It's now only four weeks until I lose my batchelor status and become wedded to Miss Rachel Hubbard.
It would seem pretty normal at this stage to be nervous, however whilst the day is such a big event that it carries some worries, one worry I do not have is whether I want to marry Rach.
Last night we turned to each other and asked if we were nervous about marrying each other, and neither of us were/are, which is pretty handy when embarking on a marriage!
Rach and I have liked each other for 2 years 3 months, we've been going out 1 year and 8 months and have been engaged 9 months. We know each other well we know we both get grumpy when we are tired and without food, we know we both like silly humour - for instance we both find the name Brian Bonehead hilarious! - and we know we love each other.
Now to those who are not Christian us being together for that length of time at our age and getting married sounds crazy! However the overarching factor is that we know God has a full-proof plan for our life together.
Full-proof doesn't mean without trouble (any follower of this blog over the last year can see that), but it means God knows what he's doing, even if we don't.
So Rach and I both face marriage with the same confidence we face any decision knowing that God's plan is full-proof and faith is never better placed than on one whoms shoulders the universe rests.
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Seasons
The last year has taken its toll in many ways and one is the lack of inspiration for blogs, hopeful this will change, as seasons change and God brings in a new season.
The last year has heralded many new challenges, but mainly many battles, I never thought I would face. Last September me and Rach took on the honour of leading the student and 20s work at New Community Church, started a budding relationship, started new jobs, and i moved into a new house.
The first few months were hectic, but exciting, we were caught up on a mission that was exciting and we were building for something bigger. I was now a trainee chartered accountant, in a relationship and leading a ministry in my home church, everything seemed great!
However, if i'm honest I became proud of being able to say the above sentence. The start of the year went fast, things seemed to be accelerating as we moved student work onto campus, and then April hit
I failed an exam at the start of the year, and was fraught waiting for the results, me and Rach had to work through some things in our relationship, we were asked to step down from student work, someone crashed into my car and there were other things in the background. To say life got hard, is an understatement, we carried on, but speaking for myself, I felt bitter, God gave me grace to forgive, but still in my heart things hurt, church became a chore at times, something to fight through rather than enjoy, worship became, just singing, we had to rebuild, as our friends were all in a different stage of life.
We got engaged which was awesome (see last post for details), but things were still hard, I moved out of my house and had more exams to encounter, the backdrop to all this being I didn't know where we fitted in, in this church, I felt lost, abandoned, cast out, no longer a leader, no longer much!
To be honest i'm sure i've painted for you the picture, but the last year has just been flippin' hard, life has kicked me in the teeth, and punched me in the chest, and then Friday came. Results day. The results of my exams, I felt I'd put everything and was trying to stay calm thinking all would be ok. Then the text came through two exams, one pass, one fail. I couldn't believe it, after all my work!
I left the office and I drove back angry, in a rage at God, how could he deal me such a blow, it was the last straw! I've been through enough, why does he mock me and betray me, I've loved and followed God for 16 years, and he just kicks me, my heart fumed against him, and yet I still loved him. The irony here is that I was showing God grace!
This weekend God sovereignly changed my heart and my bitter and resentful spirit, first we had future leadership which was really good, I had the opportunity to share and pray for others, which was great, then this morning I went for a walk with God as I love to do, but so rarely get to. I grumbled some praises and then generally moaned about my situation. and then God did something I didn't expect
He gave me a song, now prophecy is not unusual for me and I love singing in the spirit, but I wasn't expecting it! It was different going into a meeting having something to bring, and I tried and managed to find the right time to bring and God really blessed me. Then me and Rach had the great honour of baptising Rach's friend Tiffany in the water, it was so exciting even though things had been so hard this week I didn't know if i'd ever get there!
And then tonight I went for a run to maintain my football fitness and was thanking God in heart when the holy spirit just broke me and said "I'm bringing you out of this season" - my gaze was lifted my heart resounded with praise and I rushed back to blog on the God who is there in every season and is always faithful!
The last year has heralded many new challenges, but mainly many battles, I never thought I would face. Last September me and Rach took on the honour of leading the student and 20s work at New Community Church, started a budding relationship, started new jobs, and i moved into a new house.
The first few months were hectic, but exciting, we were caught up on a mission that was exciting and we were building for something bigger. I was now a trainee chartered accountant, in a relationship and leading a ministry in my home church, everything seemed great!
