Life is sometimes hard but that doesn't mean it's not fair!

At the moment everything feels like a slog, I have two exams tomorrow, and the stress is mounting! Life seems hard at the moment, lots of pressure as we hurtle towards Christmas, I don't feel like I've had time to catch my breath, let alone blog!

In the words of the prophet Habakkuk (paraphrased), though life is unfair, though things don't seem to make sense, yet I will rejoice in my God.
Though things at the moment are hard (not due to any particular circumstance, just the cumulation of working life), I have found that God is still as worthy as he ever was.

At New Community Church at the moment, we are currently undergoing a move of buildings and a change in the new year to two meetings, whilst as a student work in the church we are moving from the chuch centre to the University Campus, as we want to be at the heart of student life, with the gospel in our hands, building relationships and making disciples.

Is it too much change? It seems that the slightest change, the smallest upheavel can frustrate people, if you don't understand the reasoning, if you don't see the purpose, then the change is a nuisance. Take for instance website changes, Facebook changes its layout and people get up in arms about it, but after a while they get used to it, I suppose it is because we are creatures of habit, but too much comfort is no good.

But don't misunderstand me, we are not moving for changes sake, we feel the purpose of God strongly as a student work to move to Campus, it is a strategic and prophetic move for advancement of the gospel, into one of the darkest places in our area. In the bible we see that the gospel is not hidden but shone out, we see that the Israelites were constantly on the move, even when they were settled in the promised land, their borders constantly changed, and in the new testament we see missionaries open up new areas with the gospel, planting churches and changing lives.

So at times life is hard but it is often better than being comfortable, the times I grow most are when I am stretched, the times I rely on God most are when I'm at the end of my abilities and look to God to see things happen, this is where I am at and pray will always be on my knees, praying for God to move.

Delirious, driving and stepping up

I went to the delirious gig at the O2 last Saturday night, they were so good. To think that for nearly 13 years they have been entertaining crowds on both sides of the pond with their soaring guitar riffs and God-centred lyrics. Saturday night had passion, emotion and intensity. What impressed me is that Delirious can switch between the emotion of songs such as Jesus Blood or All Gods Children to the pace and charisma of God is Smiling Over Us and History Maker.

Delirious were ably supported by Tree63 who are an old favourite of mine, and the gig was well worth the ticket price of £18 for the “VIP” section at the indigo O2. Somehow the VIP tickets were all that were left, so we managed to avoid the queues and get into the lift with Jon Thatcher (the bassist from Delirious), and then enter the VIP lounge where the band and their kids were sitting before the gig! It pays sometimes to book late!

What impressed me most about Delirious is that through all their successes and criticisms they still love God and are unashamed to bring his message. Martin Smith spoke a couple of times about God moving and anything he missed was aptly filled with the lyrics of songs such as Jesus blood.

All in all for those in Loughborough next week, you are in for a treat.

This Saturday I’m hopefully getting a car, quite possibly a Seat Ibiza 1.2, so it will be interesting to start driving around, rather than walking, cycling or catching the train.

Lastly thought I’d just mention at the moment at NCC the real emphasis is on being missional re: Mark Driscoll’s word at Brighton and also to see people stepping-up, as a church we have been increasingly shaped by Luke 5 and the disciples catching many fish, and we are also being stirred as we go through Acts, there is real momentum and expectation, which is exciting, we just need to make sure we don’t lose sight of God and that we are ready and willing to be used and to step out and to step up.

Pride, anger and Sin

Football is a game that I enjoy passionately. However recently a lack of time has prevented me from playing. So upfit and eager I trained for the first time in ages and played a 6 a side game. Now for those of you who don't know I'm a defender, I play to win and try to stop attacks and generally anyone coming past me. I only know one way to play football, and most sports for that matter, it's all or nothing, phrases like "it's only a game" only serve to aggravate me as the inference behind the comment is always you are playing too hard or don't take it seriously. I have no 99% only 100%, sometimes I'll admit my 100% is not great but it is always 100%. The problem comes where playing at 100% often means going over the limit, my blood starts boiling and tackles fly. Unfortunately football brings out the worst in me, it flares my temper and causes me to take vengeance which isn't right, but I know no other way to play.

The pride part is where I believe I'm better than I am or that I deserve status and acknowledgement. Now i am a leader, I don't believe that statement is a proud one as it takes a lot for me to write that, however I oftne have thoughts, of "I could do that better" or "I deserve to be more important" etc. etc.

Why am I blogging about my shortcomings? Because I am becoming more and more aware of them, as I have started working, I have become more tired and when I am tired I am more often tempted into sin or more likely to make foolish errors. It is only God's grace that holds me, his love that perpetuates me, I am weak, but I am so glad God uses weak people. I am a leader but have done nothing to deserve such a title, yet God has placed it upon me out of his love and grace, praise be to God.

Whatever God has given you whether much or little use it wisely and widely. It is better to have few gifts used to their maximum than many gifts that are squandered.

Engaging with the world the creation debate

Whilst browsing the BBC website I noticed this interesting article on creationism
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7613403.stm

Creationism has reached prominence due to the election in America. Sarah Palin stated that she felt creationism should be taught in schools. The God debate has had a profound impact on the US elections with debates on abortion and creationism. At the start of the campaign, when candidates were being selected, the question was asked whether the candidates believed in evolution
The response from three candidates was no. McCain answered yes but attempted to defend his position, to what is a difficult question if you consider micro-evolution.

Often you will hear that people don't care about God anymore, but I perceive that if you engage people they have a view on it. It appears to me that the issue of creationism and whether there is a God is becoming prominent again.

Today on my lunchbreak I wanted through Borders bookshop. I found several books that engaged my interest Radio 4s John Humphrey's "Confessions of a failed atheist" a book about agnosticism, Dawkins now infamous "The God Delusion" and although I did not see it there the referenced Christopher Hitchens book "God is not great". People are willing to put there view forward on christianity and whether God exists. (Now I have not read these books but only browsed them). What encourages me is that we have Christian books emerging such as John Piper's "The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World" and Tim Keller's "The Reason for God".

We need to be those who engage with the world not defensively but offensively. We need to read atheistic literature that attacks God and respond to it, because this is what people think and feel about the King of Kings and we need to engage with them to show them his glory and grace.

Hopefully I'll post my thoughts on the US elections and all that is happening and has happened soon.

A Working Man

I've started work! This seemed a distant reality back in August, when I was applying for anything going. On Thursday and Friday I had my induction in the City office and the last two days I've been at College in Angel studying towards my ACA. I've had to deal with the hustle and bustle of commuting and learning Accountancy all over again.

There is a contrast between being unemployed and working, both have their hardships. Being unemployed requires discipline to get things done and to get up and going, it can be easy to lose half a day when you're unemployed. When you are working there is a different problem, you have to get to work but it is finding time to fit things in around work. Whilst unemployed I struggled to use the abundant time I had to read, now I fit it in while I'm on the train, somehow with less time I am more productive.

