James The Disciple

Moving of a blog

2008-10-12T19:27:00.001+01:00

This blog is moving to James The Disciple at wordpress

I will continue with snippets from time to time, but the main things will be over there...

Hope you enjoy the new look and what I write.

Be blessed

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The Friday Letter - Sport, housing, politicions

2008-08-27T07:47:00.003+01:00

I noticed that Kevin Rudd (PM of Australia), after seeing Great Britain's success in the Olympics, has decided that the reason for this was the National Lottery. Undoubtedly the Funds from the National Lottery has helped, but when you look back, Team GB's success came from hard work and dedication, and the framework that allowed this came from how Australia did it. Fortunately that funds were spent wisely and the end result was the 19 gold medals with the silver and bronze too. Team GB had seen how Australia had done it and did similar. Now Australia are thinking of doing similar! We copy them, they copy us... strange! And as far as the lottery is concerned, that is open for concern as Australia has a problem with gambling, and so question arises, is it easy to get off the lottery than the pokies (slot machines).

Education in Australia might be taking a turn for the worse with the introduction of league tables. Here in the UK league tables has changed education from teaching students a subject and how to use it in the world (or how useless it is) to how to pass exams so the school came go up the league table. I know this is a very sweeping statement and there are schools out there who teach well, but when universities complain that the level of education is lower now than 10 years ago, but the pass rate is at an all time high,it make you wonder, is there something not working properly?. Also employers are saying students don't know how to use the knowledge they have. Personally I think a better way would be something like a short list of areas, like, happiness of students/ teachers/ parents, cleanliness, attendance, discipline, would a student recommend the school to a friend, would a parent recommend the school to a friend, points 1 - 5 and a yes/ no answer. These, I think would be more informative than league tables.

I've been waiting for the UK government to announce their package to help the housing market. There seems to me to be too much emphasis put on the housing market and the value of houses. The only time the value of a house matters is when you are about to sell it and buy another, or when you are about to buy for the first time. At this point one of the main hurdles is finding a mortgage, and this only after doing some math and making sure one can afford it, now AND in the future. The govt. has suspended stamp duty on housing up to £175000 for 12 months. This means that if you want to buy a property for £175000 you will 'save' £1750. When I say save, its not actually a saving, its something else you don't have to pay. They have also said that if you are a first time buyer you might be able to get an interest free loan of up to 1/3 of the value of the property for five years. Now, for some this will be good, assuming there aren't too many hoops to jump through to get the loan. Years ago, the housing market wasn't as 'fluid' as it was a year ago, so why so much emphasis to this. Money I would suggest. The suspension of Stamp duty will 'cost' the govt. £650 million. This actually means hat the govt would not be getting £650 million over the next year in taxes. Yes, if you move house, you are taxed! If you pull out a mortgage, the interest you pay to the back is taxed, and therefore you pay more so the banks can make a bit of money too. But at the end of the day, after about 25 years, the house you live in and have been toiling every day to pay the mortgage, will be yours.

And now, there's even more going on in politics with Mr Clark's writings in the Statesman. Incidentally, I agree with him. Politicians in the Labour Party and particularly Gordon Brown's supporters don't and have been knocking him as an embittered man. And call me cynical, but they seem to be the young and up-and-coming, and feathering their own nest, "look at me, I'm loyal Mr Brown". But what I like about this is that once in a while there comes a man with his head screwed on right, who knows that his career in his party is no more and therefore he might as well speak sense rather than the "party line". It makes me wonder that if they had spoken out when younger and think about the country rather than their career in "the party" and speaking the "right thing" in the light of his party boss, the country might just be in a better place. And when interviewed, Mr Clark was quite straight forward and clear about the position the Labour Party and the country . The politicians who are knocking Mr Clark just seem to repeat and repeat the same old mantra as if repetition would make it true, and that "forces beyond our control" like "the free, open market" has caused the problems and not them and their policies. Who has been supporting the open market the last ten years? Who hasn't put regulation in place. Look at the game of football. A free and open game is beauty to watch, BUT its done within the rules and regultions of the game. Without the rules and regulations the game of football would be a farce, anarchy. If there are no regulations in the "free and open" market, the natural tendency of a capitalistic society is to take advanage of the situation and make as much money as possible, at the expence of others. But I digress, I look forward to more from Mr Clark. The more people like him speak out, speak sence, the better this country will be, and politics as a whole.

The Friday Letter - Learning from history

2008-08-22T00:01:00.000+01:00

Only a quickie this week.
Learing from histroy...
In the 1930's a leader from one country went to another and came back with a signature on a piece of paper 'guarenteeing' peace in Europe. Then Hitler's troops invaded Poland and the 39-45 World War began... Does this ring any bells? Maybe Russia and Georgia? Didn't Russia sign a bit a paper saying they would leave Georgia, and they haven't. They are even suggesting that part of Georgia isn't part of Georgia. And thier reason for invading - to protect Russian passport holders... humm. I'm sure there are various groups of Russian passport holder around the world. I wounder, if the Americans rounded up and put in a camp would Russia would invade America to protect it's passort holders? Phew-ee. It would appear that Russia is paranoid. It also appears that Russia feels that it can say one thing to appese those making noises, and then go ahead and do something else.
This reminds me of another "leader" who time and again does this, Robert Mugabe. Is it a pre-requisit to be a criminal and a lier to rule a country in Africa? I heard today that in Zimbabwe inflation is at 11 million percent. Eleven million! Wow. I wonder how people can live, or even survive. Do people now barter for bread, milk, eggs, cane rat? Or do they nip down to the bank and draw a couple of million and hope to buy an egg before the price goes up? or is it a grain of rice, maize?
So, what do we learn from history? I would suggest that "the only thing we learn from history is that we don't learn from history!"

Friday letter, Housing, sport and education

2008-08-13T07:44:00.003+01:00

Friday letter 2

The housing market and stamp duty
I am astounded that the government would let the home office leak information that the government is thinking of changing stamp duty and then announcing that they are 'looking at various measures' and say nothing about stamp duty, and therefore stagnated the housing market at a time when it doesn't need it. Shame on you Mr Darling!

The Olympics
The run up to the Olympics has been a strange one as there has been and still is a tension between sport and politics. Those countries who have a financial and therefore political connection have sent their 'heads of state' to China. Those who have decided that what China is doing in repressing various areas of its society are not sending their 'heads of state'. This I think is to be applauded. What I find appalling is that the Olympics, as good and wonderful as it is, has embraced a capitalistic fervor for what ever reason. One-up-man-ship. Each Olympics has to be better than the last, and to what cost? Who has actually build the 'Olympic village'? How many have be displaced, without evening be asked if they wanted the games or if they wanted to move and where to? The politicians have been saying, more to convince themselves then anyone else, that the Olympics is good for the economy. The only Olympics that I know of that came anywhere near breaking even was the Sydney Olympics, and that after the games had finished for a number of years. A little bit like the Eurovision Song contest, Ireland decided NOT to win the contest because it didn't want to fork out thousands of pounds to host it. The Olympics i feel is going the same way it that it is becoming more and more expensive and a day will come when no-one will want to host it because of the expense. Until then, people will be displaced and the country tax payers will fund it whether they want to or not.
Ho humm!

"London's Telegraph newspaper reports that some of the fireworks which appeared over Beijing during the television broadcast of the Olympic Opening Ceremony were actually computer generated. But — hold on — it's not necessarily as bad as you think. The faked fireworks were actually set-off at the stadium, but because of potential dangers in filming the display live from a helicopter, viewers at home were shown a pre-recorded, computer-generated shot." (Quote from the internet.)

And then there's the little seven year old singer who wasn't allowed to take the stage at the opening ceremony because she has 'a chubby face and uneven teeth'. The vanity of the leaders astounds me.

A Levels were released this week. It was expected that the pass rate would go up, the 26th year in a row. Are A levels valid? I'm not having a go at students, I do think that they work hard for the exams, but I think they have been let down by the system. Are students are being taught to pass exams or are they being taught the subject and how to use it? Is it all down to the pressures of league tables of the schools. Has the ideals of giving parents all the information to make an informed choice failed the students? Do league tables give the right information for an informed choice? Is the pass rate the only information needed? Going back a few years to when I was at school the choice parents made about which school to send your children was done by speaking to other parents and visiting to schools during term time. If parents cant get time off work, then maybe they should re-appraise their priorities and where their children come in the grand scheme of their lives?? Also, many of the students would be employed locally, so if someone is employable then the school must be doing something right. And a bigger also, their was also a community where families would gather and help and be with each other, 'do life together' and in that you would get to know which schools had good discipline, good teaching standards and where the students are happy (a much missed attribute). One thing I am really grateful for is that I was taught how to learn, and at a young age. This did two things, firstly it made it easier for the teachers to teach because we could to learn and secondly, it made it fun and I had a great sense of achievement at the end because I understood the subject.

I was going to comment on the sad state of affairs in Georgia, but I will only say that this reminds me of the paranoid USSR of the 60's 70's and 80's.

And on a lighter note, Youtube was showing a video of some pro-Tibet demonstrators. Youtube then took it down because the IOC asked them to legally, Youtube asked them if they would go through with the action, they withdrew the complaint, so the video went back up. Good for Youtube, free speech and all that.

A few observations

2008-08-06T19:15:00.003+01:00

The Friday Letter One

I was delighted to hear this morning someone (from the Evening Standard) have a pop at the heads of the banks. This financial mess we are in, or has been imposed on us are mainly due to irresponsible lending. Who in there right mind would lend to someone more than they had? It seems to me that a 110% mortgage is daft. Just in case some of you didn't know, the banks set out mortgages, and then sold these mortgages for securities to sell more mortgages. "Reap what you sow" springs to mind!

The financial climate seems to be one of debt and loans.
I remember years ago with my dads business which always seemed to have an overdraft. My dad tried his hardest to reduce the overdraft. He knew that it was wrong. I was taught at home that if you wanted something (normally toys!) then you either saved up for it or you hoped that you got it for Christmas or birthday. At school it was the case that you made profits to invest back into the business so it can grow and then make more profits etc. Sometimes there is a case for borrowing short term to expand or invest, but it shouldn't be the norm. Now it seems to be the norm. I wonder just how many businesses don't have loans or an overdraft or in debt of some sort. The problem with borrowing is that you become 'the slave' of the lender. Not good.

I was thinking the other day about Gordon Brown (Prime Minister) and his future and as to why people and other ministers are having a go at him, even wen he is on holiday and therefore not in the light to reply or defend himself. I was reading the other day about a business conference in the USA where the main subject was leadership. The conclusion of the conference was there was nothing less than a crisis of leadership in American society; the nation was being guided, not by leaders but by managers and its condition could be described as being over-managed and under-led*. I think this is true of the UK now. Gordon Brown I think is a good manager, but as a leader I'm not sure. Tony Blair had a vision and everyone could see it. I don't even know what Mr Browns vision is.
In the book of Proverbs it is written: Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained. In other words, without a vision, there is no focus, no path, and people feel lost.

Shell announced massive profits and cash turnover, but still charge lots at the pump. They say most of the price at the pump is tax, which is true. But, Shell extract the oil, refine it and then tanker it to the forecourts. Each part of the process is done but a different part of the business. So Shell sells to Shell the extracted oil, who then refines it and sells it to Shell, who then sells and transports it to the forecourts (Shell) who then sells it to you and me. So who's making the money? Shell (except the "forecourt Shell") and the government (about 64% of the pump price). It staggers me that various companies set themselves up so they can make full use of a market and appear to have a clear conscience where in fact they have us over a barrel and no-one sees it, or if they do, not to question it. After all, Shell is Shell is Shell, isn't it?

On a lighter note,
The name Jean Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprize was apparently named after John Picard who liked to fly by being attached to helium balloons!

2008-07-25T07:04:00.000+01:00

Just checking...

I'm trying out several off line blog clients to see how and if they work.

A New Start

2008-07-16T08:05:00.000+01:00

Now that I now have a little time during the week, I'll be updating this more often.

The Church of England is starting their Lambeth Conference today. Apparently they are not going to discuss homosexuality until the last day in three weeks time. And there was a 'break-away' collection of Bishops meeting in Jerusalem last month who have decided not to recognise the authority of the Arch-bishop of Canterbury. It doesn't seem strange, only sad, that such an institution that once was the concience on the nation cant even agree on who its ok to sleep with, or the deffinision of Anglicanism... To me it would be beneficial to go back to the Bible, swallow pride, pray hard, listen to God, take a deep breath and be speak out what the Bible says clearly.

On a lighter note. Jules and I returned from the Newfrontiers Brighton Leaders Conference hosted by Tery Virgo, with the main speaker being Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church. Mark aslo joined Jubilee Chruch last weekend. See Adrian Warnock's for a review and some more links.

A New Something

2008-07-15T20:23:00.000+01:00

A New Something...

I now using a new bit of software to post this... just hope it works
Now I'm using another apps to edit this, and if this works I'll be very happy

A call to Prayer

2008-03-07T17:25:00.001Z

A call to prayer. We are called to pray. Jesus instructs us when we pray, not if, but when we pray, to go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Two 'types' of prayer are, the fervent prayer where you cry out to God to help those you care for, rule over you, and for His kingdom to increase, for Jesus to come, to heal the sick for the blind to see and the lame to walk, and then there's the more relaxed type of prayer, almost a conversational prayer, like a Father/ son chat, where you talk with God which includes listening to what God has to say. This second type of prayer is some what rarer i feel.

Prayer also changes through out the year and over time. There are many reasons for this. Most are what happens around us. During the good times we can forget to prayer, sort of thinking that if everything is going well, then lets just get on with life and leave God to get on with what He does. In a way this is quite dangerous. You only have to look at what happened to Israel in the Old Testament. When Israel went through good times, they tended to stray from God, and only came back to Him when things went bad. When things go well, it would be good to thank God and give the Glory back to Him for without Him, there wouldn't be good times.

Other reason for prayer to change could be sin, feeling guilty out doing something and then not feeling 'right' to come before God. Well, maybe this should be the time to come before God, to ask for forgiveness, to 'put things right', to ask God maybe to help you put things right with your friend/ brother/ etc.

Answered prayer. This can be such a discouragement, but can also have the opposite effect of encouraging us even more to pray, and to pray for answers. And sometimes we don't like the answers too.

The final one in this note is tiredness, and I think we all know this one. The pressures of everyday life, work, the home, the children, friends, family, they all demand your time and energy.

But, sometimes, God will allow something tricky to happen that will draw us back to Him. First we run back to God with 'sorry I've been away, I didn't know I was doing it'. Then we realise that really we ought to make time, set aside time purposely to be with God, regularly. The Psalmist writes in 46;10 "Be still and know that I am God" or as the NASB puts it as "Cease striving..."

Trying something new

2008-02-02T23:05:00.001Z

I've been hunting around for a new application so I can write up some posts off line and then post them when I'm done. I've found a some app going by the name Petrus which seems to fit the bill. If it does, I'll be writing some more, hopefully about James the disciple!

Christmas

2007-12-31T18:06:00.000Z

What a Christmas. Graham (Jules's dad), Lisa (sister-in law), and Sandra (Jules's Aunty) came over for Christmas Day. Graham arrived from South Africa last Tuesday week (18th) and is staying till the new year. Lisa came over on the evening of the 24th. Anyway, the 25th was a good day. We all opened our presents, and then had a large lunch followed by Christmas pudding. It was all good.

New Year

2007-12-31T18:05:00.001Z

I am now on holiday. I will be spending New Year at home with Jules, Graham and Sandra.

Tomorrow we (Jules and I) go on holiday.

I would like to wish all who read this a very merry and wonderful New Year.

Next year I hope to change the theme of this journal, so it may be a week or two before I get going on it.

Have a good New year

My Birthday and work Christmas lunch

2007-12-21T19:12:00.000Z

Even though its my birthday today, I still had to go to work... shame....

But, we still went out for Christmas lunch and the local pub. Food good and the company good too.

Here we have Vasi, Nick, Fivos, Ian, George, Sabina and John.

And here Vasi is taking the photo.

And now I'm on holiday for 5, yes 5 days. Yay.

Todays blessing

2007-12-05T07:37:00.001Z

Yesterday, Jules wasn't feeling very well at all. she had been sick a few time through the night and felt delicate throughout the day. Last night we prayed for healing. and this morning Jules is feeling much much better, far more than expected. Praise God.

This week

2007-12-04T21:40:00.001Z

Well, Sandra, Jules's aunt has moved out into her own place in Enfield. I am slowly making friends at work. Jules isn't feeling too well at the moment so we're not too sure if we'll make her work Xmas dinner on Friday. I hope we do.

Looking forward to tomorrow (Wednesday) evening as we're (Jubilee Church home groups) are meeting near Chingford. Should be good.

More later in the week when I have more time...

The Pond (Stoney Cove at sunset)

2007-11-29T20:36:00.001Z

The Pond (Stoney Cove at sunset)
Originally uploaded by james4coffee

Sunset at the end of a good days diving, we had all passed, yey.

This is the lake (ex-quarry) where we dived. It is quite beautiful, below the water as well as above.

Next stop, diving with sharks off the coast of South Africa....

Between dives (Second day)

2007-11-29T20:33:00.001Z

Between dives (Second day)
Originally uploaded by james4coffee

This was on a Saturday morning... boy was it cold...

Between dives (First day)

2007-11-29T20:32:00.001Z

Between dives (First day)
Originally uploaded by james4coffee

A pleasant Monday morning...
This was after the first dive and waiting with egger anticipation for the next chilling episode...

In the water

2007-11-28T18:40:00.001Z

In the water
Originally uploaded by james4coffee

This was taken on November 12th at Stoney Cove. It was cold although we were waring semi-dry suits.

The second two

2007-11-28T13:44:00.000Z

The second two dives for my Padi certificate was last weekend (Saturday). Sam and I drove up. We left home at 4:30am and arrived at Stoney Cove at about 6:45ish (I think). After waiting to get in, there was a long cue of cars before us waiting in the car park, we parked up in the lower car park, next to the water. We didn't have this problem last time because it was a Monday, and not many people go diving on a Monday. So a little wait with a coffee. Then kitted up and into the water. It was so cold... still, we did what was necessary and out for a cuppa. After a break, it was back in for the final time, and after, we were all smiles and hand-shakes and well dones as Andy explained to us the we'd all passed. Hurrah.

So now, two on the course are off to Oz for a bit of the reef. Another is off to Maritius, and I'm off to South Africa with Jules to dive with the sharks (friendly ones mind!)

November, the beginning

2007-11-28T13:31:00.000Z

It's well through November and I've said very little...

As you might of guessed, November has been rather busy. At the beginning, I had to go to Dudley in the West Midlands for a days training with Computeach. Their facility there was quite impressive.

Then a few days later I did the first two of four open water dives for the Padi certificate. This turned out to be a rather cold time as we set off on a Monday morning for Stoney Cove, a dive centre and ex-quarry full of water. After sorting out a few things like hiring the semi dry suits, we got kitted up went to the water. It was freezing. A shock to the system. All of us felt it. Andy, our instructor said he felt the cold, but he was in a dry suit which happens to have a good layer of insulation. I think he was saying that so we didn't feel to bad... At the end of the two dives we retired to the bar after cleaning up and putting away the kit. The cold didn't go for a couple of days. A two week wait for the next two dives...

On the following Wednesday I started my new work at Chase Farm Hospital. The work is so different and yet the same as when I was at Smiths Medical. It is a much better environment because the attitude is far different. Get the job done and everyone's happy. At the moment, there is no 'time management' or time analysis which means there is far less pressure in the work place. The work still gets done.

So much

2007-11-17T16:41:00.001Z

So much has happened over the last couple of weeks I haven't had time to write up anything. I will over the next day or so write up what has happen. as a little flavour, I went diving, drove to Dudley and started a new job....

Last day

2007-10-31T07:18:00.000Z

Today is the last day at my present job. Brought in some doughnuts and cookies for everyone. The main thing I am looking forward to is not having to get up at 5:30 each morning. Although I am sure I'll still wake at 5:30 for next few days! I am sad (well, slightly) to leave this job as I have enjoyed working here. Of course there have been problems and as usual with large companies the bureaucracy is phenomenal, along with internal politics and personal snipping, but overall, it has been good. There is a good sense of team and a genuine willingness to help. The biggest problem for me has been the distance. Driving 50 miles round trip may not sound too bad, and it isn't really, its just that most of it is on the M25 motorway, which as some of you know is sometimes a carpark when there is either too many vehicles or an accident. And this is what makes the job tiring. I know others have a harder life, worse job, longer hours, further to travel, so I consider it a real blessing that I now have a new job closer to home and with more standard hours.

Ecto

2007-10-29T16:35:00.000Z

I've been using ecto for a while now, and now a new "beta version" has been released to try. And I'm using it now. It is such an improvement over the previous, I'm delighted. So, what is ecto? Ecto is an application that lets you type up a post for a blog off-line, or on-line, edit it fully, and then publish it when its ready. So handy. At the moment, the new version only works on the Mac, but the old works on windows. I don't know if the new version will be made available for windows. Oh, before I forget, ecto isn't free, the guy who spent many hours putting this together needs to eat...

Oh joy...

2007-10-29T07:02:00.000Z

An other great weekend has just passed by, sadly far too quickly. Jubilee Church was blessed on Sunday by Steve Tibbert from Kings Church, Catford (that would be South London). His sermon on Guidance can be heard or downloaded here

So a new week starts, and I'm sitting in my car in the car park at work. Oh joy! Well, this is joy of a type as this is my last week here, well, when I say week, I mean last few days as my last day is Wednesday. Then I move on. I have two weeks rest before starting my new job at a hospital. Jules and I are looking forward to not waking at 5:30 each morning. Oh joy.

The weekend

2007-10-25T07:15:00.000+01:00

Sandra wanted to buy a laptop, so we all went down to Tottenham Court Road in London to have a look. The shops down there were still doing the cheap deals, and after about an hour or so looking at laptops and going from one shop to another, we found one, a Levano for a good price.
Getting to and from Tottenham Court Road was another story as the tube (London Underground) had delays and lots of people trying to travel. Going from home to Liverpool Street Station was fine. I do, however, consider that we had a good run on it as we didn't have to wait too long for each train and the carriage wasn't over-crowded either.

Sunday afternoon

2007-10-25T07:06:00.000+01:00

Scuba diving with a dry suit.

On Sunday afternoon I tried out diving in a dry-suit, in the swimming pool. It was quite an interesting experience. The dry-suit works by keep all the water out. It can be "inflated" with air, to create a cushion of insulation. Buoyancy was fun too, cos as you inflate, you can turn yourself up-side-down and be suspended by your feet, mind you, trying to get the right way up is a bit of a struggle.

Sunday morning

2007-10-22T07:16:00.000+01:00

This Sunday was a marvelous day. The weather was sunny and bright, but with a cold start. I am part of the "set-up" team for Jubilee Church, who meet in a cinema in Enfield, and Sunday morning was a little different. There were baptisms. This wasn't the "sprinkling" that some churches do, but a full emerson baptism. So, the set up of a "bath" with heated water was interesting and a challenge that the team rose to, and succeeded. I arrived to set up the audio at the usual time to find the "font" in place and full of lovely hot water. All that was needed now was a bottle of bubble bath...
Besides a few hiccups, all went smoothly. Six were baptised and Tope spoke about singing to God which can be heard here. It was a wonderful, blessed morning.

PDA and an organised life

2007-10-20T07:50:00.000+01:00

I've been considering using a PDA to help organise my life, my ordinary day to day life that is, just so that I know when I will be going on holiday, when Alpha is on, and not to forget my wedding anniversary! I had tried this before but found that it didn't work too well, nor did an ordinary diary for that matter. This, I think, was due to my life style and that having and living a chaotic life, and not putting in place some sense of order so that it can be managed, meant that this was doomed to failure.
Now, my life has changed some what, like being married and a normal job and having holidays etc. I think the diary/pda would work. So I dug out my old pda, a Sharp Zaurus SL5500. An interesting machine that has a built in keyboard, which is quite usable, so much so that it surprised me. I bought this device in 2002 in Singapore mainly because it used Linux as its operating system. I tend to dislike Microsoft products since I've found them either to have bugs or they don't do what they're meant to do. Anyway, I've installed another linux system onto the Zaurus called Openzaurus, developed by a small group of enthusiasts which comes with different options, applications and themes. As standard it come with the usual calendar, address book and stuff, also audio and visual stuff. There are also websites out there which have loads of other stuff for the Zaurus, wireless cards and the such like, most of which work straight out of the box. The only problem now is that the up-dates for it are few and far between, if at all. Which is a shame as it is a good device. So I shall use this to see if it works, and if it does, update it with a newer device (also running linux or may be Palm?).

Technorati Tags: life, linux, Pda, Zaurus

A welcome visitor

2007-10-17T06:04:00.000+01:00

This morning (Tuesday) Jules set off with Lisa to collect from Heathrow their aunt, Sandra, who will be staying with us for a while. Sandra's plan is to move here so we'll be be helping her to find a place to live and find a job. Basically to help her settle in to English life. She has lived most of her life in South Africa, so the weather is going to be the first shock, just hope she brings some African weather with her... The other will probably be the culture shock. Sandra visited the UK many years ago, and I know that things have changed since.

The end of a long week

2007-10-12T15:37:00.000+01:00

Its been a long, long week. While waiting at the beginning of the week for a job offer, I started, in earnest, the web design course. That would of been ok if it wasn't for the fact that I have been having trouble setting it up on the computer. It works fine now, but, boy, what a struggle. Why do people assume that everyone only uses MS Windows and not cater for Mac's OSX or even Linux. The course teaches on the other OS's but doesn't cater for them. Phewey.
On a brighter note, as you might of already read, I've been offered a job, and I've accepted it. I finish officially on 9th November and start my new position on the 14th. So I have a few days to sort a few things out like Xmas present for my dear wife :-)
I have also been thinking about getting a PDA to help organise my time, but when looking at the specs, it seems as though they haven't come very far in the last few years. I'm not sure what I was hoping to find, but when compared to an old one I have sitting in a box, I only have to get a wifi card and I'm done! All the software I need I can get off the internet for free.
I am looking forward to a good weekend, with a bit of relaxing and a bit of hard work!!

Technorati Tags: courses, life, linux, OSX, work

New Job

2007-10-10T16:07:00.000+01:00

I can now announce that I have been offered a new job, which I have accepted. So today I handed in my notice and look forward to the last month of having to get up at 5:30 each morning! Which in the summer is really quite pleasant, but in the winter turns into a bit of a chore. Anyway, I am a little sad to leave this job as my fellow workers are really a quite a good bunch and the work is enjoyable. My new job is much of the same, but with a greater variety of products, and closer to home :-)

Technorati Tags: life, work

A new course -update

2007-10-06T22:18:00.000+01:00

Last night I went on and "Orientation Meeting" to start a new course. I was mainly to introduce other students in the area doing the same course and to introduce us to the software which will help us through the course.
The ice breaker was interesting, After collecting a chocolate and "pairing up" we had to go through a list of likes and dislikes to find out a bit out him/her and introduce them to the rest of the group. The headings on the list included "what would you put into room 101", "3 items you''d take to a desert island", "future aims". The answers given where really quite interesting. Here's a selection:

For room 101: Religion, cos it caused wars; flies; ex-girl friend;
For the desert island: Laptop; women; booze; food; x-box (with TV) (And as the instructor commented "may be some haven't got the idea of a desert island!")
Likes: Money; "gadgets"; music
Dislikes:
Future aims: To make money; be happy; leave the country

Mine, for those interested where
Room 101: pollution, the "nanny culture",
Desert Island: my wife, my Bible, Swiss Army Penknife
Likes: Music and motorcycle
Future aims: Balloon ride over a wildlife park in Africa, Scuba dive some coral reefs,

I wasn't amazed that money came high up on peoples list, but at the intensity of the "like", especially from the younger people. Its as though their life is centered around making money and nothing else. That was their purpose in life... shame.

I am looking forward to the rest of the course and as to where it will lead me.... time will tell.... watch this space.

Technorati Tags: courses, life

Dave Pask

2007-10-03T07:09:00.001+01:00

Yesterday, Daivd Pask was brought into eldership. Wonderful blessing for Jubilee Church. Peter Vincent talked about leadership and eldership here before praying for Dave, and then the eldership team. Colin Potter was also involved.

Technorati Tags: Church, Jubilee Church, life

My malapropism

2007-10-03T07:09:00.000+01:00

I was reading some sayings when i can across:

The ideals of a country are reflected in the advertisements

But read it as:

The idols of a country are infested in their advertisements

Which I don't think is too far from the truth...

Technorati Tags: Language, Words

A new course

2007-10-03T07:08:00.000+01:00

Technorati Tags: courses, life

A lovely weekend

2007-09-10T17:51:00.000+01:00

It's now Monday morning and the sun has just poked his head over the horizon and I have a few minutes to reflect on the weekend. Saturday was a good day, Jules and I managed to achieve most of what we set out to do. The prayer meeting was good. God was so present, it really set up the rest of the weekend. We are so blessed with a wonderful church and leaders/ elders. Our lives would be so dull without the church of Jesus. Well, scripture says that Jesus came to give us not only life, but life abundantly.
Sunday was also a wonderful day. Neither Jules or I were on set-up so we have coffee in bed and just enjoyed each others company, talking together and being together. It was a little bit like being on holiday. Then Church. Wonderful. We had a new "band" leading us in worship, and they were very good. I think this surprised some, but didn't detract from the main subject of worship and God blessed us. Tope Koleoso spoke on Gods amazing Grace with the subject if "Chosen by God". Really good.You can get it at Jubilee Church Sermons along with some other sermons we've been blessed with.

Strange news

2007-09-07T06:56:00.000+01:00

This week there have been some strange news items...
A man was charged with damaging a police car after the police car had mounted the pavement and run over his foot braking some bones... he was given the ticket while he was in A & E...
An MEP was found guilty of fraud and jailed for 9 months but still keeps his job as MEP and still gets paid...

Scuba Diving

2007-09-04T07:03:00.000+01:00

After another wonderful Sunday morning at church, Jules and I rushed home to collect our things and then off to the local baths (swimming pool) to have our first lesson in scuba diving. Jules is already qualified so for her its just a refresher, but me me, I can swim so I start at the beginning. It was really good. We spent one and a half hours under the water, having a go and succeeding at removing and replacing the mouth piece and mask, which was the most difficult. Good fun though and a good workout for the muscles!

Devon, the weekend away

2007-09-04T06:57:00.000+01:00

In the early hours of Saturday morning Jules and I set off for our weekend away in Devon. It was still dark as we packed the Mini and drove off. The sun rose as we headed down the M3 towards Southampton. A bright round red sun rose in the rear view mirror, slowly turning orange and then too bright to look at. Blinding. The majority of cars still had their lights on. Some though didn't. The worst ones were the cars behind, and on a dual carriageway coming up to overtake you, you can't actually see them! Still, we survived the journey. Past Stonehenge in a slow moving stream of traffic, all heading in the same direction with the same intent... getting away for the weekend. It was misty and difficult to see the stones. Some of the sheep where mistaken for the stones until they moved or Jules could see more clearly. Up and down through the Blackdown Hills. Still misty, the sun still rising and the countryside still looking good....
The M5 motorway was a welcome sight. Not long to go... for a coffee. Just down the road for 2 minutes on the left was the slip road for the services and... coffee. By now it was surprisingly busy and a "fight" to get to the toilets was inevertable. With the toilets out of the way, straight to the coffee bar, "Two lattes to go please". Had to make a phone call for the second mortgage to pay for them, but it was worth it. Walked back out to the car and admired two VW camper vans of early vintage. Quite funny really, one was good looking but sounded rough and the other looked rough but sounded good and smooth. Back in the car for the final 40 minutes to Newton Abott.
We spent the day with Matthew, my brother, and his family. He, his wife, Julie, and youngest, Melmel took us into Torquay where we wondered around and had some lunch. A french market, all very expensive food (of sorts) and then icecream, umm yum yum!
The late afternoon was snooze time and then fish and chips on the sea front with Matthew, Julie, daughters and boyfriends... A really good day.
Sunday was a more relaxed affair. Breakfast at the B&B was a good full English. Jules and I then had a prayer time, this was good. Then Devon countryside beckoned. Green bushed and trees hiding wonderful waterfalls, and the views from the top, wow.
Stonehenge on the way home... we didn't pay the £7 each to look at a bunch of stones. It's not as if you can get up close and touch. Hey ho! We took some photos from the road. The drive home was uneventful.

Technorati Tags: Holiday, life

Water carriers

2007-08-29T17:44:00.000+01:00

I hears this story recently:

There was a water collector from a small village who had two clay pots for collecting the water. Each day he would pick up his pots, put the carry bar on his shoulders and go to the water hole and collect the water for his village. Now, one of the pot was fine and in good condition and spilt little if any water, and the other was a little old and a bit cracked and leaked some water. For many days on the way back the good pot said to the other old pot, you are useless, "you cant do anything right, you spill and leak more water than you deliver". Each day the good pot would have a go and complain about the old pot. One day the old pot had had enough and said to his owner, "Look, I'm old and cracked and dont do my job properly and spill more water than I deliver, why don't you get rid of me and get a new pot for your water?" But the water collector said to the pot, when we come back from the water hole, have a look at the path. So, the following day the old pot looked at the path on the way back. Along the path, one side was dry and dusty, but on the side of the old pot was lush with grasses and beautiful flowers. "See", said the boy, "you bring beauty to this path, without you this path would be dry and dusty, I wouldn't get rid of you, you do a job no one else can do".

Technorati Tags: life

The weekend

2007-08-20T21:51:00.001+01:00

What a wonderful weekend. I spent Saturday afternoon and evening with my wife. Cooked us a meal and watched When Harry met Sally. A really good time. On Sunday at the church meeting, another person gave their life to Christ. What a wonderful day!
Adrian Warnock (Doctor) gave a really good sermon on Jacob. Talked about his (Jacobs) life and his attitude, always grabbing and cheating others wealth and processions from them. Buying his wife, then ending up with two because his was cheated. After he fought with an angel (or God) he ended up with a sore hip for the rest of his life as a reminder of his battle, and that God was sovereign and still is. But at the end of it all, God was graceful, and forgave and blessed Jacob, and we are here, able to tell this truthful story because Jacob was humbled by God, gave over to Him and became obedient to God. Is there something you are battling with God about? You should know that God always wins. What He has planned for you is better than you could do, why? Because He loves you.

Have a good week.

Exam results trrough

2007-08-19T07:48:00.001+01:00

No, not mine, I haven't taken any exams recently. I talking about the release of the 'A' level results. I was amazed but not surprised that one in four students received an 'A' grade. This has again raised the same old questions of just how hard are the exams and how relevant are the results? Well, I would suggest from the evidence I've seen, which hasn't been much, but I think its possibly enough, that the value of 'A' levels has reduced. I don't doubt the hard work put in by students to pass the exams. My questions are just how valid are the results? Can the students use the information they've learnt? Or were they just taught how to pass an exam? (so the school can remain or raise in the league tables etc). I saw a program a little while ago which caught my eye because it involved modern day students being taught and taking the old 'O' level. The majority of the students didn't do well at all. Admittedly the students had to 'live' the time as well, with the discipline and food and life style of the time. What was interesting was that some of the students enjoyed some of the subjects because they could see what was going on, especially in chemistry and physics.
With the 'O' level the student were taught subjects in a way that they could be taught. I was taught how to learn at a young age which I have found invaluable. Now though I think students are taught how to pass an exam, with defeats the object.