However, if i'm honest I became proud of being able to say the above sentence. The start of the year went fast, things seemed to be accelerating as we moved student work onto campus, and then April hit
I failed an exam at the start of the year, and was fraught waiting for the results, me and Rach had to work through some things in our relationship, we were asked to step down from student work, someone crashed into my car and there were other things in the background. To say life got hard, is an understatement, we carried on, but speaking for myself, I felt bitter, God gave me grace to forgive, but still in my heart things hurt, church became a chore at times, something to fight through rather than enjoy, worship became, just singing, we had to rebuild, as our friends were all in a different stage of life.
We got engaged which was awesome (see last post for details), but things were still hard, I moved out of my house and had more exams to encounter, the backdrop to all this being I didn't know where we fitted in, in this church, I felt lost, abandoned, cast out, no longer a leader, no longer much!
To be honest i'm sure i've painted for you the picture, but the last year has just been flippin' hard, life has kicked me in the teeth, and punched me in the chest, and then Friday came. Results day. The results of my exams, I felt I'd put everything and was trying to stay calm thinking all would be ok. Then the text came through two exams, one pass, one fail. I couldn't believe it, after all my work!
I left the office and I drove back angry, in a rage at God, how could he deal me such a blow, it was the last straw! I've been through enough, why does he mock me and betray me, I've loved and followed God for 16 years, and he just kicks me, my heart fumed against him, and yet I still loved him. The irony here is that I was showing God grace!
This weekend God sovereignly changed my heart and my bitter and resentful spirit, first we had future leadership which was really good, I had the opportunity to share and pray for others, which was great, then this morning I went for a walk with God as I love to do, but so rarely get to. I grumbled some praises and then generally moaned about my situation. and then God did something I didn't expect
He gave me a song, now prophecy is not unusual for me and I love singing in the spirit, but I wasn't expecting it! It was different going into a meeting having something to bring, and I tried and managed to find the right time to bring and God really blessed me. Then me and Rach had the great honour of baptising Rach's friend Tiffany in the water, it was so exciting even though things had been so hard this week I didn't know if i'd ever get there!
And then tonight I went for a run to maintain my football fitness and was thanking God in heart when the holy spirit just broke me and said "I'm bringing you out of this season" - my gaze was lifted my heart resounded with praise and I rushed back to blog on the God who is there in every season and is always faithful!
Sunday, 6 September 2009
The Engagement Story!
I thought while I was taking a well earned revision break (I have two more accountancy exams on the 7th and 9th of September). I would write about how I came to be engaged! to the wonderful Rachel Hubbard.
The weekend kicked off on the Friday night, Rach had returned from Newday and we'd planned to spend the Saturday at the beach, dropping Rach's brother back home and enjoying some rays. I'd made Rach a playlist which she appreciated and we listened to it on the journey down.
We awoke early on Saturday to hit the beach, not just any beach but Viking Bay, Rach's favourite beach and one of the prettiest beach's in the world!
Now I had planned the day, but I had to conceal the picnic in the back of the car with my towel. Now Rach had forgotten her towel and asked if I had mine. I somewhat skillfully (i may add) managed to avoid taking the towel down to the beach, and this meant I had to return to the car.
Coming back I returned with some added gifts, a picnic hamper, with Rach's favourite foods, some Rose wine, some flowers and a diary. However at this point Rach was still seated, so I used all my guile and asked if I could shake out the sand off of the towel (smooth!). Rach then asked if she could sit down, to which I replied, 'you may want to stay standing for this' at which point I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me, to which she thankfully said YES!!!
God has blessed us, we managed to get both the engagement ring and the wedding ring in the same day at a price in our budget!
We now also have a date 10th APRIL so save the date!!!
God is good!
The weekend kicked off on the Friday night, Rach had returned from Newday and we'd planned to spend the Saturday at the beach, dropping Rach's brother back home and enjoying some rays. I'd made Rach a playlist which she appreciated and we listened to it on the journey down.
We awoke early on Saturday to hit the beach, not just any beach but Viking Bay, Rach's favourite beach and one of the prettiest beach's in the world!
