danders of my mind

website and blog move

2009-08-07T02:25:00.002+01:00

this is my last post on blogger ....... sniff sniff ...... it's given me an amazing start to my blogging experience but now it's time to step it up a bit

I'm over at

www.petewaugh.com

There are a few downloads and everything!!!!

Come and check me out

For now it's been beautiful

Pete

The Flinstones, Cornflakes and Church

2009-08-06T11:38:00.006+01:00

Imagine a church service ..... Just after the preacher welcomes everyone and Miss Granger in the seat in front is still wiping sleep from their eyes, and whoosh. The doors at the side of the building fling wide open and in walk's Fred Flintstone carrying a tray. Sitting perched on the tray is 9 bowls of cornflakes for anyone who missed getting breakfast. That sounds creative. That sounds sweet.

Ok enough of the mumbo jumbo

I was sitting this morning at the kitchen table, still half asleep eating a massive bowl of cornflakes. It was only massive because I poured what I usually have and then there was 'the bit at the bottom of the bowl' So instead of putting that back in the cupboard I decided to finish the box off.

Flicking through the channels I stopped at BBC2 and The Flintstones . Cartoon's at their best.

I am a fan of new technology. I count Nemo, Madagascar and Ice Age in my top 20 films. However while I was watching the Barney, Betty, Wilma and Fred I noticed a few things:
The technology used was current and ground breaking for the 1960's.
The humour wasn't contrived or sexually charged.
The point of the cartoon was humour and joy.

The word that stood out for me was simple:

Simple isn't boring
Simple isn't an excuse for lazy
Simple isn't always easy or popular

Yet simple is solid
Simple is creative because it is focused, specific and de-void of waffle.
Simple is comprehensive
Simple is

Simple is. It simply is in and of itself something powerful.

In the church before the West became the dominant subculture, before worship services were put on DVD, before the bible was on your ipod in 50 versions, before the majority of the population could read and certainly before it was politically ok for a guy to declare his unwavering love and passion for .... well .... another guy ..... the church as a body of people was simple. Situations were difficult, emperors were brutal, living conditions challenging, but the commands simple. The Flinstones also challenged the American way of life through simple stories, parables and analogies. I think this breakfast time has been more important to me than a lot of sermons I have heard in the last while.

Acts 2 reminds us of that. Acts 2 speaks of community as central, of giving of time finance and our whole selves as central, of worship as fuel and prayer as a cornerstone of a revolution.

YAB A DAB A DOO !!!!!!

She Dances

2009-08-04T01:29:00.005+01:00

I'm not a father yet
I hope to have daughter's

I am a brother
I love my sister's

I have a mother
I love her

I have a girlfriend
I love her

She Dances

Came across this site and thought it was amazing.
It's quite a simple site actually
It's point is anything but simple

Having helped with Compassion for a few years, children in poverty and at risk are very close to my heart. I hope you take the time to visit She Dances and to pray for this movement, the people involved and it's development

Heard of any similar things in the UK or Northern Ireland??

It urges and inspires me to get the finger out and start my football charity ............
Something that scares the SH*& out of me in the same breath!
Now I'm thinking out loud ....... I read Matthew 17: 14-23 today ...... About having a mountain moving faith .... about using and planting mustard seeds ...... about doing, not talking or blogging ........... Now I've got butterflies!!!!

August is .....

2009-08-03T00:24:00.003+01:00

August is:

3rd - 7th Holiday Bible Club - 'Crocodile Doc' - I'm leading a group of teenage helpers
5th - Playing at Taylor's Av for the mighty 7's (My football team)
7th - 9th - Splem and Nat are over (Doing best man for Splem & Nat next August!!)

10th - 16th - Revolution week in Trinity - Our teens outreach week - Can't flipping wait! Got 3 days of teaching, worship and action in the streets. Then two nights of teaching, worship and banter! Can't wait to see the Spirit moving in the young people who come along. Followed by a service on the Sunday evening!

17th - USA!!!! USA!!!! USA!!!! USA!!!!
17th - 19th New Jersey - Camp
19th - 20th NYC - Sights - my tour guide Kerry is all over this!
21st - 24th San Francisco - Alcatraz, GG Bridge and lots of eating
24th - 28th Santa Barbara - beach, outlet mall and theme park time
28th - 31st Newport Beach - taking in an LA Galaxy match and Rock Harbor Church
31st/1st Come home BOOO!!

So an exciting month ahead that I am looking forward to a lot! All prayer's are welcome!

The Constant Gardener

2009-07-31T13:37:00.005+01:00

I spoke about the theme of Garden's and God being 'The Constant Gardener' to a group of mainly older people on Wednesday afternoon: I introduced them to some U2 stat's about their concert's in Dublin last weekend and what follows is a snip of one point:

'It would be easy to assume that God is somewhat of an immature and irrational God who rewards good behaviour with his presence and removes himself when we turn and do our own thing. But this would be a rash, naïve and somewhat limited definition of our creator God. You see It would have been really nice for me to rock up to my sister’s house, open the gate and the grass to have been cut, with the recycling bin emptied and maybe even some new plants bedded. I could have gone home or gone out a walk, done my own thing. Yet I can’t help feel like I would have missed out on something, missed out on the experience of getting stuck into the task I had been given. God desires for us to get our hands dirty, get stuck into the mess of this life and see the results. God at times seems to step back from situations, the prophets experienced this and vented their feelings about it to Abba. In these situations God was and is acting as a DJ and mixing the Holy Spirit as guide, strength and support with our human ability to make and act upon decisions and produce what James would refer to as ‘good works’ and Pete Tong 'a banging mash-up' . God wants us to put some work in, take risk’s and then reflect on the joy that brings. This requires patience on God’s part, and is something of a risk by him. That he has left the work of the church in our hands. The message that has the potential to change the world is in our hands. WOHHH!'

Hope you enjoyed (The picture is a square in Riga I took a few weeks back!)

2 new books in the post

2009-07-28T15:31:00.006+01:00

Two books I meant to get when they came out a while back have just dropped through the letterbox thanks to the people at amazon and halifax! I have to read these for my MA that starts in September which is fast approaching and exciting me a lot ........ Am looking forward to getting stuck into them when I get a chance over the next month - I might even take the gibbs one to the states for my plane journey's.

The first book is Emerging churches by Eddie Gibbs and Ryan Bolger. It gives an indepth summary of the developments and changes that have been happening in the mid - late 2000's regarding the emerging church on both sides of the atlantic. Sounds like a good book to cast the eye over and get a refresher course on what has and is happening on the scene with some theological reflection woven in.

Second book is by Phyllis Tickle - What a name - she deserves to be an author if just for the name never mind her awesome mind! One of her many books she has written is - 'The Great Emergence' This looks and sounds like a great. First of all it is a female theologian commenting on all things emergence. It is so necessary to hear female perspectives on theology as more women than men go to church yet still more men than women preach, teach and lead.

I think a trip to IKEA is needed as my bookshelf is full already!

wordle

2009-07-28T02:09:00.004+01:00

This is my blog post about football camp processed
 through wordle

I thought it was pretty cool

website move

2009-07-27T12:31:00.004+01:00

So I am seriously considering moving this blog over to the web domain I got

A while back I bought petewaugh.com - nothing there yet!

I feel that having the site would facilitate a bit more freedom and development as I continue to write and create. Life is going round a few nice corners these days and God's voice is clearly evident in some areas of guidance for the future.

On the new site I would still be able to blog and post some more photos, and PDF's of talks etc. I will probably use mobileme and the iweb 2009 to get me started on this

What do any of you think?

Ordem e Progresso

2009-07-24T18:15:00.005+01:00

Ordem e Progresso
Order and Progress. The motto of Brazil. Quite appropriate for this blog post.

This week I was doing a spot of coaching at a soccer camp up in North Belfast. Run by Youth For Christ and helped by kitaid it is in it's fourth year and ROCKS! I was co-leader of the warm up for the kids and manager of Brazil! (I don't see it as a coincidence that my team was Brazil!)

I loved hanging out with the kids who came, encouraging them, coaching them and showing them love. Being with them for the week made me realise how much I love football and using that as a tool to communicate the Gospel to young people. I also chatted a while ago that on my heart is to facilitate the distribution of football's to kids around the globe. I think this is so exciting, scary yet such a journey and tied with the fact that I have no clue what my future holds makes all things possible!

I feel I am in a place right now where I love my job, I love the people who are around me and want to share Christ creatively and relevantly to everyone I meet.

A few things that are going to be my focuses over the next while (Until Christmas at least!):

Planning, running and Enjoying Revolution teens week at Trinity
Continuing to pursue the publication of a manuscript I have been working away at
Having a blast in America with Kerry
A new term in Trinity - Alpha course and potential new youth centre
Master's degree in emerging church

And if I get bored there's always a few other things that might get done like cutting my sister's grass!!

Books and Fees

2009-07-22T23:21:00.006+01:00

Reading lists

Reading lists

Reading lists

Invoices

Invoices

Invoices

So starting a Master's in September is really exciting but the reality hit home in 2 ways this week:

A reading list of over 150 suggested books came my way AS DID the bill for the fees!

This year at work is going to be interesting as the temptation is to 'step things up a gear or two' as I am in my 2nd year and try and 'better' the year that has gone. Quite frankly I will never 'better' the year that has been, I can only ask that I take this new year with the new opportunities that sit like a freshly ironed shirt waiting for it to be donned by it's owner and worn through the daily adventure's it find's itself in. So as I study and work I desire to bounce both off each other. I got so frustrated at uni the first time round at the lack of application of the Theology I was learning. Now my course is very practical and will open up lots of opportunities for reflective practice and new adventures.

Some of the books on the list I have read ..... about 95% I haven't!

If you know of any way to get funding for Master's degree's or have any books around the emerging church you want to lend me then give me a shout!

new phone deal and a few other things

2009-07-18T18:38:00.007+01:00

After opening a lot of post, mail and junk I have spent the last few days chilling out with Kerry, buying one extremely exciting thing and also some flip-flops and sandals for holiday!

Got a new phone deal - £10 a month with a new phone and enough texts and minutes that I need - saving £30 a month on my old bill! Am also thinking of moving gyms to save on cash - being away to Latvia, starting the Master's and thinking seriously about a few future plans means that I have a few things to save for so being wiser with the cash needs to happen!

