John Piper - Be Couragous, President Barack Obama

I was going to post this without a comment such was the impact it left on me. I appreciate, however, that in posting this I kinda nail my colours to the mast when it comes to the ever contentious issue of abortion.

The main reason I post this, though, is to highlight what it is to have passion on an issue and what it looks like to urge political leadership to be done along lines of justice. A good lesson for people who want to convey the compassion of Christ in contemporary society.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Broderick Rice - Comedy

So here's some extended stuff from the brother showing just how funny he is. What I like about the jokes are that they are observational - there's always something hilarious in the way you can bend the regular things of life or the mistakes we make or some mannerisms we express now and then, and it's good not to take ourselves too seriously and laugh at God's sense of humour seen in us.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Broderick Rice As Marvin Winans sings ABC's

It's good to enjoy your life and one of the expressions of that is laughter and I love seeing people having a good laugh. Now I do mean good. Profanities, obscenities, jokes to denigrate others and that kind of stuff are unnecessary - it's a pity so many think that they're essential to cutting edge humour.

For all that Christians aren't always known for their ability to laugh at themselves - and that's because of the great untapped comic potential available. I remember first coming across this guy through my sister and the brother is hilarious. It's a shame there aren't more of his material available on this medium.

In the meantime, enjoy this, which of course you'll get if you know Marvin Winans. If you don't, trust me when I say it's a good riff on the dude.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Perceptions and Reality

Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

It’s always good to have certain conversations that highlight how people perceive you for various reasons. One it at least lets you know where they stand. Two, it also reveals the opinions of others regarding your position. Thirdly it highlights what stereotypes and perceptions people have of a person in a particular position. There are others but those will do for now.

One thing it reminds me of, which is a lesson I’ve been taught on a number of occasions, is that it’s all about perceptions. You could very well be doing a lot of essential groundwork, research and toil on a given subject, but if that’s not the perception and if the one received is rather different then it’s all for nought.

When I worked for the then Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions in the summer of 1997 I was first expressly taught the lesson. At the time it was a work placement over the summer holiday as part of the Windsor Fellowship scheme of which I am an honoured graduate. The time was spent working in a particular department given various rather mundane chores to complete. My supervisor at the time, the underrated and respected Janet Albon (yeah Mr. Spell-check & Ms Red-Line-Under-Word, not Albion, but Albon) knew she was giving me projects and tasks that were a bit beneath me. This was evident in the speed and diligence with which I completed the tasks – it’s not being big-headed, it’s just stating facts.

Being new to the world of office gossip and politics I was very naïve to the importance of appearances. So at the time I was given a desk and a computer and to while the time away I would engage in everyone’s favourite office pastime of beating my score on Minesweeper and eventually moving up the levels and attaining quick scores on them. My problem was that I was very indiscreet, so it was the prerogative of those who couldn’t be bothered to talk to me about it to my face to gossip behind my back about this dude who just spent his time playing Minesweeper while others were doing such earnest and honest hard work as paid by Her Majesty’s Appointed and Elected government. Thankfully word got round to Janet about it and she had a discreet word in my shell-like to alert me of those haters that would seek to bring me down with faint praise and the kisses of the enemy. So from there I was taught my first lesson in perception. It doesn’t really matter what you actually achieve and what you contribute, it’s how things appear.

Subsequent lessons would bring my attention that earnest long hours of slaving away at things is not as prudent as selectively choosing the times to maximise the effort whilst conserving energy at other times and not killing yourself. So more than working hard it’s about working smart. Now for the Jacobs and Labans among us – we know who we are – before it comes across as though I’m promoting being dodgy and tricky in how you approach things, that’s not quite what I talking about. Hard work is still a part of the deal, intense effort will be called upon and to an extent there’s a feeling of justifiably giving your all when you feel as though it’s cost you something. Where the brain bit comes in though is to be aware of what perceptions are required to give people the necessary impression to keep things ticking along. It’s not about compromise and especially in a Christian context it’s not about fitting into the status quo to be men-pleasers. It is about thinking things through and being aware of the impact it will have on the audience – being wise as serpents and harmless as doves to give it a scriptural peg to hang it on.

As well as this, sometimes if it appears as though you’re doing the work and you’re actually doing the work then people have one less thing to criticise you for, something that Peter was at pains to encourage fellow-believers in his first letter. It’s a good lesson to learn and one that’s come up again and again in subsequent years – as politicians realise sometimes to their own downfall appearances can be costly even if the smoke is not an indication of a fire. The reality of the opening scripture is that people run off perceived appearances without always looking to get to the heart of the issue. Indeed, only God can get the insight on the heart, being the Creator and everything. That’s why it’s crucial to bear this in mind when people come to the wrong conclusions about appearance and reality, and to be sensitive to this in whatever we display. I thank God for the reminder of this lesson and hope to apply it to this degree to His honour and glory.

Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16)

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Slowing Down ... To Speed Up

Quite a bit has been happening as I may have mentioned in earlier posts and I haven't really had the chance to stop and take a breathe and blog about stuff. But I am hoping that I will be able to do so soon as of course there's a lot to share - weekend activities, new things happening and general reflections on recent events. That's all to come.

This just serves to say thanks for waiting.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

What I Do When I Get A Break

It’s nearly 16:45 and I’m allowing myself a little break from activities.

It is a manic week with people pulling in all kinds of crazy shifts in the hope of being ready for a big event taking place tomorrow. The local fellowship to which I belong has taken on a two unit warehouse and converted it from a haulier/shipping location to a multi-purpose training and conference facility. Once the StokeCOG web-site is up and running I’ll link you in to the history of how it came to be. The facility is a first for the denomination to which the fellowship belongs. As a result the hope is that tomorrow will be a large turn-out to celebrate God’s goodness in this provision.

For all associated with and involved in StokeCOG it’s another monumental milestone in the history of the fellowship. Particularly for our leader, Hughie Lawrence (of whom I spoke of quite highly in this entry from September 2006), this is credit to what happens when people walk by faith.

It is by no means the end of the story; indeed, in many ways the real hard work begins now. The desire is to see the place packed with people, not just for business but also out of relationship and a desire for them to at least experience Christ for themselves, be open to the gospel message and prayerfully see people commit to Christ. Sure it’s got to be a money-spinner, which almost goes without typing, and in being diligent stewards over this then the prayer is that the income will flow even in these trying financial circumstances. The real deal, though, has never been about building made by human hands. It will always be about lives being changed and the church growing in depth, in love of God and each other and in number. On Wednesday we had the community launch for the facility which went fairly well.