Technorati Tags: life, work

A change of direction

2007-08-10T21:49:00.001+01:00

I have been thinking for a while about a new career. So i had a good long hard look at what I've done and what I'd like to do and where I' like my career to go. I applied for more info on wed design courses. Over the last few days I've been chatting with the reps of three. Last night I met with one, for the Home Learning College. A pleasant lady with a rumbustious and lively personality. Very helpful. And what she told us was also backed-up by a quick search on the internet, which is something that I'd failed to do and should of done earlier. Done some more research on forums and review sites which again I should of done earlier and found a lot of information which I am still going through.... a decision will be made soon.... watch this space....

The Silly Season

2007-08-07T07:11:00.000+01:00

The holiday season is upon us. I also consider it to be the silly season too, and possibly the dangerous season. I was driving to work this morning and the M25 had less traffic on it. "Wonderful" I thought "I'll be able to get to work in good time and with a slightly more relaxed drive". How wrong could I be. I did get to work in good time, but slightly more relaxed... no way. Other drivers decided to take advantage of this situation by driving at break-neck speed. Dangerous would be an under-statement. If a policeman had been there with a speed camera, he'd have had a field day. It makes me wonder that when a opportunity arises to take things easy people don't, they speed up! Myself, if it come to it, I'd prefer to be 10 minutes late in this life than 10 minutes early in the next. But then I have this thing about leaving early so I don't have to rush. Everyone seems to be in a rush so they can stop. Rush, rush, rush, stop. Rush rush, rush, stop. Relentless. Pointless. Do they actually enjoy rushing to a stop, or it a compulsion?

The passing of a friend

2007-08-07T06:54:00.000+01:00

It was with sadness I heard that a friend, Pauline Spencer, who had been battling with cancer had died on Monday. She was a wonderful God fearing lady, mother and wife and friend to many. She will be missed. What is our loss is the Lords gain.

The Purpose Driven Life

2007-08-02T07:03:00.000+01:00

What a good book. Anyway, previously I mentioned I would be setting up a blog to write my journey through this book. This is now at planning stage and although a start time hasn't been set, it will be soon. It will also be longer than the 40 days recommended because I intend to do a summary after the 6 main sections Rick Warren mentions.

This weekend

2007-07-30T07:15:00.000+01:00

What a lovely weekend. Started with the Saturday morning prayer meeting. How wonderful to be in Gods presence with others and to see and hear of his faithfulness and grace and love abounding. He really is a truly wonderful awesome God. After some shopping, the rest of the day was spent with Jules, just being together, watching some Battlestar Galactica series one, chatting and eating together. Quality time. So good. I feel really blessed.
Sunday was similar. Church in the morning, and what a wonderful time that was. After some inspiring worship, we welcome some twenty odd into membership, which we consider be welcoming into our family, Gods family, the church. The rest of Sunday was spent with Jules. We went over to the sports centre to see if we could find someone to talk to about a diving course, but alas, no-one was available.

The interview

2007-07-27T07:07:00.000+01:00

The interview went well, Chris was friendly and direct. After a brief overview of the company, I gave a brief overview of my history work wise. Chris then gave an overview of the job and said that he thought I would be suitable for this job and with a little training and experience to go further. The hours are 6am to 6pm (12 hours shift) 4 days on and 4 days off. Sound not too bad. But... it seems to work out that for 3 weeks running you wouldn't a weekend off. Overall if I was single I would probably jump at this opportunity but I'm not and have therefore decided (after a chat with my wife) not to take this any further, but to continue to pray and to look. I have a good job and therefore I can take my time to find the right job close to home.

On a different note, I've been looking at other blogs and websites and have decided that this one needs a revamp. I have been trying out different options and will decide soon. The only thing I'm not too sure about at the moment is whether to go for 2 or 3 columns. I'd prefer 2 columns but apparently 3 columns is best. Thing is this is a blog, not and advertising website. So may be i'll go with 2 columns, looks cleaner, less cluttered and easier to read IMHO.

Job Interview

2007-07-26T07:19:00.000+01:00

Sa some of you know, I live just north of London and work in North Watford. A round trip of 52 miles (approx 83 Kms) where in the morning I leave the house at 6:20am arriving at the work place at 7am ish. I leave work at 3:30pm and arrive home at 4:45 most days. I am grateful for this work, and I believe it is God give and I know of others who travel further then me each day to and from work. There are some differences, they love their work, mime is a job with no prospects. I enjoy it to a certain degree, had worse jobs, but, now that I'm newly married, I would like to spend quality time with my wife, not being half a sleep. I would also like to have life outside of work and do other things like a diving course, which isn't really possible at the mo. Also its difficult to invite friend home from work of dinner of even just a cuppa and a chat. Anyway, I saw this job advert and prayed about it, and applied. I hand a phone message so called back. Chris wanted to meet as soon as possible. I asked if the job was shift work, he informed me it was, to which I said that I wasn't looking for shift work as I've just got married and want to spend time with my wife and not be like passing ships in the night, to which he replied that there are other jobs and that he still wanted to meet. This will be today, Thursday and I have no idea as to what the job will be.... watch this space....

Technorati Tags: life, work

Brighton

2007-07-11T17:35:00.000+01:00

Jules and I arrived in Brighton for the Leaders Conference on Monday afternoon about 4pm. We booked into our hotel. The Paskins Town House is a delightful place on Charlotte Street.
The conference opened on Tuesday morning. The worship and teaching has been wonderful. Even better than last year, which was good.
The conference opened with Stephen Van Rhyn from Cape Town, South Africa, followed by Rob Rufus from Hong Kong and then Terry Virgo. Three great speakers. The talks where amazing and drenched with the power of the Holy Spirit and the Glory of God. Truly awesome. A wonderful way to open a conference, and the rest of the days there continued in the same vain. God was in the house, as some would say.
I'm not going to write about the talks, Adrian Warnock is doing that (it takes a while for his blog to load... ). You can also down load the talks for free from the New Frontiers website. Enjoy, be enriched, be blessed.

Technorati Tags: Brighton, Church, Teachings of God

King Edward VIII

2007-06-22T18:10:00.000+01:00

The thing that impresses me the most about America is the way parents obey their children.

- King Edward VIII

What a wonderful quote...
And another...

People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.

- Soren Kierkegaard

Makes you think, n'est pas?

Anguish

2007-06-19T16:14:00.000+01:00

This morning on the radio I heard that the was going to be about 2000 prisoners released early to relieve the overcrowding. The conservatives are saying this is typical of a government who can't manage anything.
My view is that the prisons are so full because there are 400 plus more laws to break (since Labour came to be government). This government has got into the habit of "if we can't control it, we'll legislate for it". So, if you are doing something that there isn't a law letting do it or a law not letting you do it, then if the government doesn't like what you are doing, they will legislate against it so there will be a law for you to break (and you'll go to prison), and if they do like what you are doing they will legislate so you can only do it their way, which is often not the way you were doing it in the first place and so you'll break the law and go to prison. Either way, you can on doing it your way, you are likely to end up in prison.
This may seem a bit of an exaggeration, but take motorcycle helmets for example. Back in 19?? it was fine to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, or with a helmet, the choice was yours. Then because there were a few bad accidents, the government decided that the motorcyclist should ALWAYS wear a helmet, now no choice. They decided from a study done in the USA which showed that a motorcyclist involved in an accident had a better chance of survival if he/she was wearing a helmet. The problem comes when the accidents in the test study doesn't really happen in the UK. Don't get me wrong, the study was good, just its application to create legislation I find abhorrent. In small incidents and accidents, the helmet itself can cause more injury. Consider the average helmet weighs about 5kgs. Thats an extra 5kgs the neck has to deal with in keeping the head attached to the body. In some accidents the neck has been snapped because the rider was wearing a helmet. Now I could go on and debate the reason for and against wearing helmets on motorcycles, but this isn't the time or place. What I am trying to put across is the fact that these people that the minority of the population elect to govern us don't really know what they are doing.... surprised?
I feel strongly that if people are educated or informed of the relavent facts about whatever they are interested in, so they can make an informed choice. The leaders and politicians harp on about choice, but then dont give us any! Another example. There has been a steady increase in accident of motorcycles. Solution, make the test harder to create a better motorcyclist. But, the over accident rate has been going up. Why not educate drivers of all vehicles how other road users use the road. How many car driver know that a lorry or bus will pull over to the left to turn right, at a roundabout for example? How many road users know that motorcyclist are allowed by law to go down the outside of a traffic cue, if the way is clear? I was taught these when I took a motorcycle training course, but wasn't taught these for driving my car. Need I say more...