For as long as it has been out I have idolised the iphone - like really idolised it! Before I went away to Latvia there I told myself no - you don't need it - I was happy with that yet still in my mind I wanted it! Maybe it's the ease of use, the instant internet, the music or countless cool applications you can get! Or simply to add to my mac family! But a few weeks later and I am content in my decision about not getting one for the next few years. Then I get hooked up with a cracking phone deal that will save me about £400 a year and barely cost me anything to run. God is good!

I just received my July/August copy of relevant magazine
If you are anyway interested in relgion and culture get this magazine!

Can't wait to have a read at this on the sofa, in the car, in bed or on the bog!

HOME BIRD

2009-07-16T17:17:00.006+01:00

HI!!!!!!

I'm back from Latvia for a month before my 2 week America vacation starts!

The trip away was fantastic

Life changing for the team who went away

For me as a person it was challenging and marked with joy and discovery. As a leader it was so rewarding and a massive privilege.

In my journal I noted the following on the plane last night as we flew with Ryanair (who for all the slagging were very efficient - so efficient that they played their trumpet as we landed lol!!)

Well I can't tell you just yet cause Kerry's fallen asleep on my shoulder and my journal's upstairs so you can make do with some photos!!

Prayer points - See you in 2 weeks!

2009-06-30T23:44:00.005+01:00

So dudes and dudets!!!!

I'm away to Latvia for 2 weeks leading the young people and wanting to hear from God and see Jesus in my young people and myself!

As my suit case sits exactly at 15kg in my hall I am waiting on Kerry to come pick me up ....... A few thoughts then:

Leading mission teams for me is more than organising, showing, explaining, making sure everyone is safe and well etc mission for me is seeking and seeing the heart of Jesus

The preparation develops the young people to a part but having a few hundred people intentionally and daily praying for us when we are away makes this more than a trip to a foreign culture. It means spiritual things are happening. It means angels in heaven are watching with baited breath as the young people begin to realise the magnitude of God's love and grace. That they worship an awesome awesome awesome awesome God

A few prayer points:
Spirit led prayer times
Good relations with the latvians
The right words to say when I am giving a few talks/seminars
Strength when tired, grace when irritable, patience when I'm beat!
Love always, eyes to see God, ears to listen, boldness to act
Wisdom to stop, listen and listen.

Thanks for your prayers and I will chat to you all in 2 weeks

Have a great time yourselves and let me know what your up to - what do you want prayer for? Comment below so other people can get in on the action!

Pete

Today and tomorrow

2009-06-30T01:45:00.004+01:00

Today I had the pleasure of meeting a few brothers and sisters from Texas ....... I laughed at how they were crapping themselves at our narrow roads and 'insane' driving .... I did have some sympathy when we got semi stuck in Killyleagh and also when attempting to board the boat in the big GMYC bus at Strangford lough!

Can't wait to see their reaction tomorrow to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge!
They are over for a week or so to see our country and sing and lead worship at a few churches. Can't wait to go over to Texas and see their turf!

Anyway I'm heading off to Latvia tomorrow/Wednesday 1st

Am really excited about this and after such a busy ass week am finally starting to think about it ..... Have a few things to do tomorrow and haven't even constructively thought about the talks I have to give - Have felt totally empty over the last 2 weeks and God has spoken when I have drawn close so I'm going ready to be filled up and moved in the Spirit. I know that I need this ..... the last year has been a blur of business, change and progress for the youth group yet for me spiritually a deceptively slow and often difficult pace as faith has matured through the challenge of leadership. I struggle to balance things being in this role yet have seen so much joy brought to my life through bible reading busting with expression, fresh eyes and a practice of prayer developing to be much more experimental, ancient yet constant. I desire to see things afresh, I desire my obedience to increase, I desire that still small voice.

As I head out to Latvia I pray for revelation.

'Rain it on down, what else can you throw at me I haven't heard before .... ' David Ford's sometimes depressing lyrics are my prayer that God would throw new things at me, yet probably more importantly throw familiar things to a tired heart that I can wrestle with, recapture and be inspired by in order to lift my soul and carry me on that little bit further in this journey.

Beach Party!

2009-06-27T17:18:00.005+01:00

So MJ is dead ..... what hits that guy gave us ..... Kerry and I chatted over a Subway today about him, his life and what that means for us. Our initial blase opinion turned on its head as I remembered that the first ever single I bought was 'Earth Song' by the one and only MJ! Maybe that's why I have such a fascination with travel and world politics etc .... We also recounted with smiles many nights out when Thriller or different Jacko songs were spun by the DJ and we hit the D-floor! Good times!

On another note we had our end of year Beach Party type banter last nite with the young people. It rounded off a REALLY busy week for me with work .... The type that produces a lot but you only need once in a while as your body is saying rest! (Don't worry today monday and tuesday will be restful!) Working with the guys on the party stuff was so good and a few pictures are below .......

how time flies

2009-06-27T02:36:00.004+01:00

Wohhhhh

6 months ago I made one of the best decisions of my life

I started officially dating this beautiful young lady and boom 6 months later it feels like both a lifetime and a breeze.

Kerry and I get on super well ..... which helps! We both fall into that category of 'your a bit random aren't you?' which I like! Being with her has been a breath of fresh air to my life. Having the support both physically and spiritually from her for my job and ambitions in life rocks my world! Knowing that Kerry is praying for me and will make me a meal when I rock up to hers after work without any fuss complaint or even hint of a question is wicked!

She looks to me for the lead, for answers to questions and direction for her heart, soul and life. It's been a challenge to step up to this position, one I now embrace, love and thrive on. She encourages me to dream and act on those dreams, she slages the hell out of me for no reason other than to make me laugh, she punches me again for a laugh! She doesn't like the tickles too much so that makes me tickle her more but she loves chocolate, like no-one Iv ever met before!

Well here's to the next 6 months and many after that! We plan to go to America this summer, then Kerry has a year left at uni and who knows what will happen after that ...........

petewaugh.com!

2009-06-24T12:15:00.005+01:00

So Lectio went brilliant last pm

I journeyed the men through Psalm 121 and listened, waited, wanted and heard God's voice

God's word for me was 'shade' - sitting in it, being ok to walk in the shade, protected in and by it.

On another note I bought a website on Tuesday!

petewaugh.com is now in my hands! Developments to come with it as I think about how to use it etc .... am thinking of transferring all my mail etc over to me mai l and get a new e-mail address (which may also involve getting an iphone!) as I will use iweb to create the site due to it's ease of use - I am a mac man after all!

Exciting times!

Lectio Divina

2009-06-24T12:07:00.004+01:00

Tonight I am taking a man's group and walking through/leading them in a

Lectio Divina

It comes at a time when to be honest I need a rest, a break and a fresh revelation from God. Over the last year I have spoken at countless things, services, youth groups meetings, small groups etc and last week when preparing the Elijah sermon I felt totally empty. I blogged a while back about this feeling - it's something I get a lot and I know that it's God's way of emptying me and filling me with his words - still it doesn't get any easier or more comfortable each time! I'm taking 2 days next week before we head off to Latvia to chill out and spend some time in stillness but I know that God will speak and use tonight's session of reading and reflection for his glory.

Pope Benedict XVI said in a 2005 speech, “I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of lectio divina: the diligent reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking, and in praying, responds to him with trusting openness of heart.”

Il let you know how it works out ...... how do you find spending time with God?

Elijah 'Bear Grylls' Prophet

2009-06-22T11:09:00.004+01:00

So I preached on Elijah last pm ..... looking specifically at chapter 17 of 1 Kings .....

I wonder if part of this chapter is more than God showing his power through provision and is actually focused on the obedience of our hearts. I also figure that big Elijah learnt more from this story than the woman did ......

I referred for a while to this story on the BBC website a few weeks ago and commented to the guys going out on mission trips this summer.....

The saving is done – GO out and spend. Spend heaven’s dollars through prayer, action, love. Love the kids with all you have. Love your hosts and the people looking after you. Love through action. Love those people who mock your work, who laugh at your efforts, who tut annoy and discourage and instead of reacting negatively look to Christ. Always remember everything you do is about and is for Christ.

The woman in this story knew the power of living lightly and living by listening to God. Spending heaven’s dollar’s on Elijah required obedience but also provided her with blessing.

Live out the message, start to live mission instead of think, idolise or ignore it. Don't leave it to some other time or person.

This passage has so many gems in it .... go on read it with an open and expectant mind

Because

2009-06-19T13:18:00.006+01:00

Because Jesus loves
I will love
As Jesus walked
I will walk

When I remember the cost
I am in awe
As Jesus rose
I will rise

Fire burns down
In the embers
A warmth and glow
From the ashes
Comes hope

Hope not merely a word
But a life lived

a Psalm in the charts .....

2009-06-18T10:06:00.005+01:00

Release me
Release my body
I know it's wrong
So why do I keep coming back
I say release me
'Cause I'm not able to
Convince myself
That I'm better off without you

A psalm?
A passage from one of the New Testament letters?
A song of lament?

Agnes Carlsson's song 'Release Me' has been rattling round Radio1 this week and sure could be any of the above. I love the violins in this song!

Education

2009-06-16T15:42:00.003+01:00

So I have chatted about this for a short while but today got confirmation that I will be studying again come September!

Am studying towards a Master's in Mission looking specifically at all that is the Emerging Church

Will be studying part time at Cliff College over in Derbyshire and doing my essays at home while I work!

Am really excited about this opportunity ........ Please keep me in your prayers as I open my heart up while I study and to where this takes me in the future ......

Whoop!

Wants and Needs

2009-06-14T14:26:00.004+01:00

Yesterday was spent doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that! One night this week I had a tin of soup for dinner, another night I had some dodgy noodles in a cup. It was what I needed to get me by. Yesterday Kerry and I cooked up a feast, some bacon and vegetable pasta bake with bread, and muffins and Ice Cream for dinner. It was what we wanted.