All of this to say that a lot of work has gone into this, so it’s actually been God’s grace that has allowed me to find time to blog in the midst of all this. Once this coming week is over, there should be some time to shift gears so that although we’ll be moving it won’t be at such a manic pace. Especially for the sake of the family, I’m hoping there will be time for rest and recuperation for Authrine who always goes for it with all she’s got. As for me, I’m sure I’ll find my quiet time somewhere and be able to commit more quality into this blog writing business as well as other pressing pursuits.

I’m also getting near the end of the Chester and Guinness books which is a bit sad. It’s like having to say goodbye to good friends when you end a book and these two books have been treasures in my spiritual development as they point me more to Christ, His call and His power to change me from within and change us from without likewise. I’m looking forward to posting book reviews on these two. Also look out for the proper re-launch of Daily Thoughts – by e-mail and online! That should be up and happening all being well by Monday!

Well, there’s still plenty to be done and I must not slacken the pace, so it’s back to work I go. Hope to update you on how things have been for an interesting weekend perhaps on Sunday could be Monday – you never know cos I never know! Don’t be surprised if you get the odd YouTube posting here and there in between. As soon as the proceedings of tomorrow are over I’m hoping to get back home and further map out what the presentation on Creation will be like for Church WOW. That will no doubt include research and bumping into stuff that could be worth my while to post.

In the meantime let me encourage you – God is faithful and true, He sticks by His Word and even in the darkest hour no one can extinguish the light of the truth of His love.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd

John Piper - The Problem with Graditude as Motivation

Whoa ... deep stuff. Right stuff, but deep stuff and right on time as well. Gratitude has it's place, but definitely not as the sole motivation.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

The Dangers, Results, and History of Decisional Regeneration

I'm not posting this to put up my position, necessarily, but I am putting up as it's worth considering in exploring the issue of new life in Christ and how that comes about. At 42:43 it's not going to be short, but to me it is worthwhile watching.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

He Ain’t Heavy … He’s My Link To Some Funny Stuff

David has been with us at the crib since last night. It’s good to have him around. You must know how much I love my brother by now! I have blogged about him in detail. We strike a good rapport whenever he’s around and I find it helps me to unload stuff when I’m around him. Like tonight I gave him the full Rafa Rant and we earlier on discussed the concept of things starting at home. It was just great to be able to bounce off him. He’s good for business.

What makes him especially helpful as well is that he’s a very resourceful man. Very resourceful. Just before I got to start my notes for the evening – and it’s rather late around 10:55pm – David shared some great stuff with me. It’s so good I’ve had to post it on the Among Friends site.

The five part series called The Googling is a great comic riff on the whole supernatural in the natural thing. What I really enjoyed was the fact that this is obviously a group approach and although not experts on a professional scale, the movies are watchable, enjoyable and hilarious. They are so good I would happily recommend them to anyone. There’s also plenty of food for thought in some of them. So go ahead and check them out (part one, part two, part three, part four, and part five) and let me know what you make of them!

Also while you’re there check the latest offering for New York Comic Con 2009 by It’s Just Some Random Guy. I tell you the truth, as someone better than I put it, IJSRG is one of the great talents that give YouTube a reason to exist. The world is a happier place for having this dude’s creative juices flowing for us all.

And speaking of creative, please pray for me, I’ve been invited to speak again at Church WOW – more on them in a later entry. It’s on the topic Creation and it’s exciting thinking about the different angles to approach it and the ways it can come across. The prayer is that I allow the Spirit to have His way in the planning and execution of the presentation to God’s glory and the benefit of His people.

Well that’s a highly informative post about me today and thankfully for the first time in ages I’ve been able to do more posts on me other blog than on this as it was looking a bit empty for this year’s quota. I hope you enjoy them all and I’ll be back soon.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Generosity Promotes Worship of Jesus as God

This has got to be a hard message to hit in the circumstances that he so candidly shares, but it is none the less a very appropriate one to hear and digest because when others are telling you to stop being generous in the current climate, I know my challenge as one who claims to follow Jesus is to use this time to be even more generous more than anything for others to see Christ adn follow Him likewise.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

John Piper - Is There Any Help for Knowing Ourselves?

Check this out as an analysis for getting to know who you are.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Make Yourself At Home

I read this article about the true nature of the Biblical church and I say a hearty amen to this picture of a community of house churches coming together. That of course would shatter quite a lot of edifices and structures that we have built around our current perception of church life. That’s cool with me as long as the life of Christ can be released through the people of Christ being focussed on proclaiming Christ.

The reason why it is such an issue to me has a lot to do with my history. Growing up I attended a local fellowship whose membership didn’t really go over 15 adult members. My brother, sister and I were the only young people there from the time I was 12 until I left for university with the exception of the grand-children of the pastor. The picture I’m painting here sees our main service for the week having maybe seven adults there on a regular basis and then from time to time we would have visitors from Peterborough and Northampton.

As I got into my teens I asked why are we spending so much money renting out a hall that no one visits except for a few people? Why don’t we just have services at home? That idea was a non-starter I feel because of the tradition of the church. We’d always had a hall, we would always have a hall regardless of how little effect it actually has on the community around it and regardless of how little effective relationships were developed.

Yet sometimes we would have some mid-week prayer meetings in people’s homes that felt a lot warmer in character and relaxed in feel. Although there was not a case that it would actually get me interested in prayer – let’s not get crazy – at least it beat having to go to a hall. Indeed I often think back on those naïve days where Christianity was the faith of my parents that I snuggled up to for convenience but no real relationship with Jesus. In those days prayer meetings were boring and only good for kneeling down, bowing my head and going to sleep, or seeing if I could sneak in a read of the comic that I hid in my coat. Dude, it was hilarious witnessing the prayer races where the saints would compete to see who could pray the longest – cos obviously the longer you pray the more the prayer means to God as the scripture says. (Hold on a minute which scri… waddaya mean don’t ask those questions?)

