Sunday morning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)
Likes: Money; "gadgets"; music
Dislikes:
Future aims: To make money; be happy; leave the country

Technorati Tags: courses, life

A lovely weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.