What do you need and what do you want?
How often do we get the two mixed up?
God keeps reaffirming the need to get my priorities right. In a world where there is so much poverty he is asking me to speak up for those who have nothing. I feel a greater need to be with the poor, to facilitate help to them. Bringing them hope and a future in the name of Christ. And also to learn so much from them in the process. Lessons that can shape my life and the lives of those in my contact.
This year I thought I needed a new car, I realized I just wanted it for a change and therefore kept the one I have.
This year I thought I needed a holiday so I booked one.
This year I have seen other people in need so I continue to strive to help them.
This year I have wanted to walk away from situations and not get involved but realized I needed to stay and listen to the Lord in them.
We learn what we need to know and want to do and have by listening to the voice of God in our lives. Keep you heart open. Keep your soul searching. Keep your actions active.
I also built a few towers yesterday at a training day for the Latvian team I am leading in 2 weeks time . . . . .

Then I saw this tag near the art college in Belfast!

4 Years ago: Part 4

2009-06-12T17:38:00.004+01:00

So I got weigh-layed for a week about my China adventure a few years ago.

Where was I? Oh yeah the teeth were just put back in .......

God made me so dependent on Him through that trip.

God also brought questioning into my head ..... Why did this happen? What now? What if I had have passed the ball a second earlier?

I had such nice teeth until that point!! All my brushing counted for nothing now!
This was as big a test of faith as I had ever had. Where did I go? Where did I find comfort?

Well if you know me, and some of you don't, one thing to note is that I'm not a worrier. My dad worries about everything. Literally everything. It's a strange type of worry he has. It is because of love that he does it. I almost love that he worries, it shows how much he cares, about his family and the school God has placed him in charge of. But I decided a while ago to live very lightly, fully trusting in the Lord for guidance, purpose, sustenance and substance. This means when difficult and awkward things happen to get on the knees and give it all over to God. So that's what I did. I spend time on my knees praying things into my life. Then God tells me to get up and walk in those situations, see them come alive through my actions.

Asking God for sustenance at that time was real. I felt like everyday I was in a battle and everyday my eyes grew wider and wider, my heart softer and softer and my soul thirstier and thirstier.

In China we visited the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, stayed in Shanghai for a few days, went out to some pagodas and did a few other things. It was truly a life changing trip. Not one I would want to replicate but learn from and build on.

In 2 and a bit weeks I take a group of young people over to Latvia for a mission trip - I love it, I love mission trips, I love the preparation and ministering in a different culture. So often God does much more for us out there than we expect. If you are heading on such a trip this summer then open your hearts to God. Be receptive, be open, be. Simply be.

Tickets

2009-06-09T10:34:00.005+01:00

On Monday past there Kerry and I booked some tickets for our summer trip.

Il blog in detail about it at a later date ....... basically doing New York, a few days in New Jersey. Then hopping on a plane to San Fran, spending a few days there then hiring a car and taking in the West Coast! BOOM!!

Booked tickets for Alcatraz's night tour and to go see the LA Galaxy!

SO EXCITED!!!!

Gossip

2009-06-09T09:38:00.004+01:00

I remember standing beside a ridiculously busy chinese takeout van at the Oxegen festival a few years back. About a hundred yards from me stood Beth Ditto. Oh I forgot to say a half naked Beth Ditto. It made me think twice about finishing the free Chinese in my hand, also because it had slowly turned to soup due to the incessant rain!

Anyway the Gossip's new song is entitled 'Heavy Cross'

A few of the lyrics provoke some thought:

It's a cruel cruel world, to face on your own,
A heavy cross, to carry along
The lights are on, but everyone's gone
And it's cruel

It's a funny way, to make ends meet
when the lights are out on every street
It feels alright, but never complete


Without joy

On Sunday evening I spoke about how, 'God knows the hearts of those he has created.'
Last week a good friend asked me what I wanted in life. What I wanted more of. I answered him by asking for more of God's joy in every aspect of my life. Being able to recognise and establish that joy in my everything, the good times and the difficult times.

These lyrics reaffirm to me the need for community. The need to share my life with everyone else I encounter. The need to pick up my cross, the need to ONLY take up the burden's Christ has for me. Fight the battles he wants fought. Live in the power of the Spirit.

Being a full time Pastor sometimes feels like 'It's a funny way to make ends meat, when the lights are out on every street.' In the darkest days, when we think God isn't in control, when God appears distant and disengaged from the situations we face the lights appear to be out. Yet when we realise that God is in our everything. That he knows the people he has created and asks us to partner in being barers of the light, bringers of Joy, miracles start to happen. GOOD TIMES ROLL!

Jeremiah 29

2009-06-07T17:00:00.001+01:00

My interpretation of part of the Jeremiah 29 passage that I'm speaking on tonight. Apologies to anyone from Kazakhstan! I looked at a map, closed my eyes and pointed!

The Lord Almighty, the God of County Down, sends this message to all the captives he has exiled to Kazakhstan from Bangor town. Build homes, apartments, town-houses if you so desire and plan to stay. Lay down sods of turf to build your decking on, and eat the strawberries, lettuces and herbs that you plant in your gardens. Marry, get busy making babies. Then when your kids are old enough, hook them up set them the task of making you loads of grandchildren. Do this until your heart’s content. Multiply! Do not become a one-child family. Oh and don’t lie about watching tv, surfing on Youtube playing the X-box all day. Get your finger out and do a bit of grafting. Don’t do this so you can accumulate more wealth for yourself. Instead work for the peace and prosperity of Kazakhstan. Pray to God for that city where you are held captive, for if Kazakhstan has peace, so will you.

Do not let the celebrities, fortune tellers, wannabe celebrities or the economic climate dictate the direction of your heart. They are only out for themselves and will screw you over. Do not listen to what they have to say. Their dreams are fake, they only speak lies about your future, they don’t know you, I didn’t send them to you. The truth is you are going to be in Kazakhstan for a really long time. Probably a lifetime for a lot of you. But remember all the ridiculously mind-blowingly awesome things I have said I would do for you. I WILL come and do them. Your dreams will be fulfilled. I WILL keep my promises to you. GOOD TIMES will come. You see I know what I think about you and it is awesome. The path I want you to walk down is full of growth not downfall, My thoughts towards you are only good. Only to give you a future beyond your wildest dreams, to give you a purpose so fulfilling you will need to sit down when you hear it cause it will blow your mind.

Manga Bible

2009-06-05T12:18:00.004+01:00

Diverting from China to promote the Manga Bible

Sitting in a meeting a few months back our conversation diverged from 'Does that sandwich have mustard in it?' To WOHHHHH look at those paintings!

The BBC ran a story on it a few weeks back and have this video describing it.

Manga is an exciting interpretation of scripture. Bringing it to life through spirit inspired paintings, drawings and speech bubbles!

Let's keep reclaiming and adding quality products to the arts, after all God is the creator God.

I had the picture below as my screen saver for a while .... Awesome!

4 Years ago: Part 3

2009-06-04T12:47:00.003+01:00

Third Installment today of the China trip

It was about twenty minutes into the football match, I was captain, things were going sweet. I had just did my best Cesc Fabregas impression and skinned a few boys in the centre circle, ran 30 yards to the edge of the box, got my shot away and then BOOM!
One of the opposing team decided enough was enough and elbowed be full tilt in the upper mouth. In shock I hadn't realised the extent of my injury. I ran my tongue around my mouth and WOHH my front tooth was missing, with the other sitting about 1cm back into the roof of my mouth! The surrounding teeth were definitely feeling dodgy too!
A big mate Gordy lifted my tooth up, brought it over to me then looked at me in the eyes. He instantly reacted as if my face had just been smashed .... eh well ok it had!

That day was a blur. The first hospital we went to the guy got a bit of wire, wrapped it round his finger and said open up! I said no thanks and we swiftly made our way out of that hospital!
The second one we went to played a game of favours. They fixed my teeth due to a favour/relationship someone in the hospital had with the doctor. A few hours later, after much pushing, prodding, numbing and pain we arrived at a third hospital and the doctor there gently pushed about with my teeth for another while and made them look a bit better. Strapping on some bits of metal to my teeth he sent me off with a few horse tablets for painkillers and it was back to Dave's apartment for some sleep.

My head busting
My mouth in agony
My soul questioning
My world shaken

Granted this was just a few teeth. But in my shoes this was my first mission trip away. I was thousands of miles from home, in a foreign land, unable to understand what was going on. I was unable to play foote the rest of the trip, lost a lot of weight cause it was bloody awkward to eat, and had a lot of questions on my mind.

I suddenly grew up. I realised more than ever the need to trust God. The need to simply be obedient to my King. The need to simply be.

I wrote these words around the time of the 'incident'

'My vision is not just to have a body of believer's focused on Christ. But to have an active, empowered body of growing, maturing, developing, changing, Spirit empowered Jesus Christians being put through that awesomely dangerous process called sanctification.

I came home, they put an implant into my mouth (fake tooth on a pole) And over the last few weeks my teeth have been pretty darn sore. I carry it with me everyday. When I brush my teeth, smile, do my hair, look at a photo of myself I see that false tooth and know that it means to keep rooted in Christ. To expect difficult situations to come my way, but to face them with an attitude full of obedience and with open ears.

Anything like that ever happened to you?

4 Years ago: Part 2

2009-06-03T12:10:00.004+01:00

After a few days stopping by with a friend in London we boarded the flight, that went via Amsterdam to mainland China. It was long, slightly uncomfortable but filled with a team of guys eating their way through the snack drawers in the plane who were flipping out at the chance to go and see this part of the world.

I should explain - I went on the trip with a group of guys from Bristol Uni's Christian Union's football team. We went through the organisation OMF An organisation with a great history of missionary work. The trip had 3 main purposes. Coach football, teach English and play football matches against local teams. In and through all 3 of these we were to take the opportunities to share the Gospel sensitively and sensibly in a manner that added and complimented the already extablished work of the followers of Christ already working in the city we were staying.

Zhengzhou was our place of residence for the majority of the 4 weeks we were away.
In a city of + 7 000 000 we were told there was only around 1-2000 Westeners. Being in the minority was something I had never experienced before. People came up and touched our skin. Traffic stopped to look at us. It was a surreal experience.

Having travelled for over 30 hours to get to the city we stopped at a pitch on our way to our apartments. Some people had heard we had arrived and you guessed it ....... wanted a match! We entertained them for about 40 minutes and then fell back onto the bus, exhausted from the heat and travel. The first few days were naturally spent getting over culture shock, adapting to the muggy weather, new food and different surroundings. At times I found it more difficult to live with the English than the Chinese!(BIG JOKE! The English guys were legends!)