Anyway, back on my theme, when I think about it, my life started at home. My understanding of life was birthed from home experiences. There’s nothing as personal as the home. There’s no place where I’m more relaxed than at home. It’s a great sign of personal trust to invite someone to your home and I was thought it was an honour to be allowed inside someone’s home. It’s a great atmosphere to reflect and relax. More than anywhere it is a location where life takes place without masks.

Sure, the reality can often be that people have bad experiences at home for one reason or another and it doesn’t work for some people. I don’t want to give the impression that home was an idyll of bliss from the horrors of the outside world – things were not perfect. What I do want to suggest and its something intensely personal from the relational perspective of family that linked to family is the concept of home. Home not just as a closed place, but as an intimate location where you can be real, vulnerable and experience sanctuary and rest like nowhere else.

That’s why I find it so tragic that there’s such a great rush to ‘get a building’. As if the mark of being a proper church is to have a ‘building’. Almost as though we forget that the building project Jesus was on was building people – and that work was not about doing it in a particular facility, but developing the kind of warm relationships filled with the Spirit of God – around a meal if you will – that reflected the concept of being part of a family. I saw it as natural that when those environments are developed and more people get interested that it’s then that you determine the need for a larger facility to house those interested. Even then, that was never essential in my reading of what made for church growth as actual development of people in Christ and reaching others to do the same.

I am not completely against large facilities for use of Christian activities and even large gatherings of church. I’m sure they have their function in the work of church. What I am saying is that the neglect of the whole house to house thing misses a really basic structure for church growth and for the development of all those who are part of here.

Let’s face it, where are you more likely to express you – in a fairly impersonal gathering of a large number people in which you can remain anonymous and the focus is on an individual or a group of individuals on a raised platform directing proceedings, or relaxed on a couch seated next to people who evidently care for you and there’s no pressure on you to share, but there is a desire to do so because you’re among people doing something special. It is all about getting the right ingredients to create the right meal for people to taste and see that the Lord is good. That I think can work in the home arguably better than anywhere else.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd

What Are We Like?

I had a good conversation with a dear friend today. Among other things she touched on the subject of our nature as people. I’m using that as a springboard for a couple of thoughts that have been jogging up and down my head for the last three years at least.

What we think of ourselves heavily influences our approach to issues of life – both on a personal and a corporate level. For Christians in particular it can sway the way we read the Bible and think about God which as you can appreciate just puts a whole set of challenges in itself. At the moment as a church we’re going through the basic doctrines we hold to establish the foundation on which a lot of other things can grow.

My journey of faith up to this point has seen varied approaches to the issue. Without it being explicitly stated, there was a thought, as I grew up that unless you’re a Christian, you’re actually doomed because in fact you’re nothing but a low down dirty sinner headed in the wrong direction with no redeeming features. Joining the YMCA in 2006 bought me into a company of people who held a radically different view. Here the thinking was that every human is precious and made in the image of God and that in itself means that people cannot be seen as being basically bad, but at worst misguided and it’s just to re-direct them through faith and good works to what they are capable of. Into the mix thinkers and theologians throw in the argument about free will and how God won’t interfere with the decisions we make and merely woos us back to him and we are capable of responding to the wooing of our own accord and freely choose to come to Him.

One of the things about studying the Bible and in essence growing in knowing God is to never be too certain about certain things. There have to be some basics worth holding onto, but for everything else it’s best to take a lead by what the whole account of the Bible would highlight as reflected in the works of those who have dedicated themselves to pursuing God. The comments that follow do not constitute a closed creed on the issue but does indicate where I am at the moment on the topic.

From the beginning the life of man depended on the breath of God. Literally in Him we live, move and have our being. All that we’re capable of is down to Him basically but that connection to God by His breath has been severed by sin which leaves us in a precarious position. Still made in the image of God, our act of rebellion, however, leaves us at the whims of our ungodly (not-god-like) desires. We have not chosen to go the way of God and indeed we’re not inclined to go His way despite His expressed signs of grace. The whole concept of salvation doesn’t make sense without allowing for that – as far as I know anyway, especially based on what I’ve read in the Bible. Sin isn’t just an act it’s an entire default setting. It doesn’t mean we’re incapable of good acts it does mean we are incapable of being good. Even Jesus said so Himself.

So for all the good acts, it’s never been the acts alone that has been pleasing to the Father it has been the heart also. Sadly scripture indicates that the state of the human heart isn’t that commendable in God’s eyes at all. Hence the need for salvation, hence the need for Jesus and hence the need for a new life based on living by reconnection to God by His very Spirit living inside of us. How that happens is all down to God. He speaks and makes us alive again to respond in faith and from there the process of sanctification brings us to the place of at least acknowledging the new heart in us that desires to please God and not ourselves.

There are some quaint terms used in this conversation that are fascinating, like total depravity – that’s a beauty. At present I’m convinced by what they have to say again without saying that means people are just rubbish and do no good at all – that blatantly is not the case. What is the case is that for all of our best efforts, sincere sentiments and good intentions it never measures up to the standards of God which are the only standards worth living to. We know there lurks within us such dark and vile thoughts, such annoying and hurtful attitudes and a history of words and actions that have caused misery, grief and pain that we cannot hide from the fact that we’re in desperate need for help in the deepest part of our being. Thus it’s in our best interests to hear again the message of the gospel that says though our sins be as scarlet they can be made white as snow by accepting and trusting the saving work of Jesus Christ. Nothing else will do.

So that’s why the song ‘Sinner Saved By Grace’ means so much to me. (By the way there are three other decent versions available online worth checking featuring the Cathedrals you can check an old one here excusing the bad dub, the newer one here and the Gaither Gathering version here.) It reflects a reality to me as I understand it at this moment. Yes I am a child of the King, yes I am a joint heir with Jesus and indeed I am the righteousness of God. This does not negate from the fact though I am a sinner saved by grace. My life is lived out of gratitude for what has been done for me by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Any claims to accolades of any sort for any good done goes to the credit of the love of a Father who gave His very best so that I could be reconnected to Him and fulfil that for which I was created.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Sinner Saved By Grace

I'm not going to spoil things by going through it now, just to invite you to check the blog later for a brief thought on the lyrical content of this song. In the meantime, enjoy.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

He Came Down To My Level - Gaither Vocal Band

You should have got the hint by now that I am a fan of the Gaither Vocal Band. Don't get me wrong, not every song that proceeds from the production of William Gaither, but a large amount of their work.

