tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198597352011-07-08T03:41:31.932+01:00Christopher Dryden - man of words, born with a dictionary in his mouth, now lets loose on the net with his first blog. Take a journey through the mind of the world's greatest Christopher Luketon John Dryden. He's unique ... just like everyone else.Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.comBlogger5821100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-24696226076801520772009-12-31T21:55:00.004Z2009-12-31T23:16:08.418Z

As much as I want to ignore the goings on of this particular time of year I don’t need to on this occasion – it plays into my favour. My dad was never one for these kinds of thing – not a party man, not one for the big festivities and all that kind of jazz. He is a man who takes most things in his stride and takes every day as it comes. Each day was another day to him – another day to do

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-30548359258263511352009-12-30T23:54:00.003Z2009-12-31T00:08:18.272Z

I enjoy spending some time reflecting on the issues of life. It’s good for me. It keeps me sane when I want to go berserk. So anyway, today I was given that opportunity to do some reflecting and it occurred to me that the story has a lot to do with whatever success I have in life. I do like a good story. I enjoy a good story whether it’s true or not. Indeed some of the best stories are true

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-50876077301656924872009-12-29T23:57:00.003Z2009-12-30T00:13:54.927Z

For some reason when I thought of the title for today’s blog I was thinking about a fruit juice that I think was called the same name because it had five different fruits that contributed to the juice. I’m not sure if it’s still around or if it’s been taken off the market. It would be a pity if it has ... only for the purposes of this blog, not because I like it or anything. Those juice

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-58074002465876690202009-12-28T22:48:00.005Z2009-12-30T00:16:41.392Z

I am a sinner. When AA was set up and started encouraging its members to introduce themselves by acknowledging the particular addiction from which they suffered, they were following a confessional tradition that has spanned the ages. I’m not arrogant enough to believe that Christians started it and initiated it and have a patent on it, but it is a crucial part of the confessional element of the

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-91434476384707222742009-12-27T23:49:00.001Z2009-12-27T23:51:28.951Z

As I’ve noted before I’ve just suffered for the umpteenth time the fact that me hard drive has been corrupted seeing the end of a lot of work over 2009 and usually bringing on a season of mourning and great sadness. It did cause considerable inconvenience over the time I was without it and I won’t pretend it didn’t hurt at the time. Yet unlike on previous occasions the feeling of loss wasn’t

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-80797721184049158362009-12-26T23:18:00.005Z2009-12-30T00:15:47.450Z

When you get the chance to be with your wife and children and enjoy time with them it is so cool to treasure time with them. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to do that over today and much of this week. Today sees the end of the first full week we’ve had since we’ve moved here and it has been fairly eventful without being a strain. We’ve been to Nottingham, went to a wedding and also

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-88874868584500508822009-12-24T23:26:00.005Z2009-12-30T00:14:57.565Z

Today has been a very good day for me and the family. We be chilling up here in snowy Salford and the family Dryden be here settling in the new crib. The girls were away for a few days whilst we had to attend a wedding. Now we’re all back together and have enjoyed Thursday in each other’s company. What’s really been a boost is the return of IT to the life of dmcd! Hooray! So expect some

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-31535429556653151922009-12-22T10:00:00.003Z2009-12-22T10:12:18.590Z

Our life together, is so precious together, we have grown.So starts one of the last big hits of John Lennon. I used to be big into the Beatles. Not so much collecting all their records - I had mates who would give me tapes and I would ensure they would get the tapes back having kept a copy. I was into their material especially the stuff from Help onwards. I was also eager on following their solo

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-63191874839604153822009-12-20T08:41:00.004Z2009-12-20T08:50:56.775Z

It's a Sunday morning where I should be chilling, but I'm here in Stoke traipsing all over the place with a 6ft 9in settee which me mate reckons can fit in the window of the crib in which we live. It will have to as it can't fit in the door! Then as well as that there's a wedding to attend this afternoon. As long as I've got this evening to chill and can also get me own stuff done tomorrow

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-60240026552555805952009-12-15T19:47:00.001Z2009-12-15T19:49:29.055Z

As I’m appreciating all the more, life is not about what we want and desire at any given time. I am appreciating that it is about flexing around the needs of others and being sensitive to the responsibility that vocation brings about in your life. So even when you don’t have your own ICT equipment, the world does not stop turning, your pregnant wife does not stop requiring your love and devotion,

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-10932963146946687032009-12-11T17:21:00.001Z2009-12-15T11:34:47.131Z

So I better look to get this book then!For His Name’s SakeShalomdmcd

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-89615965517485317092009-12-11T11:49:00.002Z2009-12-11T11:52:54.693Z

So much to say, so little time as Take 6 once put it. In many ways it is the culmination of a number of strands that have been buzzing around in the atmosphere for the last two years or so. I would love to be able to write at length, but time does not afford me to do that at this time.Here’s what is going on in nutshell. Throughout 2009 there have been a number of developments through each