We had to speak in code, having been told our rooms might be bugged and the authorities monitoring our every step kept you on your toes and thoughtful about your vocabulary!

We orientated with a few other missionaries, seeing what they were at, hearing their stories and beginning to share life with them was fascinating. We also had to start our lesson plans. We had a class of young people to teach English and culture to for 2 weeks.

Then the kits arrived. I dawned the captain's armband and we began the football side of the tour ............

TBC

4 years ago

2009-06-02T13:08:00.006+01:00

what were you doing 4 years ago?

The year .... 2005

The summer fast approaching .... plans potent

I had just finished my first year at bible college .... and was about to loose my missionary virginity and embark on an epic journey to spend a month in CHINA

I thought I would change the world
I thought the country would be brought to it's knees
Well that is what I wanted

What I received from the hand of God through the Communist culture was massive.
These trips have the tendency to change your life ...... A warning to anyone going on short or long-term missions!!

I'm going to blog about this all week .... do a mini-series .... today is about my expectations ...

I expected to be changed when I went out. For this change to be possible I knew I needed to have a teachable heart. At the age of 20 I already knew that being teachable in church and in my walk with Jesus would lead to a lot of growth. Remaining teachable is closely linked to a living belief and practice of humility. Words too often said yet ignored.

I expected God to move. What I think I meant by this was that we would see conversions, life change. That God would keep speaking into and out of my own life and experience.

I expected to be blown away by another culture. One so alien and different to the West.
I expected not to miss home. I was too excited about going, seeing, smelling, tasting, changing.

I wanted to change. I knew that God wanted this from me. I knew he desired that I would be like clay in his hands. To be more embracing of other cultures and expand my mind about life's experiences. At the age of 20 I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. What career to choose. I was and have always been open to the voice of God leading me like a restless wanderer.

TBC ............

Tonight in my Deck Chair

2009-05-30T20:45:00.004+01:00

So tonight, for a while, I participated in my own Bacardi Ad and sat in my garden, on the laptop, doing some work and surfing while I chased the setting sun to different positions in my garden!

Amongst other things I thought about:

Recife in Brazil
The invention of midgies (small annoying flies!)
Badminton - the neighbours kids kept hitting their shuttle over into ours
my love of bare feet walking
Soup
what to do with the rest of my night
getting up to get a jumper, then being absorbed by friendly fires album
Kerry and the fun times we have together
The future
China with OMF being 4 years ago and the need to book a dentist appointment to check in on my implant again!
Philippines with Compassion being 3 years ago
Latvia being 4 weeks away

A desire to go on a long adventure
The patience to see the bigger picture
The need to go on a long adventure for an extended period of time (I know I have repeated myself!)
Ice cream
What new box set to watch

What did you think about today in your deck chair?

it really is

2009-05-29T14:33:00.002+01:00

Took this on the peace walls in belfast last year

PS the weather people lied today and i'm slightly pissed off! Was looking forward to working in the garden on my laptop in the sunshine!

Jump in the Pool

2009-05-28T23:18:00.003+01:00

Bought Friendly Fires album yesterday

Been playing 'Jump in the Pool' all day and singing these lyrics found in the song:

The fear is falling away
Keep breathing, keep searching
Keep holding on
Keep breathing, keep living
Keep holding on

Awesome.

Expect big things from this band .... punchy lyrics with an upbeat body shaking sound.

cottage reflections, murder and football

2009-05-27T11:59:00.007+01:00

Last pm I stayed over at a cottage. It's out in the country where the grass is greener, the air cleaner and the smells fresher!

In the cottage there is no electricity which means no tv, no facebook, no wifi, no fridge, no hot water etc

I love it because it's the simple life. Sitting around a fire recounting tales of yesteryear. Finding out more about each other, details that get lost at ignored through cinema trips and other forms of entertainment that sometimes act as barriers to building friendships. The concept of 'Time' at the cottage is so different to 'Time' in 'real life.' In my scheduled life of meetings, deadlines etc I crave cottage time where life just happens, conversations finish not when the coffee runs out or the parking meter is up but when you fall asleep on the sofa at whatever o'clock! Cottage time is romantic, cottage time is creative, cottage time is so necessary.

I have been following the news of the murder of Kevin McDaid in Coleraine. Having worked there last year the place is close to my heart and I drove past the place of his murder almost daily. I don't want my country to dissolve into tit for tat religion guised violence. I want the walls to come down, the people to unite, the faithful to rise and squash sectarianism.

The other thing big on my mind today is trivial in comparison - ADELANTADO BARCA!!!!
I was at the Nou Camp a few years ago for a match. Been on the tour at Old Trafford and when on holiday in Rome went to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome to see it. Oh and when in Rome watch out for buttock stabbing! COME ON BARCA!

Would Jesus vote BNP?

2009-05-26T01:07:00.004+01:00

This poster disturbed me the other day when I caught it online. The BNP were on the news for chatting about the Church of England's call for people to boycott voting for the BNP. They claimed they were being discriminated against, treated unfairly by the leaders of the church. Telling the church to 'shut up.'

Church and the politics have had a difficult and volatile relationship ever since Constantine brought the two officially together. I liken to relationship to 'the guy and girl you remember from a party who wanted to get with someone, feeling like it was the right thing to do because everyone else was so they grabbed each other and started making out, even though they didn't fully want to, with interesting consequences. Numerous awkward conversations later, surviving banterous and occassional snide comments reflecting regret and confusion the two don't know how to recover or deal with the situation.

Jesus, as a Jew, wouldn't receive much backing from the BNP. They have a decidely anti-Jewish stance, with it's leader believing the Holocaust was MADE UP! I wish I was joking. Jesus, as someone who welcomed the foreigner and the homosexual would not be made welcome at the table of Nick Griffin. Or maybe he would be. It would certainly be an interesting conversation. Jesus would definitely NOT vote for the BNP. Regarding their poster, the BNP wouldn't know persecution if it slapped them in the face, hand-cuffed them flogging and torturing them for their beliefs.

Reading the Sermon on the Mount today Jesus would definitely love them and treat politicians as he would want to be treated.
What a guy
What a role model
What a saviour

What are your opinions about the church and politics?

I think this is the end of my inprompteu politics posts!

Tearfund running the governement and Mp's playing rounders.

2009-05-24T01:33:00.005+01:00

Tonight we played some rounders and had a BBQ with some of the young folk who go to bible class. It was a cracking (Northern Irish slang for class, cracker, brilliant, bonza) evening in terms of the weather and the atmosphere! Earlier today I played football in the rain for a few hours in my teams last match of the season. Thinking it would be raining all day I was amazed as Kerry and I drove to Bangor, parked up and the sky was clear blue with the sun squeezing out the heat and colour that the clouds had been hiding all day. Reminded me how quickly things can change!

I also was driving back from football today and the 'Politician's expenses fiasco' was being talked about on Radio One. We go from electric gates, to moats. Duck ponds to extravagent food expenses. Scandlous, ridiculous, double standards, empty promises. Some words used to describe politicians this week. It's not right to judge but two things have stood out for me in all this:

The role of power: How 'having power' can be misunderstood, dishonoured, abused etc. Those in power over us need to continually be accountable regarding what they stand for to the people they claim to stand for. As a leader I need to be honest with my young people. I remind them I'm human when I share my stories with them or unwittingly swear in front of them when I have to do all the running at rounders! Honesty defines this. It makes or breaks relationships I have with them.

The role of the poor: Driving home from foote today I was hearing all this politician crap thinking 'What if Tearfund ran the government?' I get a lot of literature from them and have monthly contact with one of their youth workers. Such a great organisation based on Christian integrity and includes principals such as the social gospel, repsect, hope, vision, faith, a chance for all, life, life in all it's fullness, equality, development, justice. I love it. I love their vision. I love the design quality of their work. I love how they want to change the world and ARE changing the world.

It reminded me how Tearfund are changing the world for others. They are the MP's for justice etc in the Kingdom we are a part of as members of Christ's Kingdom. Let's keep playing our part and standing up for others. Becoming champions of justice. Bringing hope to others.

magazine

2009-05-23T12:23:00.003+01:00

Got my copy of RELEVANT magazine the other day

Kings of Leon are the cover boys this issue - giving their thoughts on fame, music and God.

RELEVANT is a great magazine. It's style stunning, content cutting edge, message clear - seeing God in everything.

I get it imported from the states but and it's only a few dollars per mag

Cheers Dave for putting me onto it!

Pete

pick and mix thunder

2009-05-20T15:16:00.006+01:00

The storm clouds are gathering

A peal of thunder just whistled past my ears

Someone, somewhere is playing the drums. At least that's what I imagine when I hear the booming sound of Thunder

Thunder always reminds me of the power of nature. I think it's the fact that it comes and goes as it pleases, without our assistance, without our scheduling.

Anyway I'm really enjoying this book at the minute. Bought it on the Logos boat a few weeks back and am half way through it.

Jarrett has many good analogies and lines in this book .... one (when he is chatting about a'pick and mix God' is ...... 'Real faith comes from releasing control and choosing the whole of God instead of fabricating a God of your favourite parts. God is inseparably whole.'

I suppose this quote, mixed with today's weather remind us that God is beyond our control, yet by his grace allows and desires our participation in building the kingdom. When we stop making up who God is and start to accept him for who he is impossible is nothing!

Imagine an army of Christ followers rising up, making a far greater noise than one peel of thunder. But taking action so different, so other, so full of love that it made the world stop and pay attention. Thousands turning and staying with Christ everyday, here in this land.

After the thunder, there is always lightning

Within the clouds, a remnant of light

Bursting forth, breaking out

Waking up

Calling for attention

Free Coldplay Album

2009-05-16T11:38:00.004+01:00

Got this new coldplay album for free as a download yesterday ..... some old and new songs performed at a live concert ..... fantastic!

Don't worry me and Chris aren't best buddies and he slipped me an exclusive copy - YOU can get it too lol!!

Follow the link above

Peace out

I'm late because I'm bloggin oh and some photos!

2009-05-15T09:49:00.003+01:00

I'm late to catch up with a mate

But I promised you these photos!