In any case, as I was sitting here working on a number of projects I've been assisted by a number of quality GVB stuff. Of all the great songs, though, I wanted to blog this one on the basis of the lyrical content. Knowing that God is able to be related on our level - through Jesus and those who follow Him it makes His love all the more amazing.

This also links with a number of things that I'm all about when it comes to the gospel, namely making connections and helping people realise they can faith from where they are at is possible.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

DMCD's Rafa Rant

Things didn’t quite work out as planned for Saturday. Ray and I didn’t end up watching the match, although I’m sure he’s over the moon about the result. Although it makes me all the more eager to see Stoke get relegated because that’s just the sad kinda guy I am. Anyway following the performance before United played Chelsea I’d gone to great lengths to express my feelings on the whole situation that’s cropped up following Rafa’s recent comments. After the match I have something more to say.

(Comments Before The Match)

When Rafael Benitez first came to the club I was hopeful and optimistic as I am with every fresh wave at Liverpool Football Club. His record at Valencia had at least shown that he was capable of turning a club going nowhere into serious challengers for honours. At Liverpool he had the chance to turn a club flattering to deceive in claiming real honours into champions. By champions I’m referring specifically to the Premiership.

Now I was under no illusions. When Jose Mourinho won the Premiership in his first season at Chelsea, regardless of the millions spent on players, it was still a huge achievement. I cannot think off the top of my head of another manager achieving such a feat (although ironically given more time, the last guys to do it were both Liverpool managers – I believe Kenny Dalglish won it and also Joe Fagan won it in their first seasons at the club). When Rafa took over Liverpool, only a fan on hallucinogenic substances would have thought we could have won the Premiership in his first season. So as with any brother in their first season we’re just giving the guy a chance to settle in and see what his intents are.

Since then, however, his time at the club has been mostly about riding the crest of a Champions League victory and an FA Cup win without ever really threatening to win the Premier League. So he gets us to the Champions League final again, so what? Where it really matters he has not got us anywhere nearer to winning the main league. He’s been able to garner support during the issue of club ownership and support, but let’s face it for every Mascherano who’s thrived at the club – when he plays – there are perhaps three or four players that have not worked out. He has been frustrating for me to see as he’s been so annoyingly inconsistent whilst persisting with a rotation strategy that leaves me baffled.

We’re four points clear at the top of the table having beaten both Chelsea and Manchester United. You would have thought I’d have been happy with that position. The joke is that I’m actually not at all convinced that we deserve to be there or are playing well enough to stay there. Yesterday’s result typified that. Chelsea go to Britannia and play them off the park in their 3-0 win. Manchester United go there and are able to mess about for a bit before killing the game off and taking a typical 1-0 win home with them. We go there playing a club in the bottom three. A club who are one of the favourites for relegation and play ugly football playing a side who away from home know what it takes to suck up pressure and hit on the break to take the points that are necessary.

I was very confident that we would win that 3-0 without any problem. Not that we would play them off the park – we haven’t done that to another team for months. Just that Stoke are up for the beating to a club like us. So to come away from there only taking a point and failing to score against them again is unacceptable. It really isn’t good enough. If we dare win the Premier League with results like that and the other draws we’ve managed then it really is an indictment on the quality of the League especially proper champion winning teams like Chelsea and Manchester United.

I am very interested in the result of the game today and actually the best result for us is a Chelsea win. If United win it will give them immense confidence in their own ability and gather momentum in addressing their games in hand to overhaul the points difference between them and us. If it’s a draw the pressure still remains on us to make the most of our advantage and United can approach their games in hand with confidence that they’ve negotiated one of their rivals and not lost and can catch up with them whilst putting pressure on us. Chelsea beating United leaves the Red Devils with actual work to do if they want to make an indent on the outcome – not to say they couldn’t do it, but just to say that they would have to work even harder. It’s a result I can live with on two levels – one I don’t want Manchester United to win the Premier League which leads to two that if we don’t win it I’m happy for Chelsea to win it especially with the grief that they’ve had to endure since Mourinho left.

So all that would be bad enough to have to deal with. Then Rafael for reasons known only to him chooses to launch an attack on Sir Alex Ferguson. Here’s the thing – there’s just no need for it. It doesn’t help us at all. It only fuels Alex’s passion to win it to stuff another one to us. Regardless of however true the statement is, it’s just so counter-productive I seriously wonder what is going on in his head to say something like that. Look, everyone knows that Alex Ferguson has got away with loads of stuff in his time in football. That’s been the case for years – once the point in bringing it up now? For what? The FA to do something about it? More chance of hell freezing over. The comments were just so tragic that I seriously question Mr. Benitez’ judgement.

Sure, if we win the Premier League I’ll have to eat humble pie and admit that for all of my suspicion the brother has it in him to win the things that matter. That’s a long way away. That’s a trip to Old Trafford away. That’s a confrontation with Chelsea away. That is not a certainty by any stretch. If we don’t win it, then it should raise questions again about Rafael. He’s had plenty of chances to win it. He’s been able to pump money to investing in the squad but we’re not anywhere near the Chelsea and Manchester United standard. We got a great keeper, great defender, great holding midfielder, great midfielder and a great striker but we need to have better quality in other areas. Check the BBC’s Phil McNulty and his opinion on the issue in light of the game. Paul Wilson’s comments on the issue also make sense.

(Comments after the match)

So Manchester United put Chelsea to the sword. Beating your nearest rivals 3-0 at home sends a clear signal to the rest of the league that you are more than capable of reclaiming their crown. I still feel sorry for the grief Phil Scolari is getting from the fans, but I guess that comes with the high expectations from the club – unrealistically high especially because of how much has been invested in the club. That should be room for hope for clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa to catch up with Chelsea as reality bites for them that success is not as easy as a few hundred million coming in. For Scolari, this season should be given for him to get settled into the league and then as of next season judge him by results, i.e. what trophies have you won. Obviously since when has the football world ever followed wisdom in its dealings, so why should I expect it to start now?

For United it’s great news – it gives them great confidence for the games ahead. For Liverpool – the ball is back in our court, if we can keep our nerve and remain solid at the back and take the chances we make then perhaps we can make this title race interesting. Nothing is impossible in this game. As a fan I can hope for the best. As a footballer observer with a bit of a knowledge of the game I can see the trophy staying at Old Trafford for another season – which is fair enough because it’s all about the best team winning.

