What Have You Got To Say For Yourself?

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 17^th and 18^th. Now if I’m not very much mistaken, that was the weekend where the youth had taken over the new facility – let’s call it COG Phase 3. As a result the deal about going to the Potteries Centre was meant to be covered by Hughie and myself. OK what do I mean by the Potteries Centre being covered? Well October was Missions Month for the church and doors had been opened and favour found to be able to put up a presentation on black history with all the cultural effects and to be able to promote the community elements of COG. That was to take place in four of the five Saturdays in the month.

As it turned out I hardly spent that much time at the Potteries Centre and spent most of it staying on at Phase 2 in case anyone turned up. I was also scheduled to be seeing a bible teacher I respect highly who was popping into the city. So I curtailed what was left of the Potteries Centre gig to go up the other end of the city and really enjoy some outstanding material on conflict, which as things are developing will be ideal biblical principles to follow! They had a veggie chilli on offer during the session that was simply delicious! The following day was meant to be completely dedicated to the preparation of the micro-teach assignment that’s been taking up blog space over the last Tuesday or so. Hence me not saying much online at that time. I did blog on the DTLLS interblog … but that doesn’t count here does it. So I was meant to focus time and energy into it, but it didn’t really work out. The Monday was spent thinking about and preparing for the event on that Tuesday.

Tuesday came and went and I was thoroughly disappointed with the level of performance I gave. It was a truly disappointing work put in and made me think that enough was indeed enough. You see there had been a driving issue that I had procrastinated over for a number of weeks which was linked to an issue that’s been outstanding for a number of years. Things had finally come to a head on that Tuesday night. It was a very significant time and I procrastinated no longer. I put finger to keyboard and finally put together the hardest letter I’ve ever had to write, but let me tell you it was the most liberating letter I ever had to write. The consequences of the letter are rather wide-reaching indeed, affecting every area of my life from the most intimate to the seeming most mundane. I would understand someone thinking I’m being over-dramatic, but in actuality even now the full effects of what that letter contained are yet to be experienced.

In any case, that Tuesday night/Wednesday morning letter writing exercise was immensely releasing. So we’re on Wednesday 23^rd October and this was the day where I was able to get some semblance of settling down to the regular hum-drum busyness of life. That included going to a multi-faith event in the evening. That proved to me once and for all that multi-faith initiatives are fraught with inherent problems that cannot be wiped over by joint community projects. The event was nauseating to my spiritual antennae only in seeing different faiths evidently competing for just how good they are on values that show their ability to co-operate with each other. I was glad to be gone from there. So that was another late night and so no time for blogging.

We move onto Thursday 24^th October where there was a meeting of those in a community organisation in which I’m involved. One thing I can definitely say about the experience of working in these areas is that it’s so important to make the time and exercise the passion for such things. It’s also important to ensure these don’t become personal fiefdoms where however the systems are set up they are still heavily dependent on an individual being the key to all information. That’s not always possible, but the level of energy required to keep it accountable is substantial – especially for a voluntary organisation. If there is no infrastructure for that to take place, sometimes the most notable course of action is withdrawal. Thankfully because of other far more overwhelming factors that is the least challenging issue. Another late night, especially as under the stresses of the week I had not been able to maintain a good sleeping pattern. That night was a good night’s sleep especially having dispatched some important correspondence in the appropriate location.

This is only giving part of an explanation of what I have to say for myself. There is still plenty to share, including more on what the correspondences were all about and where I’ve been in the last week or so, or more accurately how to get a break whether you want one or not. That’s to come in a future blog entry. For the time being. Know that I still love God, I love life, I love people especially my wife. God has been so amazing to me and I’m looking forward to continuing to spend a lifetime of gratitude in going where He wants me to go. Stay tuned for more updates.

For His Name's Sake

Shalom

dmcd

Fast and the Curious: A Grace Expression

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 from the Chill, Chat & Connect session I help to run on a Monday evenings. As I made my way down Watkin Street, the street on which I live, I began thinking to myself what I would probably blog this evening.

