I often get misunderstood. I am often thought of as all-serious! I like a giggle more than most……
1 Michael Buble’s epic reaction to an irrepressible young talent!
2 the first Macintosh, and those lumpy bits of kit way back then…..
3 Celebrities and photoshop, get together here!
4 Untruth, comedy, and seven funny minutes: British TV!
5 “Little Hope Baptist Church” really – like really?!, and other poor church names!
I don’t read enough novels, according to my friends and colleagues! So in a small augmentation to my pattern……I got reading something different. The Terrible Thing that happened to Barnaby Brocket by John Boyne is more-than your average children’s book. Its a 4-star goodie!
Here is a moving tale of difference and redemption. It’s pacey, engaging and full of principled challenge.
Mr and Mrs Brocket value their normal lives and are determined to stamp out abnormality, particularly Barnaby’s floating at any cost. These values lead the Brockets to do something quite dreadful, the `terrible thing’. It does, however, offer us gritty truth : proving that the brave stand out from the crowd earning something far more valuable than just an easy life.
This book calls out the value of being true and authentically different from everyone else. You don’t have to follow the crowd, you can be yourself and you won’t appear abnormal. Your uniqueness makes you special.
I loved the way Barnaby would forward every kind act that came his way. He never took for granted the help he received and always went out of his way to return the favour. With each new person he met, he took away valuable lessons which helped him to reconcile and love who he was.
This is a wonderful and charmingly written tale that will affect many readers. Courageous and compelling stuff!
from David Runcorn’s book, ‘Fear & Trust, ‘The primary but most demanding quality of a leader is to be a non-anxious presence’. Worth chewing on.
1 Supersimbo & DA Carson remind us, that we don’t drift toward holiness.
2 beware of the seductions of the local church: made in the image of what?
3 amidst our broken, curious and beautiful world: 50 things to help and make you smile!
4 Bill Hybels reflects on planting a church 37 years on from the Willow Creek launch.
5 Mary DeMuth’s, great article and artwork on untending.
……some brilliant words from one of my heroes: Dallas Willard. “If our theology fails to set a lovable God – radiant, happy, friendly, accessible, totally competant being – before people, we’ve gone wrong!”
1 Vision delayed: how are you with perseverance? Here’s a bit of Wilberforce!
2 Sally’s brilliant poem on holiness
3 What Coldplay can teach you and I about communication.
4 7 ways social media can help you and me: like really!
5 bad hermenutics and questionable communication are always worth a giggle! Watch!
from some snap-reading in the week,
“Shame is the raincoat over the soul repelling the living water of Jesus that would otherwise establish us as the beloved of God.” Andrew Comiskey
1 24 majestic creation images: almost surreal.
2 7 ways to be a better pastor this year.
3 Forgiveness:- the taking back of stolen power!
4 The best 10 of TED-talks for personal change: worth the listening.
5 Are you part of a hand-raising church?!*smiles
….reminds me of the local church.
Tonight our date night had a twist: with unused tickets for the Emirates thanks to my brother-in-law, Julie and I shared time in the North Stand, willing on a win for Julie’s team. Thanks honey!
Here’s some parallels that struck me afresh….
Anticipation and approach can be full of optimism and loyalty.
The pace in both settings can be variable and too pedestrian at times…..and it can get cold!
There’s not enough consistency to warrant brilliance, at what we’re called to be.
The language can be technical and at times colourful!
The options and possiblities are endless and only limited by human falibility.
20% or less do most of the work! The majority on the pitch and in the church are passive spectators.
Attitudes there are in plentious fashion: spoken about, seethed or sulked
Throw-away looks can say so very much. More than many words…..
Connection and community with strangers gathered around a common cause is incredible
Acapella singing always wins on the terrace, but I suppose more than sixty thousand voices helps….
The drinks during are varied and if curious standard…. but Bovril!? (to be outlawed, along with marmite!)
The outcomes are often unpredictable and nervy
Anger, frustration and other emotions lie just under the surface
…and when things go beautifully, seeing the action again and in slow motion replay is always wonderful!
Those that wear black are often questioned and challenged, for the times they get it wrong.
Tension can give way to ecstasy; fear can give way to gladness, everso quickly….
A few sensational minutes can be a game-changer! ditto in our gatherings!
To the crowds there will always be favourites; just as there are in the church
Energy, passion and heart…..mark those of a different spirit!
Most people sit in the same place, with the same scowls, rugs and other associated goodies. Do you recognise?!
One of the ‘motivational statements’ at the Arsenal is from Kevin Campbell;- “Sometimes there’s nothing better in life than being a gooner!” Whatever our team loyalty: Let’s continue to dream of new ways to captivating many for the cause of Jesus in this world!
1 Donald Miller’s excellent, Do you believe you are good at relationships? and how’s your collaborative leadership.
2 Tim Keller’s brilliant the faith to doubt Christianity article, and never forget that Jesus didn’t wait for people to come to him: Steve Addison’s best as ever.
3 Mary DeMuth’s 9 daily truths, that you could do worse than to mutter, enjoy God in silence – go on!, and Death to January by Emma Scrivener
4 Kristin Cashore’s great vulnerablity in the writing process,
5 Ticking boxes: lessons from an overachiever!