It's odd being at college this week, as it reminds me of 6th Form except that I am getting paid to learn! This gives me extra motivation.

However, whichever situation you find yourself in work as if working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23) whether unemployed or working honour God with your time, your heart, your mind all of your life!

Hopefully I'll be able to keep blogging whilst working. It's a busy season at the moment though, with new job, and students coming back soon.

Humour

If you like random pun humour this is well worth seeing:

Mitch Jones on Stand Up on 7

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b007xrxn/

Also really like Mark Watson on Radio 4

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00d0sjl/

The Providence of God

For the last couple of months, since moving back to Sidcup, life has been hard. As I ahve previously blogged, I felt called to come back to Sidcup, but I have struggled to find a job and without a job it means I can't move out of home. Last week at church I was just holding on to God and where as previously I had been angry at him for the situation, I repented and prayed Habakkuk's prayer (Habakkuk 3 v17-19), Though I have not a job, though I have not moved out into a new home, though life is tough and doesn't make sense, still I will praise you.

In fact much of the process of the last few months feels like Habbakuk. Asking why Lord?, And understanding that God is sovereign seemed only to make the situation worse! Habakkuk says God why are you going to do this? It doesn't make sense! And why the Babylonians! Habakkuk knew God was doing this, not life, not circumstance, not karma (this is another topic, people say Karma is "everything happens for a reason" and to some extent I believe this is true, but karma has no concept of grace)CJ Mahaney did a great preach on this called "When Life Doesn't make sense" at Together on A Mission 2005.

So I praised God in spite of circumstance, because he is worthy, and he loved me when I was in the miry pit (Psalm 40 v2).

God is faithful and this is how he has blessed me this week.

On Thursday Rachel got in from her trip to Chicago, and I planned to surprise her at the airport. Her flight got in at 8am so I planned the journey leaving Sidcup at 6:11am and arriving at Heathrow at 7:45am. However checking the flight arrival times her flight was getting in early at 7:25, and I was thinking I was going to miss her. Sitting on the Piccadilly line was interminable, the journey seemed to go in slow motion, and then we got to Hounslow. Hounslow, Hounslow, Hounslow, why do you need 3 stations it just slowed me down Hounslow Central, Hounslow East, Hounslow West, couldn't you just have one! Then once we got past Hounslow (the time now being 7:45 and me thinking she's probably already left Heathrow) we stopped at Terminal 4 for 8 minutes! I felt like pushing the train to terminal 1,2,3.

Finally I got there, found terminal 3 arrivals and waited. I soon realised there was a fork in arrivals so passengers could go two ways and I was standing at the end of one, I though tI'm bound to miss her! so I mover to the centre and waited and waited for her to come out. So I phoned her, but not wanting to ruin the surprise I asked where she was and what time she'd arrive at Sidcup station! Finally she came out and I held my banner up saying Rachel, she looked around seemingly oblivious until she finally saw it and I flipped it over to say "Will you go out with me" and she said YES!. Providence of God.

Then Friday I got up early to send my CV over to a firm I'd seen advertising in the paper, I phoned the agency who said it's unlikely I'll get anything until September, dampening my spirits. Then the firm I sent the CV to phoned back and offered me an interview, then one of the jobs I'd applied for on the internet phoned and offered me an interview on Thursday and then one of the firms I'd applied for in June/July and done interviews for, (but they ran out of positions), said someone had dropped out and offered me the position in Redhill!!! So after weeks of no interviews, many applications, signing on for the agency, suddenly the door was opened and I have 2 interviews and a job offer!!! and then Friday night me and Rach had our first date.

God is faithful, the challenge for me now is to continue to rely upon him, trust him and worship him, as the Matt Redman song says "Praise him when I'm laughing, when I'm grieving, every season of the soul". During this time, I've prayed to God (the job process has taken 10 months since my first application), wrestled with God (no dislocated hip though!), and persevered when all felt lost, yet not I, not my works but God's abundant grace has brought this change of situation, still many hurdles remain, house, student work starting up, which job to accept, maintaining and growing our relationship(I'ma complete novice when it comes to dating), but God is abundantly faithful and gracious. Amen and praise his name.

Some light (toilet) humour

Yesterday, I noticed a sign on the top of the toilet in the office where I was working, someone had written "Pleas flush the toilet" For some reason I found this spelling mistake hilarious, as it now had a different conotation that if you beg/plea hard enough the toilet would flush. I remember once in year 7 I did a title page which I spent ages colouring in, it was supposed to say Great Britain, but somehow I wrote Great Brain.

I would love to hear other funny misspellings, one I saw on the internet was a sign outside a school saying "this school is committed to excellense"

Sex, morality and Lads Mags

Today's news contained comments from Michael Gove the shadow secretary for education about the contribution of lads mags to social breakdown.

Firstly I applaud his comments I think these magazines try to bill themselves as funny, sporty, whilst all they are doing is creating a malaise behind which they really are porn mags. We often feel uneasy when politicians speak out about anything in society as we feel they are distant from society, yet I think this shows that this is not always the case.

Indeed at the recent Brighton Conference hearing Philippa Stroud talk about the Centre for Social Justice and the role that can be played in reversing social breakdown, these comments show the Conservatives are prepared to do something.

The problem with these comments is that the media misinterprets them, it is communicated as “lads mags responsible for social breakdown”. Obviously no-one blames the lads mags entirely, the purchaser makes a decision when they buy the magazine, however it is in my opinion the way the cover-up what they really are.

The secondary issue that Michael Gove highlights is that they teach men to be irresponsible, he also uses the word hedonistic which captures our society aptly. If any issue is raised many people will respond “it's my life I can do what I want”, “No one can tell me what I should or shouldn't watch/read/do”. It's hedonism people looking for fun whether in sex, gossip, cars, bikes, whatever gets them going they are looking for fun without boundaries.

Mark Driscoll did a fantastic talk on Responsibility at CCK on the Sunday after the conference. As men we have a responsibility to look after our sisters, wives, mothers and daughters, let us not abdicate this through selfish desires. 1 Corinthians 12 v23 says we need to give greater honour to those the world doesn't honour and treat with greater modesty those parts which define our gender.

Whilst on this subject, I need to make an admission of guilt. I am an avid Neighbours watcher and have even been known to watch Home and Away!!! Now often I can just laugh at the terrible acting or awful storylines, but I have become more aware of the poor moral standards these programmes (soaps in general) set. The classic one is the snog, as soon as two characters think they may like each other they show a lack of restraint by snogging and inevitably this leads to sex and someone always gets hurt. There are seemingly never any marriages without infidelity or relationships without sex. The characters lack any restraint, because they lack a moral compass, what guides them or leads them? In many way this represents our generation whose moral compass often is absent fathers, tv shows and the fallout from all those experimenting in the 60s.