I was reflecting on the life I live and the blessings to which I am afforded at this time and the following concept came to mind. - Fasting in the Feast and Feasting in the Famine. I noticed that this has been a rich season for reading and writing – being able to do things I enjoy and feel gifted at. I considered the fact that Hughie’s invitation to use the upstairs office at Phase 1 or even use an office at NORSACA as a base of operations until my area in the main hall was sorted was part of a wave of good feeling.

So this was about giving me the space and the time to continue the one-to-one conversations as well as reading online material and more Bible study that would inform and shape the writing that would emerge from that.

I then reflected how that would help me work towards the scene of producing writing material for different organisations – COG, NORSACA and the YMCA chiefly and then also from that developing those audio recordings and projects that spin off from that.

Reflecting on such a time of plenty in terms of opportunities and creativity made me more aware of the need to be grateful to God for opportunities. As I put this in the context of making copious notes on the notepad as well as electronically and yet that didn’t cover all that I think and consider made me all the more thankful.

Then I thought again about that episode in Genesis when Pharaoh is bothered by a dream that he cannot understand. Then an imported foreign slave who was also a convicted rapist was discovered to also have a good way with these dreams. What he was about to divulge to the Pharaoh would contribute to the country being an economic superpower in a global downturn. The principle behind the success was relatively simple – in times of plenty as you enjoy remember to store up because days of famine are around the corner and how you deal with the feast will determine how you cope in the famine.

It doesn’t take a genius to see that this is a great life principle. Not every day is sunshine and not every day sees it dull and overcast. Some days are better than others, but all days can be fruitful and productive days however bad it may appear when the attitude is to make the most of every situation so that it benefits the good and the bad that comes.

It is something that has been stressed in our church that we need to make the most of the time that we have to seek God now and develop a passionate relationship with Him. We really have to soak in and retain as much as we can of the good experiences we have now. These will sustain and keep us connected to the generous Father who allows us to have all good things. It will allow us not to make the mistakes of history where a people delivered from soul-crushing slavery by mighty acts of God were only too quick to complain when bad things rather than believe that the same God who did those tremendous acts would sustain them even in time of lack and indeed the very knowledge that it is on Him they rely should not develop a complaining culture but a thankful people.

The script of God’s relationship with people is Him being gracious, loving, merciful and forgiving while we only remember Him when we reap the harsh consequences of our neglect of Him. Sometimes even this memory of Him is short term and convenience based rather than relationally dependent.

So I look at my wife and children, consider the job I have and the people with whom I work and whom I serve, the church that I am a part of with the benefits we currently enjoy and endeavour to savour these times. These are not deserved for I have done nothing to merit them, my own failings and struggles constantly disqualify me from the abundant generosity and love of God.

Yet the reality is that I am witness of His grace and genuinely believe by His grace slowly but surely as Paul and John wrote I’m getting better all the time. Better than that is that the grace of God and His character remain the same – His love endures forever, blessed be His name.

For His Name's Sake

Shalom

dmcd

COG Notices 21-02-09

New Month - New Things

So January’s over and it has been an interesting way to start 2009. No doubt that the centre of attention was the community launch and dedication service for the new COG Training and Conference Centre. It’s taken up a lot of time and energy and now that it’s out of the way and over with I want to focus on other projects and plans. Especially to do with making the most of this writing gig.

I am pleased that there have been so many posts in January particularly here and other on Among Friends. Sure a large contingent has been YouTube posts, but along with the launch of some other small writing initiatives in the forthcoming days, weeks and months that should change. I’m too ashamed of having YouTube posts on this one especially as I’m committed to writing as much as I can explain the point behind the posts. I love writing, though, and I’m a big fan of being able to connect what I’m reading and seeing with the writing stuff that I’m putting together. So having spent January bogged down with whatever I was bogged down with, although there’s no let up in activity I do hope to be able to spend more time this month setting stuff up for the busy spring season ahead.

February is such a funny month, especially now there’s no leap-year bonus day. It’s here and over with before you know it. The highlight of the month, obviously, is the mid-month love-fest that our dear Roman friends introduced to the cultural scheme of things. I’ve never bought into it myself despite apparently being a married man. So I don’t intend to start now. Sure we can do the talk about love over the month as it’s an opportune time, but really I am not into all that love-hearts business. Having said that the missus has worked herself close to a frazzle … again … so I hope there’ll be an opportunity to get some time away together that may happen to coincide with a certain time of the month.