I was thinking as I was walking home from church tonight. (What you didn’t think I’d slip in something about Christ in this whole entry? You obviously don’t know who I am!) I was thinking about how sometimes we ask for more stuff when we haven’t really made the best of the stuff we already have. Ferguson has been successful because he’s made the best of the players he has. Benitez has yet to emulate that success because he has not. There’s no point in asking for more stuff unless you prove yourself with the stuff you already have and I’m very certain Rafa has not made the most of the players at his disposal – Babel is wasted; Pennant is leaving because he wasn’t really given a fair run in the team; it is an absolute crime the way Keane has been used this season to date and players have come and gone who have never been given a chance to prove themselves. In essence Rafael has not to date made the most of what he has and if he doesn’t soon then it’s only fair that certain questions are asked and he is held accountable even as the parable of the talents highlights – you waste it, you lose it, you use it well you get more than you bargained for!

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Steve Green Abre mis ojos, oh! Cristo

I love this simple rendition of a cool worship song.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

God And God Alone

Let’s face it. If we’re honest, most of the time we do the things we do for the approval of someone or something. Maybe the self, maybe a loved, maybe some ideal, whatever the case may be it can seem at times that our worth is measured by how well we do in meeting the approval of that person, thing or concept.

I learnt a while back that I often do things for myself. Yeah, I’m a selfish kinda guy. Sure I want you to like me, but that’s for your benefit, that’s for my benefit. Thankfully Someone stopped me in my tracks and asked a couple of piercing questions. Who made all that is? Where did it come from? Who gives purpose to life as you know it?

Then I looked at the biblical narrative and its centre point of the life and mission of Jesus and I was challenged deeply to take seriously the claim that only God is worthy of approval and praise. Not only that but only He deserves my entire life because it is His mercies that make me alive in the first place. As I said that encounter and challenge was the best thing to happen to me and I am often reminded of it when I want to veer off and do my own thing. Truly my truest praise is to be reserved for God and God alone.

I came across this song for the first time at a church concert where one of the most gifted vocalists I’ve ever had the privilege to meet sung the song so powerfully that people were moved by it to praise, adoration and all out high glorifying of He who made heavens and earth. That man’s name is Godfrey Gayle and for all the versions of the song I’ve heard since then and the many supremely talented singers who have sung it no one has ever matched Godfrey – now that’s quite something when considering that I’ve heard Daryl Coley sing it and then of course there’s this majestic version by the awe-inspiring Steve Green.

I wish there was a recorded version of Godfrey’s tribute to His Maker. In the meantime this is a more than suitable replacement and Steve Green knows how to reverently deliver the lyrics so that we are left in no doubt who is in charge getting the truest praise in this here situation!

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Steven Green - Tienen que saber del amor de Dios

Si mi hombre, si.

Pathetic I know, but it beats what I was going to attempt in Spanish! Ahhh just listen to this song and embrace the message because it's true!

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Proclama Gloria Al Senor- Steve Green

Forgive me if you think I'm on a bit of the overkill with this Spanish thing, but I love it. I love the way we can talk about proclaiming the glory of the Lord in Spanish and it resonate and resound with the call to praise Him and Stevie does an awesome job on it. Especially seeing as though the English version has him with some backing singers as well, but this is no less full of the majesty of the God to whom belongs all gloria.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Steve Green Dios tan solo Dios

This song has been a favourite of mine since I first heard it - so powerful, so rich and so true. To now hear the guy who sang it in English to render it as powerfully in Spanish albeit in abbreviated form is truly awesome. That he should stick the second song on it as well would have been a most welcome bonus for all those in attendance. God bless Steve Green indeed. Enjoy.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Steve Green - Al Cordero Gloria

I'm not fluent in spanish - assuming of course that this is spanish. When I say I'm not fluent in Spanish I can confidently say that I would be stumped in Spain if left to speak the local lingo. You'll be hearing a lot from Steve Green from me over this year because he's had such a huge impact on my life in recent months and weeks, but I just want to acknowledge how good he is by being gifted to sing as well in this language as in English! Enjoy. (By the way I think the song is about the precious Lamb of Glory - only cos he's done an English version of the song that's why I know!)

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Jesus Christ Is The Way - Ezra Bufford, Piano

This is good piano playing y'all. It's also a special song for me because back in the day when my concept of responsibility was going to bed when dad told me to, Saturday afternoons in the summer were spent listening to music like this and enjoying their melodic beauty and vocal intensity with little regard to lyrical content. After all, A-Team will be on soon and I'll need the brain space to remember that episode or at least the Knight Rider episode.

Years have passed since then and now the lyrical content of this song means more to me than ever before. For those in need of direction, guidance, help, love and assurance there is no other way except through Jesus for a truly fulfilling life. It's a tough call, it sounds arrogant, but it's true and those who have lived their lives following Him continue to testify of it from Pentecost until now.

As you listen I hope you'll enjoy and reflect on just the thought that there is a way of escape from life as you know it to a life of freedom, love and hope.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Beloved!

I’m a big one for choruses. Sometimes it’s the words, sometimes it’s the tune, sometimes it’s a particular arrangement of the song and sometimes it’s a combination of all these factors and more that make choruses so memorable. A chorus I remember singing from the time I was in my early teens is called ‘Beloved’ and it’s taken straight from 1 John 3:2. It’s a catchy tune and the set tempo for it is rather upbeat and set to get at least to the foot tapping stage. As ever in these journeys, I liked the song on one level for a while and then something happened to make me appreciate it (and the scriptural context) even more.

Recently however I was arrested by that first word in the verse. I spent hours meditating and pondering on just that one word. I remember singing the song in my head and just focussing on that word and other variations of it (i.e. we’re-loved, you’re-loved, etc.).

When arrested by this at times I am overwhelmed with emotions of joy and tearful gratitude.

It is real.

He loves me.

That love is the source of John being able to appeal to the readers and remind them of their status as the loved ones and it’s for us to just be-loved. That’s a receptive thing – that’s not a proactive, get up and go thing. That’s not a works-based project for us to get busy with. That is something to make us stop and consider and open out hearts and minds to this invitation to be loved.

Food in the morning – I’m-loved. Clothes to wear – I’m-loved. Wife to behold – I’m-loved. Children to father – I’m-loved. Vocation to fulfil my time on earth – I’m-loved. Relationships that mean the world to me – I’m-loved. Interests and hobbies that allow me to connect with a wide diversity of people – I’m-loved.