My prayer is that our generation will be one that rediscovers morality through Christianity and rediscovers responsibility through the church.

I am grateful that we have politicians who are able to take a stand to educate the next generation.

Jobless, Homeless and Hopelessly Reliant on God

At present I stand jobless, despite having applied for over 10 jobs since November and getting to various rounds, including the final round of applications at least 3 times. It’s getting close to September now and if I haven’t got an accountancy job by then, then I’ll have to wait a year to get something, which is not great news, as I have no idea what else I could do that I would enjoy as much as Accountancy and it would mean doing all the applying and job interviews again!

Homeless, well I’m not homeless, I’m living at home with my parents but the longer the job hunt goes on the more the chances of getting a house with some other guys in the church seems to disintegrate.

And hopelessly reliant on God, well to clarify I’m hopeless in being able to make any of this happen, I apply, yes but I have no control over whether I get the job beyond my interview preparation, and the amount of interviews I’ve done that must be pretty good!

So I’m reliant on God for a job, a house, leading the Students & 20s next year and so much more!!! Sometimes when I sing “It’s all for you Lord”, I think it should be “it’s all on you Lord” but hey he has done it all he has conquered sin and death he reigns supreme over all powers and authorities (Colossians 1:15-18 and Romans 8:35-39), so who better to rely on, who better to trust with my burdens and cares than him!

Summer, summer, summer time

I had hoped to blog more than I have but a variety of problems, lack of internet on my computer and my pen drive not working on our home pc, have made it difficult.

I made it to my first Brighton Conference in two years, and it was fantastic, really amazing the passion of the worship and the truth, accuracy and the linking of the teaching meant it was a thoroughly good time. Mark Driscoll brought several messages that had a prophetic nature for Newfrontiers and came with the sharpness of scriptures double-edged sword.

I bought one book at Brighton, Spurgeon's All of Grace (I had been reading on-line) only £2.99!!! It's a fantastic book with great truth and has helped me to grasp the simplicities of grace.

The Tour de France has been a mixture of emotions, Mark Cavendish's three stage wins have made fantastic viewing and Frank Schleck has been great (inspite of his crash see... http://youtube.com/watch?v=t1-WSpiTFR0 ) however the three positive drugs tests have shown that cycling is still tainted.

I would love to go into more depth but haven't the time at this point, but I would like to just add the point that, In my opinion riders don't take drugs because the race is to difficult, they do it to get an advantage to win.

Leaving So Soon: Thank Yous and Encouragements

So I'm on my way soon to be gone, but still Jon (no H).

I want to thank so many people for what you've meant to me over the last 4 years.

This church has truly been like a family to me, brothers and sisters and fathers and mothers in Christ. This church isn't an organisation but a family on a mission, and we've shared together hurts, heartaches and hardships, dreams, victories and our very lives.

It's been my pleasure to serve with you, to serve you and to be served by you. I take great joy in seeing how far we have come together and I will take joy in seeing the great distance you will cover.

I said before, I feel I've given as much as I could, but I have obtained an equal portion if not more. God gives generously.

If you have read the previous blogs 'Leaving so soon' to me, it feels like this time at the Well Church has been my proving ground, moving out of the comfort zone of home and into the furnace of university and testing my faith and seeing it not crumble, but instead seeing God build on it. Amen that God is gracious, these 4 years haven't all been successes, I have made many mistakes, but I have grown much thanks to the input of many of you and the immeasurable grace of God.

Thank you for the joy of glorifying God with you and may we continue to do so wherever we maybe.

Lastly (it maybe a long lastly) a few personal thank yous, kind of greetings like Paul did in his letters, as Martin preached on. I'm sorry if I haven't personally mentioned you, but so many people have given me so much and I am truly grateful to you all.

Martin and Linda and Family – Thank you guys so much for the way you have faithfully lead, not just since taking over, but also the great work you did before that. You have such a wonderful family, I so enjoy spending time with you all and it is always so much fun. I remember on my first Sunday, having Sunday Dinner at your house along with Josh and Jason, and your hospitality is always so good and readily extended. I thank you so much for the way you have helped me to grow to who I am today. You have always helped me to feel valued and appreciated, Thank you.

James & Amy Farrer – Thank you very much for your kind words. You have both been so wonderful in showing me how to lead – always by example – and how to be passionate for God and his word. I love your hunger for the things of God his word and his spirit. You have both been wonderful encouragements to me. I also want to commend your consistency, faithfulness, and the way you both give your all for the church. I had to take on a large mantle for FP, because you worked so diligently the year before, and continue to work so diligently now. Amy when you prophesy or interpret tongues the passion comes out and it cuts to the heart, likewise James when you read scripture it comes with the bluntness of a big book, but also the sharpness of a double-edged sword. Many of your words have helped to build me up and strengthen me in Christ. I know God has much for you both.

Ben Heap – Ben, you have helped me more than anybody else. Your encouragement helped me to come out of myself and to run harder for Christ. However I think it is in challenge that you have most changed me and helped me to become more like Christ and less like my self. I thank you for your mentoring and discipleship, but also for your friendship. You are a man after God's own heart, never defer from this. I love your heart that longs for more of him, both more of his word and more of his spirit. Your preaching has come on so much, and when you lead others follow willingly.

Alan & Mary – You have been like a second mother and father to me, always so caring and passionate to see me being all I can be. I especially thank you for the grace you showed when I led you in small group. You are a wonderfully dedicated loyal couple, I think the only area of church you haven't yet served in is the worship team (but I maybe wrong). You are a wonderful foundation for the church, you are strong rocks. I know much of your work is unseen, but God sees every part, the meals you put on for people, the welcome you give people, the work for the trustees etc. I thank you so much for your love for me.

Joe & Becky T – From the word go, you got stuck in and gave your all. What a wonderful example, the vigour in which you give yourself, and the talents you both have, so beautifully combined with humility. You are both always so approachable and friendly. Always making time for people and seeking to put others above yourselves. I vividly remember the way you used to clear tables and plates after church meals at Woodbrooke. You are both so servant hearted. You have helped to integrate many people and I feel so privileged to have served alongside you. I pray for the best for you in what comes next.

Steve & Zoe – You are always so welcoming, I love your passion in worship, you both always go for it. You set a great example for the kids but also for your peers, and your passion is transmitted to others. You're great at building in people and are always fun to be with in social settings and always hungry for God in meetings.

Ed Mellish – It has been a great 3 years of fun and faith. I'm not sure there are many people who can make me laugh as much as you do, and I always enjoy the time we spend whether watching neighbours, playing pro evo or playing Champ Man, actually especially when doing those things! But what will impact me most is your passion for God's kingdom and your heart to go wherever he calls you. You truly are a warrior in Christ and I know God has much for you. When you go in faith amazing things will happen. (And you score more than tap-ins)

Tim Aston – There is so much I admire about you. The first word that comes to mind is character, you are wonderfully humble but also loyal, faithful and dependable. It is always fun to be around you, you are so light-hearted but also so freeing to be around. No-one needs to act up around you because you are so genuine and you have such a great heart. I know next year will present many challenges, but I know that God has given you and will give you all you need to meet these. Honestly mate be confident in all that God has given you.