There are a lot of decent movies either out at the moment or about to come out over the coming months and so I hope to be able to watch them and review them here as well. On Saturday night I managed to watch Slumdog Millionaire and I’ll be posting a review on that either tonight or realistically tomorrow. I’m also hoping to check out Frost/Nixon very soon and then I’ll be checking out The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I like reading, I like movies, I like writing, so it makes sense that I enjoy my life by making the most of these opportunities not only for my sake but also to share with others, like readers of the blog.

There’s also the continuing football season which sees Liverpool return to European football with the small matter of playing Euro giants Real Madrid to make any progress in the Champions League. Now following last month’s infamous Rafa Rant, you’d think I would be overjoyed at Liverpool’s 2-0 win today against Chelsea. I’m sure you would think I would be thrilled to bits that we have been able to do the double over the nearest threat to Old Trafford over the last three seasons. You would think that and you would be horribly wrong. That result actually makes it easier for United to retain the title and here’s the thinking. Our inability to win games has already given Man United the onus. They have a game in hand which on winning will take them five points clear and trust me, they’ll win the game in hand. Hey, even in the unlikely event that they drop two or hilariously three points they have the advantage and the experience to see this home. If Chelsea were the nearest competitors I would say there was hope. As it is the hopes of the rest of the league now fall on us to do what we haven’t even sniffed at since 1990. I have little hope that we can do it because it’s not about beating Man Utd and Chelsea, it’s about beating Stoke City, Hull City, Wigan, Everton, Portsmouth, Blackburn and Bolton Wanderers. It’s then about beating other teams as well and by doing so then and only then do we have a hope. I remain to be convinced that we are capable of going on such a run. I was reflecting however on how things are turning at the club and Rafa’s ongoing petition for more control. I am not thrilled by his approach, but I do understand his desire for control and when it’s given then he can take total responsibility for the club’s development. So if we succeed it’s down to him and if we don’t then we also know what that will mean. Come on though, Robbie Keane not good enough to be in the first team squad? Win or no win that kind of decision does no one any favours neither in the long run will it contribute to us winning further games. As I understand we beat a team with 10 men. Would we have beaten them with 11? So that will be something to endure for months ahead.

In the middle and through all of that there remains my commitment to endeavouring to follow Jesus. I have started the Michael Parkinson autobiography ‘Parkie’ and its prologue looks at a turning point for Parkinson that led for him to get to where he was. As I read it I was again reminded of the episode of Peter’s restoration to the ministry by Jesus in John 21. There are turning points in life that sets us up for the rest of our journey. I know it’s a big deal to make the most of our ‘free will’ and in today’s society choice is God, but one of the things I realise is that when certain decisions are made a certain path is almost decreed for you – there is no choice, especially when you have been chosen. Jesus’ remark to Peter near the end of the chapter is a singular calling point for me. It’s not about what other people do, it’s not about other people’s agenda it’s simply about following Jesus. I am excited about the things that have already happened this year and what is about to happen, but as I realised at a key turning point in my life back in 2006, it doesn’t mean a thing unless my only desire is Him and to follow Him. I hope the journey will be worth while tracking for you as faith and life combine to produce further episodes in the weird and wonderful world of ur man cd.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Come On You Potters

The football season is upon us and so with great excitement I had the opportunity to take a small crew to watch a pre-season friendly at the Britannia Stadium last Wednesday between Championship side Stoke City and Premier League side Aston Villa.

It’s a good time to introduce you to some of the people that play a part in da man cd’s world. First and foremost is my partner in crime in the work I do at the YMCA – Ray Feeney. I came across this dude a year ago through a Friday night community prayer meeting at the COG Centre. This guy’s love for God and devotion to Him remains an inspiration to anyone who meets him. Among other things he’s devoted to is the city of Stoke-on-Trent and so as a result, being a keen football fan, he’s a devoted Stoke City fan. As opposed to the God issue, his devotion to Stoke City can at times be somewhat misguided. Yet it is infectious and so as a result of that and our blossoming friendship I have allowed the Potters to be team in the Championship. Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean I won’t be critical, but I do want the team to do well this season.

