Thank You for the cross

Jesus Christ, I think upon Your sacrifice
You became nothing, poured out to death
Many times I've wondered at Your gift of life
And I'm in that place once again
I'm in that place once again

And once again I look upon the cross where You died

I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I pour out my life


Now You are exalted to the highest place
King of the heavens, where one day I'll bow
But for now, I marvel at Your saving grace
And I'm full of praise once again
I'm full of praise once again

Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross, my Friend

©1995 Kingsway's Thankyou Music
Words and Music by Matt Redman

Darrin is blogging

I mentioned that Darrin Reeves was about to start blogging, and now the day has arrived. He's a clever, creative chappy, so expect lots of good stuff. In fact his first post is so good, he's gonna struggle to maintain his own high standards. Look out for depth & wit in equal measure.

Welcome to the blogosphere, D!

Immigration Nation

Kudos to The Independent for spotlighting one of the hot political footballs of the moment....in a positive way.

For my money - and it's an opinion not everyone will share - the UK is all the richer for it's successive waves of immigrants over many centuries. In all areas of life, our little island is enhanced by the wonderful diversity of our people - ALL of our people.

When we're slipping into a nightmare scenario when people are being thrown off planes, forbidden from enjoying The London Eye , and having to tolerate a seemingly less welcoming environment we would do well to remind ourselves that we are a hugely mixed crowd, with roots entwined & tangled from a myriad of different places over many generations.

Love All, Serve All!

The family: Don'tcha just love 'em?

Littlelaughalot

It looks like Mrs Headphonaught has finally started blogging here. If her world is as inspiring as her old man, it'll definitely be worth a read. I recommend it!

Also - trawling through my own archives, I was very pleased to see that Scott and Mark had droppped in to read my ramblings. Thanks guys - you're both an inspiration - I appreciate you passing by...

Bonio; Hat tip to the 'Naught

I have to thank Thomas AKA Headphonaught for reminding me of this fantastic reinterpretation of a classic hit from Bono

Salvadore in Hawaii

Boy, how I wish I could get to these gigs. Salvador are heading to New Hope in Oahu for a couple of gigs in early September.

This Latin Christian Band are really worth a listen, if you don't know them already. Worship music, with an authentic Santana like groove. ( I know everybody hates pigeon holes, but I couldn't resist it ;-))

What a combination - Latin beats & Hawaiian ohana.

Darrin's Blog

My good buddy, Darrin Reeves, wants to start blogging as soon as he can think of suitable blog name.

This is your chance to contribute by suggesting a name....that's if anyone is out there reading my blog.

I guess it will be easier if you know Darrin - if not, give it a go anyway.

Wonderfully diverse…

This has been bouncing around in my head for a couple of weeks, but I hadn’t written it down:

At the beginning of the month, Janet, Mia & Noah & I joined about 20 of my work colleges & their families for a day at Thorpe Park. We had a great time, but for me, the most beautiful thing of all was just pondering what a wonderfully diverse bunch we are. Within that small number we had English (Black & White), Scots, Japanese, Italian, Swiss, German, Thai, Nigerian, French…plus our little gaggle of mixed race kids.

We are blessed!

The Miracles of Jesus

There's a new 3 part series about The Miracles of Jesus starting on Sunday 6 August at 6:35 on BBC ONE.

Now....I'm a little hesitant to recommend it, because I'm not sure exactly what prespective presenter Rageh Omaar will present, but it's got to be worth checking out.

Gordon, Nick & Steve

There are a few blogs I've started to read more regularly which have got to be added to my list - you may wanna have a look too:

UrbanArmy is Gordon Cotterill's widely read blog. It's always full of good thought provoking stuff about faith, the world & The Salvation Army.

Nick Hanover is a top lad - Sally Army officer in Stratford East London, marathon runner, Scotsman & peceptive blogger.

I also bounced into the blog of the South Meadows Community Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada via Pernell's site, and it looks like a very cool place to check out.