Andy & Roo – I have so enjoyed serving with you and seeing you both grow together. You have become pillars to me. Roo the way you wait on God and have such faith to see all that he has for you. Andy I admire the way you are always passionate to go deeper into God with earnest determination. I also love your heart-felt prayers. You are both such wonderfully servants of Christ, I especially love the way you build up and encourage the church through prayer and service.

Tony & Elaine – You are such a wonderful couple. Tony, I enjoy chatting to you, it's always light-hearted but also helpful, you serve the church with such integrity and diligence. Elaine I so admire your passion, how it comes through when you pray and prophesy but also how it comes through in action. It is wonderful to see how God is growing the work with other cultures in Loughborough, and it is largely down to your obedience and faith. I commend you both for your hard work and dedication.

('the') Don – I know your unlikely to read my blog, but hopefully someone will print this for you or I'll write to you. I love your heart that does not cease or fade in its passion for God's kingdom to be built. I fondly remember the times I visited you, everytime I was encouraged and strengthened, even though I went to strengthen and encourage you! The first time I went over I wasn't sure of what to say, and we skirted topics on politics, sport etc. until you said 'I'd rather talk about God's word' Amen! You truly are a man after God's own heart, who no matter what troubles or difficulties face you, you cling on to God. I pray that when I am older, I will pursue God with the same heart for his word and spirit as you do.

Steve Emery – Steve, I don't think I could match your level of commitment and reliability. You are a faithful man not just in PA but also in God. I encourage you to continue to pursue God with all your heart. Whenever I heard you pray, it came so clearly with passion and earnestness.

Sazoo – I commend your faithfulness and dedication. I really enjoy it when you bring a contribution whether a testimony or prayer or song. It comes quietly but so clearly and with a wonderful spirit.

Chris Collins & Rachel – I love the joy that you both exude. You both show such wonderful passion for God. Rachel you always give your all in worship, and seem to have more fun in kids church than the kids! You are a role model to them and others in the way you serve with such joy and passion. Chris, you're a dependable guy with maturity beyond your years, take hold of who you are in God and run with it. I pray God will bless you both greatly over this summer and the coming year.

Ian Briggs – Ian, you are a faithful guy. You have a great heart for God, and wonderful dedication to evangelism that inspires me. It was wonderful to serve with you on Alpha and see the impact you make on others lives around you. Keep on going!

Joshwa Dugdale – It seems such a long time since we were in halls all those years ago. It's been a fun time since then, with Track & Field, FDM, 2 on 2 Football and other such games. I'm grateful for these fun memories but also for your loyalty, the way you supported me last year and the way we can laugh and joke before and after the Sunday meetings.

Ali Hogben – It's always a good laugh, whether bad punage or just general hilarity. I want to encourage you in your prophetic, you bring it with great weight, but also a wonderful humility, I know God will continue to use you in this, and I pray you will be a blessing to any church you go to, not just in this but in the plethora of talents you have. And thank you for organising all the football.

Matt Lowe – You are a servant-hearted man, looking out for others and always going the extra mile. I'm also so impressed by the way you bring your mates along to events. You have a great heart, continue to pursue God for all that you desire. I know you'll do great with set-up.

Jason and Becky – You are wonderful encouragements not just to me but the whole church. I have been so built up by your friendship and joy. You light up a room with your joy and fun, thank you so much guys.

Chris Mills – Really enjoyed getting to know you this last year, it's been wonderful to see you progress, in serving, in the things of the word and of the spirit. I know Camp America will be great for you and I pray that you continue to grow and develop next year.

Steve Wheeler – Your easy to talk to Steve, and also really enjoyed you leading worship. It was great to hear your heart for future plans and I'm praying God's will for you.

Sam & Meri – I pray all the best for you both in what you go onto next. Meri I know it will be a tough year, but I'm convinced God will do much work in you over the next year and that it will be to your benefit. You have a great heart and it is always good to hear you contribute as it comes with truth and heart.

2^nd Year Girls

Amy, Megan, Hannah, Becky P, Jenny

It has been great to see you girls emerge over this last year. It is really good to see you all getting stuck in and serving. You all have a good sense of humour and it's been great getting to know you all and seeing your happy faces on a Sunday morning.

Freshers

Alex Tait – Cheers for all the laughs and for being my whipping boy! It's been so good to see your heart for God and the way you have integrated into the church. Also just so you know I was at Josh's in my second year.

Tom Gooding – I love hearing you pray out mate, always comes with such passion, continue to do so.

Adam 'Fitzy' Fitzmaurice – Enjoyed the good times at Wilkos and Sainsburys over the last year, your a good guy mate and its been a pleasure sharing laughs with you. Maybe we'll get another steak pie one day?!?!?

Joe Tuson – We always have a good laugh, you've got a great sense of humour. Also wonderful music talent, I love the way you use it for God's kingdom.

Ollie, and Stephen – I only got to know you guys towards the end, much to my chagrin, but you both seem like good dependable chaps, continue to get stuck in serving and socialising.

Footy Guys

Thanks to all those I've chopped, nutmegged and skinned, it's been fun. Also those I've harangued, mainly Tim De V. (continue to play with passion, and pursue God with the passion you have for football). Its been a pleasure playing and I hope you continue to play as though you were playing for the Lord.

If I haven't mentioned you I'm sorry, but I am truly grateful to all those who have helped me in my time at The Well, those I've spent much time with but also those I've only spent a little with thank you!

Gramercy, Vielen Dank, muchos gracias, takk , thank you all very much

Jon.

Of the Love of Christ

I've been reading some of John Bunyan's works lately (he wrote Pilgrim's Progress, a classic story of the search and adventure of faith.) I came upon this poem by Bunyan called 'Of the Love of Christ' it is in old english and so maybe hard to read but the message comes through clear, and the last few lines are especially wonderful! That we who were captives can become kings!