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-54578782643061887782009-12-02T18:51:00.005Z2009-12-11T11:27:05.122Z

I read and hear people often talk about heaven and what it would like to be in heaven and how they would like to experience heaven on earth. I’ve found these musings intriguing from a background that always left heaven for where God is and where we’ll never go as I’ve read me bible. In any case the paradise picture that they all endeavour to paint is very much one based on what our imagination

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-57436930345965393872009-12-01T23:05:00.001Z2009-12-01T23:07:16.534Z

It’s been a while and there’s good reason for that too – the dreaded technological difficulties. I even have to use the wife’s one to put this together and anyone who knows about the wife’s cute little machine knows that it has to take something for this to be the case.I hope to have my equipment working real soon.As ever there’s been a lot going on with me and there are a number of big changes

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-76788570153699803312009-11-24T21:20:00.001Z2009-11-24T21:20:00.181Z

My church background is pretty interesting and the things that I’ve learnt over my time in Stoke-on-Trent and especially at the YMCA has been eye-opening for so many reasons. I’m extremely grateful to God to be exposed to these things and experience a lot of them as well as observe them. The more I see new things and they connect with God the more I’m amazed at how wondrous and beyond my

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-75149531444688984322009-11-23T19:25:00.001Z2009-11-23T19:25:00.343Z

I had one of those trains of thought lately that you don’t ignore because it gets you thinking about something that you often take for granted. OK, you may not being the ever observant, considered and thoughtful person you are, but until I grow up to be just like you, I’m left with these occurrences. Who was the writer who put together the song Roll The Old Chariot Along? (We sang it

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-15311931109879755962009-11-22T20:09:00.002Z2009-11-22T20:12:51.455Z

Sometimes when I watch movies, especially James Bond ones, I listen out for when the title of the movie will be mentioned. (Obviously in my opinion Roger Moore always delivered his best of all the Bonds, that raised eyebrow just convinced me from the start.) I think that sometimes it is whilst writing the narrative or some dialogue in the narrative that the title for a book or a movie emerges,

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-30413333164360857572009-11-21T22:23:00.002Z2009-11-21T22:25:36.489Z

On this day a child was born, at this time a son was given and his name was called Christopher Luketon John Dryden. Up until last night I wasn’t particularly bothered about putting together a blog about a day like today. I don’t think I’ve done it in the past. That all changed when I got the package from my sister which turned out to be my birthday gift. On the back of the packaging she

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-61061574643273523152009-11-21T20:16:00.001Z2009-11-21T20:17:23.078Z

I looked at the jacket. It had been worn for years, it was fraying on the shoulder and there were holes apparent everywhere on it. It was just about wearable but it was obviously on its last legs. If it were an animal it would be mercifully put down. There was an evident need for something new to cover in a way suitable for the season ahead. The next step would see changes made, that

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-72294248115998874842009-11-20T22:08:00.002Z2009-11-20T22:13:47.755Z

It’s another Sabbath evening. These are precious, precious times. Times to physically, mentally and spiritually unwind. The rest offered on this day is one in which I am refreshed in the presence of God. It’s as though as I relax further I’m able to give him all the week’s stuff and He in return gives me peace of mind and rest. Were you to be made aware of the stuff that’s been on the menu

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-56451606293370148512009-11-18T12:34:00.003Z2009-11-18T12:37:49.375Z

Get this for a link – only last Friday night I’m watching a interview programme with the rock/jazz/pop group Chicago. I had recorded it from a few days before and it was an opportune time to watch it. I’m not the biggest fan of Chicago, but they’ve done a few tunes that I’m familiar with that I like and I’d seen them in some videos with Earth, Wind and Fire and they were alright. I like Earth,

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-90850187356834357332009-11-17T22:54:00.003Z2009-11-18T12:20:01.678Z

I’m quite clear that not all the blog entries on this blog are great. Maybe not even good. Perhaps there are one or two that would be considered sub-standard, not really all that interesting or missing something somewhere. What keeps me blogging though is the discipline of getting the thing done from my head and/or my heart and put it out and motivate further thoughts for future blogs or at

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-29252891069102754642009-11-16T17:53:00.003Z2009-11-16T18:00:39.720Z

Reading, I love it. I was sitting down the other day in one of those neat straw made deals in a conservatory in Salford and for the best part of an hour or so I was just chilling and reading the Michael Foot biography. Kenneth O. Morgan (I wonder if he get upset if we miss that crucial O.) did a fantastic job on the book in making it engrossing reading, I hope I get round to doing a review of

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-65439902983776476402009-11-16T00:00:00.002Z2009-11-16T00:05:30.489Z

Part two of Playing Out Of Position will be published tomorrow. In the meantime I just wanted to share this from something I read today. This article made me laugh. A legitimate report on the BBC with the National Secular Society are complaining that staff in faith schools have to support the faith of the school! Whatever next? Doctors may actually be required to have some desire to