Now I had planned the day, but I had to conceal the picnic in the back of the car with my towel. Now Rach had forgotten her towel and asked if I had mine. I somewhat skillfully (i may add) managed to avoid taking the towel down to the beach, and this meant I had to return to the car.
Coming back I returned with some added gifts, a picnic hamper, with Rach's favourite foods, some Rose wine, some flowers and a diary. However at this point Rach was still seated, so I used all my guile and asked if I could shake out the sand off of the towel (smooth!). Rach then asked if she could sit down, to which I replied, 'you may want to stay standing for this' at which point I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me, to which she thankfully said YES!!!
God has blessed us, we managed to get both the engagement ring and the wedding ring in the same day at a price in our budget!
We now also have a date 10th APRIL so save the date!!!
God is good!
Monday, 29 June 2009
Summer Is Here
At long last Summer is here, it must be, people are complaining about it being too hot, English men and women are starting to go beatroot red, other than those who were already orange, but most of all sport has come well and truly alive.
Wimbledon
Summer is heralded by Wimbledon, and this year we have seen a noticeable lack of rain! Not suprising considering they've just paid for a roof!
What I love about tennis is the mental side of the game, you can see the mindset of the player through their body language. One great point can turn a match giving confidence to the underdog and assailing the player who ahd the upper hand.
Tennis requires great character and mental strength. Andy Murray just won a 5 set match against Stan Wawrinka in 3 and a half hours, the amount of twists and turns, as he had to dig deep within himself to beat his opponent. Technical ability is a pre-requisite of tennis and Murray has it in spades, but the technical side is useless unless you have a strong mental side. Determination, pluckiness and passion are often the difference between good and great players. Murray managed to fight off 10 of 12 break points, and hold his nerve at crucial times, where as a player like Marat Safin, who is technically one of the most gifted players has a fragile mental state.
Personally after watching the Murray match I came to a conclusion. I believe Tim Henman took Andy aside and said, it's all well and good winning in straight sets, but the English don't like that, no, they much prefer it if they feel like you are going to lose and you pull it out at the end.
The Ashes
Soon we are to enjoy another of the great summer sports, cricket. The Ashes return and it does not feel like long ago since England triumphed over Australia, yet it is 4 years. This is probably best displayed by the fact that from the winning 2005 side the only players likely to play for England are Pietersen, Strauss, Anderson, Flintoff (if fit), Collingwood (who was a bit part player in the 2005 Ashes) and Ian Bell (if he can get his place back).
The series promises to be as thrilling as ever, although unfortunately I doubt the cricket will reach the levels of 2005, as Australia have lost; Langer, Hayden, Gilchrist, Warne, and McGrath and England have lost; Trescothick, Vaughan, Hoggard and Harmison.
However those taking part are likely to give their all and as is often the case another star might be born in this series be it an Aussie like Warne or an Englishman like Freddie Flintoff.
Lastly the TOUR DE FRANCE
I recently completed the London to Brighton, 54 miles of gruelling hills and rolling flats. Whilst the first 20 miles were mainly walking due to the weight of cyclist traffic, the last 30 were a thrill as I put everything in to making it to Brighton, but one obstacle stood in the way.... Ditchling Beacon. This behemoth of a climb has sharp pitches before you reach the top. In just one mile it goes up 150 metres. Ok so it's no Mont Ventoux, Alpe d'Huez, Everest or even Snowdon, but it is hard on a bike, and it takes character to reach teh top when the body is saying STOP!!!!
Le Tour
This is why I love the tour, it is for me the epitome of sport, it is gruellingly hard 3 weeks of punishing cycling, riding on average 150miles a day. They climb some of Europe's biggest and steepest mountains, but most of all they ride mano a mano, you have to beat your opponent, it's sport and competition is a pre-requisite. In cycling you can see the faces, you can see the agony, especially on a mountain where every pedal turn causes more strain, as another ride jumps away from the yellow jersey, you try to calculate how much time is between them.
I love summer, I love sport, because it builds character and character shapes us to be like God.
Wimbledon
Summer is heralded by Wimbledon, and this year we have seen a noticeable lack of rain! Not suprising considering they've just paid for a roof!
What I love about tennis is the mental side of the game, you can see the mindset of the player through their body language. One great point can turn a match giving confidence to the underdog and assailing the player who ahd the upper hand.