Above all this and beyond all this and the foundation of all this is the realisation of the gracious act of a caring Father to see me so far away from Him in sin and reach out with tender kindness and say ‘look to the cross where My only Son died’. And my heart breaks. The food will rot and the clothes will fade. The wife and children will die and the relationships will change. Hobbies and interests are fads of time never staying, always changing.

But the cross. But my God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. But the love of the Father so incredible to consider and so gloriously expressed forever in the empty tomb and the risen Saviour. In all that He’s saying so much – He says He is holy and just and must punish the wicked. He says He wants the world to be saved through Him. Most importantly of all He looks at the miserable wretch of a sinner like me and says – Christopher Luketon John Dryden, you are loved.

That is so amazing.

Having done nothing to deserve it; having done everything to warrant the exact opposite. Understanding that it has nothing to do with what I have done, what I do or what I will do, but everything to do with what He has done.

He who created the universe. He who holds all power in His hand. He whose wisdom and knowledge remains unsurpassed. He whose power cannot be fathomed or contained. He whose presence is from eternity to eternity. The self-sufficient One – the Holy One – the Perfect One. He loves me.

So having those thoughts in my head recently and meditating on that one word it was more than appropriate that I should come across this clip with a superb explanation of it from Washer’s own perspective. It makes everything make a bit more sense – I can understand a bit more that it is because of the love of the Son that I am set free and that should I focus on that a lot more then I won’t have to strive out of a need of affirmation, but my motives and actions are driven from an assurance that I am loved of the Father and loved of the Son with a pure, holy, life-giving love that allows me to share it however I can with whomever I can. Not for want of reward or approval, but to be pleasing to the one who continues to say – beloved.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Michael Williams 'Sweet Holy Spirit' On The Hammond

'Errr Chris' you say 'We're not meant to be hearing from you til tomorrow.' I know. 'So why have we got this deluge of YouTube clips?' Good question.

Here's your answer. Here I am doing me work to the best of my ability, but can I work in silence? God forbid! Can I work without sweet music? Heaven forfend! And if the music is that sweet would my loving giving Heavenly Father want to me to hog the experience and joy to myself? May ever man be a liar and all dogs accursed were that to be the case!!! Of course He has made me to share all good things with my peeps. Now can I help it if I've been coming across some sensational material that I've not come across before and am compelled to share it? Can I help that? Should I help that? Must I help that? Do me a favour and drown your cats in lactic acid if that were ever to be so!!

And whilst I was on the B3 Hammond organ thing I had a playlist of various selections tickling me ears as I got on with the typing and studying, etc. This one I just could not ignore. So here it is for your listening pleasure. Enjoy.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Aaron Shields - We've Come This Far By Faith

This song is the theme for our local church. When you hear the story of Hughie and Angela Lawrence - how they grew up in separate and contrasting environments, how God put them together and blessed them with three amazing children and how he used them to spearhead the church plant in Stoke-on-Trent you can understand why this song means so much to us as a family of believers.

It's one thing to love a song, though, and another to come across a blissed out version of it like this one right here. I love the ol' hammond organ and the artists who work their gift on this are such a blessing to my soul, ears and entire being. Never ever heard of Aaron Shields before, but now that I have, you better believe I'll be listening out for even more of this brother!!

At the end of the day the message of this song is true in more ways than one. It's not only been leaning on the Lord that's seen us through but experiencing His unrelenting faithfulness to His Word and mission and us in the whole thing. I sincerely hope you are amazingly blessed by this version of a beautiful song. Enjoy.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

TONEX performing Since Jesus Came with Kirk Franklin

I love the vibe on this track and the gifted dancers really show up. I still love some Tonex stuff he be a maverick creative kinda hombre alright. It's been a while since I've bothered checking anything of his, but I'm sure he hasn't lost that creativity that make songs like this so enjoyable.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

The Commodores - Jesus is Love

I don't know how to link from posting from YouTube but check the entry for Thursday 21 August 2007 and read that and you'll understand why this track is so special to me. Simply enjoy.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Just to Compare

Now Mr Phelps and that version of GVB were not the first to convey the song and what I love about the songs and the dearly beloved Hoover4000 is that you can compare and contrast renditions by different artists of the same song over the years. This is definitely worth considering! Enjoy.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

These Are They - David Phelps and GVB Live in Israel

Trust me on this one, this is a really reassuring song for all those who face challenges learning to become more like Christ. There is a better version of this song where David doesn't have as many twiddles in his vocal approach but there remains no getting away from the fact that he has a great voice and the whole group come up with the goods in a beautiful track. Enjoy.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Spot Of Late Night Blogging Before Bed Methinks

So here I be at the end of a very eventful day just sorting out what I’ll blog and what I won’t. Now this does not constitute the very best of CD Notes today, but a good flavour of the kind of stuff that’s been in me head especially over the last few hours.

The awards season has started! What a surprise for the top movie at the People’s Choice awards. I loved watching Hugh Laurie’s bit and Robin Williams just doesn’t appear to change that much with age, which is cool for me. Queen Latifah? What’s up with that?

I enjoy reading about people and politics – I’m fully out of the closet I love politics!! So reading about what the Conservatives would need to win and how things will change who has been the rebels actually made for good reading. Isn’t it wonderful when statistics can be used for your own agenda – man bless statistics!

Message to Linda McCartney Food Products: I just want the record to state clearly that I am a Linda McCartney food fan. I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before. Just in case it hasn’t been reiterated recently I just want to state once more that since my turn to non-meat eating the products that have come from the brand named after the famous animal rights campaigner has sustained and fulfilled me in ways that most other foods just cannot reach. Thank you so much to the company for their quality product. Now encourage Sainsbury’s to sell your delicious country pies at a more reasonable price. Thanks.