Marriage

2007-06-18T07:09:00.000+01:00

What a wonderful weekend. Most of this weekend was spent celebrating the 50th (Golden) wedding anniversary of Mike and Daphne Taverner. I first met Mike and Daphne in 2001 when I came from Kent to Enfield/ Chingford to do a "Year Team" with Jubilee Church. They very kindly and graciously put me up for the year. They looked after me (and still do) with God given humble hearts. It was a joy and a privilege to stay with them and still is to know them.
They are a testimony and an inspiration to all marriages.

PICTURE

The heart of mission - Compassion

2007-06-15T15:44:00.000+01:00

On Sunday Tope preached on mission and compassion. An inspirational talk, which can be downloaded here. The compassion of God is shown to good effect in the book of Jonah. Although this is a short book of only 4 chapters, there is a lot in it. In chapter 4, God demonstrates his compassion for the lost, the gentiles even, to Jonah, by sparing them, and although God isn't accountable, He showed Jonah the reason why through the use of a plant and a worm! Why? because Jonah was angry that God hadn't punished the people of Nineveh for being wicked, but gave them the option of repenting and turning away from the evil ways.

Bringing this to today, Jesus demonstrated a compassion for the lost all through his ministry (????? ), and as Jesus said "Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world." (Matthew 28:19-20) we are to follow in similar ways...
Biblical Missions: The starting point is a heart of compassion, compassion for the lost.
Rewards: 1. Co-labourers with God (1Cor 3:9) 2. Peace from God as you go (Matt 28:20) 3. Cultivate a heart for people, loving like Jesus 4. Cultivate a heart of gratitude.

A gecko

2007-06-15T15:37:00.000+01:00

Just a little picture of a gecko when we were in South Africa.

Technorati Tags: wildlife

The Purpose Driven Life

2007-06-15T15:36:00.000+01:00

By Rick Warren.
A great book, worth reading more then once. Charles Spurgeon read Pilgrims Progress by Bunyon once a year as it reminded him of the Christian life. Although I am no Charles Spurgeon, I do have on thing in common with the great preacher, we both welcome guidance to remain on the path. And I would consider this book to be in that category of "to be read often".

At the outset, Rick makes no apologies for stating that this book will guide you on a spiritual journey, where by the end you will now Gods purpose for your life, and you'll understand the big picture - how it all fits together.

In a short time from now I will be going through A Purpose Driven Life. I have set up a blog so I can publish my thoughts and consequences of this book. You can follow my journey HERE and I would welcome your comments (so long as they are publishable!).

UPDATE
It will now be slightly longer than a short while due to other commitments....
Watch this space....

Technorati Tags: life, Purpose driven life, Rick Warren

A New Job

2007-06-06T07:04:00.000+01:00

Since we were married, Jules and I have been praying for a baby... no, no, sorry, that's for later, we've been praying that Jules would find a day job to replace the shift work she's doing now. Over the last couple of days, the place where she works has come up trumps and offered her a job in a different section in the same department, and on days, sort of 9-5.
Gods provision for us has been beyond what we deserve. How richly we feel blessed. God deserves all the praise for this. This has come so quickly, and everyone at Jules work are happy with it. Totally out of the blue. As a friend recently reminded us, this is a situation of "God suddenly..." Amen.
Jules also passed her approval assessment.

Leeds Castle

2007-06-05T07:11:00.000+01:00

Leeds Castle is in Kent, just outside Maidstone. It is a beautiful place. Here are some photos for you to view:

Technorati Tags: Leeds Castle

Ashburnham Place (the weekend away)

2007-06-01T07:01:00.000+01:00

What a weekend. Jules and I went to Ashburnham Place with Jubilee church for the weekend. This was a weekend organised and (gratefully) subsidised by the church for the purpose of getting to know each other. I think it was a great success. Jules and I had time not only to meet new poeple and friends, but also to have "time out" because both of us felt that we hadn't stopped since before we were married 80 days ago (as of 29th May). Ashburnham Place is a wonderful place. Situated near Battle in East sussex in 200 acres of beautiful open and wooded land.

We set off on Friday morning and negotiated the QE2 bridge (traffic) and went on to Leeds Castle for lunch. I had lived near the castle for a year some time ago but never visited, so this was new for me and Jules. We didn't have too much time, but enough to have a brief look round the grounds, have some lunch and take a few pictures. It is a beautiful place to visit and we will be returning. We had lunch on a lawn overlooking the moat and the castle. Chocolate box picture! Then onto Battle where we wondered round the Battlefield where Harold and William fought with their troops, Harold was killed and William became king. The rest is as they say is history... On the site William had built a large church with the alter stone positioned where Harold fell, and in commemoration of those who fell at the battle. An interesting place. There is now a school on the site, but you can still walk round.

Ashburnham Place is a stunning place. The drive seems to go on for ages through woodland and then over an old stone bridge spanning a narrow section of the lake, up to the house. A large impressive building. One of the buildings was built by Capability Brown. The time there was wonderful. Jules and I had a comfortable room with basin and shared shower/bath/toilet and tea/coffee making facilities. The staff there went the extra mile to welcome us all and to make our stay wonderful and being in the background was just perfect.

Our time there was spent making new friends, and getting to know old friends better. Having this amount of time and knowing you didn't have to rush off somewhere was really helpful. Time is one of those valuable commodities that here had no real value because the pressures of the world were no-where to be seen. Wonderful. The times of worship and prayer was stunning. There was also time for fun games and football, crafts for the kids (and parents) or just "time out" to reflect on "life" or whatever. Saturday evening consisted of a quiz. Great fun.

The church is growing at such a rate (praise God) that another weekend like this is unlikely as there doesn't seem to be anywhere that could accommodate such numbers in such a setting. Shame. Maybe we should all go camping! or do a small "Stoneleigh"?

Technorati Tags: Ashburnham, Church, life

Renewable energy

2007-05-24T16:06:00.000+01:00

Is nuclear power generation the way to go. I don't think so. It may have a zero carbon balance, but it has a huge radiation balance. A number of years ago, Margaret Thatcher, then PM, instigated a paper into renewable energy generation, headed by the then head of nuclear energy. The report published by the government apparently wasn't the report submitted. The submitted report stated that "Salters Duck" wave power generation was the most environmentally friendly. A program shown on Channel 4 went into this. It's a shame that no-one seems to remember except me. May be I should start a campaign to resurrect "Salters Duck".
What do you think?

Technorati Tags: politics, renewable energy

Political Hypocrisy

2007-05-24T16:05:00.000+01:00

Politicians wonder why no-one takes them seriously when they keep changing their minds for no apparent reason except for may be power, or financial gain. It stinks.
The government stated a little while back that nuclear energy was not the way ahead (Harriet Harman), yet now they say it is (Alistair Darling), when ALL the evidence says NO, not just environmental but also financial. I am seriously thinking of withholding some of may taxes because of the incompitence of this government.
When Margaret Thatcher stood down and John Major won the party election to become leader of the Conservative party, Gordon Brown said that there should be a general election because the country had voted for Mrs Thatcher to become PM as leader of the Conservative Party and not John Major. Now that Gordon Brown will become leader of New Labour is there going to be a general election like when John Major became PM..... I think you can guess the answer. Mr Browns answer when questioned about this was that you say different things when you're in opposition. Well, of course, now that he is on his way to number 10, he is not going to let anyone get in his way. And there's me thinking that they were elected to SERVE the people... silly me.

Technorati Tags: Hypocrisy, politics

What is this all about?

2007-05-24T07:08:00.000+01:00

I was going to post an item I have been writing on life and death, but I just haven't been able to get it right, I'm just not happy with it. Then I got to thinking about this blog and what it is here for, what is it's purpose. And in essence, I think I would like this blog to be a small comment on my life. Just to post little thing and may be big things that have been happening in my life and how God is amongst it all, along with some view points. So that is what will follow....

Too be continued.....

Back from Africa

2007-05-22T07:16:00.000+01:00

On a sunny Sunday a few weeks back Jules and I flew out to South Africa for her moms memorial service in Pietermaritzburg. The flights there interesting in that on the 767 Nationwide flight from Gatwick to Jo'burg (now OT something?) was quite good except for the bumpiness towards the end of the flight. The flight from J'burg to P'maritzburg was in a 30 seater BAe J41 twin turbo-prop plane. An experience. The "comet vomit" as it locally known, was a good flight. The landing in P'burg was exciting as the runway is only just long enough for this aircraft. One bump and then we were down, all brakes full on, reverse thrusters et al and stop. We made it!

The weather was good and the emotions where high and there was an underlying tension. Meeting Graham again with Bret and Lisa was good but emotional. There were tears and hugs. A sense of a family united, coming together albeit in grief, but it was something that they have done before and for me a privilege to be a part of. The next few days where of final preparations, who was to say what and when and if at all. Lisa said she would give a dedication/tribute and I was asked to read a psalm (121 one of Eleanor's favourites). Graham also was to say a few words. Barry, the pastor was to lead to service and give a short talk.. On the Tuesday afternoon we all went to the botanical garden in Pietermaritzburg just to have some time out and be together. It was a delightful afternoon, even to dogs enjoyed themselves. I'm not going to go into details, only to say that Wednesday was an emotional good day where, I felt, that the Lord blessed the day.
Then there was an air of relief, a "now we can move on". But as in these situations, this isn't always as easy as it seems. Now the questions of why? why now? why my mom? why? why? why?... These questions are some of the hardest to answer, mainly because the answer is out of our reach. May be with 20/20 hindsight will there be any semblance of an answer. But moving on we must. The world wont wait for us, no matter how much we wish!

We have been back for about two weeks now. The flights back where a little disappointing. The Comet Vomit was uneventful, which gave me time to actually enjoy flying over the landscape of South Africa. A slower pace of flying which has a lot gong for it. The flight from Jo'burg to Gatwick was a pain. Lisa, Jules and I had the 3 central seats, no real problem, but in front of us where two ladies (and I use the term loosely) who where under the impression the everything revolved around them. They just didn't settle. Most travellers flying on a night flight seem to take into account the other travellers, but not these two. After jockeying for position and status between themselves and the patient cabin crew they did put their heads down. The seats are not the most comfortable. Mike, a dear friend, collected us from the airport and dropped us home safely.

All our friends, many from Jubilee Church, have been great, offering support and giving us space. Both being important. I must mention that our employers have been good in giving us time off for this, but (strange that there always seems to be a "but" with regard to employers!) but there is no similarity as to how many days compassionate leave one can have and as to who they consider to be "family". My employer doesn't include your wifes/husbands parents as family requiring compassionate leave. In these days of a degraded society and community I shouldn't be surprised, I am disappointed however. I am grateful for the time they did give me.
When Julia and I married we became members of each others family. In my humble opinion there shouldn't be any difference or distinction between the two sets of parents.

So, now we are back, and now we can get down to learning to enjoy living with each other, not that it wasn't before, just with so much going on it doesn't seem as though we had touched down since we wed.Now we can get on with living....

Something new

2007-05-13T19:57:00.000+01:00

Hope you enjoy!

All in a dream?

2007-04-24T22:24:00.001+01:00

Since the passing of Eleanor (Jules's mom) I have had time to think about where I am and how far I have come. When someone close to you, or to a close one, dies, life seems to slow down and almost stop. You have the time to dwell on things that you wouldn't normally. And for me that would be the last 18 months. They have whizzed along at a tremendous pace, a bit like being in a dream. In November 2005 I had plans to go to Australia. These I cancelled (after, I must say, talking and taking advice from valued friends) because it appeared that God wasn't in it, and really I didn't want to do something that God didn't want me to do. Since that time, life has taken hold of me! I met a wonderful young woman, Julia, who is now my wife, we have a home, I have a new job, and car to get me there and back! It's all been wonderful, and I give God the glory for it.
But, and its a big but, because it hasn't been plain sailing at it were.We have had problems along the way. All quite minor ones compared with what happened last week when Eleanor passed away. That really was a shock and something that Jules and I are still coming to terms with, one day at a time. But we know she is with the Lord, which is a far better place to be. And we will miss her. As Job said "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away" and although I was only just getting to know Eleanor, I valued the time I had with her, and I think, saw some of the special qualities God had given her. She was truly a special lady.
Some days I feel as though someone is going to pinch me and I'm going to wake up! Even though I've had some absolutely wonderful times, and some truly testing times, I am so glad it isn't a dream and I have lived it. I have had some experiences that I would have preferred not to have experienced, but the last 18 months isn't one of them. Why? I hear you ask when Eleanor had died last week? Well, it is because I can see (may be with 20/20 hindsight) that God has been involved in my life and that of my dear wife and I certainly would not want to change that. What ever God has for me is for my own good because He will not test me beyond that which I can endure. He will give me the strength to carry on and get through to the other side.
I am so looking forward to the rest of my life with Jules because we don't know what's ahead and I like surprises especially when God is involved! We can make plans, but without God, its like building a house on sand, but with God its like building a house on rock.

All in a dream?

2007-04-24T22:24:00.000+01:00

Delay

2007-04-20T12:29:00.001+01:00

I am taking a break from this blog due to a family bereavement. Will be back soon with some new stuff on a regular basis hopefully to get you thinking about life in the restaurant at the edge of the universe.

Back to work

2007-04-02T07:11:00.000+01:00

Jules and I have now been back from honeymoon for a couple of weeks now and it feels as though we just haven't stopped. Jules's car was classed as a "right-off" due to an accident. We were offered a car but had to turn it down as the insurance company thought Jules to be too young and wouldn't insure her! So we've gone out and bought a Nissan Micra. Collection is on Thursday.
We've also had the joy of sorting all my stuff out and making a house a home, which Jules as been doing most of the work and doing a great job too.

The Honeymoon- Me and the wife

2007-03-16T19:59:00.001Z

Jules and I are now in France. Have been since the 11th of March. We started in Paris and moved on to the Loire Valley for a few days. From there we have travelled to the coast and north a bit and now are in a place called Quimperle. The hotel is quite good but haven't seen the town yet.
So far we have had a wonderful time. The weather has been good. Bright and sunny days, and cool nights, which didn't bother us as we were tucked up in bed!!
The people of France have been very kind considering that neither Jules or I can speak very much french. We have got by and achieved various degrees of communication. It has been fun, even for the French who do have a sense of humour!
The mini is going great guns. Jules has been doing a good job of navigating along roads that don't exist, at least not on the map, and helping to overtake the slower cars and lorries. The mini has however sustained an injury, a cracked windscreen, which we are hoping will last the trip before being replaced, the windscreen that is, not the mini, might just be a bit excessive to replace the car because of a cracked windscreen....
Only a few days left so its off to bed.... yippy

For more photos see James and Jules web site...

The final week

2007-03-06T07:06:00.000Z

It's now Tuesday morning and the rain is lashing down. The countdown to my wedding has started properly now. Four days to go and still so much to do... Tonight we are having dinner with some friends, who happen to be my "adopted parents" in that I've adopted them and thankfully them me! It should make a welcome break in the hectic lead-up to 'The Day". I'm glad this is the only one I'll do, weddings, that is.
It's now Thursday and I've just finished work for the week and the next two. The dinner on Tuesday was good.
Yesterday we had a rehearsal at the church which went well until Jules couldn't find her purse. We searched everywhere but it was gone... something we didn't really need just now, but life goes on.
Today and tomorrow we are doing all the little things before the BIG DAY.

Plans...

2007-03-04T23:12:00.001Z

Graham and Eleanor are here for a wedding. Not just any wedding, but the wedding of their eldest daughter to me. The plans are going well, and if everything goes to plan, we should be wed by midday next Saturday.

Visitors From South Africa

2007-03-03T14:22:00.000Z

Jules and I, and Jules sister Lisa went off to Heathrow early this morning to collect the "In-Laws-to-be", Graham and Eleanor. They touched down at 6:25 am and come through at about 7 am. A quiet drive back to Cheshunt along the M25 with no hiccups saw an hour pass by. Lisa got some O2 sim cards for their phones and got them going.
Its good to see them again. I last saw them when I visited South Africa a few months ago, and to hear thier quaint accents made me smile...

Just a Quickie

2007-03-01T19:12:00.001Z

I now have a "Blogger Client" software, which means I can now write up some posts, save them on my computer and then upload them when the mood takes my fancy, and I'm on line of course.
So there you have it. The bit of software I'm using is Ecto, for the mac. As I've only just got it working, I don't really know what it can do...
Time will tell
Have a good week and weekend

A spot of Colour at the south pole

2006-12-22T14:17:00.000Z

Pic: Jean de Pomereu/Lita Albuquerque Stusio
Blue fiberglass spheres, 99 of them, bring some colour to the normally mono-chrome South Pole region. The pattern they display is the morror of the paths of stars above. This is the work of artist Lita Albuquerque, an earth artist from the USA. Umm, Nice....

Fog at Heathrow

2006-12-22T14:15:00.000Z

Tim Ockenden

Fog at Heathrow causes chaos and missery to holiday maker hoping to get away for Christmas. British Airways website crashed yesterday causing more problems for would-be travellers. The British weather strikes again. I remember back at school when our geography teacher gave us a title to write an essay on. It was "The British Isles doesn't have a climate, it has weather - discuss".

Anger

2006-10-01T22:57:00.000+01:00

Tope Koleoso gave a wonderful sermon today at Jubilee Church on the subject of anger. Get it here for download.

A new blog

2006-10-01T07:11:00.000+01:00

I've started a new blog at The Piglet Files where I will be posting my thoughts and ideas about what is happening in the world

Education, education, education...

2006-09-30T17:51:00.000+01:00

I've just been reading about and listening to (on the radio and TV) information on the legislation on booster seats for children. Now I'm in favour of safety, but it looks as if this has been brought in on the thoughts that more and more children are die-ing in road traffic accidents and therefore the children must be strapped in safely so that if the vehicle they are in does happen to have an accident, the child would be safe. A fair assumption. But, when there is a traffic accident, surely there is more to protect than the child. What about the adult sitting next to child, the pedestrian walking beside the speeding traffic, the white van driver making deliveries and therefore not required to ware a seat belt, and driver of said vehicle... I could go on. Will those in charge of making legislation be looking in to these areas as well and coming up with more 'restrictive' measures. Wouldn't it be better if we were all strapped in with 5 point harnesses and a roll cage to boot, at least then we'd be as safe as the Formula 1 boys.

A few weeks ago there were articles in various newspapers and on the television and radio about the quality of the exams and whether they were hard enough or not because it seemed that too many students were getting higher and higher grades. I don't blame the students for being up in arms about this as they aren't the ones who decided on the characture of the exams or the content of their courses. The examing boards where saying that the exams weren't becoming easier, but the students were working harder and passing well. The results speak for themselves.

And just now at the Labour Party Conference it was announced that course work would now be done in school under supervision to stop cheating, (as if any student would dare to!) and that it was found that internet web sites where 'geared-up' to help students. You can look at this in two ways, one, well done to the student for their initiative and finding out how to get a task done well and for the minimum work, or, you could tear them off a strip for not entering into the course work in a manner that would benefit them in the long term, eg, do it right now and then take the short cuts later if it works. By using their initiative the student have undermined there own education because there will come a point where short cuts will not do and the long way is the only way and then the student would not know what to do.

This has made me think that maybe, just maybe, we've been heading down the wrong road. I always thought that tests, like the road test and exams like the ones we've all take at school, were there to check what we have learnt and whether we can use it effectively. I get the impression that now that everything seems to be heading for league tables and 'a competitive market' (whatever that means?) that students are being taught how to pass the exam rather than letting the exam be a check on what they have been learnt and to a lesser degree how well the teachers taught. I do believe that this is a dangerous path to tread. Without the necessary skills to use the knowledge gained in education we will have a generation who can excel at passing exams but nothing else. Taking this to the road, wouldn't it be better to teach and educate drivers-to-be how to drive and use a half ton metallic projectile rather than pass an exam. A recent survey has suggested that fewer and fewer drivers know the meaning of various road signs shown them, and various rules in the HIghway Code. Is it any wonder then that there are more accedents on our roads?

My point is that I don't think exams are doing now what their intention was a decade or 2 ago. I consider myself to be fortunate in that when I was at school I was taught how to learn, which then made teaching easier for the teachers and the exams checked how we could use this new information. There always seems to be something useful from the pass. There is the old adage of 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'. Beware of the improvement for the sake of improvement.

Be careful what you say

2006-09-18T11:45:00.000+01:00

Adrian Warnock preached on the need for us to control our tongues. Jubilee Church has made the audio available to download.

A new way

2006-09-12T14:11:00.000+01:00

Just a quick test to see if this works. I'm using an application called MacJournal which allows me to write up posts for my blog and save them on my computer to up-load at a later date. This is to see if it works...

Free Because Of Jesus

2006-06-12T10:01:00.000+01:00

Adrain Warnock's lastest sermon is now available at Jubilee Church Semons entitled Free because of Jesus. Adrian sets out that for those in Christ Jesus there is no condemnation. There are too many christians who beat themselves over and over again for thngs they've done which they feel they shouldn't of done. But because of Christ Jesus, There should be no guilty feeling for Jesus took the punishment for you and me and the world, that we may be set free. Romans 8:1 'Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.' 'nuff said
Part 2 Next week

Up-date

2006-06-02T15:45:00.000+01:00

Previously I asked if my good friend Adrian had softened his views on the different translations of the Bible because he had read from the NIV... well, he has informed me that he hasn't and the only reason he had read from the NIV was that he had mis-layed his ESV that morning. Normal service will resume with the next sermon...

A day out in London

2006-06-02T15:00:00.000+01:00

On May 5th my friend Jules (now girlfriend and fiance) and I went into London and went on the London Eye and then had a look at some fish and things at the London Aquarium...

Stop Press

2006-05-22T23:18:00.000+01:00

Adrian Warnock reads from the NIV bible
Adrian normally reads from the ESV Bible but on sunday he read from the NIV Bible, is he softening his views?? ;-)
Adrian's sermon Needy people need God is now available to listen to or download or via thepodcast, enjoy

Read This

2006-05-20T23:13:00.000+01:00

LET IT REALLY SINK IN - THEN CHOOSE.

John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"

He was a natural motivator.

If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it!

You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"

He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or .. you can choose to be in a bad mood.

I choose to be in a good mood."

Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.

Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.

"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.

"Yes, it is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.

You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life."

I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.

I saw him about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?"

I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.

"The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live."

"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.

He continued, "..the paramedics were great.

They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action."

"What did you do?" I asked.

"Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said John. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'."

Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."

He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude... I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.

Attitude, after all, is everything.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34.

After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

You have two choices now:

01. Ignore this

02. Copy, Paste and send this to the people you care about.

You know the choice I made.

Another Prayer works

2006-01-29T19:47:00.000Z

Hi All,
Another sermon has been published on prayer, this on is titled Prayer works when life is good by Adrian Warnock, at the Jubilee Church web site. I enjoyed it and learnt lots too, hope you do to.
God Bless
James

Prayer Works 3

2006-01-22T23:02:00.000Z

Part 3 in the series of Prayer Works sermons, Prayer works when life is tough by Adrian Warnock another of our gifted preachers. This one struck me in the way psalm 13 was explained in that David, the author of psalm 13 (and many others) started off in a sorry state or a 'woe is me' frame of mind but by the end he was thanking God for what He has done and about to do, meaning that just by praying in a humble and 'reliant on God' way can bring you hope where there seems to be none. May I suggest that if you are feeling a little down, whether or not you are a Christian, why not have a prayer, little or big, and trust in God for the answers. Have a listen to Adrian and make up your own mind, mine agreed with Adrian (and the Bible!)
God bless, James

Prayer Works 1 & 2

2006-01-16T09:40:00.000Z

Hi,
There are now 2 sermons about prayer by Tope Koleoso, the lead pastor at Jubilee Church in the sermons sections. Full instruction for listening and/or downloading and podcasting given.
They are both very good and worth listening to.
God Bless
James

Snow

2005-12-27T10:41:00.000Z

The weather forcasters said it would snow today. I was looking out of my window wondering if the white covering of the ground in places was snow or just some frost that had gathered conveniently when I started seeing these large blobs of white floating and driftly delicately to the ground. A breeze cought some and swirled them into a mini frenzy by a wall. With in minutes the gound was covered. I had my answer! Now an hour later, the sun is shining and the white clouds are gently hanging in the sky, patiently waiting for the darker clouds to go by.
How wonderful this world is that we live in.

Merry Christmas

2005-12-25T10:22:00.000Z

I would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
As a passing thought, I came across this the other day: Music is the wine that fills the glass of silence - Robert Fripp, King Crimson
Nice words.

The early bird

2005-11-01T15:38:00.000Z

It may be that the early bird catches the worm, but its the second mouse that gets the cheese

Church unity

2005-10-31T18:08:00.000Z

A small discussion on Church Unity.
Part one: Removed for re-writing and finishing...

Me not well

2005-10-20T21:30:00.000+01:00

Over the last few days I have been very busy indeed, but today I paid the price of too much work and not enough food or sleep. However, I am recovering well. I hope to have posted, in the next few days, an item about Church Unity, done in three parts.

Linux OS

2005-10-14T19:20:00.000+01:00

Being a Linux fan, I now mainly use Linux with SimplyMepis being the flavour I prefere. I am also a registered user. The nice thing about Linux is that it is free, doesn't crash, and I can do everything I used to do on windows on Linux, and it is more configurable AND the help forums are wonderfully helpful and friendly, espically the mepislovers forum.

My First Blog...

2005-10-13T13:12:00.000+01:00

Greetings From Enfield. It's wet but not too cold, the sun is just over the yard arm, the coffee is fresh and hot and I feel in a good mood.
As a passing thought... it has amazed me that when disasters happen in 'poor' or '3rd world' countries, the people work together for the good of the people, a community. Yet in 'the most civilized' country, when disaster strikes the gangs come out and shoot people, rob others for their own gain. Oh how the other half live. Question... is this because of a lack of community, if so, what happened to it and why did it go? Is it to do with the capitalistic way of political attitudes? A thought to ponder.
On a lighter side: I poisoned myself the other day, I ate a daffodil bulb thinking it was an onion, but its ok, the doctor said i'd be out in the spring.