Tennis requires great character and mental strength. Andy Murray just won a 5 set match against Stan Wawrinka in 3 and a half hours, the amount of twists and turns, as he had to dig deep within himself to beat his opponent. Technical ability is a pre-requisite of tennis and Murray has it in spades, but the technical side is useless unless you have a strong mental side. Determination, pluckiness and passion are often the difference between good and great players. Murray managed to fight off 10 of 12 break points, and hold his nerve at crucial times, where as a player like Marat Safin, who is technically one of the most gifted players has a fragile mental state.
Personally after watching the Murray match I came to a conclusion. I believe Tim Henman took Andy aside and said, it's all well and good winning in straight sets, but the English don't like that, no, they much prefer it if they feel like you are going to lose and you pull it out at the end.
The Ashes
Soon we are to enjoy another of the great summer sports, cricket. The Ashes return and it does not feel like long ago since England triumphed over Australia, yet it is 4 years. This is probably best displayed by the fact that from the winning 2005 side the only players likely to play for England are Pietersen, Strauss, Anderson, Flintoff (if fit), Collingwood (who was a bit part player in the 2005 Ashes) and Ian Bell (if he can get his place back).
The series promises to be as thrilling as ever, although unfortunately I doubt the cricket will reach the levels of 2005, as Australia have lost; Langer, Hayden, Gilchrist, Warne, and McGrath and England have lost; Trescothick, Vaughan, Hoggard and Harmison.
However those taking part are likely to give their all and as is often the case another star might be born in this series be it an Aussie like Warne or an Englishman like Freddie Flintoff.
Lastly the TOUR DE FRANCE
I recently completed the London to Brighton, 54 miles of gruelling hills and rolling flats. Whilst the first 20 miles were mainly walking due to the weight of cyclist traffic, the last 30 were a thrill as I put everything in to making it to Brighton, but one obstacle stood in the way.... Ditchling Beacon. This behemoth of a climb has sharp pitches before you reach the top. In just one mile it goes up 150 metres. Ok so it's no Mont Ventoux, Alpe d'Huez, Everest or even Snowdon, but it is hard on a bike, and it takes character to reach teh top when the body is saying STOP!!!!
Le Tour
This is why I love the tour, it is for me the epitome of sport, it is gruellingly hard 3 weeks of punishing cycling, riding on average 150miles a day. They climb some of Europe's biggest and steepest mountains, but most of all they ride mano a mano, you have to beat your opponent, it's sport and competition is a pre-requisite. In cycling you can see the faces, you can see the agony, especially on a mountain where every pedal turn causes more strain, as another ride jumps away from the yellow jersey, you try to calculate how much time is between them.
I love summer, I love sport, because it builds character and character shapes us to be like God.
Monday, 25 May 2009
Hard times, Good God pt.2
It has always been my resolve on this blog to give an honest account of my life, what goes on and how it affects me, it's a window from the world into my life.
As I wrote last time things have not been easy, and it continues to be the case, but it continues to be the case that God is faithful and God is good, in fact that will always continue to be the case.
It's very easy during these times to pretend God is not speaking, yet often it is the case that God is just not saying what you want him to! I know for myself God is speaking but it is more to deal with what I am going through now than plans for next year, 5 years, 10 years etc.
This week was the last week of me and Rach leading Emerge the student work in Sidcup, we were asked to step down because we could not give as much time to it as others could, which we understand, and agree with(we agree in the sense that God has given us peace about it)
When a decision like this occurs it sparks lots of thoughts, some natural, some Godly, some bitter and ungodly. Unfortunatelty these are the seasons that no-one wants to go through, but the ones you are most likely to grow through. It is certainly the case, all your motives are checked and you understand more about who you are serving and your character.
We feel we have given everything on this journey, juggling new jobs, a new relationship, for me a new/old church and Emerge. We have given a lot and not necessarily received much for it, but this is a lesson in itself, if we are truly serving God and him alone, then our reward is in him and not in earthly treasures, I can truly say that through this saga I have found many of my motives have been about me - why didn't I get the praise I deserved, what about my giftings, does anyone care about me?
They'er all very selfish thoughts and not really important ones. As I said God has been speaking through this season and two specific things come to mind - one is unity in the church, the devil really wants to have a field day in this season, by pointing out every blemish in this church, it is so easy to get bitter at the moment, but why should I serve the evil one, who am I to do him a favour, I really don't want to be bitter I want to be a part of the unity of the body of christ.