Enjoy

here or not here

2009-05-13T19:53:00.005+01:00

you get to that stage

open up to speak

and nothing comes out

whimpers from the back of your throat

deathly silence that reflects the nothingness you hear

fully trusting means always being open

open to nothing and open to everything

then the silence is broken by a cough

people start to leave

not realising that God is in the building

he wants us to learn patience

to develop the art of listening

in the nothingness is everything

books, masters and future

2009-05-11T16:13:00.003+01:00

The logos ship was in Belfast for the last week and a bit

I went with a student and bought a few books

God willing I'm starting a Master's in September looking at fresh expressions of church and studying in -depth the Emerging Church movement and all that it is and looks to be.

I love young people, I struggle to love the church. I love people, but become enfuriated when they don't change and have no vision. I want things done quickly. If I'm totally honest at times I just love the church because it's a command from Christ not because its a passion on my heart. BUT I am a man of vision. I am a man of hope. I am a creative guy who wants to be part of the regeneration and reimagination of the church for this generation. I am a vessel for God to use. I am also super excited to be studying again next year - even just part-time but I am even more excited as I don't know where the Master's degree will take me. As I will be looking at ecclesiology(different views of church) and trying to get this sorted in my heart and head I know God will call for change in my life and for me to lead change wherever he calls me. I have always wanted to travel and serve for a while oversees, amongst the physically poor. I feel this may be part of where God is wanting me to go and to shape my life. Sometimes I wonder what being in middle class Bangor has to do with this. Then I remember the joy in playing rounders with young people in the park and it all starts to make sense ..... shaping their lives, giving them memories, providing opportunites for their development, being Jesus to them.

So I started this post off aiming to tell you some of the books I had bought!

Here are a few .......
zach hunter - be the change
Jarrett Stevens - The deity formally known as God
Brian D. Mclaren - A Search for what is real

In my head tonight ......

2009-05-10T22:38:00.003+01:00

Jesus wept

for me

and you

because he

feels our

pains and

joys.

He doesn't give up on us
He always rejoices in us
He will always speak to us

That's what came into my head as I drove home tonight .......... some simple words .......... with bucket loads of room for thought .......

Marathon photos

2009-05-09T00:31:00.004+01:00

CLICK HERE to see some shots of me running the Belfast City Marathon!

Good Times!!

These are some of my shoes - Kerry took this shot - I might wear them when I am teaching about Calvin Harris, Beyonce, I Am Legend and Job this weekend

Good cultural look at a few songs and a great film this weekend with the young people ......

Dancing Jesus

2009-05-08T10:44:00.005+01:00

Was out dancing last pm at a DJ set by CALVIN HARRIS. For £4 we got to dance the night away to some mega tunes

It was bonkers!

There were loads of drunk people

There were a few sobers

There was LOUD LOUD music

There was dancin

Moves were thrown that were off the hook

And in these moments I thought 'We need to laugh more and not take life as seriously. We need more belly laugh's' There was real joy in my heart last pm as I was with people dancin, enjoying themselves, listening to God inspired music.
I want the church to be like a Calvin Harris DJ set - pumpin, focused, joyous, with no inhibitions.

I imagine if there had have been a DJ at the wedding where Jesus performed his first miracles they would have danced like we did last pm

I DID IT!!!!

2009-05-06T17:23:00.002+01:00

I did it!

I ran the race

I got the medal

pictures to follow!

Time - 3 hours 33 minutes 32 seconds!

My ocd wishes I was a second slower lol!!!!

Marathon Monday is looming

2009-05-02T17:36:00.003+01:00

On Monday I will run over the starting line of the Belfast Marathon - then 26 miles 385 yards -- or 26.21876 miles later I will run over the finish line (God willing!)

I'm not running for charity, not running to raise money for a cause (hats off to all who are) but more so I'm running for myself.

Partly to prove fitness.

Partly to cross the line and get the medal (AND probably write a sermon out of it!!)

Partly to feel the vibe on the day.

Partly to tick off a goal I have given myself in this life.

Back in September I decided to take life by the balls again, it took me a while to find them again, and start giving myself goals and more focus/direction in life. The marathon was one of them so the training is done, pasta is being eaten, and energy drinks bought.

I look around and see so many other followers of Jesus drifting in life. Being spectators as others achieve and dream, carry out those dreams as they risk dare and gain reward. I hear those 'Christians' say oh that's great for them but God doesn't want me to do that - when they have never stopped to listen to the Big Man. Others simply wait too long and let life pass them buy, others - untheologically - say God isn't interested in the 'small stupid & unchurchy' things of our lives so they concentrate more and more on 'Christian things'

COME ON

WAKEN UP!

Really God is interested.

Live your life to the full.

Live your life listening to the still small voice

Live your life as one of dreaming and risking

Send a few prayers out for me on Monday please!

ok

2009-04-30T11:42:00.005+01:00

Ok so Arsenal didn't tank United - we have big thanks to Almunia and the linesman for still being in the tie lol!

As I said yesterday I have been away from the computer/e-mail/office for a few days now and guess what? EVERYTHING is still functioning! It all doesn't depend on me!! YEAH!! Life if still happening, people are still loving and losing, daring and doing, being and becoming. In the last few days I have felt closer to God than I have in a long time. I have realised that for a lot of this life I have had a small view of God. One shaped by a culture that says quantify it, show me it, and validates progress as going up not down, building bigger and not wiser. My view of sin and grace has been radically challenged and a position I thought was nonsense confirmed as truth.

Tinchy Strider is number one this week and his lyrics (below) are pretty apt for where I am at after an amazing few days of discovery, journaling, listening.

See never did i think a boy like me would be in need
when all i really wanted was to have some fun
now im losing my head, im telling you one thing
you’re number one

see i don’t understand how you’re number one
when it was just a fling before now, you’re the one
see all i did was blink twice, from my homie to my only
number one

My love affair with Jesus was never planned. I never wanted to love Him or put it in my schedule to make it a priority. But knowing him, encountering him, and now wanting and giving my life to him has made me want to live for nothing and no-one else but him. In some ways the last few years have felt like a fling with Jesus and I have just 'blinked twice' and now he has gone from being my 'homie to my only'

I was encouraged to dream, dare, act and be bold and brave in the next few years by someone on Tuesday - I believe they were words of prophesy and encouragement. Something of a tease as I don't know what or where these dreams will take me, those around me, and those I don't even know.

much love xo

Lack of blogging

2009-04-29T19:28:00.002+01:00

The lack of bloggin has been due to being away in Donegal speaking and bantering at a Youth Weekend and then on a retreat with the legendary Presby Youth workers ..... il fill you all in at another date .... as for now Im away to watch Arsenal tank United!

Oh and the BBQ on the Beach sermon - fantastic - Mark Yaconelli who was taking our retreat spoke on this passage which reaffirmed things I was saying and forced me to listen to them and take them onboard - wonderful!

BBQ at the beach

2009-04-22T11:21:00.004+01:00

Chatted with my church about John 21 and the BBQ on the beach on Sunday evening. We are in this great period in between the resurrection and the ascension! We need to keep remembering the church calendar and realise that we are in a period of celebration!!! COME ON!!!

As well as being in a period of celebration we are in a place of questioning. I focused on 2 questions on Sunday evening - 'What's happening in my life?' and 'What now?' Two questions Jesus allowed the disciples space and time to wrestle with ...... what follows is part of my talk ......

'The story goes on and it says – They caught nothing. They had tried, they had failed, they were tired and hungry. I imagine that night in the boat there was some reminiscing between friends of what had happened over the last 3 years. They were chatting, laughing, crying, remembering. I also think there would have been times of silence. Having spent a lot of time together they were now so deep in friendship that quietness and stillness was not just 'ok' but necessary. Maybe the last thing Peter wanted was for all his guys to follow him out to the boat. Maybe Peter wanted some silence, space, alone time. I reckon they would have had that on the boat.

Being with Jesus they would have known the importance he placed on this and the importance for space for questions, Space for doubts, Space for stillness. Silent prayers and stillness of action.

In between throwing the nets out and waiting for their catch some time to simply BE.

Maybe they remembered with fondness the scripture they learned as kids
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him” Psalm 37: 7

My next 3 posts will look at:
Space for questions, Space for doubts, Space for stillness

music in my ears

2009-04-20T08:30:00.003+01:00

Got this album when it first came out and as I'm not old enough to remember some of these songs when they first came out was great to hear the anthems and tunes that pumped out years ago.

I listened to the album all day Saturday and Sunday on my drives to Bangor. Finding it refreshing to re-visit some music instead of constantly buying new stuff (don't get me wrong I LOVE buying and hearing new creations of sounds!) But I felt I needed to go through my CD collection again and pick out some music I haven't listened to in a while and 18 was one of those albums

I don't have time to comment on each song etc but In the name of love stood out over the last few days as a classic amongst classics ......

Interview and BBQ

2009-04-15T23:32:00.004+01:00

Rick Warren has given a really interesting article answering some critics about his church and discussing a recent baptism in which he personally baptised 800 people! He also touches on the issue of homosexuality and his churches stance on this ..... kept me gripped for a while

I have been off for a few days, hanging out with Kerry and bantering about which has been FANTASTIC. But I'm looking forward to preaching on Sunday evening - Speaking on John 21 and the BBQ on the Beach! Am gettin up to write tomorrow morning and am excited about what God is going to say to me

I feel that writing is my main gift from and to God, a tool he uses to breathe life into my faith ..... and hope to others .........

What's your gifts? Have you stopped to listen?

Sunday's child is full of .....

2009-04-11T21:55:00.003+01:00

Because of the cross and the tomb I am a Sunday's child ..... full of

Hope
Direction for life

Faith
Reason to keep going

History
Stories to tell

Future
Stories to create

Visions
Experiences to embrace

Wonder
Speechless moments

Life
An awesome journey

Love
A decision every day

JESUS
A man like no other

Good Friday - carrying our cross

2009-04-10T17:59:00.006+01:00

GOOD FRIDAY

What a day! The cross has been in my head all day on what has been a busy day. I went to bed late – 2.30am after not being able to turn off from Thursday. Then went out a 6 mile run on my awakening this morning before getting fuelled up and going down to Bangor. And still the day isn’t over – prayers are to be said and communion remembered at a service later and then im hanging out with a few friends later. But back to today -

We have been doing 2 days of outreach. Yesterday we did a tidy up in the area around the church. Lifting bottles, litter, and doing some weeding! Nothing revolutionary or massive but simple and small, which in itself is massive and revolutionary. Each day was characterised by a few things. Food cooked by a couple of parents, laughs around lunch, teaching from our swords, a few interactive movies etc – one from proost and one from legendary Dublin kids found here on youtube. We also looked at a part of the Passion of the Christ today. Visual image is so important to help bring scripture to life.

