Some more broken pride.

I have read for most of my life the NIV version of the bible - to which many of you will be able to testify - and I have not so secretly shunned many versions. Including the message and the CEV.

While leading Kurios different members of the band have used all sorts of versions, and its become a bit of a joke about my thoughts about the message. But i have been brought down. I have recently found both the CEV and the Message so refreshing. Whereas i used to find that fact that i couldn't even believe they were the same verses being recounted, i have now found that to bring the bible back to life for me. It's like going to a place with which you've been so familiar, and totally rediscovering the magic, and excitment.

So, sorry to anyone who has felt the scorn in my voice about the Message.
I was wrong. very wrong. Its amazing.

ps. I think i still believe the NIV is a more accurate translation of the words, but that the message still accurately translates the truth....

Food and Friends

What a great combination.

Thank you to everyone who came last night, it was wonderful to see you all again. And thank you for all being game to try some slightly different types of food - especially those people who don't really like veg.

It was a wonderful night of chatting, catching up and laughing... and of course some "bond"ing :-)
There was a really special moment I loved,
when the food had just been served - which was a example of amazing "teamwork" and inititive! - and everyone was eating and chatting, I just sat back and thought about how amazing people really are. How kind, sharing, gentle, funny, friendly, adventurous, shy but brave, outgoing but considerate and just how instrisically good people are.

A room full of people, each of whom are very different, but all wonderful.
Thank you

Creativity

To use a phrase off Jude's blog: "Creativity eludes me".

Something i have searched for, worked hard to be, dreamed of being, wished for, hoped for, cried for, and prayed for is creativity.

I have wanted it more than most things in my life.
In every area.
In my actions, in my work, in art, in music, in my spirit, and in my heart and relationships.

I remember getting down on my kness (literally) and praying that Jesus would help me be creative.

I love photoshop. I like editing photos, making things like cd covers, or postcards, or websites.
But i never created. I just edited. Changed.
Even in my music, never creating just taking things i've learnt through hard work and practice, and just using those.

This last week though I have been told by 3 people that are very precious to me that one thing they like about me is that I am creative.
I have been so touched by those comments. Thank you.

When I heard those comments, my brains first reaction is to reject what they have said. To say thank you, but that they are mistaken.

But sometimes things change without you noticing.
Looking back even this last term I have had some amazing privilaged moments of being able to be creative. From writing the drums parts and helping arrange Kurios's new CD ( I just received the mixed version... Thanks Ed. Sounds great) in speaking at YFC mid year retreat. In making a website for Flan's new book. In peoples birthday days. In adventures, in relationships.

Thanks to Jesus and all the other people who aided me in my journey of be coming a creative person. and I look forward to continuing the journey with you all. The journey of taking after my Father, the journey of creating. a very cool journey

God360

Flan has written a great book called God360.

Its 120 experiencial (not sure how to spell that) devotions.

visit the website at http://www.god360.co.uk
and if you like that kinda thing, buy the book - there is a link on the side.

I think its great. :-)