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-64298400249297739632009-11-14T22:24:00.002Z2009-11-14T22:28:04.767Z

I don’t usually write about football on this blog. I know I did earlier on in the days of this blog, but since the other blog’s come along I’ve tended to share my comments about the sport to that site. Bear with me over this two-parter, if you’re not that way inclined, there is method in the madness behind bringing this subject up on this blog at this time. I love football, I love watching

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-62934128491304306212009-11-13T19:06:00.002Z2009-11-13T19:11:43.966Z

Being a follower of Christ is not an automatic daily trek. There are elements of discipline to it and there are routines that help to build healthy habits once they are firmly embedded in life. For all that, though, because this is a journey and an ongoing progress there is always something to challenge us and make us think about where we’re going and how we’re going to get there. It is

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-69650083554394258742009-11-12T23:14:00.001Z2009-11-12T23:15:23.092Z

So I’m reading about Michael Foot as you know and it’s just one of a number of books of a political flavour. A good question to ask is what is it with all the politics? I find it interesting that some cultural traditions have it that around the dinner table or in the home two subjects are not discussed, religion and politics. Two of the most important issues of life are not to be discussed

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-63733847938834233992009-11-11T20:18:00.004Z2009-11-11T22:01:29.825Z

I’m not sure what wisdom there is to help with the nature of your countenance on being awoken from some effort to get some kip. Are the fruit of the Spirit meant to be evident when you’ve been stirred from your slumbers by something of gross irrelevance and stupidity, even if that is just perceived? What are you like in those circumstances? Does the love of Christ just ooze from you naturally

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-37343518030329310712009-11-11T10:52:00.003Z2009-11-11T10:54:59.074Z

Today I could not locate the latest in the Maurice Barratt series on the Sermon on the Mount that I am reading, so I elected to continue reading the Michael Foot biography by Kenneth O. Morgan. I have been reading it I believe for over a week now and it is proving to be a fascinating insight into the man. It is not exhilaratingly excellent, but it makes for compelling reading and getting

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-38155833230875740272009-11-10T23:14:00.001Z2009-11-10T23:16:32.471Z

(You may be asking the good question – oi Chris, where’s the teacher training class blog entry for today, didn’t you go to teacher training today? The answer to that is no, I did not go to teacher training today. This afternoon I was in Leicester for the YMCA Regional Thanksgiving Celebration which finished after 9pm. Did a workshop on the Christian Spiritual Development Toolkit that’s been

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-74972640723820735272009-11-09T23:50:00.004Z2009-11-09T23:55:07.118Z

You’re aware that I’ve talked before about confessional community (there was this one, then that one before the other one). It is something that I desperately desire and there have been experiences where I’ve caught a glimpse of what that life might look like. This evening I had the chance to talk with a dear friend of mine about how some of our church experiences actually prevent that level of

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-46729729595247761102009-11-08T22:06:00.002Z2009-11-08T22:12:32.171Z

You know I’ve been mentioning assignments of late, well tonight is a very interesting one as I have to complete another one. I believe it really is the last proper assignment that I’ll have to do for a while, so if I can put in the effort over the next hour or so then I should be fine. Trouble is, I’ve been grappling with it since about 2pm this afternoon and that’s a rather long time to be

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-62548711887384175232009-11-06T22:38:00.003Z2009-11-06T22:42:32.316Z

It’s been bugging me for a number of weeks now. I brought it up in a text conversation with my brother a week or so ago. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. I am convinced that the most neglected command of the 10 is not about Sabbath, but is rather about coveting. There are laws and movements defending all the other 9 to some extent, but there’s a sparse response to the

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-89882180516107250462009-11-06T18:45:00.002Z2009-11-06T18:47:28.764Z

The nature of a blog like this is to give room to be fairly frank and open in a way that you wouldn’t get in the regular run of things. So if you are eating, or about to eat or have just eaten you will have to excuse this next word picture. I am somewhat verbally constipated. In fact I really mean there’s so much to release through words and ones especially written that it’s a challenge to be

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-49838751490188510642009-11-05T21:41:00.002Z2009-11-05T21:44:02.538Z

When last I blogged (not that long ago was it) I was sharing about the assignment run that I’m on at the moment and you catch me right in the middle of another assignment, so again this is not going to challenge War and Peace for length in any shape of form whatsoever. I tend to use these blog breaks as a way to keep the old mental matter ticking, but give it a break from whatever rigours it

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-81584318182156446962009-11-04T23:38:00.002Z2009-11-04T23:39:54.191Z

This is not designed to be a long blog at all. I’m here in the midst of assignment fun where I’ve got something like three assignments to get completed before Monday and that’s not straightforward at all, but by the grace of God everything is possible. In my case, it has to be really. Today I’ve been thinking quite a bit about how the Sermon on the Mount is about the character of God being

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-29863350828399484802009-11-03T23:00:00.001Z2009-11-03T23:01:15.335Z

Whilst we’re on the subject of being all musical and stuff it’s worth noting I’ve finished the Eric Clapton autobiography. You know there are some autobiographies and biographies of whom the subject is rather vacuous. They really have nothing to offer except for mind-less content of how they did this and then they did that – what’s the good in that unless of course you’re up for that sort of

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-5805004509425067442009-11-03T22:45:00.002Z2009-11-03T22:47:12.398Z

I interrupt the flow of insight into what’s been going on with me lately to give another update of sorts on the teaching front. Yes you do recall some of the sessions I’ve had of date as I’ve made note about them of late. The last note I made was the one before the big date on 20th October. It was a big date as I was scheduled to do a micro-teach – that is prepare a lesson of 20 minutes to

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-42971603465366312542009-11-02T21:44:00.002Z2009-11-02T21:46:13.516Z

It was a pity, really. I didn’t plan to end it that way at all. As I’ve noted on a number of occasions I love the writing gig and particularly the rhythm of blogging. So to have it abruptly cut short with apparently no explanation was not of the plan at all. Here is an attempt to explain it which has to be as niftily put together as possible so as not to over-step the mark. So from 17th

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-41258573886685285352009-11-01T23:41:00.002Z2009-11-01T23:42:58.519Z

Much to say about what’s been going on the interim period – tests, failures, successes, visits, home-stays, books read, bed slept in, boring conferences attended, friends met, friends adored, comedians seen, decisions made, with all kinds of significant implications as a result. Also faced a life-threatening illness, weakening more than any I’ve had before and only just about getting over it.

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-27797890762304600932009-10-16T16:57:00.002+01:002009-10-16T16:59:43.599+01:00

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Yesterday on the way into work I was reflecting on the words ‘disenchanted’ and ‘disillusioned’. It occurred to me that these are usually related to negative experiences. In the larger scheme of

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-647057107150469612009-10-13T23:53:00.002+01:002009-10-14T02:18:09.128+01:00

There’s quite a lot to consider in teaching those from the post-compulsory age (i.e. post 16). No wonder some go crackers when you consider the level of paperwork involved. In fact there is so much involved I wouldn’t be surprised if teachers are responsible for most of the trees decimated. It is understandable to some extent to work through some of the paperwork, but it does really come

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-91804516275612825702009-10-13T23:52:00.003+01:002009-10-14T01:54:24.935+01:00

Today my only biological brother celebrated his 31st birthday. David joins my father and I in not being that much bothered about birthday celebrations. Then again the whole point about these things is that you don’t have to be bothered when other people will be bothered for you. When it comes to being bothered about David Dryden I make a habit of it. I trust my brother. I implicitly trust

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-32209647873592187612009-10-12T23:59:00.003+01:002009-10-13T00:36:50.659+01:00

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (Matthew 7:14) Should God spare my life and give me the opportunity I would love to write out my spiritual journey as fully as I can more as a testament to the greatness of God rather than an ego-fest of how I’ve got close to Him. It is amazing to recall some of the key episodes that have brought me

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-81298363545737350272009-10-12T20:14:00.002+01:002009-10-12T20:14:00.187+01:00

I finally got to watch The Wrestler recently. I saw a film that told a wonderful morality play along the lines of what happens when you invest your life into something at the cost of everything and you are defined by what you do rather than investing in who you are called to be as a character. This is particularly poignant if we are particularly good at what we are doing – if it gets us

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-64126419125904675282009-10-11T23:45:00.003+01:002009-10-11T23:48:44.682+01:00

Recently I attended a meeting that was set up to organise a function to be held soon. I like to keep it vague so that no one gets hurt. Kinda. Anyway, one thing that became very clear to me as I entered the meeting and noticed the atmosphere from the people in attendance was that there remains a great truth in the saying power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. There is

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-9399899151771725472009-10-09T23:57:00.003+01:002009-10-10T00:17:16.828+01:00

It’s fair to say what is often referred to as the Sermon on the Mount has not always captured my imagination. Indeed I got a bit bored with people taking snippets from it and having them as poster campaigns for their own agendas. Like the ‘Judge not lest ye be judged’ mob that defiantly went about telling others they couldn’t be judged as only God could judge them. Or the ‘golden rule’

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-84569365166507910232009-10-09T00:41:00.002+01:002009-10-09T00:59:13.887+01:00

Coming across songs that don’t have that great a public exposure but have a solid lyrical message with a brilliant musical hook is a great joy to me. Now this is all about connections. You’re aware that I’m a Jon Gibson fan. Yeah, you know that. I love the man’s music big time and I obviously don’t blog about him enough. On an album he did not too long ago he worked with a brother called

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-38328305976143836892009-10-08T23:50:00.003+01:002009-10-08T23:57:45.240+01:00

I was recently reflecting on just how God is in everything. Not in the deist sense of things where He is the trees, the river, the birds, etc. I mean it in the sense that if I have the eyes to see and the ears to hear I’ll experience Him in every situation I face in life. Whether it’s His commitment to joy seen in the playfulness of my girls, His character of compassion seen in the young

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-5444320498145843392009-10-07T22:03:00.002+01:002009-10-08T23:21:10.047+01:00

You remember me talking about needing nothing but a relationship with Jesus even at the detriment of my creature comforts like dear relationships and connection to me laptop. Well would you believe that today me personal laptop is currently undergoing some technical difficulties which means it is not available to me at this moment. Inconvenient? Yes. Pain in the neck? Definitely. Refreshing,

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-60366669752605960902009-10-06T23:51:00.004+01:002009-10-07T00:31:17.452+01:00

Ah this is more like it. It’s a Tuesday. It’s late night. I’ve ministered to the wife’s needs and heard her day. I’ve had the day at work and the evening at the session and I’m ready to write. We learnt a fair amount of stuff today in the session, legislation, communication and the importance of referral systems to support the learner in their holistic approach to effective learning.

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-48162496644296376782009-10-06T14:17:00.003+01:002009-10-06T14:23:27.181+01:00

Well here we go, This is a bit unusual, but here I am blogging at this time of day and it made a whole heap of sense to do it. I’ve noted on maybe a few occasions that my tendency is to be a bit of a loner. It is nothing to me to be in my own company carrying along merrily with whatever task I set my mind to – reading a book, watching a movie, writing a blog, studying me Bible, whatever. My

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-15443000503743948012009-10-05T23:13:00.001+01:002009-10-05T23:14:36.387+01:00

Do you ever ask yourself what’s really important? Do you ever answer yourself by a changed life – not drastically, but noticeably? Do you catch up on yourself when you said you would do something, or be somewhere and then find that you’ve wandered far from that goal, despite still having a desire to achieve that goal? It’s fine if you don’t ask those questions or engage in that sort of

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-29315777076443602112009-10-04T23:13:00.002+01:002009-10-04T23:15:10.883+01:00

I’ve been on a weekend conference. Now that sounds posh doesn’t it? What other phrases can I chuck in there? We did lunch and cracked the deal that should see millions flooding in. Not true, but it sounds right in the context of a weekend conference. In any case, you may remember the talk I’ve been making about confessional community and I had a glimpse of what that looked like this weekend

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-35702559060481992122009-10-03T20:22:00.001+01:002009-10-03T20:22:00.130+01:00

Following on from yesterday’s bit about the super vacuum cleaner it also reminded me of a thought process that I was considering earlier this week. The link will become clear soon, follow the thread and you should get the jumper at the end of it. (You’ll need the jumper – it’s nearly winter!) A dear friend of mine (ah ha, back to that one again, but it’s all about relationships right?) sent

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Recently a dear family friend came to give us a demonstration of a multi-faceted vacuum cleaner that was said to be significantly better than the regular ones on the market. It’s her job you see and because she’s relatively new she gets to try it on her friends and family. Also because of the nature of the product it is not something that can be slapped on a leaflet or a TV advert but a

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-16067880098541182452009-10-01T23:09:00.003+01:002009-10-02T09:34:45.181+01:00

Every October for the last three years I’ve been looking at the theme of freedom especially for the workplace. This year is particularly poignant though. I don’t think the blog entries have done justice to the turmoil, triumph and trauma that I’ve undergone in the last year or so, but this season is very important. I saw a vision where I was emerging from a dark place into the light of the

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-11802219913864119712009-09-30T23:51:00.002+01:002009-09-30T23:54:12.621+01:00

So here we are at the end of the month. IT has been quite a month. I’ve experienced so much over the month that it’s not possible to remember everything that has happened. During the month I’ve only been at Stoke church for one Sabbath where other Sabbaths have seen me in Newport, home and Warslow. In this month I experienced my first stag do (as a participant, not the stag in question) and

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-81352372598677141552009-09-29T22:19:00.001+01:002009-09-29T22:20:33.862+01:00

Just to say how happy I am and honoured to have made it to 200 posts this year before the last quarter begins. I am really grateful to God for getting the level of consistency to this level. I’ve been rather poorly lately, but have battled on despite everything to carry on with things like work, family and being an usher at the wedding of a dear friend. As ever, however, tonight has been

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-31190406756378421602009-09-28T21:12:00.000+01:002009-09-27T23:14:53.743+01:00

I have no idea what it is this year about the movies. In the first quarter there were a few things that got my interest, but really since then the choice of films on offer has been somewhat substandard. Transformers 2 was alright, but GI Joe was disappointing. The Taking of Pelham 123 was actually a pretty decent film, but other than that the choice has been fairly poor and someone really must

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-18260357577134027372009-09-27T20:02:00.001+01:002009-09-27T20:02:01.141+01:00

I don’t know if you’ve seen this video before, it doesn’t matter if you have or not I still chuckle at it primarily because it’s funny and also because it’s true. It is tragic that we can go from singing a song like the one linked here to immediately looking at things in a way that suggests that the heart of worship is more about me than it is about Jesus. It’s not to say thinking about self

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-51868984630227194402009-09-27T11:04:00.001+01:002009-09-27T11:04:00.185+01:00

As you can appreciate in preparation for the new study series that begins next week I’ve begun reading the Sermon on the Mount. I am big on not missing out on the big picture and the connected nature of all the pieces in the puzzle when we start segmenting scripture for teaching purposes. It is crucial to see Jesus after His Beatitudes making it clear that He’s not here to abolish the law

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-82056337481739831242009-09-26T22:58:00.001+01:002009-09-26T22:58:00.315+01:00

I first met Andy Kind in 2007. He was developing his craft as a stand-up comedian and he also happened to be a Christian as well. My boss at work linked us together with the thought that perhaps Andy could do some workshops. It turned out to be one of the best things that’s happened in the time that I’ve been at the YMCA. Not only did Andy do the workshops, he also put on monthly trips to the

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-75734405101868618542009-09-26T22:39:00.002+01:002009-09-26T22:39:00.461+01:00

Recently I was going on about how important it is to seek God together. This links in well with another topic I mentioned last month on creating confessional community. If we are going to see God there has to be a love among us that goes beyond superficial greetings and barbecues and gets to the heart of who we are together. (Nothing against barbecues, by the way, I defend the right of

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-4459522771233432252009-09-25T20:11:00.001+01:002009-09-25T20:11:00.404+01:00

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-14834852594609241642009-09-24T22:55:00.001+01:002009-09-24T22:56:22.002+01:00

Following Jesus is both an intensely personal and private journey and a communal and corporate movement. There is the element wherein we develop Christ-like characteristics and have a direct responsibility to Christ for how we use what has been given to us to be like Him more. This part can be appealing to some and I guess especially in an individualistic society promoting the power of the

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-43011921926552162702009-09-23T23:40:00.002+01:002009-09-23T23:44:11.518+01:00

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. (Deuteronomy 6:4, 5) Life is about seeking after the One – one love, one truth, one hope, one joy. It is about discovering the various combinations that make up the One and recognising that it is meant to be unified because it is all about

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-84286417807000622242009-09-22T23:53:00.002+01:002009-09-23T01:02:34.917+01:00

Well it’s been another evening teaching session and it’s been a good one. The wife reminded me last week that for anonymity purposes especially seeing as though I’ve not asked permission from anyone that I do not divulge info that might implicate others with the experiences I’ve had. Fair enough. Should any of those who are on the course happen to come by this blog, they’ll know who I’m

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-40454674995295156572009-09-21T23:57:00.002+01:002009-09-22T00:22:03.250+01:00

Yeah, I know you’re still waiting for the Glasgow report in full and trust me there is a report to submit and I’ll do so before too long. For the time being, however, I’m getting to grips with a new way of doing life. The girls are at school, the wife is at work, I’m at a youth session on Monday evenings – like tonight’s; teacher training on Tuesday and cell group session on Wednesday. When

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-52429119094285695492009-09-20T22:56:00.007+01:002009-09-20T23:10:42.217+01:00

So I’m in a Sunday evening service that takes the form of some songs and prayer then we get into a look at whatever Word Hughie wants us to explore. This evening we were looking at faith from the Hebrews 11 perspective and as is the nature of the conversation we don’t get much further into the text than about verse 6 and even then we weren’t looking that deeply into the issues, just highlighting

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-81203921024096484502009-09-19T23:43:00.003+01:002009-09-19T23:50:56.335+01:00

I am back again in the land of blogging after several days away from net access. I’ve got loads more to share which will come in due time. What you’re about to read is the blog entry I had all specially prepared for Thursday. There’ll be more in catching up on what’s been going on in due time. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) Of

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-12945251995883243702009-09-16T21:30:00.002+01:002009-09-16T21:41:20.298+01:00

This blog entry has been a week in the making. Last Wednesday as I got my laptop out and set up stuff for the evening’s cell group session I reflected on the text I’d sent to Authrine. I told her that we needed to get some smelling stuff for the front room and our bedroom. The thought suddenly occurred to me that in seeking God, He expects us to use all of our senses – smell, see, taste, hear

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-16164893692171582712009-09-15T23:27:00.001+01:002009-09-15T23:29:11.658+01:00

There are some things that I’m really surprised about concerning this blog. One of them is that I’ve only mentioned Hughie Lawrence once before. I struggle to believe that in all that I’ve written in well over 500 posts I’ve only mentioned him once when he’s been fairly pivotal to the Christopher Dryden Story over the last 10 years at least. Not that he’d mind I’m sure. He’s not really one to

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-77493587396137276312009-09-15T22:32:00.002+01:002009-09-15T22:34:27.025+01:00

I met a very good friend today. By very good friend I mean the kind of friend who I don’t see regularly, but when we sit down and talk they are always … always … fruitful occasions. We can get as deep as we need and there’s often something said that makes me go back and ponder on some of the true things of life. Today whilst we were conversing he shared about the need to get back to basics

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-10095447344375297382009-09-14T23:24:00.001+01:002009-09-14T23:25:55.735+01:00

So September is a big indicator that the end of the year is nigh. After this month we enter the last quarter of the year and things definitely start winding down in preparation for that much-loved hibernation season known as the winter. In the run up to that great time of year the Dryden family runs into a glut of birthdays, first is my Dad – but you know that already. In October my brother

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-51996840313300463152009-09-13T23:24:00.001+01:002009-09-13T23:25:37.503+01:00

I was talking to a friend of mine recently and we were talking about some of the crazy, silly and annoying things people say. Apparently there was this report put together by the boffins at Oxford to discover some of the worst things people say. It came across a phrase that I love to take the mick out of and it’s one that another friend of mine and I use to describe some approaches to

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-47689176839940956972009-09-09T18:31:00.001+01:002009-09-09T18:33:27.925+01:00

You may have noticed yesterday that the entry mentioned my mother. I may have mentioned before, family is very important to me, especially the immediate family in which I was brought up. I was brought up in an isolated background so my siblings and parents meant a great deal to me. Mum and Dad recently celebrated 34 years since their wedding. It is quite a feat to make it to that number and

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-31191515830050113512009-09-08T23:40:00.001+01:002009-09-08T23:41:36.806+01:00

Another remarkable milestone was reached in the life of Christopher Dryden. This evening I enrolled to study a two year part time teacher training course. Had me first class this evening, really just about getting the paper-work sorted more than anything. It was a good evening overall and the course looks interesting in terms of what’s expected of us. The course tutor/lecturer looks very good

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-18769182311421841782009-09-07T23:57:00.001+01:002009-09-07T23:58:45.155+01:00

I felt it would be worth having a brief word on the web-site of the moment. A voice crying out in suburbia has the tag-line the random thoughts of one saved by the sovereign grace in God, in gratitude that He chose me when I would never have chosen Him. I’ve probably been reading Arthur’s blog on and off for about seven months now. What I like about it is the basis he starts from as one

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-85608730454592404742009-09-07T23:31:00.001+01:002009-09-07T23:39:46.911+01:00

Do you think I enjoy these gaps? Really? I mean back in the day when I wasn’t so fussed about getting stuff done on the blog it wasn’t such an issue. Now, in the light of a good run in July and August I was all set for September to continue the trend. Yet with a number of pressing assignments and engagements I’ve not even had the opportunity to make as many notes as I’ve been used to making

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-59781854710400331882009-09-03T10:15:00.001+01:002009-09-07T23:40:21.631+01:00

Recently I’ve been looking after Deborah and Abigail. Deborah and Abigail as you are aware are the daughters given to the responsibility of Authrine and I by natural birth. Deborah is 4 and Abigail is 3. In two weeks’ time they’ll be going to the same school – Deborah will be going there next week and Abigail starts the week after such is the system of the school. Now sure these girls are

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I wonder if it’s safe to say you’re desperately seeking God? Things go in swings and roundabouts in my life and one of my greatest requests has been for a level of consistency. Still, I’m aware that as with nature we go through various seasons and it’s just about making the most of those seasons and seeing how you are to behave and learn from each. So for example like the Joseph principle to

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-37382777667282146502009-09-01T22:25:00.002+01:002009-09-01T22:28:33.249+01:00

Farewell August and hello September. When I was at university I was introduced to radio and b that I mean actually having a go on radio. I had never considered it before although I did enjoy listening to radio growing up at home. I remember especially Saturday nights with the radio on and listening to smooth tunes in the night. I also remember listening to Alan ‘Fluff’ Freeman’s Pick of

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So as you may know I’ve been reading and recently finished what must be one of the best football biographies I’ve ever read to date. It’s by Leo McKinstry it’s called Sir Alf about the rise and fall of the only man to win England the World Cup as manager. It is a fascinating tale of a man who went to great lengths to shut out the media and developed the ideal siege mentality and loyalty among

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-4771949908947788312009-08-30T23:17:00.002+01:002009-08-30T23:20:13.982+01:00

Now relocated back at the Dryden Family base in Stoke-on-Trent and I’m glad for the weekend spent with my brother, his wonderful wife and their beautiful baby boy. We’ve been to Milton Keynes three times in the last two months and it always feels like a bit of a holiday going down there. It’s just cool chilling with them and their hospitality is ace. Sometimes it can be a bit suffocating going

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I’m currently here at my brother’s crib in Milton Keynes. His firstborn was blessed today at the nearest church branch that his wife attends. It was an honour to be there to celebrate with him. On returning to his crib from the event I settled down to do something I do enjoy doing and that’s trekking through me Google Reader to see if there’s anything of interest worth reading. I subscribe

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So here it is the final part of the series of questions of getting to know me and I must point out that these are questions that were already being asked of me. I didn’t bother to take the time to make new questions with one or two minor exceptions. The irony is that I’d love to be able to do interviews and the such like and indeed have done them before and would not ask these questions. Maybe

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-51887568228098178512009-08-28T22:36:00.001+01:002009-08-28T22:36:00.091+01:00

Yeah I mentioned someone calling me a friend recently and also made the scandalous suggestion that retirement only happens at death? Now I promised more and this is the penultimate in the series so check these babies out! 26. What are you listening to now? Don Carson and John Piper talking about pastoral ministry and being a scholar. That’s just the kind of guy I am. 27. What is a

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I love Jesus. I don’t love Him because I’ve always loved Him – I have not. I don’t love Him because I recognise all of His goodness – I do not. I love Him because He first loved me. That love superseded any love I’ve ever experienced and was amazing considering what I’ve done to deserve it and what is on offer. Part of the journey in exploring His love has been this intriguing word –

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Have I mentioned someone calling me a friend recently? So without further ado onto more questions 13. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Scotland. I’ve not been that ambitious a travelling man. I would have said USA on previous occasions, but I’m not so keen and up on going there as before, especially seeing as though with the amount of stuff that comes from

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I could have left the blogging to that this evening, but there was a bugging issue that I made a note of, that I thought would be well leaving as a note on a blog like this. You ever have those times when you’re reading a scripture and you’re asking the question, ‘Why is God asking that question?’ "Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-74585182854541190742009-08-26T23:49:00.002+01:002009-08-26T23:50:44.873+01:00

Someone called me a friend in an email I read recently. Yeah, honestly, me – a friend. I was surprised too. So this was one of those emails that ask loads of questions about things to find out about you. At first I was going to reply to the email … then I thought, nah. Then I thought … better still why don’t I blog my answers. So having not had a third thought since then here is the

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-2105217211637385942009-08-26T23:37:00.002+01:002009-08-26T23:43:00.707+01:00

Brilliant song of hope for those who follow Christ.For His Name's SakeShalomdmcd

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-33169257580494486112009-08-25T12:46:00.002+01:002009-08-25T12:49:20.173+01:00

Check the time. Yeah, odd isn’t it. Most of the blogging is done either first thing in the morning or near the last thing at night so what’s this lunchtime post. Well I had a thought that I was compelled to write down after reading again. So there. One of the best and worst things to happen to me is being right. When I was younger, so much younger than today, I didn’t need anybody’s

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-53072611636658873002009-08-24T23:48:00.001+01:002009-08-24T23:52:41.197+01:00

Quite a lot to put out tonight and it’s a job to keep it all in perspective, but I’ll give it me best shot. First of all there is a saying that in terms of the meals of the day that it’s best to have breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. I’ve never really lived by that ethic at all always looking forward to dinner like a king, lunch like a prince and

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-7953318272273392312009-08-24T00:53:00.001+01:002009-08-24T00:55:15.894+01:00

Blogging is a bit like talking to an old trusted friend. Who has nothing to say in return. Instead just takes on board what it says and keeps it carefully. As you’d have read I love putting stuff on here and have been a bit more prolific of late, but in the last few days I haven’t been blogging and you can ask why’s that then Chris? Well go on then. There, and in answer to your question I

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-36652690506062371002009-08-20T22:39:00.003+01:002009-08-20T22:44:11.452+01:00

Working at the YMCA in the way I do is a bit funny. In other contexts the people I serve and come alongside could be seen as customers, clients, consumers, residents, service users or other terms of reference that sets our relationship relatively securely in set parameters. That doesn’t work for me though. The proper term of reference for the young people that we serve is customers

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-91126673140710037672009-08-18T23:07:00.001+01:002009-08-18T23:09:27.634+01:00

I was thinking last Wednesday about what it means to be filled with the Spirit. Now with a starter for ten like that I’m aware how many people might be turned off this blog entry straight away. In any case I continue. My experience of being filled with the Spirit has been closely associated to ecstatic expression. Growing up in a particular church culture being filled with the Spirit was

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-22299350550744363822009-08-17T22:32:00.004+01:002009-08-17T22:42:14.663+01:00

I was thinking – yeah shock I know – how the blogposts give an insight into what I’m thinking at a given time, but don’t really offer that much insight into who I am and what I do, which is cool in some cases, but not in all. Then remembering the series on fasting and a current theme on grace expressions everything coalesced neatly into today’s blog. I walked home from the YMCA this evening

Ur Man CDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12699483501118337533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19859735.post-32904572668307555512009-08-16T23:12:00.002+01:002009-08-16T23:16:24.895+01:00

I don’t usually endeavour to be ambitious in a blog entry, my process is to write it in a word document and try to keep it to a page. Sometimes I go over, sometimes I go way over, but often I stick to the target. In this case though I am deliberately trying something audacious in combining the following – breakfast, the national identity of my daughters, Usain Bolt’s World Record breaking

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