Prayer was central to everything we did during the few days. Today we continued to do our prayer pegging around the town of Bangor. The young people overcame their fears and stood in the presence of God and on in promises to speak through them as they approached people, conversed with them, listened to their stories, had their hearts broken and shaped by what they heard and then offered to pray with and for the people. We wrote prayer requests on clothes pegs and then gathered at the end of the day and committed all these people’s requests to Jesus.

My confidence in Jesus praying with us is my inspiration.
My reward is one day in heaven I will see people come up to my young people and say ‘You know that tumour I asked you to pray for – well it disappeared.’
And ‘You know that day you stopped me in Bangor, well my prayer wasn’t answered in the way I wanted it to be, but it was answered. Thanks for taking an interest in me that day.’

‘Pray continually – with all types of petitions and requests’

That feeling .....

2009-04-08T15:31:00.003+01:00

Ever waited for something?
Ever waited a long time for something?
Ever had the feeling that the person your waiting for isn’t going to turn up?!
Then ‘wow’ …. The sense of relief when they come through on their word. It’s amazing
It’s easy for us to look back and say, ‘Well Christ was obviously going to show up, to die on the cross, to give us a fresh start again, and again, and again, to unleash our talents, to allow us to dream. He never fails, how stupid of us to doubt.’

Yet I don’t think it would have been that simple to think that rationally on the Friday a revolutionary had an encounter with a tree, a whip, a crown and some nails.
Being one of the disciples’ and not knowing what was going to happen after the crucifixion must have been a horrible place to be in and held more than a transient feeling.

If your walking through a situation today and you don’t know the outcome, don’t abandon your position of questioning.

Stay there.
Be honest with God.
Be real with your Father.
Be in that experience.
Live it, don’t run away from it, don’t abandon hope when you feel nothing. Instead look to the cross. The centre of our world, the hope of nations, the reason I get up in the morning, the start of my dreams, the end of my sin, the renewal of my soul, the ink on my back.

encounters in a cafe

2009-04-06T12:20:00.005+01:00

So I met this guy the other day in Belfast. I say met but I mean bumped into! Just had lunch with a pal Dave who runs Alpha stuff in Northern Ireland and was hanging around a cafe in between meetings when I saw Brian folding a newspaper and watching life pass him by in Belfast. We made some small talk and shared a bit with each other for 5 minutes.

Ever since I read Red Moon Rising 3/4 years ago I have been fascinated by all things prayer

The effect and growth of 24/7 prayer has been nothing short of phenomenal and I believe hails the mark of a generation or two who want to be serious revolutionaries for God

I follow Brian's Blog and am fascinated by the conspirators of this 24/7 movement. Read it, follow it, but most importantly be who God wants YOU to be. I love what Brian is doing, but I'm not a fan of Brian in the sense of elevating him to a celebrity Christian status. He nor anyone else wouldn't want this. I simply see him as another brother in Christ, a fellow Saint who enspires me to keep seeking God in my life and in my community.

Keep it up Brian

Tearfund Global Poverty Creed

2009-04-01T17:49:00.002+01:00

This is Tearfund's Poverty creed ..... it's amazing ......

We believe that our Messiah is an activist.
We know his Spirit never slumbers.
We know he is here, and everywhere, stirring, prompting, convicting: turning belief into action.
We know that belief walks hand in hand with action.
And we know that the Messiah walked with those who are oppressed, vulnerable and weak.
And so we will keep our focus on them. We know that people are living with – and dying because of – HIV.
But we believe in the call to, and the power of, God’s church as a bringer of hope.
We know God’s church must work as one global, agile movement.
We, God’s church, must infect communities with hope, infuse darkness with light, ease suffering with medicines, reverse injustice with advocacy.
We believe and respond to this call – to what God’s Spirit in us confirms.
We believe that victory will come through united service, not power and privilege, as Christ’s example shows.
And we commit to pray passionately, act intentionally, give generously, campaign forcefully, speak lovingly and think globally – not as ‘me’ but as ‘we’.
Not only as ‘local church’ but as Christ’s ‘global church’.

Distance

2009-03-30T11:59:00.004+01:00

Distance

creating

space

divorced from comfort

In need of touch

Distance

creating

space

married to confidence

In need of more

Funny man!

2009-03-27T15:38:00.004Z

Jeremy Clarkson

Love him or hate him

This is funny!

Top Gear is in my top 5 TV programmes alongside
Heroes
24
MOTD2
Family Guy

Whats your top 5?

Boots and balls

2009-03-27T00:03:00.003Z

God spoke to me very clearly in Boots pharmacy the other day (Tuesday!)

Was very clear and very surreal ........ I was just waiting with my sister for her to pick up a prescription and God said go to Brazil and hand out footballs to street kids

Straight up ..... He just flat out said it! And he said to dream big .......

I really don't know what this looks like ..... I don't know a timescale - but I know that he wants me to do it and facilitate it happening.

I think it stems from a while of searching for a real peace about what God wants me to do in this life that I am seeing being revealed as I journey with Him ...... I know there are a lot of things I could do, I know there are a lot of things I want to do .... but I also know there is another kingdom and another agenda. More and more I am finding that the things God wants off me are the things I am either really good at and am doing and developing - like my writing - or the things I have no clue about and he wants to train me in - like handing out and facilitating a mass hand out of footballs to street kids in Brazil.

I don't think this will happen for a few years but I believe he has planted it there with me to prepare my heart and start using my networks .......

Im so excited about this ......

In the mean time he spoke and said keep encouraging people where you are right here right now ..... live for the moment

Just another average few days in the life of Pete Waugh

!!

CANADA DAY!

2009-03-25T10:48:00.005Z

Today is official Canada Day in the Waugh house!

My lovely sister Rachael is moving over to the Maple leaf country for a year.

I will miss her a load! But facebook, blogs and email will help!

Rachael - safe travel, have a rocking time and maybe Il come and see you!

A few tears were shed and a few more Im sure will come

Pete

Emerging church ...... and so the discussion continues

2009-03-24T09:38:00.002Z

Was at a fascinating emerging church 'roundtable' (well there wasnt any table but there definitely was a circle) on Friday organised by Steve Stockman

Doug Gay came over and provoked, discussed, listened, taught, thought, ate, laughed, communicated and lead us through a discussion that has been long needed in Northern Ireland. I didnt get to sit with him at lunch but wanted to give him banter about drinking Irn Bru - you can take a Scot out of Scotland but you can't take the Scottish out of them!

The future of the church is a burning issue on my heart, even more so than Youth Ministry. I love Jesus that much and I love all peoples so much that I want to be a part of the creative and redemptive story that is being played out in this Island and further afield. We need to be proactive, spirit filled, risk taking people.

My quote of the day was 'We need to take it(church) by the swingers and start taking risks for the kingdom'
That was my quick to speak mouth reflecting the words, thoughts and feelings on my heart.

Thanks everyone for coming, discussing, provoking and dreaming. Doug left me with so many different thoughts on all of this, some new and some awakened from dreams I thought were only fantasy's.

De-baptism

2009-03-19T08:48:00.004Z

"I, Peter Waugh, having been subjected to the rite of Christian baptism in infancy... hereby publicly revoke any implications of that rite. I reject all its creeds and other such superstitions in particular the perfidious belief that any baby needs to be cleansed of original sin."

If that were true that would upset a few people I guess!

Found this article on the bbc website about baptism and a guy - John Geoffrey Hunt, who has renounced being dunked/blessed/baptised as a kid

"I, John Geoffrey Hunt, having been subjected to the rite of Christian baptism in infancy... hereby publicly revoke any implications of that rite. I reject all its creeds and other such superstitions in particular the perfidious belief that any baby needs to be cleansed of original sin."

John raises a really interesting point and question for those formerly in the church and for me in the church about the nature and form of baptism, something I have struggled with for years.

Quietness

2009-03-18T22:36:00.002Z

St. Pat's was fairly quiet - Had a meeting with my pastor's, had a great lunch with one of them and his wife and then hung in their house and did a bit of work/watched a rugby match!

Then went round to a few friends house for dinner. People I hadn't met 8 months ago and who I now consider friends, brothers, sisters, warriors and saints.

Was a joy to
eat with them
laugh with them
share with them
reminisce with them
dream with them
console with them
encourage them
be encouraged by them
pray with and for them

Pure brilliance.

I think if St. Patrick had have been there he would have felt in his heart that this is what church is. That all his suffering, obedience and perseverance was worth it.

Then today I drove through Kells and Connor and dreamt what it was like in the 1859 Revival. Oh how I want that to come to this country again.
God let it be

Prayer is a continued theme for me at the minute. Developing what it is, practicing it in my everything, dreaming big scary prayers and seeking answers to small and random ones.

Someone then asked me later today 'Are you continuing to keep prayer as central to your ministry?'

A line from one of the people who fell on their knees before Christ at this time

I do not care to talk on mere points of doctrine. I would rather speak of the experience of salvation in the soul.

Windsor and beyond!!

2009-03-16T11:25:00.003Z

Day off today so time to catch up on a bit of writing, tidying and gyming! Preached last night at a youth service and as always am knackered after preaching. I really enjoy it but I find it pretty tiring.

Off to Windsor Park tonight with my dad to watch Linfield v Glentoran ...... top of the table clash with all to play for ........ COME ON YOU BLUES!!

A few highlights of the coming week
Match tonight
Dinner with a few people from work tomorrow night
Going up North Coast on Wednesday to see a student, have a surf and buy a Nissan Skyline .... ok the last parts a joke!
KERRY IS HOME on Thursday and we are going to the Snow Patrol gig! Whoop! Cant wait to have my girlfriend home after she has been on placement and in the states for a wee holiday ...... good times!

Waiting to hear back from a publisher about a book proposal I threw over to them ...... am hoping and praying for a good response ......... I suppose we just wait and see and keep knocking them doors!!

Have a great day folks .....

