROUND THE HOUSES

I can pretty much guarantee you won’t have heard of this guy. His album is haunting, emotional folk-rock. Great lyrics, especially on ‘Ballad of Cursed Anna’ and the political ‘We Are The People’. And for every up tempo song, there is a lilting ballad such as ‘Madelaine’ and ‘Rock You To Sleep’ (which I used to sing to my children when they were growing up!)

6.       SANTANA – ABRAXAS

How can one album pack so many classic Santana hits? It does! ‘Black Magic Woman’, ‘Samba Pa Ti’ and ‘Oye Como Va’. Incredible guitar playing. So different to most guitarists, you can tell it’s Santana within a few seconds as the Latin-Rock style begins.

7.       PAUL MCCARTNEY AND WINGS – BAND ON THE RUN

Slightly controversial choice in that I put this ahead of all the Beatles albums! Pop at its slickest, McCartney at his best.

8.       SIGUR ROS – TAKK

The Icelandic band with a made up language and grandstanding melodic symphonies. ‘Takk’ gets the nod ahead of other albums mainly because of  'Hoppipolla', a beautiful melody. You will have heard it; believe me, you will have heard it!

9.       BOB DYLAN – SLOW TRAIN COMING

This is from Dylan’s ‘God’ era and is all the more wonderful for it, with fabulous lyrics alongside the best of melodies. ‘When He Returns’, the title track, and the fun (for Dylan) ‘Man Gave Names to All the Animals’ are the best of a strong bunch.

10.   MOUNTAIN – NANTUCKET SLEIGHRIDE

A close run final slot with Mountain just seeing off Stray and ‘Saturday Morning Pictures’. Leslie West’s guitar and vocals is what gives it the edge. Strong, powerful rock. Wish I’d made it to one of their concerts!

Twenty Albums Everyone Should Own (Part 1)

OK, it’s a personal selection. Of course it is. And it reflects a certain time period as well. But you wouldn’t go far wrong in seeking out these albums/downloads and adding them to your collection…..

I’ve excluded compilations and they are kind of in an order, but can pretty much change at will, depending upon the mood you’re in. Here are the first ten; the others will follow. Let me know what you think!

1.       EVA CASSIDY – SONGBIRD

The artist never knew fame in her lifetime. Her version of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ was picked up by Radio 2, and this, the best of her albums, sold millions. A clear as crystal voice makes for moving listening.

2.       MIKE OLDFIELD – TUBULAR BELLS

It was so different when it came out in the early seventies. Aside from earning a fortune for Richard Branson and his new record label, it’s a great fusion of classical meets pop.

3.       FLEETWOOD MAC – RUMOURS

Beautifully crafted pop music with the amazing voice of Stevie Nicks and fabulous harmonies. This is their best studio album, in my view, recorded as they reappeared on the pop scene. Includes the classic tracks ‘Don’t Stop’, ‘Dreams’ and ‘Go Your Own Way’.

4.       ARGENT – IN DEEP

If only Rod Argent and Russ Ballard had stayed together, Argent could have been as famous as Deep Purple or Led Zeppelin. Brilliant keyboard and guitar mixes and the classic often copied song ‘God Gave Rock and Roll to You’.

5.       DON MCLEAN – AMERICAN PIE

In his later years, he appears to have become disillusioned with fame, and the quality of his songs reflect it. This is a young Don Mclean at his best, with the title track and ‘Vincent’ as stand out tracks. Not a weak track on the album.

6.       CAROL KING – TAPESTRY

The whole album is a work of art. The tracks flow together, bringing a great listening experience. Includes classic tracks like ‘Natural Woman’, ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ and ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’.

7.       LARRY NORMAN – ONLY VISITING THIS PLANET

Something of a Christian/Mainstream crossover, this is the prolific troubadour at his very best. Not a weak track in sight (which sadly can’t be said of later albums), it’s a mix of strong politics and big messages.

8.       EMILE SANDE – OUR VERSION OF EVENTS

There is no doubt that the Olympics gave Sande a whole new worldwide audience. And she deserves the fame with this classic album. A great voice linked to memorable tunes.

9.       NICK DRAKE – FOUR LEAVES LEFT

What if Drake had lived? He would be world renowned. His short and tragic life left us with a gem of an album. Introspective, haunting, magical.

10.   SIMON & GARFUNKEL - BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER

This is the last, and best of five classic albums. Paul Simon has gone on to greater fame, but may best be remembered for his collaboration with Art Garfunkel, who provides the beautiful harmonies alongside Simon’s penmanship.

Seventh Heaven

On the 7th day of the 7th month, 77 years later, history was made. The last British winner was Virginia Wade in ’77. And 77 years ago, the last British man to win; Fred Perry.

“I don't play any tournaments to come second best.” Andy Murray.