Friday, 26 December 2008
Catchup not ketchup
Thursday, 31 July 2008
A Story
Josh was a stranger when we met. He was just someone who would lend a listening ear when I needed it. He would reassure me when necessary and offer a gentle rebuke when required and slowly this stranger became a great friend.
I still hardly knew him though. I would lean on him when I needed to but so often I’d ignore his calls, letting the answer machine get them and later, deleting them, tell myself that if it were important, he’d call back.
I grew confident and found that my need to lean on him became less and less and I found that I didn’t really need to lean on him anymore. I was my own man and had my own strength. I threw myself into life; busy with family, busy with work, busy with my music and my sport. There was no time for this man who was once a very close friend. I was so busy that I hardly ever heard my phone ring.
Every now and again I’d bump into him in the street or in the supermarket and we’d exchange a few pleasantries before I rushed off, with better things to do. He’d always say: “We must get together sometime…” I figured he was just being polite.
Now, the king of my nation was feared by all. Few, if any, had ever seen his face, and rumours of his anger were rife. It was known that if you broke the law then the law meant that you would be banished from the kingdom, never to return. Or worse…
As it turns out, the laws in my land were fairly difficult not to break and the only hope I had was to try not to get caught. I didn’t know anyone who had not broken the law at some point. Although, having said that, I can’t remember a time when my friend had broken the rules, but maybe I just hadn’t been paying attention.
I sometimes found all the rules a bit oppressive, although, deep down I knew that they were there to protect me and keep me safe. I just wanted to be free to do my own thing.
As it turns out, Josh must have broken the rules at some point because I remember hearing that he had been put to death in a horrible and very public execution. I remember wishing I had returned his calls but, within a few weeks, I didn’t give him that much thought.
That is, I didn’t give him much thought until I received the letter.
The letter came on headed paper, with the king’s crest in the top right hand corner. The letter read as follows:
“Dear Sir,
It has been brought to Our attention that you have committed a multitude of criminal offences. On several occasions you have stolen. You have often lied to your wife, to your friends and to your family. You have lusted after people who are not your wife. You have been proud of your achievements when in fact, it is We who should be given the praise, for we lead this nation and there is nothing you can do that is not made possible without Our help. You have not paid your taxes and have not paid us what you owe.
Worse than these though, you have often told friends that you would rather live without Our laws. You have in fact, on more than one occasion, expressed your desire for our non-existence.
You are hereby summoned to attend the palace, for an audience with the King himself.
Yours,
The Royal Family and Governing Officials”
I had never given much thought to my lies. I’d told myself that they were just little “white” lies and that lying was better than hurting people. I had never given much thought to the effect my lust would have on my relationships and had never considered the fact that taking the odd pile of CD-Rs and notebooks from work was actually stealing.
My shame was absolute. Seeing these crimes written down in black and white showed me I was no better than all those people I despised.; the murderers and thieves. Despite what I had told myself, made myself believe, I was, in fact, one of them. For the first time in years I saw myself for who I was and my heart broke.
I knew there was no hope for me, and decided to head to the palace straight away. I didn’t want to say goodbye, I just wanted to get it over and done with..
As I approached the palace I was trembling. I walked up to the main gate, expecting to see guards, but to my surprise there were none. Through the main gates was a garden. The most beautiful garden ever seen. The grass was soft and neat and the trees that lined it had the most beautiful, shiniest fruit growing on them. Bees and humming birds buzzed busily around the lilies and rose bushes. The fragrance that filled the air was heavenly.
I reached the palace door and still there were no guards. The marble floor shone, reflecting the walls and the beautifully arched ceiling. All around me was the sound of singing. Harmonies piled onto harmonies intertwined with melodies that made my heart beat with joy and yet, at the same time, filled me with yearning. The music made me long for something, I just didn’t know what.
I could have lost myself in that sound forever.
I carried on walking, remembering why I was there. The room at the end of the corridor had the biggest door, so I figured that must be the throne room.
I opened the door and stepped in to a room, filled with an astonishing light. The sun appeared to be shining in through all the windows, even though I knew that was impossible. How could the sun shine through the windows on three sides of the room?
The double doors swung shit behind me with a bang and the music stopped.
I stood there in the deafening silence, trembling.
I could see the throne, bathed in sunlight, the gold reflecting the sun’s rays in all directions, blinding me. I could only just make out a figure sat upon the throne.
I fell to my knees, filled with fear and shame. Cowering I bowed as low as I could, covering my head with my hands, wishing that the floor would open up and swallow me or that the king would just carry out the punishment I deserved so that I would no longer feel this way.
I had barely glimpsed the king, but in that moment I had seen that his power was far beyond anything I could imagine. His beauty filled the room and I knew I was not worthy even to be in his presence.
I tried not to breathe. Maybe he hadn’t noticed me come in and if I stayed quiet enough he would leave without seeing me and then I’d be able to run home and hide…
I heard footsteps. The guards must be on their way to remove me from this room, I thought; surely now they will kill me for violating this most perfect place with my presence.
I felt a hand on my shoulder. This was it.
Suddenly I felt his breath on my ear as his whisper filled the room: “Do not be afraid!” I heard the king say, in a voice I recognized but couldn’t quite place.
“Open your eyes!”
More out of fear than anything else, I did what the voice commanded. There by my side stood a familiar figure. My friend Josh was crouching next to me, his arms around my shoulders. He was wearing a white robe and a crown on his head. The crown appeared to be weighing him down and with his right hand he took it off and placed it on the floor. At that point he looked more majestic than ever. Tears were streaming down my face.
I wanted to explain to him how sorry I was. I wanted to tell him I’d meant to call him back and that I’d never meant any of the bad things I’d said about him. Instead, all I could do was kneel and let my tears fall.
He placed his right hand on my chest and my heart beat faster than it had ever done before. I was petrified.
“Don’t be afraid.” He said again, with that room filling whisper; “Get up.” Gently he helped me stand. My legs gave way and I fell to the floor again. Patiently and with tenderness I’d never experienced before, he took my hand and helped me stand again.
Wrapping his arms around me I felt warmth enveloping me. I looked into his face and could see he was smiling.
Josh’s lips did not move as the voice filled the room one last time:
“You are my son, whom I love. With you I am well pleased.”
Still smiling, Josh took me forward towards the throne, taking me up onto the actual ground on which the throne was sat. Folded on the throne was a white robe. He handed the garment to me and I knew to put it on.
I no longer felt ashamed.
As Josh walked me to the door, I asked him why he had given me the King’s clothes.
In a voice as human as my own he replied:
“I love you, my friend. I paid for them myself.”
THE BEGINNING
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Following a recent post on the worship Central website, I was challenged to come up with a definition of what worship is.
Here's what I came up with:
"Worship is the simple act of showing God just how much we love Him."
My thoughts behind this is that people express their feelings in different ways and through different means.
Imagine if we did everything in such a way as to try to show God how much we love Him. If every conversation we had was had in such a way that God would know how much we love Him, what conversations would we have? What would we give if we gave in order to show God how much we love Him? What would our relationships be like? Or our workplace? And family life?
As it says in the 1 Corinthians 10v31:
"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
That would be a true life of worship, and something I am still working on!
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Worshiping the Holy Spirit
I believe it is right to worship the Spirit. Although we are never told explicitly to worship the Holy Spirit in the Bible, there are plenty of indications that he is not only a person but also deity and worthy of praise and worship.
He is referred to in personal terms in the book of John several times (15:26; 16:7-8,13-14). There is also mention of Him acting like a person, and like Jesus in that he speaks (1 Tim 4:1) he loves (Rom 15:30) he teaches (John 14:26) and he prays for us (Rom 8:26).
The Holy Spirit is neither angelic or human in essence and as such possesses the nature of deity. Hebrews 9:14 mentions his eternal nature. Psalm 139 :7-10 mention he is omnipresent while 1 Cor 2:10-11 shows His omniscience.
Some passages in the Old Testament that are attributed to Jehovah, are applied to the Spirit in the New Testament for example Isaiah 6:8; Acts 28:25 and Exodus 16:7; Hebrews 3:7-9.
Divinity is worthy of worship. Throughout the Bible we are told to worship Jehovah, the great "I am" who is not only Father but son and also Holy Spirit. If we are to embrace the concept of Trinity being three in one, then surely it would be wrong to only worship Father and Son and condemn those who worship the Holy Spirit too.
Francis Pieper, a noted scholar, stated that the worship of the Holy Spirit is “taught in all those Scripture passages where divine majesty, attributes, and works are ascribed to the Holy Ghost [Spirit]” Therefore, the command to “worship God” (PSalm 18:3, 48:1, Matt 4:10 and Rev 19:10, 22:9) includes the Holy Spirit.
For centuries Christians have worshiped the Holy Spirit, along with the Father and Son.
For example:
(written by Bourgeois in 1551):
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
along with:
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea;
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
(Heber, 1826)
In light of these examples, along with, I'm sure, many others, there seems to me, no reason not to worship the Holy Spirit, and in fact only more reasons to do so!
Sunday, 15 June 2008
Jon Bovi
I went to watch Bon Jovi the other day. I actually had a great time. I've never really been a massive Bon Jovi fan, but despite this, having managed to get the tickets for a very reasonable £10 I went to the show with some friends from work. We were sat right at the back and were able to see the whole stage...
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
Bon Jovi
Thursday, 22 May 2008
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."[l] 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[m] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Saturday, 17 May 2008
This is when the grief comes
Where the shadows fall and the tears run dry
When there are no words to still my beating heart
Sleep won't come despite closed eyes
Tears won't fall despite the emptiness
My only prayer is that maybe she knew You
My only prayer is that maybe now she is asleep
Safe in Your arms
For You are a hope stronger than the grave
You are what I'll hold on to
All I can do now is kneel and pray
And as I do
My tears fall
Friday, 9 May 2008
The Goodness of God
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Lullaby
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
New Job
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Growing pains (to quote from Adrian Mole)
I feel like I haven't been blogging for a while and have just been inspired to return!
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
Money Saving
Saturday, 29 March 2008
New Computer
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
New Blog
The idea is that worship leaders from all around can add posts related to leading a life of worship, practical worship leading/songwriting tips, biblical insight, song lyrics, etc. Basically the idea is to share experience and thoughts with each other.
I've still got to work out an easier way of adding people to allow them to add posts though...
Monday, 11 February 2008
Dietary dilemma
Not so much a dilemma really, but rather a necessity. Having returned from the men's weekend away with church I weighted myself and realised that as I'm back at a massive 16st5lbs I really have to do something about it.
I realise I've said that before and have previously failed to lose the weight. But again, it is official I am back on a diet and this time I will succeed.
I have set goals.
I have set target dates for said goals.
My goals are "SMART", ie Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-Specific.
Anyhow, goals are as follows:
To lose 3 lbs a week during the first 6 weeks, then re-evaluate.
To lose 2 inches from my waist in the next 6 weeks. A further 2 inches in the 6 weeks following that.
Measurements at this time are as follows:
Weight: 16st5lbs (104.5 kgs)
Waist: 40'' (I know, that's very bad...)
BMI: 31.9 (yes, apparently I'm in the obese category...)
Anyhow, I will be following the "Abs Diet" which I have followed previously and it worked wonders for me.
Today has gone well so far...
Thursday, 7 February 2008
In my current job I always get annoyed when 15/16 year olds fail to understand how worried parents can get when they disappear for ages without telling them where they are.
I in my GCSE year and my cousin and very good friend Jeff was in the lower 6th. Our grandparents decided it would be good to take us both on holiday so that I could improve my french and Jeff could keep me company. We were going for about a week in total.
Saturday, 2 February 2008
Weight loss revisited...
This led to the usual spiral of comfort eating (ridiculous I know, but hey...)
Will start again in the morning...
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Monday, 28 January 2008
Thursday, 24 January 2008
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
Weight Loss and Song...
New Song lyrics are coming on. See what you think...
You're the antonym of me
My perfect opposite
For Lord; You are perfection,
While I am far from it
Still You invite me into your throne room
You bid me touch the hem of your cloak
And You welcome me in with a smile on your face
And your eyes cannot hide your delight
And I'll stay in your arms til the end of all time
And my heart is refilled with your life
As you call me yours
You call me yours
You're the piercing daylight
breaking through my clouds
You are always with me
Though no one is around
And You invite me into your presence
You bid me touch the wounds in your hands
And You welcome me in with a smile on your face
And your eyes cannot hide your delight
And I'll stay in your arms til the end of all time
And my heart is refilled with your life
As you call me yours
You call me yours
(Middle 8 - still needs some lyrics...)
Anyhow, it's late. Time for bed...
Tuesday, 22 January 2008
New song and new MOT...
I'll keep this updated with its progress...
Anyhow, the car went in for an MOT today. There I was fearing the worst, thinking that at best I'd be shelling out at least £400 for it to pass and at worst that I would be scrapping the car due to the prohibitive cost of the work required...
Becky took the car in in the morning, while I was asleep (I did manage to sleep this morning, coming off nights, although the worry about the car did keep me up for an extra 30 seconds or so...) I then got the phone call I was dreading at about 2.30 pm. "Hi, it's richard, you're car's ready." said the mechanic. "Thanks" I said, nonchalantly, trying to disguise the buttrerflies in my stomach as fear gripped me with its iron claw. He told me the price. "£150? That's not bad." "No" he replied "£115"
I practically floated to the garage!
So that's that for another year. The MOT is all paid for, only the tax to come out now...
I thank God for blessing us with Richard Knight, the mechanic who didn't rip us off!
Saturday, 19 January 2008
Catchup
Anyhow, since last post, I went home to my parents for Christmas, and despite my sister telling my parents that she would be home on Boxing day at 4 pm to open presents etc, she never turned up. I've not seen or heard from her since.
I have put on a considerable amount of weight over christmas and for the past 2 weeks or so have been working hard to rid myseld of my "festive plumpness" (as one inspector at work so eloquently put it - right after mentioning my "third chin"...)
In the last 12 days I have lost 9lbs and hope to lose more by Sunday morning (my weigh in time).
I am encouraged by Mark's progress (http://mvr2302.blogspot.com) and may have to borrow his Michael Winner book... I was given Gillian McKeith's book, "You are what you eat" for christmas, but unfortunately I find it very hard to follow her diet instructions. She calls it the "Abundant eating plan" but yet somehow I have to eat a load of uncooked vegetables, random tropical berries, which for some reason aren't for sale outside of health stores (acai berries anyone?!?!?) and no red meat... I like meat. I like vegetables (cooked. Ever tried raw broccoli?) So I've taken some tips and have tried to include more fruit in my diet, but apart from that have returned to my chicken, fish, vegetables and eggs diet (where those are the main components of what I eat, give or take a few glasses of milk, organic sugar free peanut butter and other sources of protein and fats such as linseed and Hemp Protein...)
I've started going to the gym again too.
Anyhow, I'll keep you updated with my progress...
Must go now, breakfast calls.