The Shaft

2009-03-12T10:49:00.005Z

I love my city of Belfast

I love the people

I love the feeling of expectancy about the city

I love the history of this place

I love the humour of the people

Click on this link to the Belfast Telegraphs site and flick through the pictures to see some peoples view of Belfast! Very funny!

I will add my own ..... you know your from Belfast when getting stroked means something totally different than someone stroking your hair!

BBC PHOTO!

2009-03-10T23:36:00.004Z

So as a kid I always thought I was destined to be Mr Average, never believing I had talents to be shown or people would want to see, could learn from etc.

Over the last year and especially the last 8 months I have been listening to God speaking through his people, and random others who have been affirming gifts in me and opening up new areas of thought and possibility. Photography is one of those talents I have started to develop - I never want to be a pro or anything like that - more so I just want to take nice photos for my family, friends and maybe venture into some small low key business areas such as selling postcards or prints etc - nothing on the horizon yet but its an idea I think about - so it was a great honour and encouragement to receive an e-mail the other day from a guy working for the BBC saying they wanted to use one of my photos I shot on a beautiful early summers evening up at the NW200 last May.

Here is the link to the photo and site

Pray for our country

2009-03-09T17:36:00.002Z

So the news yesterday morning brought us back a few years to waking up and seeing what new family had suffered a bereavement from a needless, selfish, hate fuelled murder.
Disgusting, horrible. The reaction needs to be measured and I have been mightly impressed by Gordon Brown and Martin McGuinness who united in word and action surrouding this tragedy.

Was up in Derry/Londonderry the other week on a Peace fact finding tour. We did the wall walking tour and a walking tour round the Bogside - Where Bloody Sunday happened.

Here are a few photos of the day

waiting for a chat

2009-03-08T15:34:00.003Z

I was just out of a time of reflection with a few other youth workers and waiting for a chat with someone recently ..... I had to wait longer than I thought and these words came to me ....... I think there is room for expanding on them ......

Difficult places, different faces, deep feelings
Same God, same Jesus, same Spirit

Strange smells, scary situations, stimulating senses
Same God, same Jesus, same Spirit

Pointless programs, poignant prayers, perfect chaos
Same God, same Jesus, same Spirit

Trust broken, troubled people, tense feelings
Same God, same Jesus, same Spirit

I hope they are relevant to you

WOHH!

2009-03-04T17:04:00.004Z

ITS THE 4TH MARCH!

SERIOUSLY THIS IS MENTAL!

I can remember planning a Christmas party like it was yesterday, then a weekend away, then Paris. Now it's all go for some Easter plans and mainly the summer plans! Booking this, researching that, praying about things, listening for others.

Time is flying by.
Im loving life but life is stopping for no-one!
Last time I looked I was going over to Liverpool to watch Arsenal play Everton for my dad's 50th birthday as a fresh faced teenager ...... now Im thinking what to get him for his 60th next week.

I was born in the 80's and the young people I look after were all born in the 90's.

Make the most of your today's

Brennan Manning .........

2009-03-02T23:58:00.004Z

Here is a video ........ go buy this guys book The Ragamuffin Gospel. I read this book what is now 6 years ago and liked it but I don't think I fully took on board the meaning and emotion in the book ...... life hadn't battered me that much by then ...... Im gona read over it again over the next while and find God's water of refreshment in it ......

BTW my sermon on worry went really well on Sunday ........ I felt like I was about to cry as I got up to speak as I could feel the hearts of people who were going to hear the words God gave me to say ....... He kept the tears from falling on Sunday morning until later that day ......

CHILLAX -what a horrible word!

2009-02-26T15:47:00.003Z

Speaking about 'worry' on Sunday morning. Didn't set out to chat about this but that's where God has brought me!!

I quote myself when I say

'Worry is a thief. Worry robs you of today by making you stress about tomorrow and robs you tomorrow by making you stress about what happened the day before.
Worry diverts your attention from the throne room of God. From the central hub of galactic activity in which all our days are planned for us in advance. All our trials, temptations, results of tests and detentions in school. While we preoccupy ourselves with Sticky toffee puddings, steak dinners and Versace shoes Jesus wants us to literally feed the poor and fill our wallets with Heaven’s dollars.'

No thanks im different ...

2009-02-25T17:45:00.004Z

So was at a Preparing Youth for Peace training course today - the 5th of 6 sessions. We are engaging with the 'troubles' and Northern Ireland's colored history in order to pass on a message of peace, justice and unity to the young people in our care. It has been insightful beyond measure to do this course, to relate and not relate to the material and hear from others. Im so excited to see how God uses this in September when I start it with the young people in Trinity ..... good times are ahead ........

We looked through the passage of the Good Samaritan and some reflections that came out of it where really provoking. I started in a bit of a cynical blase mood - I don't know why! But as I engaged and allowed the Spirit to gently kick my brain into gear I started to see the passage for more than one man getting beat up and another man helping him. The broader picture is that this story is a tale of redemptive beauty.

To quote someone they said 'Too often we look at this story as a narrative of individual liberation but the backbone of the story is the difficult process of working out redemption within broken communities'

Beautiful

Laughing and sympathising!

2009-02-23T11:52:00.004Z

I nearly missed my flight home from Manchester last week ..... there was a great story about a can of deodorant and God's humour in there too but I will leave you in suspense with that one because a car needs washed, times of silence need to be had and I need to put my computer down on my day off!

This woman however DID miss her flight to San Francisco (where God willing I will be in August!) this was her reaction ........ it made me laugh a lot - more so knowing that she got a later flight out!

Peace

24/7 prayer

2009-02-21T19:05:00.003Z

Go get involved at this 24/7 prayer room during the week!

Tearfund and 24/7 have linked up to offer and prioritize prayer and the poor ......... AWESOME!

Photo is one from my trip to Paris last week!

Sleepless for the Philippinos

2009-02-20T00:16:00.004Z

Oh dear ...........

I just caught 20 minutes of a program looking at sex and religion on BBC2. Was very interesting. Nothing strange you might say but it was based in the Philippines, in the urban concrete sprawling jungle of Manila. This is a place I spent a while in back in the summer of 2006 as I walked in and out of the lives of different kids and communities who lived in shacks, alleyways, sewers ...... you get the picture yeah?

So the study of a Theology degree left me tired and uninspired but the faces of those who only want you to be the hands, eyes and feet of Jesus continues to melt and break my heart and inspire me to act on their behalf and to go back and hang out with them! They don't want us to explain the difference and technicalities regarding dispensationalism, pre-destination or baptism they simply want us to give them the respect they deserve, to be treated as co humans, not lesser beings. To be given honour, treated as brothers and sisters, to be loved and show love.

My voluntary work with Compassion is limited but as i look at my sponsored kid Sukhum I think of the first, second and third sleepless nights I had when God impressed the need to speak out on behalf of the poor ...... I have never had a few other nights like that, not about any 'full-time' job or profession. Interesting and scary .......... Jesus speak your dreams again to me ............give me new vision, experiences and commands ..........
Here are a few photos of my trip and a link to an awesome website - get involved with Compassion

Broadband!

2009-02-19T18:42:00.004Z

Herald the arrival of broadband!

Today the church I work for got broadband in the office. Wireless at that!

I know this is about 2-3 years after everyone else has got it but that doesn't matter. We live in the present and now I can actually do a lot of work from the building itself!
GOOD TIMES!

Oh I wonder if the wii will link up to it now too ......... online networking ...... lol

Pete

Seriously like?!

2009-02-17T23:56:00.002Z

Manchester

Wetherspoons

Guinness

Crisps

Then I read the crisp packet more clearly - 'Now with real ingredients' it said. REAL INGREDIENTS!!!!

Seriously!!!! What the chuff was in them before?!

What constitutes a real and a fake ingredient?!

ON!

2009-02-16T00:32:00.003Z

Home and .......

Phone on

Charger on
Mac on
Charger on
Facebook signed on
Hotmail signed on
Car on
Lights on
Printer on
Kettle on
Tap on

Brain off - lets go to sleep!

Have been away for a few days in Paris - was awesome - as usual there were lots of inspirational and creative pauses, moments and thoughts - some when I had a pen, some without!

Il post a few photos up later in the week

Funerals

2009-02-11T01:21:00.004Z

Was at a funeral today ...... Was pretty difficult going as a Pastor to the young girls who were so cut up about the death of a leader and friend. Yet it was extremely important. It was real life.

This is a song by Biffy Clyro - the singer is reflecting on the death of his mother. It is raw, emotional, honest and moving.

Work and Paris!

2009-02-09T16:24:00.003Z

Im off to Paris on Thursday for a few days - really looking forward to this. A time for relaxation, sight-seeing, eating, laughing, photography, catching up with the family, celebrating.

Work has been going superb as of late. After the youth weekend away we started a course on Tuesday nights looking at aspects of sex and relationships. A really taboo subject at times but one we need to engage and wrestle with honestly and see what comes out of it.
We have confirmed our team away to Latvia - 1st - 15/17th July and I am really excited about this as are the young people who are heading away!!!!
Intentional mentoring is also on the cards from March time which rocks - I know the benefits of this for the young people and the older mentor's.
A group for the year 8's and 9's is also starting!

I feel that we are starting to do a lot but to do a lot of good Godly things, things that he wants us to do. At times I feel overwhelmed, tired and like its all not in my hands. But this is a good feeling isn't it? It's a balance between being faithful and diligent with the time and objectives God has given us and then praying ,trusting and living out that faith in Jesus - someone who performs miracles in our lives. The Holy Ghost is moving - I really feel it, its powerful in changing and busting down walls/strongholds and powerful in delicatley and precisely blowing us like a breath moves feathers cm's at a time. The Spirit blows us gently in direction's of adventure and journey.

Good Times!!

BA Baracus

2009-02-06T11:00:00.002Z

They are making a A-Team movie!!!!!!!!

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!

One question I came across the net today ......... who should play this man?!

Answers on a postcard - or a blog comment!

Two msgs

2009-02-03T23:13:00.002Z

So these two messages were sent through to me tonight. I was chatting to someone about spiritual warfare tonight there and also to a few people in the last few days. Feel like there is a bit of oppression on me at the minute ..... something subtle that comes and goes during the day. Jesus has the immediate victory and I try and not to entertain the thoughts that enter. Yet I need to deal with them immediately.
If I let them linger then they will intensify.
If I busy myself the noise gets louder.
If I deal with them the Spirit booms, whispers and refreshes!

So the 2 texts .........

'Every new dimension in your walk with God brings a new level of opposition. The eneny won't give up without a fight. The closer you get to victory the more intense the battle becomes. What matters is not your comfort, but what you're called to do, your victory has been ordained by God, so keep fighting'
Awesome words from a pal's bibles notes ....... affirmation of God's power.

Then another one ..... am speaking on Thursday night to a few schools groups ..... bit of a banterous promotion text one of the organisers sent out - obviously without meaning to know I would get to read it!!

'Hey guys, joint SU this Thurs night in BGS .... Starts at 7.30, 4th form n up. Shud b gd. Pete Waugh is speakin, hes a reli cool guy wif lots of interesting throughts and hes also preti hot if that attracts any1 ... wud b gr8 to c u ther, spread the wrd'

HAHA HAHAHAHA

I had to laugh at that!!

prayer in bangor

2009-02-02T00:12:00.001Z

I can't remember the website I took this from but it's fascinating ....... Bangor - where I work - was once the seat of learning about Jesus in Ireland! Prayer was the heartbeat of the town ..........

At Bangor, Comgall instituted a rigid monastic rule of incessant prayer and fasting. Far from turning people away, this ascetic rule attracted thousands. When Comgall died in 602, the annals report that three thousand monks looked to him for guidance. Bangor Mor, named “the great Bangor” to distinguish it from its British contemporaries, became the greatest monastic school in Ulster as well as one of the three leading lights of Celtic Christianity.

The ascetic life of prayer and fasting were the attractions of Bangor. However, as time progressed, Bangor also became a famed seat of learning and education. There was a saying in Europe at the time that if a man knew Greek he was bound to be an Irishman, largely due to the influence of Bangor.

Dreams

2009-01-30T16:05:00.004Z

D o
R eflect
E volve
A ct
M omentum
S tretch

D emons
R eality
E xperiences
A ngels
M indful
S pirit

Had a few dreams when I was sleeping in the last few weeks that stimulated, scared, and inspired me .....

What are your dreams?
Why bother dream?
Do dreams mean anything?

let's read!

2009-01-29T16:58:00.003Z

Have a watch!!

I am the movie man

2009-01-28T00:22:00.005Z

Within the last 24 hours I have visited the cinema twice and watched 2 films ...... take from that what you will!

Tonight I went to see
Valkyrie
It's a good watch, don't know how historically accurate the finer details are but the plot is gripping yet disturbing as it brings to the fore the feelings of hatred for the war time Nazi Germany. The horrible abuse of power, submissiveness of a people, the misuse of Yahweh - a number of times throughout the film it is claimed that 'God' is behind Hitler's war.

Then I saw Slumdog last night .......... absolutely fantastic. Go see it!!!!
Interwoven are the plots and subplots of love, longing, definition, crime, poverty, passion, religion, money and a few others.
It brought a lot of emotions and feelings out in me. A passion to help the poor. A desire to travel and see more of the world. A longing to understand and engage with people of other cultures and religions. The love of a gripping , fascinating story. The theme of destiny and the part we have to play in that. Also a belief that actors, directors and authors are being used more than some pastors and followers of Jesus to tell, craft and present beautiful stories and present truths surrounding the reality of life.

'D: It is written' - awesome.

Discover the Journey

2009-01-27T20:05:00.003Z

A good mate told me about these guys:

Discover the journey is speaking up for those kids who are at risk. Go check them out ......

Their work is fantastic, utterly professional - such a witness in itself - and compassionate in action to those in need.

Poverty (Im talking about those who don't know where the next meal is coming from) has been re-ignited on my heart in the last few weeks .....It's so easy to forget, become numb and apathetic for speaking up for those whose voice is ignored or not heard. I don't know where this will lead in the next while or long term .......

Bolivian Diary

2009-01-26T12:07:00.003Z

Am reading through this book at the minute .......

'Such an intense complete man does not fit within the narrow criteria of those who pass judgment on him'

'How can an example be incarcerated'

Two memorable quotes already

What do you think of Che?
What do you think of icons?!

The book already draws many parallels to another icon .......

allow me to boast ....

2009-01-25T22:02:00.007Z

So some of the youth group I have the privilege of leading were away at Castlewellan this weekend. We had a lot of banter including me setting the fire alarm off due to heating one of the girls lavender night time eye patch thing in the microwave for too long! More smoke than a bonfire!!
Night time lake walk, star gazing, singing, day time maze find, mattress surfing until the words 'risk assessment' were brought to my ears, times of worship, teaching, prayer, an understanding of prayer, reflection, chats, euro-spar breakfasts, cake, yeooooooing, laughing, resting, raking, sleeping, eating, wiing!!
I am tired but hold a massive sense of amazement at how much God is blessing us at Trinity as we simply declare his love to others and draw close to him. I will blog more in depth when I have time to reflect this week but a public thank you to my friends, leaders and fellow warriors who made this weekend possible. You rock more than I can tell you! Thanks to the young people for coming with an open and teachable heart.

In the words of a famous Moore 'This is just the start ........'

Good times!!

Francis Lightfoot Lee

2009-01-22T11:11:00.005Z

It's only fair to comment on this week's events over the pond ......

A pal Dave told me to go read this as we watched the events of Tuesday unfold before our eyes ...... a few parts caught my blue/green eyes and gray matter ......

' ....all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.'

the government is to look after the people's ' ....Safety and Happiness and govern with Prudence'

'The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States'

The King of England at the time was a bit of a 'bistro' ..... he lavished bad things upon the people!

It closes with these words:
We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

How beautiful, how biblical!

I scanned through the signatures for a 'Waugh' in the hope that I could claim ancestral privileges and a running for the next Presidential campaign but I didn't find any! Alas I will have to make do with my holiday to the states in August and the good times that Obama is going to roll out!!!!

Talk about a prayer

2009-01-21T00:44:00.005Z

Watch this and be wowed!

Listen right to the end to hear the humor ....... it's so worth it!

God I believe was laughing, amening, and believing in the words of this man today .......

'Tanks beaten into tractors'
and
'When Justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream'
Just 2 awesome lines ...... there are a few more in it that I will let your ears and soul find .....

Come on!

Wash my feet beatch

2009-01-19T00:22:00.005Z

Was speaking on Jesus washing the disciples feet last pm

Here's a snip:

I have never literally washed anyone’s feet but last Saturday I was playing foote in Ballymena. It was rainy, windy and quite mucky. During the first half my goalkeeper shouted over to me to come and tie his lace. He had his big gloves on so couldn’t tie his boots. I had to get down onto the mud, take his dirty foot and lace and tie his boots. Quite a trivial example of this but it’s my experience.

Then I read this part of scripture with a new light

John 13:10-12
Jesus said, "If you've had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you're clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you're clean. But not every one of you." (He knew who was betraying him. That's why he said, "Not every one of you.") After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table.

This question popped into my mind:
Would I tie the laces of a member of the opposite team? Someone who has scored against me, fouled me and is out to 'beat' me?!

We are very quick to label, judge and divide. We section people off with label’s such as ‘Christian’ ‘Non-Christian’ ‘Sinner’ ‘Saved’ etc. If you are someone who wants to use that terminology then this part of scripture we have just read means that the, ‘enemies’ you have need to be taken seriously. You need to serve them with your everything.

Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. All of the disciples. Even Judas, whom he knew would betray him.
Too often we only want to serve those whom we know will say thank you.
That wasn’t the attitude of Jesus.
He accepted and served all.

Truffle Shuffle

2009-01-17T02:10:00.003Z

My mate was wearing a t-shirt from these guys tonight! (Not this one but a different one!)

All things retro, television, film, games, cartoons, icons, music, brands etc

Check them out - Truffle Shuffle ..... lots of pretty funky t-shirts on there ........

Suicide

2009-01-15T20:59:00.003Z

mmmmmmmmm

Today and tomorrow I am attending a suicide awareness and prevention training event.

The things we looked at today and issues it brought up are very heavy. Looking at reasons why people may end their lives is an issue that the church has been ... well .... greatly ineffective at ...... The organisation FASA are fantastic at what they do. They are angels to those in need, dealing wholistically to their clients.

Yet I sat there today full of hope. Why? Because many of the people in the room and the group spoke openly, honestly and deeply about their own experiences and the training we got was real, practical, non fluffy, full of grit.

Areas that continually came up were hope, purpose, passion for life in those who seek to care for people on the brink.

I learned so many things today that I don't even know yet. I feel prepared and equipped to chat to young and old about this difficult topic and help in the prevention of those who feel suicidal. Now that doesn't mean I feel ready! I don't think you ever want to be ready for this situation because of the gravity of it but I will, and won't shy away from this.

map my run

2009-01-13T22:25:00.006Z

So today I found this website!

Map my run ........ it's superb!

I ran 6.27 miles yesterday and 4.85 this evening!

As I ran this evening I found myself chatting (to myself and Jesus) about:

Being professional in all I do
Addressing a group of potential youth leaders (something I would like to do)
Chatting about Reformation theology (sparked by a few things notably this NY Times article) Read it and let me know what you think ..... Im standing on the free will side of things .....
Kerry - beautie!
A lovely dinner
Physical health and ability to run after a long day working
Hope - sparked by last nites blog.
Tomorrow ...... prayer, sermon writing, foote, spanish class and who knows what else?!
Doing a Master's and a PGCE

I must run a lot more! Seems like I get a lot off my chest!

Elpis

2009-01-12T18:35:00.005Z

From the Greek word ελπίς or 'Elpis' we get the English word 'hope'

Hope simply put is the direction we place our hearts. We can be people who want the best/'hope' for something or we can be people who simply settle for what we know and live with no vision and place our hope in nothing particularly important.

What are you hoping for in 2009?

Where is the direction of your heart?

Hope is an active word. One we need to live out and carry with us daily.

Keep hoping

This picture is from HOWIES website. Check it out. I must buy some clothes from there the next time I have a need.

Get this signed

2009-01-12T00:06:00.002Z

If you only sign one thing this week may it be this

Gaza crisis campaign

We need to be faithful in prayer for this delicate situation.

Delorentos

2009-01-09T00:09:00.003Z

Stop
Try to be something you're not
People will see right through that
Try to be someone you are

Nice lyric by a great Irish band the Delorentos