That should do it for another day’s blogging. Nothing too heavy for the time being, maybe warm up especially once certain significant events are consigned to the annals of history. Might not hear from me tomorrow as it promises to be a very busy day, but who knows should God spare our lives to see the last day of the week I might post something. Liverpool play Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium and my dear friend Ray Feeney – an ardent City supporter you may recall – will be chief guest at my crib all being well to watch the match live on the telly. I’d love to blog on that experience as two dear brothers in the Lord enjoy each other’s company and not engage in hostilities over such trivial matters as a game of football. As long as Liverpool win of course.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Watch What You're Doing

So yesterday you may have noticed I encouraged you to watch what you’re doing and this came from a salutary lesson I learned from what may appear an innocuous incident. Whilst walking along the pavement on the street where I can catch the bus from Stoke to Hanley, I noticed a woman struggling to get a ladder from a car. Merely watching her as I walked rather than offering assistance, I missed the step and walked off the relatively high kerb onto the road. It was a slip and it woke me out of the state was in to allow me to realise that I either help the lady and have done with it or move on and leave it. Either way, the point was to watch what I was doing.

When I watch what I’m doing there’ll be no room for slip ups. When I watch what I’m doing, I’ll know when to help, when to wait and when to move on. When I’m distracted and get caught up with other stuff, that’s when slip-ups happen. It’s particularly pertinent for this time as the pressure mounts and deadlines loom with things to be sorted. This is the environment specifically designed to see me flourish. In my element for this season as it were. Yet it is all too clear that this is not about plain sailing and serene, picturesque waltzing through issues, but about digging deep and keeping my eyes on Christ to shine in the circumstances. This of course happens when I pay careful attention to only fulfil the call Christ has given to me. That will suffice for my energies and will also sort stuff like giving to others.

All of that happens yesterday and then today as only God would have it, I read chapter 15 from my book of the moment Os Guinness’ The Call which is entitled What Is It To You. At this stage in his writing, Guinness is warning us of those things to be careful of in fulfilling the aforementioned Call, having dealt with the real killer in terms of pride he then moves onto envy. Here he shows how we’re likely to get the plot horribly wrong when we compare ourselves to others find ourselves lacking and then seek the downfall of the other as we are consumed with not being like the other.

That’s all about looking at the wrong thing and forgetting our focus should be on Christ and only then will things make sense. Only in the light of seeing the grace of God in action and realising how we are actually given a gift by the call itself will our eyes stop reverting to others or ourselves and we will be eager to please Him just by watching what we’re doing.

Where this really comes into its own is that the title of the chapter comes from some of the last words of Jesus speaks in the gospel according to John. Jesus is reinstating Peter and then issues a strong warning his direction before summing it up with the call that kicked things off in the first place ‘follow me’. Pete gets distracted looking at John and JC gives him a sharp rebuke to get his eyes on the one that matters. It’s a word that I found convicting last year when going through some personal challenges, and was a great reminder to me that it’s not about comparing myself to others or defining success by the standards of society but keeping my eyes on Christ. Watch what you’re doing and you won’t go wrong!

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Let Freedom Ring

It was near the end of the year that my attention came across this song.

There’s something about trusting a name and a group and a style that allows you to try other songs out from the group. It’s the way I developed an interest in the Beatles. It’s the way I developed at interest in Stevie Wonder. So no surprise that it is the way that I developed an interest in the Gaither Vocal Band especially with the talented singers who have been members of it over the years.

Coming across this song was just such a God-send. It came at the right time of year and blended in well with the theme of freedom that was making an impact from October onwards. This was about Jesus’ statement fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of one to come who would heal the broken-hearted, preach good news to the poor, recovery of sight to the blind, liberty to the oppressed and release for the captives.

I work with people who fall in the category of desperately needing this freedom that Christ offers. I serve young people who are desperate to know that this which is spoken is spirit and gives life to those who accept it. I live in a neighbourhood that would so come alive if only they embraced this good news that echoes from Calvary to their doorstep. It’s part of the mission I’m on and that I’m excited to be a part of it whether it’s through StokeCOG’s year of compassion or through being a part of it at the North Staffs YMCA.

These sentiments are put in song brilliantly by GVB making the best use of the vocal talents – now originally Mark Lowry sang one of the parts, but in this video Russ Taff more than capably sings the part after Lowry left the group. It’s one of those songs that sends chills down the spine when considering what the content is all about – declaring that liberty, proclaiming that freedom, demanding with the boldness of the Spirit that those in captivity and oppressed within and without, hear the Liberty Bell from the empty tomb and rejoice knowing that who the Son sets free …

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

The King Is Coming

I cannot tell you what a huge impact this song has made on my life. Even today I was suffering from a headache considering the weight of things that approach. Then I put on this song and everything made sense in the eternal perspective.

At the end of the day the King of Kings isn’t making a big deal about entering a building – He’s making a huge deal about entering the lives of people who will forever be transformed by His presence and together with other like-minded saints will radiate His joy and praises through the darkest night of life’s circumstances and be praising forevermore at the definite return and majestic rule of the true King. Enjoy.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

To God Be The Glory

I hope this is posted. I've tried before posting some YouTube clips onto either this blog or the other without success.

This is especially the case because of my great love not only of this song but this version of the song. Nothing encapsulates the beauty of the gospel and the response required of us than this treasure of a song. If anyone wants to know what on earth the fuss is all about it's worth checking out what the lyrics to this song mean. Enjoy.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Pit Stop Blog

If you had seen the notes I was making earlier you would understand why I say that sometimes I should just blog on the go and not wait for ‘convenient’ times that never happen. Still for all that it has been an interesting evening in journeying on what’s been available online. What I recognise is that I’m hot on thoughts in the morning and better with reading in the evening. So there we have it, all I have to do is ensure that the thoughts are appropriately captured so we can get on with the blogging.

More on the many things I've come across and one or two thoughts of my own in a soon coming blog post. For the time being let me say this - watch what you're doing ...

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Wot Is Up With dmcd - 05-01-09

I'm trying a thing, bear with me, I've never been the most patient or diligent user of modern technology, so I see something that works and then post it and it doesn't come out quite as I was hoping, but I keep my errors LIVE on the blog so I can see the progress I take with this thing.

In any case as the subject heading suggests, this is just a quickie of sorts. I'm not Mr 22 Words as some people are (not that I'm jealous in anyway ... well not a lot anyway ... well not on a Monday night ... usually). Anyhow, I'm making an effort with this blogging thing - I am and as with all things I'm taking it one day at a time!