The other thing God has put on my heart is Psalm 34 - to praise him at all times, that he is good and blesses those who refuge in him, the those who seek God lack no good thing, he hears the cry of the righteous and delivers him from his troubles.
It has been our resolve in our lives and in leading the last 3 Emerges that we would give God everything we have, we praise God when its good and we praise him when it's hard, I don't want to pretend to anyone that disappointment doesn't happen or things don't get hard - and I imagine at times this blog could seem depressing - but I want to be realistic about the highs and lows and how I try to deal with them in a human sense and then when I realise the futility of that, then in a godly sense.
I hope that helps
As I wrote last time things have not been easy, and it continues to be the case, but it continues to be the case that God is faithful and God is good, in fact that will always continue to be the case.
It's very easy during these times to pretend God is not speaking, yet often it is the case that God is just not saying what you want him to! I know for myself God is speaking but it is more to deal with what I am going through now than plans for next year, 5 years, 10 years etc.
This week was the last week of me and Rach leading Emerge the student work in Sidcup, we were asked to step down because we could not give as much time to it as others could, which we understand, and agree with(we agree in the sense that God has given us peace about it)
When a decision like this occurs it sparks lots of thoughts, some natural, some Godly, some bitter and ungodly. Unfortunatelty these are the seasons that no-one wants to go through, but the ones you are most likely to grow through. It is certainly the case, all your motives are checked and you understand more about who you are serving and your character.
We feel we have given everything on this journey, juggling new jobs, a new relationship, for me a new/old church and Emerge. We have given a lot and not necessarily received much for it, but this is a lesson in itself, if we are truly serving God and him alone, then our reward is in him and not in earthly treasures, I can truly say that through this saga I have found many of my motives have been about me - why didn't I get the praise I deserved, what about my giftings, does anyone care about me?
They'er all very selfish thoughts and not really important ones. As I said God has been speaking through this season and two specific things come to mind - one is unity in the church, the devil really wants to have a field day in this season, by pointing out every blemish in this church, it is so easy to get bitter at the moment, but why should I serve the evil one, who am I to do him a favour, I really don't want to be bitter I want to be a part of the unity of the body of christ.
The other thing God has put on my heart is Psalm 34 - to praise him at all times, that he is good and blesses those who refuge in him, the those who seek God lack no good thing, he hears the cry of the righteous and delivers him from his troubles.
It has been our resolve in our lives and in leading the last 3 Emerges that we would give God everything we have, we praise God when its good and we praise him when it's hard, I don't want to pretend to anyone that disappointment doesn't happen or things don't get hard - and I imagine at times this blog could seem depressing - but I want to be realistic about the highs and lows and how I try to deal with them in a human sense and then when I realise the futility of that, then in a godly sense.
I hope that helps
Monday, 4 May 2009
Hard Times, Good God
As ever it's been a long time since I last blogged, sorry about that!
As ever it's been a busy time, with ups and downs, and "sometimes the ups outnumber the downs, but not in Nottingham" (as sung by the Rooster in the disney classic Robin Hood) just replace Nottingham with Sidcup or more specifically my life/ mine and Rach's lives.
However not wanting to dwell on difficulties I've seen the grace of God at every turn, when we face hardships, we also see the glory of God and I certainly understand more of who God is and how great he is.
It would be wrong of me to list all of the troubles we have faced over the last month and things have been hard on and off for many months, but this has given us a greater testimony of God's grace.
My car was crashed into, but fortunately there was little damage and it was not my fault so should be covered by the other driver. This was on the morning I was expecting my exam resit results. Thankfully, I passed and I am grateful to God that I did as I still have my job, due to his grace.
I can't say I understand what I/ we are going through it's hard and at times it really sucks, but then as I look upwards I see how great God is, and when I look in his word I understand that I am not alone in what I go through and I'm certainly not the first, I'm just thankful that I have a great God. There is no one like him, I can genuinely say in every situation God is worthy.
My prayer is not to never suffer, but to glorify God every time it gets hard.
As ever it's been a busy time, with ups and downs, and "sometimes the ups outnumber the downs, but not in Nottingham" (as sung by the Rooster in the disney classic Robin Hood) just replace Nottingham with Sidcup or more specifically my life/ mine and Rach's lives.
However not wanting to dwell on difficulties I've seen the grace of God at every turn, when we face hardships, we also see the glory of God and I certainly understand more of who God is and how great he is.
It would be wrong of me to list all of the troubles we have faced over the last month and things have been hard on and off for many months, but this has given us a greater testimony of God's grace.
My car was crashed into, but fortunately there was little damage and it was not my fault so should be covered by the other driver. This was on the morning I was expecting my exam resit results. Thankfully, I passed and I am grateful to God that I did as I still have my job, due to his grace.
I can't say I understand what I/ we are going through it's hard and at times it really sucks, but then as I look upwards I see how great God is, and when I look in his word I understand that I am not alone in what I go through and I'm certainly not the first, I'm just thankful that I have a great God. There is no one like him, I can genuinely say in every situation God is worthy.
My prayer is not to never suffer, but to glorify God every time it gets hard.
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Calvin Coolidge
I thought I'd tell you a little bit about Calvin Coolidge. Who you say?!
Calvin Coolidge was American president, from 1923 - 1928. A quiet man he was often labelled 'Silent Cal' but he was a great speaker, humorous and godly.
I have put some of his quotes below and attached a link to what I think is one of his greatest speeches and one of my all time favourites, the speech itself is underneath.
Quotes:
Not long after their marriage, Coolidge handed her a bag with fifty-two pairs of socks in it, all of them full of holes. Grace's reply was "Did you marry me to darn your socks?" Without cracking a smile and with his usual seriousness, Calvin answered, "No, but I find it mighty handy."
"If you don't say anything, you won't be called on to repeat it."
"We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once."
"It is only when men begin to worship that they begin to grow."
My favourite quote is highlighted in the speech below, that "men show by what they worship what they are" - we display our heart our character by what we worship, if we worship women as idols as items of lust we show our character, if we worship work we show our greed and need for fulfilment, if we worship God we show our humility and graciousness.
http://www.freeinfosociety.com/media.php?id=101
"Duty of Government" Governor Calvin Coolidge, 1920
The first duty of a government is to be true to itself. This does not mean perfection -- it means a plan to strive for perfection. It means loyalty to ideals. The ideals of America were set out in the Declaration of Independence and adopted in the Constitution. They did not represent perfection at hand, but perfection found. The fundamental principle was freedom. The fathers knew that this was not yet apprehended. They formed a government firm in the faith that it was ever to press toward this high mark. In selfishness, in greed, in lust for gain, it turned aside. Enslaving others, it became itself enslaved. Bondage in one part consumed freedom in all parts. The government of the fathers, ceasing to be true to itself, was perishing. Five score and ten years ago, that divine providence which infinite repetition has made only the more a miracle, sent into the world a new life destined to save a nation. No star, no sign foretold his coming. About his cradle all was poor and mean, save only the source of all great men, the love of a wonderful woman. When she faded away in his tender years from her deathbed in humble poverty, she [endowed] her son with greatness. There can be no proper observance of a birthday which forgets the mother. Into his origin, as into his life, men long have looked and wondered. In wisdom great, but in humility greater, in justice strong, but in compassion stronger, he became a leader of men by being a follower of the truth. He overcame evil with good. His presence filled the nation. He broke the might of oppression. He restored a race to its birthright.
His mortal frame has vanished, but his spirit increases with the increasing years the richest legacy of the greatest century. Men show by what they worship what they are. It is no accident that before the great example of American manhood, our people stand with respect and reverence. In Abraham Lincoln is revealed our ideal -- the hope of our country fulfilled. He was the incarnation of what America was to be. Through him, the Almighty bestowed upon the nation a new birth of freedom that this dear land of ours might be returned to the health of its fathers.
We are the beneficiaries of a life of surpassing service. Wise in wisdom and gentle in gentleness. Freedom has many sides and angles. Human slavery has been swept away. With security of personal rights has come security of property rights. The freedom of the human mind is recognized in the right to free speech and free press. The public schools have made education possible for all and ignorance a disgrace. In political affairs, the vote of the humblest has long counted for as much as the vote of the most exalted. We are working towards the day when, in our industrial life, equal honor shall fall to equal endeavor.