The love of Christ, poor I! may touch upon;
But 'tis unsearchable. Oh! there is none
Its large dimensions can comprehend
Should they dilate thereon world without end.
When we had sinned, in his zeal he sware,
That he upon his back our sins would bear.
And since unto sin is entailed death,
He vowed for our sins he'd lose his breath.
He did not only say, vow, or resolve,
But to astonishment did so involve
Himself in man's distress and misery,
As for, and with him, both to live and die.
To his eternal fame in sacred story,
We find that he did lay aside his glory,
Stepped from the throne of highest dignity,
Became poor man, did in a manger lie;
Yea, was beholden unto his for bread,
Had, of his own, not where to lay his head;
Though rich, he did for us become thus poor,
That he might make us rich for evermore.
Nor was this but the least of what he did,
But the outside of what he suffered?
God made his blessed son under the law,
Under the curse, which, like the lion's paw,
Did rent and tear his soul for mankind's sin,
More than if we for it in hell had been.
His cries, his tears, and bloody agony,
The nature of his death doth testify.
Nor did he of constraint himself thus give,
For sin, to death, that man might with him live.
He did do what he did most willingly,
He sung, and gave God thanks, that he must die.
But do kings use to die for captive slaves?
Yet we were such when Jesus died to save's.
Yea, when he made himself a sacrifice,
It was that he might save his enemies.
And though he was provoked to retract
His blest resolves for such so good an act,
By the abusive carriages of those
That did both him, his love, and grace oppose;
Yet he, as unconcerned with such things,
Goes on, determines to make captives kings;
Yea, many of his murderers he takes
Into his favour, and them princes makes.

John Bunyan.

The next post is going to be a long one, so advanced apologies.

Leaving so soon pt.3

Last Year in Loughborough....

At the end of my FP year I felt that I wouldn't be staying on in Loughborough beyond my degree. However I also felt that I was called to go back to Sidcup for the summer, that it wasn't just a return home for the holidays, but a time to pursue God in all things.

So, I went back and tried to get myself in to that mindset, however on the back of a hard FP year it was hard to motivate myself and build my relationship with God. Yet it got better, but in a way I didn't expect.

Every summer for as long as I have known, I have been to Christian conferences. For the last few years this would mean going to the Brighton Conference in July and Newday in August. However I felt God say to not go to either. Whilst Newday was on, my difficulties seemed even more acute, but on the Sunday, during the Matt Redman song 'You never let go' I felt a change.
I prayed out and God began an amazing work in me, to the extent that I sort to pursue God with all my heart. At the end of the summer I met up with Tim Blaber, student leader at New Community and he asked me if I would consider returning to Sidcup to lead the student work. This came as a big surprise to me, I had been praying to God about where I was to go post-degree, but I had excluded Sidcup as I'd had a prophecy when I was in Spain, that 'Sitting in a pew in a big church will kill you', basically just going to a big church without a role would be spiritual suicide, so i'd ruled Sidcup out. Yet when I prayed into it felt like I would go, but somehow I wasn't in a position to make that decision yet.

Returning to Loughborough was nice after having been away for 3 months and people were very encouraging, and I had a real sense of purpose to work hard in my final year and to honour God in the way that I work. However life soon became hard, I was still deliberating over the decision, and Sunday mornings had become no less hard than they had been in my FP year. I felt under real attack and one week it felt like the rug of faith had been pulled from underneath me, I questioned things that I had always taken as read, and life was hard. The crunch point came one week after church when there was community group meals afterwards and so everyone went to those, yet I didn't have a community group and wandered home, wondering why life was so hard and lonely.

Life can be hard and serving can be costly, but God dealt with me graciously, I decided to stop waiting for some kind of miraculous sign and accept the offer to take on the student work, and God gave me confirmation that I had made the right decision. Things got better and there have been ups and downs since, but these last 6 months have flown by so quickly that I have little I can remember to write. The main themes have been job interviews and working for exams. In between I have raised up a new setup team and handed over responsibility for it, and have run with all I can to pursue God.

So I have only one more Sunday left at the Well Church. I've given my all and pursued God over these last 4 years, and the pursuit has been not only well worth it but also reciprocal! I have given much over my time at the Well, but what I've given has been more than repaid, by the love and warmth of my family that is the church, the input of so many wonderfully gifted people and the opportunity to grow and flourish. It hasn't always been easy, but I am so thankful to so many people who have shaped me over this 4 years. I have changed so much over the 4 years (hopefully all for the better), from a elderly boy who was quite shy to a young man who shaves and more importantly is confident in who he is in Christ and who is privelidged to be a recipient of God's lavish grace and to be called a son.

If you can keep your head

The famous poem, IF by Rudyard Kipling starts,

"IF you can keep your head when all around are losing theirs"

During final exams and many other times of uncertainty, it is easy to lose your head, easy to worry, easy to fear and easy to blame God for hard times. Hard times are not bad times, they may sometimes feel like it but they reveal and build character and help you in the future.

Despite currently having the most important exams of my life at the moment, I feel at peace, despite clouds of uncertainty and the potential to feel insecure, I feel secure.

Why is this?

Is it because of my laid back, debonair nature and cool calm demeanour? Err, no

No, iti s very evidently the holy spirit in me producing peace, inspite of uncertainty and probably because of it. The fruits of peace have already helped me to witness during the exam period, as I am able to be confident, that if I do my best and fail, God still loves me. Ben's talk last week was very helpful on this. The peace of God distinguishes me from those who are panicking and "losing their heads" (metaphorically of course). And I am able to use this for the gospel.

At present I have two more weeks in Loughborough, before I leave to go to New Community Church, SE London. But I still face uncertainty, I have no job to go into yet, no house at present to move into (I'll move back home temporarily though) and I'll be leaving the place that has become home for the last 4 years. Yet in uncertainty I know God will provide and that he has given me peace to stand, oh his abundant grace how it keeps me and helps me to understand how blessed I am.

What more can I say, but that when faced with uncertainty what can I do but trust in God, who has never failed throughout all eternity.

Lastly I'll leave you with the words from this song

How great is the love of God
How steady is His hand
To guide me through this world
Though I am weak in Him I stand
And you will hear me say today,
In faith, I'm gonna trust in God

The Final

With the selection process now finished we have our finalists.

The selection process though lengthy, has revealed in many cases the true colours of the candidates and there are the inevitable comparisons between experience and youth, and the different backgrounds and upbringings. What is clear is that you didn't necessarily have to be the best candidate to get to this stage, it is more about staying in the race.

Now in truth I am being a little bit guarded here, I am speaking both about the Apprentice and the US presidency, two vastly different jobs, but still two cut throat selection processes. We now know that the Apprentice finalists will be Helene, Claire, Lee and Alex; whilst the US presidency candidates are the Republican John McCain and the Democrat Barack Obama. However Hilary Clinton is manouvering for position as she has yet to formally acknowledge defeat (despite being defeated) if I was Obama I would perhaps let her hang out to dry and embarras herself, rather than meet her supposed demands for the Vice Presidency.

To get to this stage for all concerned has taken a great deal of effort and in the case of the presidency candidates, resources. It may now be a test of stamina rather than genuine ability, Obama will no doubt be more strained after his intense battle with Clinton for the nomination than McCain who has seemingly strolled into the Republican nomination. However McCain's past health problems may catch up with him as they tour the country campaigning for the November elections. Whilst for the apprentice hopefuls those who are tired now after a gruelling selection procedure will struggle in the final task.

Undoubtedly one of the big issues in the US presidency will be experience versus youth, McCain the war veteran vs. Obama the young senator; and this is a recurring argument in any selection procedure, how do you gain experience if you are young without getting exposure to the top jobs. 1 Timothy 4 v12 says "don't let anyone look down on you because you are young," and as young people we can set an example of how to live and act, but we are also called to respect those more experienced than ourselves. Alex in the Apprentice, despite always being defensive, seems especially so about his age being just 24, youth is not there to defend it is there as a positive with potentially years to learn from those ahead of you.

This quote from Pitt the Younger whilst being humourous also serves to make the point about youth and experience.

Pitt was accused by Robert Walpole of being young and theatrical, his retort was such:

The atrocious crime of being a young man, which the honorable gentleman has, with such spirit and decency, charged upon me, I shall neither attempt to palliate nor deny; but content myself with wishing that I may be one of those whose follies may cease with their youth, and not of that number who are ignorant in spite of experience. Whether youth can be imputed to any man as a reproach, I will not, sir, assume the province of determining; but surely age may become justly contemptible, if the opportunities which it brings have passed away without improvement and vice appears to prevail when the passions have subsided.

Pitt's answer was I can't deny my youth , but I hope my mistakes stop in my youth and don't continue onwards as with others. Whether youth can be held against someone as a disgrace I won't say, but experience is no better if it brings no improvement or old and bad habits die hard.

Leaving so soon pt.2

Arriving in Loughborough, although bouyed by the holy spirit, i was also nervous, and I find it hard meeting new people, but God was so gracious in his provision and I had a christian not just in my hall but in the same block as me. My first year in Loughborough, came with the inevitable challenges of settling into a new place. I got stuck in not just to church life but also Christian Union. It was a great shock to me to be offered the CU presidency after just 3 months, but with much deliberation and consulting those with greater wisdom than I, I felt my responsibility lay with serving the church. At the end of year 1 I was serving and enjoying life in the borough.

Year 2 brought new challenges, living with non-christians and stepping up in many ways. I discovered the wonders of the canal and spent many mornings walking along the towpath. However the most significant thing that happened, was being discipled by Ben Heap. God showed me that I had need to learn from one further on than I, and Ben taught, challenged and encouraged me. By the end of the academic year I was leading the setup team and I had preached in church. I was also learning that God's plans are better than mine, as my idea of a placement year to earn money turned into a year doing FP (FP stands for Frontier Project, it's where you take a year out to voluntarily work for your local church).

My FP/3^rd year was an intense time, on the very first day I learnt that my elder would be leaving in the spring and handing over leadership in the late Autumn. It was a difficult time, adapting to the rigours of church life and dealing with the uncertainty that any leadership change brings. During the training weeks God did much work in me, rooting out arrogance and pride, instilling confidence in his abundant grace and all sufficient nature and teaching me wonderful truths about himself. Both Martin and Dave, although very different to work with were both really good to work for and I enjoyed getting to know both of them personally. God blessed me abundantly during this year, I'm especially grateful to the generosity of my housemates Ben and Tim who covered the majority of the food and bills during the year, to Josh who gave me a contribution every month and to my parents and brother who gave me donations as they felt necessary.

The highlight of the year was going for a week to Valencia, in Spain and learning about church planting in another culture and the faith to believe God can build something from nothing. The biggest achievement was stepping up and being on the front foot in meetings every week, whether serving or bringing contributions, it really increased my respect for those who lead, because if you lead a church you can't just turn up and go 'I don't feel like it this week, I'll sit at the back' you have to be at the front leading. Lastly my lowlight was when the projector screen which was partially broken at the back (held up by the wonders of gaffa tape), started to slowly close, being the FPer and setup team leader I rushed in to try to restore the screen to its intended size unfortunately the screen collapsed, I got the projector shining in my eyes (otherwise known as the Damascus experience) and a lot of puzzled and amused faces looking my way. In hindsight it was funny, at the time it was just embarrassing.

TBC – one more anecdotal part to go.

Leaving so soon pt.1

In the summer of 2003 I was 17 and considering where to apply for University, the options seemed so vast and I knew it was like crossroads with many possible directions I could take. All I knew is I wanted to leave (I've always had a sense of adventure) and I wanted to do something business related. I prayed that God would lead me to the right university, and felt I should be more specific in my course than just Business. I decided to do Accounting & Finance as this is the module in Business Studies I most enjoyed, but I also felt I wanted a placement year.

God lead me to Loughborough, it just felt right, I walked around campus on Boxing Day 2003 with my cousin who had been to Loughborough and it seemed like a place I could live. By early 2004 I knew I was Loughborough bound and I visited the church in easter 2004. It was much smaller than New Community Church, Sidcup, where I had been my whole life, but it was so welcoming. The preach was all about John Groves' prophecy of the 2nd half, and a week later while in Sidcup I felt God speak to me about being a 2nd half substitute in Loughborough.

Summer 2004 was a life changing time. I attended the first Newday (the rainy one) and God's presence came upon me powerfully, three days later I headed with my youth group to South Africa, where God proceeded to fill me with his spirit and give me supernatural confidence taking away my shyness.

It was on the back of this that I headed to Loughborough for my first year at university, spiritually closer to God than ever before, and enjoying worshipping him with all my heart.
To Be Continued

Politics and Geography

This maybe my last post for a while due to job interviews, impending coursework deadlines and exams.

I was doing some bible study this morning and was researching the last part of Matthew 15 where Jesus goes to Magadan. My google search came up with Magadan in Russia, and then I went from there to a link to a place called Transnistria.

Transnistria is a disputed territory in Moldova between Romania and Russia. There was one part of the wikipedia article that really made me laugh. The following quote is taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transnistria

"Election results are considered suspicious, as in 2001 in one region it was reported that Igor Smirnov collected 103.6% of the votes. Nevertheless, some organizations, such as CIS-EMO, have participated and have called them democratic."

Now I heard of Sadaam Hussein having supposedly 'democratic' elections and receiving nearly 100% of the vote, but receiving 103.6 % of the votes is surely corrupt. I fully understand that corruption is not a funny issue and these people seem to be in poverty and to some degree oppression, but I do find it funny that you would try to rig an election and get 103.6% of the votes!

The other striking thing was reading about a city near Magadan, called Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky which is in far Eastern Russia. The city holds nearly 200,000 people and is in apparently beautiful surroundings. The only problem maybe getting there, as there are no roads connecting it to the outside world. It is the second largest city in the world unreachable by roads. The amazing thing is Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is 4124 miles from St. Petersburg and they are in the same country! To put that in perspective its about the same distance as London to Nairobi or London to Florida, and being in the same country.

Leadership & Management

Leadership is an issue that affects us all. We have all been lead by someone, or lead someone.
I enjoy observing different leadership styles and taking on board the successes and learning from the mistakes.

The difference between leadership and management can be a confusing one, and they often cross-over. Personally I believe a leader sets the vision and gets people behind them naturally, where as management is appointed and controls how a team operates.

The bible seems more leadership orientated than management orientated, and although Churches can learn helpful things from managers, the authority should always rest with how we see leadership in the bible.

I find the Apprentice interesting to watch, although it has seemingly got more TV show oriented than business oriented, there are still many valuable lessons to be learned from the successes and mistakes of the contestants, especially the leadership/management styles.

Many of the contestants come across as arrogant, and whilst confidence is important, arrogance makes others feel smaller. The good leaders on the show, allocate the tasks to people's strengths (e.g. not Helene wk 3), encourage one another (the boys wk2), and inspire their team (Raef wk2). On the last series there was one instance where Tre was team leader and did a lot of the work in the team and became frustrated. Sir Alan's observer noted that although Tre had undoubtedly worked the hardest, he hadn't lead the team, because he failed to allocate tasks (manage) or inspire others (lead).

In my experience good leadership is decisive, where as bad leadership is devisive and leads to splits and rifts, leading to inefficiency.

This quote seems to sum up leadership quite well

"Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall." (Stephen Covey)

Leaders, inspire and set the right course, managers make sure that course is stuck to and the best results achieved, and some people can do both.



Just in case you've missed it, I will leave you with a few quotes from the latest Apprentice series

Real eyes, realize, real lies (Ian)

There are two types of people, winners and I can't even say the other one, it begins with L (Ian)

I always do outstanding in whatever I do, I've only ever failed once, when I got a B in French at GCSE (Nicholas De Lacy- Brown)

If someone called me arrogant, I'd say you are 100% right and what are you going to do about it. (Michael)

I'm not afraid to cut off loved ones, if it means I get the job (Michael)

The spoken word is my tool (Raef)

I didn't label shark a hamster (Raef)

People are vying for the prime spot of situation which i do find a little irksome. (Lucinda)

I am concerned, Lee McQueen is concerned (Lee)

As a sales person I rate myself as the best in europe (Jenny)

In These Modern Times (2)

Adding to what I wrote in my last blog. Technology can prove a valuable asset to us, we are able to be more widely read, able to listen to preaches more readily and able to contact people millions of miles away, however it often becomes a convenience thing, far from making us more effective, it gives us an easy option, texting instead of the calling, calling instead of speaking face to face, or staying in and watching TV instead of going out.

It can also be more time consuming, scouring the web to find what you want can take a long time, or the numerous distractions of games and funny videos. You often end up doing less than you hoped for, unless you are really disciplined. The scariest thing for me is when I go onto autopilot in the morning and immediately turn on my computer to check if anyone has sent me e-mails or the news has changed, since I checked it last night! I mean how much happens when I sleep?

Technology is good if it helps us to glorify God, but where it comes instead of relationships, where it makes us less effective and not more, then it's purpose has been lost and the problem it is solving still exists.


I've included this diagram from a module I did last Semester which involved High-tech companies.The diagram shows different peoples reaction to new technology. Innovators ("techies") buy new technology as soon as it is out, even with the likely bugs and problems, these are the type of people that buzz when Apple announces a new product. I think in someways it's good to be an innovator, we should celebrate creation as it is an echo of God's character, as long as we recognize God as the author of all things and worship the creator above the created (Romans 1).

The gap or chasm between Early Adopters and Early Majority is because it is difficult to transition a product from the techies to the Majority, e.g. this is where HD-DVDs recently came unstuck and even Blu-Ray has yet to crack the Majority market.

Personally I am in the late majority, partly due to not wanting to waste my money on any product that is merely a "gizmo" or gadget, I want something that is genuinely helpful and good, rather than something to show-off to my mates. For instance I don't own an I-pod because I think they are over-priced for the technology, you can get better MP3 players, just not as well branded ones, I use my phone very rarely because there are cheaper and more effective ways of communicating, as I mentioned in the previous blog. I think I shock the sales people on the phone when they ask how much I spend on my phone and I tell them I top-up quarterly between £10-£15, they usually sheepishly mutter about some deal and realize it is far beyond what I spend.

Does the technology you have add to your life? Does it make you more or less effective?
Are you addicted to technology?

In these Modern Times

I often hear the phrase, I can't believe that this could happen in 2008!

It stems from people's belief that society has got better as the years go by. Its not the most irrational thought it must be said, surely we are getting wiser, learning from the mistakes of previous generations. Well it appears not, you need only look at the newspaper to see that morality is not only just as bad, but the lines are increasingly blurred between what is right and wrong. As a Christian I hold on to the truth of the bible and God's holy spirit inside of me for my moral compass, but even Christians have deferred from this.

The fact is that however technologically advanced we are, the fact is that mobile phones, TVs computers and the internet, have not made us happier, just more accessible. These have become necessities, but needless ones, things that we believe we can't live without but actually we would be as happy if not happier without them. Have you ever thought how you survived pre-text or pre-internet?

Now I am as much a slave to these as the next person, I own all of the above and I use them regularly, they are not wrong in and of themselves but they are things that we believe we need when actually we don't.
I have started to read more and more as I realise that reading as archaic a pursuit as it is, really fills your mind in a better way than a TV or a computer can, I have more control over what I read and there are a vast amount of books that contain knowledge that will help me. I believe 5 minutes spent in a book (obviously depending on the book) would so outweigh 5 minutes on the internet or watching TV, yet so much more than all these I would argue is 5 minutes spent with God, in his word or praising and communing with him.

It seems that even though we have more ways of communication, the standard of communication has dropped considerably. When I read of British political Orators like Edmund Burke and William Pitt or more recently Churchill, it almost seems as if they have found new words to express their opinions, yet we surely now have a multitude of words not accessible, not even spoken in their eras.

We have seemingly become lazy, lapsing into text language or into slang, without trying to find the correct word that would fit. Nothing can substitute for a face to face conversation, when you consider that in a conversation 55% is body language, 38% Vocal tone and just 7% the message (this is a general rule and not applicable to all situations). When you consider these percentages you realise how easy it is to mis-understand a text message, or e-mail. I find it frustrating when I am trying to communicate something funny, to do it in written format is very difficult, especially with sarcasm or to communicate with emphasis or special note, BUT I guess there are probably ways of doing it, but it is very hard to communicate the message, although I hope I have done so here?!??!?!?!?!?

CGI vs Classic Film

I put on one of my favourite films this week, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I hadn't seen it in a while and watching it reminded me why I enjoy it so much.

In a day where we have CGI and amazing graphics in films, it seems to me that we have gained these at the expense of decent scripts and great acting.

Butch Cassidy has some great cinematography, there's some lovely location shots, and a beautiful shot of a bicycle wheel with the light changing on it.

However it is the camaraderie between Robert Redford (Sundance) and Paul Newman (Butch) that lights up the film, I can't think of any recent films that have this feel to it, and as much as I enjoy CGI, for instance I loved the glossiness of Transformers, I wish someone could make a film with a great script and great graphics, or maybe even just a good script. These days films have poor titles, that give away how bad the film is, e.g. Over her dead body, or Snakes on a Plane.

I'll leave you with some classic quotes from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid:

Butch Cassidy: If he'd just pay me what he's spending to make me stop robbing him, I'd stop robbing him.

Percy Garriss: Morons. I've got morons on my team. Nobody is going to rob us going down the mountain. We have got no money going down the mountain. When we have got the money, on the way back, then you can sweat.


Whilst surrounded in a valley by lawmen hired to kill them
Butch Cassidy: Well, the way I figure it, we can either fight or give. If we give, we go to jail.
Sundance Kid: I've been there already.
Butch Cassidy: We could fight - they'll stay right where they are and starve us out. Or go for position, shoot us. Might even get a rock slide started, get us that way. What else can they do?
Sundance Kid: They could surrender to us, but I wouldn't count on that.

[during a gunfight with the Bolivian police, Butch and Sundance run low on ammunition]
Butch Cassidy: We're going to run out unless we can get to that mule and get some more.
Sundance Kid: I'll go.
Butch Cassidy: This is no time for bravery. I'll let ya!

but this fight scene is probably my favourite

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y87EaadjqM

Enjoy.

World Perspectives

I've always been fascinated by world geography, it comes from having a light-up globe by my bed when I was small, it made me inquisitive about the different cultures and places in this wide world.

When I read the bible, it comes the sense of geography comes through. Whether in the old testament the different nations that Israel fights and the journeys the Israelites go on, or the New Testament with Paul's journeys from Jerusalem to Spain and Rome.

What really makes me think though is the vast size of countries, some people have never heard of. If you consider that the Democratic Republic of Congo is nearly a million square miles, put into persective, the land mass of DR Congo would cover most of Western Europe
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/guides/456900/456977/html/nn2page1.stm). DR Congo is nearly 5 times the size of France and 10 times the size of the United Kingdom.

The really amazing issue is the correspondance between size and power, the UK and Europe exerts itself as a world power yet its size is dimunitive compared to whole countries like, Russia, China, USA, Brazil, Australia and Canada. Our power is rooted in tradition and history from the age of the early explorers, such as Columbus, Raleigh, Cook and Drake, but the most amazing thing is that we have maintained it. We rarely consider the luxury of being born in a country like the UK where a British passport gains us access to the majority of the world.

The roots of history still remain in maps, when you consider that maps are often atlantic centred and have the "northern hemisphere" at the top, early maps like the Mercator were distorted, increasing the perspective of Europe and reducing Africa.

I've included an upside-down map and a Pacific centred map to illustrate the point that there is no right way of looking at the world, potentially it could be mapped side on.






















It really is interesting the amount of power and history a country as small as the UK can have, and tieing into the biblical perspective, it is amazing the influence Israel had, considering it was surrounded by Babylon, Egypt, Persia and Assyria, 4 ancient superpowers. Only God could have preserved a nation in such a hostile climate.

You have a choice

From time to time I'm inclined to write poetry, when the mood is right, or the emotion strong enough, I break into verse. I thought I would post a poem I wrote last year, after reading the paper and hearing of another death, which was just a footnote.

This is my poem, called You Have A Choice:

Think of how many people die

Without even a tear cried

No sorrow, no anguish

Think of those whose blood is shed

On empty streets

Desolate, their life one big defeat

Think of those

Who have no funeral bells

No coffin, no farewell

Think of the tortured

Dieing in agony

Their last breath a welcome relief

What tragedy to die alone

What tragedy to die without a home

To die without grace

No smile on your face

Think of those who die without a headline

Without even a column inch

No words of remembrance

Think of those who can’t grieve in peace

Without a body to see

Never put at ease

Think of all those souls laid to rest

Of all those who die each second,

Each minute

Of each day

For those who no-one cared for

Who lived lives no-one saw

For those who were poor in heart

And for the little ones who never even got a start

Think of how precious your life is

How delicate it can be

One second a flower

The next lost in the breeze

One minute afloat

The next lost at sea

One day a mighty oak

The next a fallen tree

Take the time to look

To care, to enjoy life before it’s no longer there

Take the time to give thanks for what you’ve got

Before you have not

Cherish every moment that brings you joy

And each one that doesn’t be grateful you’re alive

And that someone cares

That you’ll have a funeral

That you’ll die with grace

Because so many pass by

Without a tear, without a cry

So many whither like autumn leaves

So many pass dieing in their sleep

So many restless souls losing life

For those with bullet holes and knife wounds

Dead by violence

For those dead through silence

Unloved and uncared for

For those dead and no-one knows why

The facts never resolved

And their story never told

What of those ordered to be killed?

A life worth nothing to someone else

What of those left behind?

Every moment a memory

Every life a treasure

We were made to bring someone pleasure

We are not made to die without making a difference

Without having a voice

So in the way you live your life

YOU HAVE A CHOICE!

Why Blog?

There are some great blogs out there for instance a personal favourite is www.therebelution.com and most say a great deal more than I ever could.

So why should I blog?

I'm certainly not blogging because I feel I can contribute more than they can or because I disagree with them. I've decided to blog because, maybe just maybe my view might matter to someone, because maybe I could inform someone's opinion or offer a new way of thinking on an issue. If this blog manages to do nothing else, it at least offers an outlet what I feel and think and if that can be of benefit to someone then it is worthwhile.

As the blog title suggests the blog will cover whatever I am currently preoccupied with thinking about or whatever I' ve considered recently. I hope you enjoy, whoever you are, wherever you are.

Jon

US Elections

Watching the unfolding of the American elections, has been a fascinating and yet bewildering experience. Fascinating, for the closeness of the contest, with so many twists and turns at such an early stage. It seems bizarre to think this time next year, one of these candidates will be American President. The bewilderment comes from the complexities of the contest, the hype and media portrayal

It seems like every contest, caucus or primary or whatever they are called, there is a new comeback kid. It seems if you come second in a poll and then first, you've made a comeback. This seems a typical Americanism, surely any contest is like this, one person takes the lead, the other comes back, but its the sheer hype involved, pronouncing themselves “the comeback kid” before we even have got to “super Tuesday”.

The sad thing about the whole process, and this seems true of democracy as a whole, is that it only ever seems important to people, when the vote is so close. People seem to forget the premiss upon which democracy was founded, of those who fought and died for the right to vote. You need only look at Burma and similar countries to appreciate how good it is to have a say in who gets into government, but this seems so unappreciated.

Lastly I'll finish by casting my opinion on Barack Obama. He comes across as smart and savvy, he has obvious good media presence and is a good orator. I think that after the waiting America could finally have the man they want. That is unless they want a woman.