On the basis of the friendly though that might mean attaining mid-table mediocrity. Aston Villa are hardly world-beaters and despite having a charismatic, effective and motivational genius in Martin O’Neill they are headed for mid-table misery themselves – albeit in a division higher than Stoke. That showed on tonight’s performance.

Sure it’s only a friendly, but for a side like Stoke City who need to be up for it and ready for the season ahead, it was somewhat frustrating. The first half was dire in terms of Stoke’s performance. Villa looked to be taking it as a training session strolling around the pitch without a care in the world or a decent challenge coming in from their opponents. And in the unlikely circumstance that Stoke ever had the ball the Villains could shut their eyes and guarantee that the spherical object would return to them in a matter of seconds. City were truly shocking with possession. The only reason why they were not battered was their opponents were not clinical up front and truly could not be bothered to play attacking penetrative football to test the keeper more than they did. Yet their first half domination was reflected in a one goal lead after Patrick Berger – who was on loan at the Potters last season – came back to score a sweet goal in the top left hand corner.

I had the honour of giving commentary to Ray on the game (maybe not as exubrant as this but still quality commentary), which is a good thing as if I was left to actually endure the game either on my own or without doing the commentary it may have threatened to have turned me off the Potters.

The second half was decidedly different. Tony Pulis – the boss of the Potters – may have informed his team that it was a friendly match and not a training session of attack versus defence. (Although he perhaps should have also informed his team that perhaps to actually keep the ball in the opponents' half requires maintaining possession and playing a formation a bit more optimistic than this one.)

As a result of this and helpful substitutions by the opponents who virtually had a second team out for the second half, the Potters enjoyed a period of sustained pressure on their opponents. For the best part of twenty minutes they kept the ball in the Villa half and created a few opportunities though the cutting edge was somewhat blunt.

Then just when you thought it was safe to hope for an equaliser, with 13 minutes remaining Villa made the home side pay for not scoring and against the run of play on the break the man Gabriel Agbonlahor sweetly finished past Simonsen to make it 2-0 to the team in claret and blue. That effectively ended the match as was witnessed in the home fans making their way to the exit. The team may as well have followed as the game was as good as done.

It was a good night out because of the crew I was with. It’s good to be out doing stuff like that with class people like Ray. Alongside Mr. Feeney is a good family friend Miss Deon Wynter. Despite being from Jamaica she’s actually a good laugh and knows enough about football to help make the evening the success it was. This was down to her appropriate reprimands for the mediocrity and then remarkable turnaround of fanaticism when the Potters were doing well. Great young lady she be! Indeed it was her mobile phone that has produced these photos which she’s given me permission to use, so she must be alright! The lad who makes up the crew is the newest member of the team. I’ve known of Deon for the best part of four or five years.

Steve Alleyne (far right) is a guy who lives at the YMCA and I’ve only got to know a bit more about him over the last few months. What I have learnt about the guy is enough for me to have a great deal of respect for him, the challenges he’s overcoming by faith and his heart’s desperate desire to follow Christ – that in itself remains humbling for me. He’s also proven to be something of a handy man for the folks at church doing stuff from helping with house moves to being the walking A-Team by finding making enough tools out of nothing to virtually landscape a garden! (OK he was cleaning it and weeding it, but it sounds even grander if I say landscaping doesn’t it? Sounds as if I know what landscaping is – let’s not reveal the truth of that situation, eh?) As well as that Steve is a nominal Arsenal fan but on the night was a die-hard Stoke City fan raising his voice in support of the lads at any opportunity – which of course meant a quiet first half, but still good entertainment all the same. And he pities the fool that thinks otherwise.

In terms of atmosphere at the stadium well one side of the ground was closed but there was a fair turnout and the away end was a good turn-out for the Brummies seeing as though it was a friendly. Understandably with such a team it was hard to muster the groundswell of noise you’re looking for to keep the lads going, but they did their best and it was something when there was delirium by the fans when they earned a corner! (A bit like this actually.)

Still, with such a motley crew a good time was always assured and big thanks to Steve, Deon and Ray for a great night out, which I hope we’ll be able to do again. Perhaps with a better quality of football, but in despite that – and you read me right when I type – come on you Potters.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd