Too busy not to pray?

During this time of Lent, members of Hornchurch Baptist Church have been reading Bill Hybels' book Too Busy Not to Pray. It is considered by some to be a modern Christian classic.  While some of us are very wary of the seeker sensitive approach to evangelism and church growth espoused by Hybels, this book can be heartily recommended. It is challenging and helpful in developing an authentic prayer life.  I personally found his advice on writing a prayer journal and journalling very sound and worthwhile.  When we write out our prayers and put down words of adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication then we are usually focussed and spiritually more alert.  Such journalling can help us go deeper and keep a record of our adventures in prayer.  It is so good to look back through the pages of a prayer journal to see, meditate and reflect on what God has done and is doing in our lives.

The Dying Thief at Calvary : a poem for Easter

Three of us here at Calvary
Nailed to crosses outside the city

Two of us are guilty of many crimes
The other one is remarkable in these times

He did not deserve this cruel fate
Truly a victim of such vicious hate

Jesus who taught God's true way
And now he dies on this dark day

My fellow thief mocks and swears
He has no time for God or prayers

But I have brought this late request
I asked Jesus for eternal rest.

My words were simple and sincere
To Jesus I made it very clear

Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.

Stranger, do you know my pain, my loss?
Yes, I'm dying on the cross

I was a thief for many years
And my death will bring few tears

But in these last few moments here
I can put away all my fear

For though I shall soon be dead
I remember what he said

I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.

Yes, Jesus told me this before he died
And soon after these words he cried

It is finished! And bowed his head in death
It was just before his final breath.

And you, o stranger not know to me,
Where will you spend eternity?

This is my last piece of advice
Trust in Him to enter paradise.

Such a sweet, sweet victory for Mourinho over Abramovich's Chelsea

Jose Mourinho celebrated an excellent and thoroughly deserved victory at Stamford Bridge last night.  It was sound and sweet, showing that Mourinho can still put on a special performance on the Chelsea ground.  It was an emphatic triumph over his former employer's club.  Jose must have loved the glory, the sweet revenge.  Take that Abramovich!  Many in the Chelsea line up were once Mourinho's boys.  Internazionale beat Chelsea, home and away.  Inter Milan were clearly the better team on both occasions.   Mourinho's tactical nous was evident and Chelsea looked rather dull and dismal last night.  The Inter goalkeeper, Julio Cesar, had a very quiet evening because the Chelsea attack was so weak.  Inter managed to nullify the Chelsea midfield.  Ballack failed to get into the game and those around him looked frustrated and mediocre.  It could be argued that Inter were better in every department over the two matches. Now Chelsea fans and the financier must wonder whether this current Chelsea squad is really good enough to win the coveted Champions League.  The evidence seems to indicate that Chelsea are not up to it and they need to improve, to rebuild radically if they are to win the UEFA Champions League trophy. Winning this trophy is not about putting out an expensive group of talented players, as the exit of Real Madrid reveals.  It is more than cheque book, spending power management.  Mourinho understands this only too well; his special skills can prevent a good side winning, but enabling a good team with the right tactics and game plan to progress in this competition.  Last night JM's tactics were special and this victory was certainly impressive.

FIFA Folly

FIFA, the Football world governing body, has stated that modern technology will not be used to determine whether or not a football has crossed the goal line at this year's World Cup Finals in South Africa.  This is sheer stupity when the game has needed this technology for years. It is used successfully in Cricket and other major sports but FIFA wishes to stay in the 20th century.  So much can depend on the correct decision.  Thousands and thousands of pounds can rest on an incorrect decision.  Today we saw a decision clearly go against Birmingham City in their important FA Cup quarter final game against Portsmouth when the ball had clearly crossed the line. The referee and linesman got in wrong, just like the FIFA officials. The referee made an error, a clear mistake,revealed by modern techology, that could have been avoided.  Sadly at this time stupid FIFA officials have made a clear mistake, but time will show how wrong they are.  One day we shall have the technology that the game deserves. Let's hope it comes soon.

Photographs of Tenby

I thought it would be a good idea to share some more of my photographs of Tenby.  I have been there many times and never grow weary of its delights, though about two years ago I was saddened to see such rowdiness and anti-social behaviour on a Saturday night when the streets seemed to be full of drunks; they really disgraced themselves. I'll spare you the unpleasant details.  I am happy to report that things have improved since them.  Tenby can be overcrowded in August, but it's a great place for a family holiday. Mid to late June is right for a quieter vacation.  The light is excellent and the days are long.  I hope that you enjoy the photographs of Tenby.  They were taken in June 2009.

Photographs of the Pembrokeshire Coast

I love Pembrokeshire and have so many happy memories of family holidays, seeing relations, walking the coastal path and visiting so many interesting places.  I have inserted some photographs which celebrate the coastal beauty of this part of West Wales.  These photographs of Pembrokeshire give me great enjoyment and pleasure. You can enlarge each photograph by clicking on it.  I have also included hyperlinks with two of my YouTube videos. Enjoy.

 

Tenby Harbour

Green Bridge of Wales

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQR0z4umVUE

  

  

Tenby North Beach

Tenby North Beach and Harbour

  

Across the beach to St Catherine's Island

 

Tenby Esplanade

 

The coastline near Tremynydd Fach Farm

 

 

               Lion Rock, Broadhaven

                                                  Cliffs near Barafundle Bay

                                           Beautiful Barafundle Bay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW_vBB29aJ4

Operation Moshtarak: success or shame?

Operation Moshtarak has been reported this evening on the BBC news as a success so far, yet we hear of the shameful and sad news of 12 civilians being killed in Marjah when two rockets missed their intended targets.  Killing innocent civilians and wiping out an entire family will not win over the hearts and minds of the Afghan people.  Foreigners starting a campaign with death, distruction and disgrace will do so much harm to the sad situation.   There will be anger, agony, hatred and bitterness. What terrible news!  A military solution will not work.  David Miliband, our Foreign Secretary, even said so last July, but we are now more deeply involved than ever before.

How can we measure success in this conflict?  After years of fighting and maintaining a significant military presence there seems very little to show for the billions of pounds spent on this war.  There seems to be no way of assessing when the conflict has been won.  It can be argued that this war is unwinnable.  The number of civilians casualties as a result of NATO military action is shameful.  Even conservative estimates of civilian fatalities should cause concern; the high level of civilian deaths will cause untold damage and disgrace.

We hear very little about these deaths and casualties.  There is a lot of suffering because of this situation.
The reports of these casualties call into question the mission in Afghanistan.