Duty is collective as well as personal. Law must rest on the eternal foundations of righteousness. Industry, thrift, character, cannot be conferred by act or resolve. Government cannot relieve from toil. Do the day's work. If it be to protect the rights of the weak -- whoever objects -- do it. If it be to help a powerful corporation better to serve the people -- whatever the opposition - - do that. Expect to be called a stand patter, but don't be a stand patter. Expect to be called a demagogue, but don't be a demagogue. We need a broader, firmer, deeper faith in the people, a faith that men desire to do right -- that the government is founded upon a righteousness which will endure.
Calvin Coolidge was American president, from 1923 - 1928. A quiet man he was often labelled 'Silent Cal' but he was a great speaker, humorous and godly.
I have put some of his quotes below and attached a link to what I think is one of his greatest speeches and one of my all time favourites, the speech itself is underneath.
Quotes:
Not long after their marriage, Coolidge handed her a bag with fifty-two pairs of socks in it, all of them full of holes. Grace's reply was "Did you marry me to darn your socks?" Without cracking a smile and with his usual seriousness, Calvin answered, "No, but I find it mighty handy."
"If you don't say anything, you won't be called on to repeat it."
"We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once."
"It is only when men begin to worship that they begin to grow."
My favourite quote is highlighted in the speech below, that "men show by what they worship what they are" - we display our heart our character by what we worship, if we worship women as idols as items of lust we show our character, if we worship work we show our greed and need for fulfilment, if we worship God we show our humility and graciousness.
http://www.freeinfosociety.com/media.php?id=101
"Duty of Government" Governor Calvin Coolidge, 1920
The first duty of a government is to be true to itself. This does not mean perfection -- it means a plan to strive for perfection. It means loyalty to ideals. The ideals of America were set out in the Declaration of Independence and adopted in the Constitution. They did not represent perfection at hand, but perfection found. The fundamental principle was freedom. The fathers knew that this was not yet apprehended. They formed a government firm in the faith that it was ever to press toward this high mark. In selfishness, in greed, in lust for gain, it turned aside. Enslaving others, it became itself enslaved. Bondage in one part consumed freedom in all parts. The government of the fathers, ceasing to be true to itself, was perishing. Five score and ten years ago, that divine providence which infinite repetition has made only the more a miracle, sent into the world a new life destined to save a nation. No star, no sign foretold his coming. About his cradle all was poor and mean, save only the source of all great men, the love of a wonderful woman. When she faded away in his tender years from her deathbed in humble poverty, she [endowed] her son with greatness. There can be no proper observance of a birthday which forgets the mother. Into his origin, as into his life, men long have looked and wondered. In wisdom great, but in humility greater, in justice strong, but in compassion stronger, he became a leader of men by being a follower of the truth. He overcame evil with good. His presence filled the nation. He broke the might of oppression. He restored a race to its birthright.
His mortal frame has vanished, but his spirit increases with the increasing years the richest legacy of the greatest century. Men show by what they worship what they are. It is no accident that before the great example of American manhood, our people stand with respect and reverence. In Abraham Lincoln is revealed our ideal -- the hope of our country fulfilled. He was the incarnation of what America was to be. Through him, the Almighty bestowed upon the nation a new birth of freedom that this dear land of ours might be returned to the health of its fathers.
We are the beneficiaries of a life of surpassing service. Wise in wisdom and gentle in gentleness. Freedom has many sides and angles. Human slavery has been swept away. With security of personal rights has come security of property rights. The freedom of the human mind is recognized in the right to free speech and free press. The public schools have made education possible for all and ignorance a disgrace. In political affairs, the vote of the humblest has long counted for as much as the vote of the most exalted. We are working towards the day when, in our industrial life, equal honor shall fall to equal endeavor.
Duty is collective as well as personal. Law must rest on the eternal foundations of righteousness. Industry, thrift, character, cannot be conferred by act or resolve. Government cannot relieve from toil. Do the day's work. If it be to protect the rights of the weak -- whoever objects -- do it. If it be to help a powerful corporation better to serve the people -- whatever the opposition - - do that. Expect to be called a stand patter, but don't be a stand patter. Expect to be called a demagogue, but don't be a demagogue. We need a broader, firmer, deeper faith in the people, a faith that men desire to do right -- that the government is founded upon a righteousness which will endure.
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