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?

Friends

On Saturday, Roh and I drove down to see a couple of friends. We didn't think it strange that they asked us to call them about 5 minutes before we were expecting to arrive. We assumed it was something to do with the meal they were preparing.

James was actually outside the house when we arrived, walking one of the dogs- we didn't think that was strange either. We parked the car and were invited in.

We were met by the sound of party poppers and cheering with confetti and streamers being thrown as about 40 or so friends cheered us in to the house, to celebrate a surprise birthday party for Roh.

I thought I was king of the surprises, but I was well and truly beaten this time! Neither of us had any idea.

Thank you James and Pauline, Liz and Rob, and all our friends for such a great surprise. It's so good to have friends.

Goodbye Tony Blair

Yesterday, after over 10 years as Prime Minister, Tony Blair announced he was stepping down. The short-term headlines will be full of the disastrous decision to invade Iraq being his epitaph. However, history will be kinder and in 100 years from now, people will look back on one of the most successful Premierships in modern British history.

10 years has seen promises kept and many of the early aims and aspirations fulfilled. People are better off today than they were 10 years ago. Although we have yet to see the full effect, there are many new schools and hospitals, with significant amounts of money poured into both.

Northern Ireland has peace. Kosovo was not a blood bath because of Blair’s intervention. He caught the mood of the nation as it mourned for the ‘people’s princess’. He stood with dignity and determination against the atrocities of 7/11 and 7/7. His diplomatic skills achieved the London Olympics.

Our economy has remained stable and has grown faster than most in Europe. Despite the headlines, our relationship with the United States has ensured we have constantly punched above our weight in world affairs. We have successfully influenced the First World to give more to the Third World. Tony Blair has campaigned for Africa, ensuring debts have been removed and government giving increased. Because of the close relationship, Blair has been able to bring the United Sates to the discussion table on global warming- something that may well not have happened without that relationship with Clinton and Bush.

Tony Blair has been a conviction politician. He has led with his heart. Not always getting it right, he has maintained an integrity and a comparatively sleaze free government. His Christian convictions have brought substance to his political convictions- unlike many politicians, he believes what he says. We are better for his leadership.

America again

Just back from another US visit. One of the better things about travelling with my company is the ability to travel business class with Virgin Atlantic.

On the way back, I decided to sleep, so the whole chair then turns into a flat bed. A pillow and duvet are provided and the best bit- I got a mug of cocoa and was tucked in by one of the stewardesses! I suggested to my wife she should do the same each night. I won't tell you what she said!