Croydon Gateway

Things like this have a habit of not always rolling out as planned, but I've just found about about a MAJOR regeneration project in Croydon called Croydon Gateway. Plans look pretty cool, so I'll be watching this one closely.

...makes you wonder what the implications & opportunities are for my Church, Croydon Citadel.

The 12-thousand seater arena sounds like a great place to Worship!!

No Parking

....you gotta check out the progress of young Chris Parker, as he bounds around the globe.

Chris is enagaging in a year of development, of learning, of seeing and being. His year long internship with The Salvation Army International Emergency Services Team will teach and train him in ways he will never have imagined.

He's a good buddy, and little bro of my best man, and all round top geezer, Duncan Parker.

Watch & learn....I'm hoping his blog will be a goody

Peace & blessings to you, Chris my young brother.

Synchronicity

Synchronicity - it's a funny old thing.

Creepily, I've just clocked that there is a company which uses the same office facility site as my office which is called Laird Recruitment.

Strange but true!

RE:SOUND 4 WATERSHED

I have to big up The Salvation Army's London South East Divisional Youth Chorus - AKA RE:SOUND.

...went to one of their gigs at Upper Norwood Salvation Army last night, and was completely impressed. As far as I can understand, it's early days for them in their present incarnation as a Gospel Choir, but they did a great job: good, authentic soulful Gospel sound - some soloists of real promise, tight band, and they clearly were having a good time.

On top of all that - and most importantly - they're on fire for Jesus.

I hope they can sustain this, because they can be a really effective unit.

Proceeds were in aid of The SA's WATERSHED appeal

Books

I took a raft of books on my recent holiday - Coupland's JPod, iCon - a biography of Steve Jobs - Finishing Well by Bob Buford, Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller, Velvet Elvis for a re-read, and my old faithful Peterson's Message. However, I'd forgotten I've got two little kids! I barely even got started with the first few chapters of JPod!

My bookshelves at home are rammed with books that are on my "to read" pile, and sometimes I wonder if I'll ever get round to finishing any of them.

On top of that I have no particular desire to cure my magazine addiction, although I'm doing well. The only one that I still buy regularly is WIRED although I can't resist dipping into Fast Company when I can actually find it in an English newsagents. Gone are the days when I would comfortably shell out for 5 or 6 mags a month. I guess that money goes on Pampers now!

Back

...back to work after a top week away at New Quay, in Cardigan Bay West Wales - I didn't need to wear one once. Weather was great, it was still quiet because the schools hadn't finished for the summer, and we chilled to the max.

Links - I hope it's worked

I've added a bunch of new links - at least I hope I have - just to beef up my blog a little, and let anyone who might happen to read any of my rambings have an insight into the stuff I read almost daily:

Anita - you should have seen the previous posting which explains all

Hannah - my good friends Grayson & Janice's daughter, who's living the life in the US, working at Camp...brings back memories

Headphonaught - compulsive Scots blogger & barometer of coolness . We have so many things in common it's spooky, but that has yet to be properly explored: Bellshill connection, Greenock memories, music stuff, appreciation of the Lard, Roots, books..very very weird.

Lard - super talented design chappy & all round good egg

Mark Waltz - always has good stuff to say on Church & relationships; part of the Leadershiop team at Granger Community Church, IN, USA

New Hope Christian Fellowship - wonderful Church on Oahu, HI. We used to visit when on vacation in Hawaii, and it's just a wonderful place. Great teaching, wonderful worship & an amazing impact on the community. The stuff of dreams!

Pernell - inspirational Church planter fellah with good stuff to say on most subjects. One day I will go to the Freeway for a latte - it's gonna happen

....did I forget anyone?

...maybe...

Shout out..to Mr Sparker

...gotta give a shout out to my good friend, and Godmother to Mia, Anita Parker...who just started her own blog

Check it out here.

http://mrsparkerathome.blogspot.com

Hours of fun

...if you really had the time, you could wile away days with this....colourful, creative....and oh so soothing!

http://jacksonpollock.org