So for today's update I'm happy to inform you that since about 23rd December I've been blessed with two books that are currently my passions and excitement. It's not always the case that books have the power to grip me and actually shift and reinforce some thinking in me, but these two are definitely having that affect on me. How I know this is that I'm aware of my own struggles and failings all the more and at the same time even more aware of God's grace in my life and a desire to love Him more. Those two books are Os Guinness' The Call and Tim Chester's You Can Change. Now sure people may have read these books before, but I haven't! These are two great books which I'm hoping to review soon!

Other than that the heat is on in preparation of the launch ceremony and dedication service for COG Training & Conference Centre. There's also a meeting for a local association that I chair on the same day as the launch ceremony. So things are a bit hectic at the moment and there be demands this way and that. For all that I want to keep up the blogging thing even to keep you informed on progress with things. So there!

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

CD Notes From Last Night

Just some notes that I didn't manage to put up last night for your reading pleasure.

• Here's something of interest worth checking in terms of the top 50 goals in Premiership history.
• JC Ryle is someone I have a great deal of respect for and his book on Holiness is a landmark in my appreciation on the subject. Someone referred me to an article he wrote on being a parent and that too has been of great to realign my approach to the task of being a father for it to be more in line with scriptural instruction.
• Andy Crouch is the senior editor of Christianity Today who has put together a book on culture. Trevin over at KP has interviewed him and also recommended an excerpt from the book for me to consider. Makes for good reading at least. Keep up to date with the interview as things progress.
• If this notes thing is to work I'm going to have be honest about the sites that I visit and the things that interest me. It's not always directly related to Christianity. As you know I love football, so whatever I get in terms of things worth reading and reporting I'll report here. This has come out after the various sites that I've visited in the aftermath of the BBC's decision to cast Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor. I would have otherwise left it alone, but after reading this article from the Daily Telegraph I could not stay away from the subject. My thoughts? It's quite something that a programme should capture such interest and that's tribute to the work of outgoing executive prooducer Russell T. Davies and the current Doctor David Tennant. The return of the Doctor back in 2005 wasn't a guaranteed success but the ability to pitch the stories and get an audience to latch onto the programme new and old was brilliant. I don't have to agree with everything about it - the fact is that people continue to love it and watch it in their millions. What I like about Doctor Who is that it's a fascinating character-driven concept, ever since I got into it back in the 90's I was fascinated by the different characterisations of essentially the same person and how that conveyed itself in various circumstances. I have never really taken it seriously as a children's programme even though with Tennant and now Smith it's blatantly obvious that their target audience remains younger. I wish I had posted some stuff on my thoughts about the Doctor before. I have been impressed by Tennant's portrayal and think it's right that he's making the move now. It makes a lot of sense. I don't quite know yet what to make of the new guy - I haven't seen him before. The challenge will be to establish a substantially different Doctor to Tennant's portrayal as Tennant was distinct from Christopher Eccleston's characterisation. It was easier for Tennant because of the age and look thing, that distinction isn't as clear between Smith and Tennant. There is also the issue of the personality that Smith will impose on the character to convey someone who has lived 10 times before and yet looks young, fresh and spruce. It's exciting times for the programme and as was commented on someone else's blog the interest should keep people going through until the series returns to its usual weekly slot next year. By the way I really enjoyed reading the Telegraph article - it's a good insight from a fan about what the show is all about especially in terms of the key character and I do agree with the writer's final comment in terms of the Doctor now needing to regain a sense of mystery and shrouded in darkness that marked out Hartnell's and Tom Baker's portrayal and would have worked if they wanted it with Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and Christopher Eccleston. We wait with baited breath.
• My sister Ruth lives in Ghana so I found this news of interest. I wonder sometimes if these things really will make a change? For my sister's sake I really do hope so.
• I wasn't even really paying attention to this blog entry by Tim Chester, which makes a change for me because the more I read You Can Change and remember the impact of Total Church, the bigger surprise it is that I don't pay attention. There was something about it though that just got me thinking about this free will argument. What could we ever freely will for when in a loving relationship with the Creator of the universe? What would we want to exercise the free will to do? A real heart felt love relationship with the epitome of love - what do I want? Sometimes I think the free will argument is a smoke screen put up by people deflecting attention from God's design in making us in His image.
• I'm not the world's biggest fan of the emergent agenda, but monitoring their progress is of interest to me. So this link to more articles may be illuminative.
• I don't blog from Jonny that often, but this concept grabbed my attention - I'd be interested to seeing how that would work in the context in which I work. Then again things may be changiing in this area ... (sounds ominous doesn't it?)
• This is a quality article about the nature of Christians moving from the ghetto mentality to believing that we're actually called to make a difference to those around us.
• I want to take blogging a bit more seriously in 2009 in more ways than one, or more accurately for more blogs than one, so it will be well worth my while studying this in detail and seeing if I can understand it and make head or tail of it!
• Silence has been a spiritual discipline that's been frowned upon in certain circles and lauded as almost as critical as prayer itself. 2008 got me into the benefits of praticing purposeful silence - not the emptying of the mind like other meditative practices - just appreciating the lack of noise to attune to what God may or may not be saying. Driscoll's entry on his journey to silence maybe of help to quite a lot of us who are similarly guilty of filling our lives with noise.
• I'm interested in football, not just Liverpool, football as a whole. So the recent trials and tribulations of the 'world's richest club' has been of interest. I would give Hughes more of a chance to establish his kind of team. If you are going to sack him in the summer, what it's important not to do is give him money to spend on players who mayve surplus to requirements. Signing Wayne Bridge is a quality signing and like Wright-Phillips will actually give him a platform to show what a quyality left-back he is (possibly even better than Ashley Cole especially defensively). Although the reported wage (£100k per week) for the player is exorbitant The talk of signing Scott Parker is very interesting. It would add both a little bit fo steel but also some passing flexibility in the middle of the park. It doesn't give them a battling midfielder in the mould of Vieira or Mascherano, but it will definitely allow Stephen Ireland more freedom. I hope that Hughes makes the most of the opportunity he has to turn the club around.
• I know some people who wouldn't agree with this quote. It's an important basis on which to do business with people especially in the hope of sharing the gospel with them. For the many developments in my faith and changes and the way I've been stretched, I still agree with this statement and think it's the basis on which faith and repentance makes sense.
• How can Playboy being in trouble not be good news?
• While I'm making my way through some other stuff it won't hurt me seeing if there are any sites worth checking on the top 100 as recommended by the Guardian.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

O Holy Night

Great singer, great song, just enjoy.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd