Will's World

Half A Century!

2011-05-03T18:25:00.001+01:00

I'm 50 tomorrow!

I can't believe I'm half a century old! It all seems to have gone so fast. Looking back on the major events in the last 50 years makes me feel even older!

I remember July 1969 when man first set foot on the moon as a sleepy 8 yr old coming downstairs in the middle of the night to witness history in the making. I remember the 70's - the decade of Stack heels, flares and afro hair - not mine obviously! Bands like Mud, The Rubettes and Sweet as well as Clapton & Deep Purple, Then there was the battle of the teenage idols - The Osmonds, The Partridge Family - with David Cassidy and who could ever forget the Bay City Rollers!!

Then in the summer of 1977 I saw my beloved LFC win the first of their five (Yes FIVE) European Cups on a glorious night in Rome. On 29th May 1985 I was present at the Heysel Stadium when 39 Juventus fans lost their lives not more than 50 yards away from me as a wall collapsed on them after fans rioted at another European Cup final involving Liverpool.

In April 1993 I married my wonderful long-suffering wife D'reen and we have since been blessed with two famtastic daughters, Beth & Charlotte. I have also witnessed the birth of Colour TV, the Micro-Chip, McDonalds, the Internet, Mobile Phones, "Test Tube" babies, e-mail, Casette Tapes. CD's, I-Tunes and the I-Phone! - Phew!

However, the one event that stands out above them all though is probably the simplest and yet most profound. I remember the Sunday evening as a 7 year old when I sat with my Grandma and told her that I knew that I was a sinner and that I believed Jesus had died on the cross in my place to take my punishment. I wanted to follow Jesus and she graciously led me in a prayer to commit my life to Him. This one simple act has been the defining moment of my life and will be for the rest of my years here on earth - and for eternity in heaven! There have been many doubts, fears and dark days as well as wonderful amazing ones too. I have wrestled with the Bible - it's doctrine and theology before and during my years in pastoral ministry - and I will probably continue to do so until the day I meet my Maker. However, this one thing I know - "t'was grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home!"

On Top Of The World!

2011-05-02T12:27:00.002+01:00

How did you enjoy the Royal Wedding? Were you glued to the TV screen? Did you gasp with amazement at the sight of the dress? Were you wiping away the tears as the loving couple pledged their troth each to the other? Were you bursting with anticipation at that kiss on the balcony? It was fairytale stuff alright - even the weather stayed dry!

I must confess though that I wasn't really up for all that romance and fairytale prince and princess stuff myself. Don't get me wrong - I'm not against the Royals at all - I think they're probably very nice people. I especially like their dad Jim. No, I just wanted to make the most of the opportunity which Will & Catherine's big day off afforded and so decided that I should organise an assault on Snowdon - the mountain in N Wales - not the "Lord"!

Having managed to persuade my long-suffering friend Jim, his son David and Andy - another friend from Church - to join me, our journey to the top of the world; (well Wales anyway!) began at 7.30am as we drove away from outside my home leaving my wife and daughters to wallow in the wedding for the rest of the day.

After two and a half hours driving and nearly four hours of climbing we finally reached the summit. One of the lovely people we met at the top decribed her journey up as "hot, hard and horrible" - and she'd only come up by train! Yes folks, it's hard to take when you are making the final lung bursting sweat covered assault on the summit of Britain's second highest mountain that there's some floosie adjusting her make up and stilletoes chugging past you on the train complaining that the wind is going to ruin her hair!

I'm sure that there's a metaphor for life in there somewhere - but I'm not too sure I know what it is yet! Or maybe it's that for £25 you can take the journey to the top by train in about 20 mins and then spend an hour in the cafe and gift shop. Or you could struggle through the blood, sweat, toil and blisters of the climb and reach the same point totally exhillerated with the sense of achievemnent while sharing your joy with those who pushed through the pain with you! You can take your own choice but I guess in the end it's all about the journey!

A Few Days Rest...

2011-04-04T10:56:00.001+01:00

I'm off to Yorkshire for a few days R&R.

I'm going with my wife and one of my daughters - the other is on her way to Skegness with her friends' family. I'm really looking forward to the break and an opportunity to read & chill in the vastness of the North Yorkshire Moors.

I last visited the area while on my Coast to Coast adventure a couple of years ago and I can't wait to get back! I'm going to drink lots of tea with fruitcake - taken with cheese of course! And hopefully get out to enjoy the wild & rugged landscape along with the warmth of the local hospitality. Holidays are fab aren't they!

I've fallen behind with my blogging recently so I'll try to write some more this week.

'Till then....
Visit Will's blog at
will-williams.blogspot.com

Comic Relief - A Red Nose or a Broken Heart?

2011-03-18T14:14:00.001Z

Are you "doing something funny for money" today?

It's "Red Nose Day" again and the nation is being urged to don our red appendages of various sorts and go out and make people laugh. I'm all for that. I love a good laugh with the best of them - "Laughter is the best medicine" and all that. And the idea of linking laughter to raising money for various deserving causes at home and abroad - well, frankly it's a brilliant idea - last year's appeal raised over £61,000,000! It seems that even God is pleased as the bible tells us that He "loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

So why do appeals like Red Nose Day and it's cuddly little sister Children In Need make me feel so uncomfortable?

I thought it was maybe that I find it quite nauseating being patronised and cajoled into giving to these more than worthy projects by overpaid, overrated and sometimes quite hypocritacal celebrities who have "given up their fees" to perform or to attempt various adventure challenges. I suppose that the resulting publicity won't do them any harm either - cynical? me - of course I am!

Actually, I think it's deeper than that though.

It bothers me that whenever I am asked to support these various needs that there always has to be something in it for me. From the school raffle with the prize of a bottle of cheap plonk to the dubious reward of seeing Hugh Grant French kissing Dawn.(or should that be "kissing Dawn French?) There's always got to be a payoff! It seems that the organisers of these fund raising events believe - probably rightly so in some cases - that we, the great British public, will never support anything unless we get something back in return. It's not entirely true of course. Recent disasters in Haiti, Indonesia, New Orleans - and now Japan have provoked a huge response from people who have given because they care enough to give. Even here though, are we giving because somehow we feel it makes us better? In this Media age we see so much suffering from all over the world that it can leave us feeling helpless to respond. We want someone to make it all go away so we can get back to our own lives - and that's worth fiver of anyone's money.

So what's my point here? Well, maybe I'm just asking the question "Why should we give?" What is it that should motivate us to give? I'm not knocking Comic Relief or any of the appeals that are made to help relieve poverty and suffering in this world. I'm sure those on the receiving end of all those donations are just glad someone has done something for them - funny or otherwise. Actually, what I'm most uncomfortable about is what happens when the party's over? Should I just be concerned for the "poor", whoever they are, when I'm encouraged to do so by a smiling celebrity - or shouldn't it be more of a way of life for me?

Recently the new Coalition government confirmed that the UK overseas aid budget would be exempt from the massive cuts which are taking place at the moment. There was outrage in some qaurters with the rather predictable cries of "charity begins at home" etc. At the same time many local councils have decided to make those cuts in services to the most vulnerable in their area. The government are encouraging us all to be a "Big Society" where we all aadopt a more benevolent and caring attitude and take up the slack where the cuts have been made. Basically, it's asking us to care for the vulnrerable voluntarily - just because we care and not get paid for it. There's outrage and unrest as a result.

So what should our attitude to giving be? Why should we give? This is what the apostle Paul writes about Jesus...

³ Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. ⁴ Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
⁵ You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
⁶ Though he was God,he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.
⁷ Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slaveand was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form
⁸ he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

(Philippians 2: 5-8)

Jesus' attitude was to give - whether or not there was anything in it for him. He thought of others (you and I) more than himself. His death on the cross was not for his sin - but for ours. His motivation for all this? - Love, pure unbridled passion and love for you and I. He gave - and keeps on giving - whether it's appreciated and accepted or not. The only thing he received for all his pain was the approval of his father in heaven - and that was enough.

When I read this it helps answer the question I asked earlier - why do I feel so uncomfortable? It's not Comic Relief's fault - it's mine. Because my heart is too hard and my attitudes are too selfish. I need to look again at the cross and allow my heart to be assaulted by Jesus' passion for me and in the process to become more tender - like his. Perhaps then I'll care more passionately and love more extravagently - not just because my nose is red and it's that time of year again, but because my heart is broken and it's just the way I am.

"The Long Goodbye..."

2011-03-10T17:03:00.000Z

It's 1.30am

The telephone rings by the side of my bed and my pounding heart jolts me awake as I reach out clumsily for the handset, knocking over some of the items cluttering up my bedside cabinet in the process. "I've got loads of people here and they won't go home..." says my mum's agitated voice on the other end. "Just switch off the TV and go back upstairs to bed you'll be ok" I reply, trying to be as patient as possible, "they won't mind." The phone goes silent but I know she hasn't replaced the handset. I can hear her talking to her TV set and begging the people she is imagining have taken over her house to leave - they don't. My wife D'reen stirs in the bed beside me as I try to get mum's attention but it's all gone quiet. After ten minutes of frustration and silence we finally make the decision to get up and drive the mile or so to mum's house to see if she's ok - fortunately she is and we eventually coax her back to bed - only for the process to begin again less than two hours later!

My mum has Dementia. For the person who is diagnosed and their family, coping with the disease is often described as a "journey." It's a journey which is inexorable and often incredibly lonely. Our "journey" began about three and a half years ago - although the doctors say that people who suffer from Altzheimer's and other Dementia related conditions often go undiagnosed for years before their symptoms are recognised. It began with memory loss and confusion as well as arguments with the people on TV who kept invading her home and wouldn't leave. At various times mum has had such lumiaries as Arlene Phillips, Steven Gerrard and Margaret Thatcher on her sofa enjoying a cup of tea which she had made with cold water, 3 heaped tablespoons of sugar and 2 knobs of butter! A significant point was reached when she found David Cameron in her handbag - she managed to take herself off to the local hospital to get him removed!

You may think it's slightly cruel to laugh about such things - but laughter is one of the coping mechanisms often used by those who are watching a loved one struggling to come to terms with a world which is disintegrating ever more each day into a foggy muddle. Three and a half years on and my mum is now in a care home. She's incontinent, unable to string a coherent sentence together but mercifully, still able to recognise her family - although she's forgotten most of our names and how we relate to each other. There are amazing moments of clarity - shafts of light and colour in a grey world for which we thank God - but these are few and far between.

I often wonder what's actually going on in my mum's head - what is she thinking? are their any rational thoughts in there at all? Apparently random thoughts and ideas are constantly bubbling up in our brain, Normally we will sort and sift these thoughts subconsciously into something resembling coherence depending on the context we are in at the time. Dementia sufferers lose the ability to do this and therefore life becomes incoherent and strange with nothing making much sense. It's a bit like waking up on holiday in the middle of the night in a strange room with strange shadows all around - it can be very disorientating for a few moments before we remember where we are! Imagine then not being able to sort out the strangeness and having to live with it in a constant state of confusion and perhaps we are getting closer to how a Dementia sufferer experiences life.

I have often asked myself where God is in all of this. The Apostle Paul tells us that "Nothing... will be able to seperate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:39 - and I believe that includes Dementia. There is no doubt that at the moment my mum seems happy and secure where she is. The smile which lights up her face when she sees us is a joy to behold. But why this "Long Goodbye" - a phrase first used by Nancy Reagan as she described the effects of Dementia on her husband and former US Prersident Ronald Reagan. What is God doing?

It's always a comfort to me to know that on the cross Jesus asked the question "Why have You forsaken me?" because I don't think that there is a Christian alive who hasn't said or thought that at some time in their life. At the cross, God was doing a greater work - a work which involved the unbelievable torture, pain, suffering and lonliness of the crucifixion. God is still doing a greater work - which sometimes involves suffering for those He loves. I'm not sure what God is doing in my mum's life at the moment, but I do know that going on this journey has had a profound effect on mine. As I wrestle with the pain, frustration and anger of watching someone I love so much suffering like this, my eyes are drawn once again to the cross - the only place where I can make any sense of it all. The Son of God did suffer and die a cruel, lonely and painful death - but that's not the end of His story - or ours!

When Jesus rose from the grave he defeated sin and death thus giving hope to all who will come after him - those who suffer the effects of sin in a fallen world, those who are His disciples. My mum has Dementia but she's also a follower of Jesus. She's "sharing in Christ's sufferings" in this world but in the next she will "share in His glory" too! (Romans 8:17) Saying goodbye to this world may be taking a long time for my mum - but she'll have the rest of eternity in her heavenly home to make up for it!

The Essential 100 - The Big Story of the Bible

2011-03-04T18:00:00.007Z

Have you ever read the Bible?

No, I mean REALLY read it - from cover to cover? Apparently there are more than 100 million copies sold or given away each year. It's widely regarded as the bestselling book of all time, with over 1.25 million sold in UK each year alone. It's also the most translated book in history having been translated in whole or in part into 2426 languages - and yet I wonder do we really know what it's "big story" is?

For many of us the bible seems more like a collection of stories and moral tales rather like Easop's Fables where we read a passage or story and try to tease out an application for modern day living, rather than a coherent story with a beginning, middle and an end! The fact that the Bible was written over a period of 1,500 years by 40 authors - including Fishermen and Kings, Poets and Statesmen Scholars and Historians and even a Doctor! - well, frankly it doesn't help either!

And yet, despite its many different contributors and the variety of the types of literature within it's pages. the Bible does have one "big story" because it claims to be "inspired" by one big Author - God himself. The Apostle Paul writing to Timothy his young accomplice and friend says this about the Scriptures:

"All scripture is God-breathed (inspired) by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness"

St Paul's Cathedral is said to have been built by Sir Christopher Wren but in fact he never laid a single brick. This magnificent structure was built by many craftsmen but was inspired by the vision of one man. In the same way God moved the many writers of the Bible to tell His story - History itself - as He inspired them through the Holy Spirit.

So then, what is the "big story" of the Bible?

A few Sundays ago I challenged the good folks at OPBC (our Church) to come up with a summary of what they thought the Bible's essential story was in 140 characters - short enough for Twitter! They came up with some great "tweets" the best of which was:

"Gods story about the creation of man, his fall and Gods plan to rescue him from sin through Jesus."

I think that sums it up just great but It's an epic story... and it's still going on! Like all good stories it has a beginning and a middle - but the ending hasn't actually taken place yet - it's still to be told! God has given us some pointers as to what to expect, but because you and I are essential parts of the story, it's not finished yet!

So, back to my opening question... have you ever read the Bible? I guess if you have then maybe you have read portions of it as I described earlier. Perhaps it's time to get to grips with the whole story - especially since we're a part of it - and begin to read the bible again - as it's meant to be read!

At our Church we've just started the "Essential 100 Challenge" which is part of the "Biblefresh" initiative. (see the links to their websites) It's a challenge to read 100 "essential" passages over 100 days which will give an overview of the God's "big story" contained in the Bible. Maybe you'd like to join us? Particularly if you have decided to reject the whole "God" thing with it's religion and rules. My guess is that most people who reject God or the Church or Christianity have never read the bible as God's Big Story. If that's you then perhaps you should take up the challenge. If you're interested follow the link below - I promise you it will be the start of an amazing journey!

http://www.e100challenge.org.uk/

A New Beginning.....

2011-03-03T16:48:00.001Z

It's nearly 2 years since I wrote anything here and for that I apologise. I still have fond memories of my walk from Coast to Coast, but I mustn't live in tha past so I have decided to give this whole blogging thing another go. There's so much happening in the world at the moment - good and bad - that I have felt for some time sort of compelled to get back into the blogosphere and write about it. I'll do my best to be as interesting as possible and update regularly. Please feel free to comment and let me know what you think.

So having given the old page a revamp and with every good intention... here we go!

Will's Coast to Coast - Day 14

2009-07-04T20:43:00.002+01:00

I made it!

After 14 days and 120 miles out of the 190, having walked through 3 National Parks, since the start at St Bees, I hobbled down the hill into Robin Hood's Bay at around 4.30pm - accompanied by Jim, my companion and friend and met by Dreen & the girls, finally my Coast to Coast challenge is complete!

There's a mixture of emotions as I write this, joy, relief, the expected disappointment and also sadness that the adventure is over. It's been a fantastic experience which at times has pushed me to the limit but one which I wouldn't have missed for the world. I'll write more in the days to come but for now it's time to celebrate - with a plate of Fish & chips! - with Dreen, the girls and Jim - after, of course, dipping our boots in the North Sea!

More soon.....

Will's Coast to Coast - Day 13

2009-07-03T22:41:00.001+01:00

It never rains...!

As I've commemted in previous posts, utill today I'd not seen a single drop of rain in 3 weeks of walking. Now I know what happened to it - somewhere it was being saved up for today!

The penultimate day's walk on the Coast to Coast is a 13.5 mile hop from the Lion Inn across the moors and down via the Esk valley to the wonderful village of Grosmont - It's a pretty straightforward day's walking normally.

Everything started well enough with a lengthy but easy road walk along Blakey ridge which eventually led to a trek up the rather interestingly named 'Great Fryup Lane' and out across open moorland.

It was here that the fun & ganes began. The skles to the south-west had begun to darken considerably and it looked like the waterproofs were going to get a workout. Then came the first flash of lightening followed by an enormous thunder clap which was the signal for the heavens to open! I don't think I've ever seen so much rain! Almost immediately the path we were on turned into a torrent and became treacherous. The added excitement was provided by the accompanying pyrotechnics provided by the thunderstorm which was directly overhead by now. With the lightening of the 'sheet' variety we took the decision to keep going to get down off the moors as quickly as possible.

Around 20 minutes later the storms had passed but the unbelievable volume of rain had taken its toll. The torrents of water were too much for my boots and I was now literally walking on water!

None of this was too much trouble for our hosts for the night though. With boots and wet clothes in the drying room all will be well for tomorrow's last day.

Our base for this evening is the capital of the North Yorks Steam Railway. As I write this there's the wonderful sound of a 'puffing billy' chugging into the station next door! It's a wonderfully atmospheric sound whisking my imagination back in time to the golden age of steam and those old black and white films in which the steam train featured so prominently

So tonight's the last night of the adventure. Tomorrow will be the last time for the usual morning routine of wake, wash, pack bag, pack daysack, breakfast, put plasters/gaffer tape on feet, don boots and off we go! I'm feeling a mixture of sadness that it's all nearly over and lingering disappointment that my injured knee has prevented me from completing the challenge. The 15 mile walk to Robin Hood's Bay tomorrow seems like it will be accopanied by a sense of anticlimax rather than the feeling of achievement I was looking forward too. Still, it will be good to finally sea the North sea and hobble down the hill to the finish - especially since Dreen and the girls should be there to greet me! Roll on tomorrow.....!

Will's Coast to Coast - Day 12

2009-07-02T22:02:00.004+01:00

Today was a long day...

Unfortunately it wasn't spent walking - but waiting. This morning I had to make a decision about whether to walk or not. My knee didn't seem too bad but today's walk was 21 miles in what promised to be 30 degrees of heat and over very undulating terrain. It was going to be an effort even with two good knees! I decided that, because I'd already missed some days and therefore couldn't complete the challenge anyway, that I'd take the sensible decision and not walk. Judging by the stste of Jim and the other walkers arriving 10 hours later at The Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge I made the right decision! It also means that I'll be able to walk the last two relatively easy days of the walk at 13.5 and 18 miles.

So, I was consigned to wait for the Packhorse man again today - riding in the back of the minibus with all the luggage! Doesn't do much for the ego! However. Simon, The Packhorse driver and owner of the company, is a thoroughly nice chap and is good company . In fact, I can't praise Packhorse enough for the way they have looked after us. In the back of the van with me today were another two blokes - one of whom had broken his toes by dislodging a stone from a drystone wall as he climbed over a stile. The other bloke was just being lazy I think!

The Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge is, as the name suggests, on top of a ridge miles from anywhere in the middle of the North Yorkshire Moors. It's a lovely atmospheric place with panoramic views for miles across the heather strewn moors. There's the sound of wildlife all around and as I write this the sunset is painting a spectacular canvas of red and orange blazing across the sky. It's not always like this though. Apparently a lot of the time most of the views are shrouded in mist and the onset of winter turns this beautiful spot into a very inhospitable place. I'm once again overwhelmed by the grandeur of the wilderness around me. It's comforting to know that even with more than 60 million people on this island that there are still the vast open areas of wilderness to be found.

Only 2 days to go now. Tomorrow should bring the first sightings of the North Sea! It seems like an age ago that I was boarding the train for St Bees and although this adventure hasn't exactly gone the way I wanted it too - it's still been a wonderful experience - I suppose that's the nature of adventure though isn't it? So, although I'm still more than a little disappointed that my injured knee has prevented me from completing the walk, I'm thankful to God for all the things I have been able to do, see and experience so far. He's really looked after me and It's been fantastic to see His hand in all the beaty I've seen around me.

Off to sleep now... Jim's already snoring!!

Will's Coast to Coast - Day 11

2009-07-01T07:14:00.002+01:00

Hot! Hot! Hot!

Oh boy was it hot today! At one time it was 33 dagrees! It made today's 12 miles from Danby Wiske to Osmotherley really tough; even though the terraim was flat. It felt at times like crossing the Sahara desert instead of the Vale of Mowbray!

I really loved Danby Wiske. It was a lovely little village with a proper community. From the monthly 'Hog Roast' to the 'straw man' competition, they were always planning to do something to bring the village together. Our host told us that 'we have to work at it...' As I consider the implications of my Sabbatical study, her simple statement seems very profound.

There was very little of note along the route really. Just mile upon mile of fields and farmland. Walking through fields with cattle though can sometimes be a challenge. Cows are pretty docile animals normally but I reckon they're a lot cleverer than we give them credit for! For example; why, when they have a whole field they can use as a toilet, do they decide to defocate on the 2ft wide footpath? I'm sure they do it on purpose!

It's good to be walking again. The knee's still sore but it's bearable. Having said that the last two days have been 'flat' days. Tomorrow it's a 20 mile hike over the Cleveland hills. With the temperatures set to soar again too, it's going to be tough. I'll let you know how I get on...,

Will's Coast to Coast - Day 10

2009-06-30T21:36:00.002+01:00

Back on the trail again!

Finally the swelling on my knee has gone down and for the first time in three days I was able to walk again! I never thought walking 14 miles would feel so good!

Today we said farewell to the lush greeness of Swaledale and entered the Vale of Mowbray which is a total contrast with it's flat planes stretching as far as the eye can see. It made for a relatively easy day's walking through fields and country lanes with the only real problem coming from the heat! I can't believe that I've walked for 3 weeks now during this Sabbatical and I've not seen a drop of rain!

It was just as well too as I managed to do a 'Ronaldo' this morning as I walked through a muddy section of forest! My foot just clipped a rock and the next thing I know I'm flying through the air waiting for the 'splat' and the inevitable full body mudbath to accompany it! However, due to the lack of rain it was more more of a dull 'thud' on top of a mercifully dry patch of earth!

Today we passed through Boltom on Swale which is a pretty but uremarkable village except for the very remarkable Henry Jenkins who, according to the plaque in the village church, was 169 years old when he died! This fact was greeted with much skepticism by my walking copanions for the day. The comment was made that 'you can't believe everything you hear in Church can you?' which provoked an unexpected discussion in the graveyard which was quite stimulating!

On arrival at today's destination, Danby Wiske - yet another pretty village, there was a glorious sight to greet this weary walker. Not some architectural grandure or quaint oddity this time! It was the village hall which was groaning with all manner of home made cakes and gallons of Yorkshire tea! Well, it would have been rude not to - wouldn't it.....?

Will's Coast to Coast - Day 9

2009-06-29T22:50:00.003+01:00

What makes a good B&B?

It's a question I've wrestled with a lot over the past few months as I planned this walk. The fact is that there's little or no hostel accomodation after leaving the Lake District so unless you're camping - and that means having to carry a lot of extra equipment - then the humble British B&B is your only real option.

As you can see, since I couldn't walk again today I've had to try to set my mind t other things!

I've decided that good hosts make a good B&B - not the en suite facilities or the flat screen TV. No, once again it comes down to people and the warmth of their hospitality. Over the past two nights I've met two couples - in Muker & Reeth who have been magnificent hosts. They've been attentive and caring, eager to help with anything and going above and beyond the call of duty. They've been full of the kind of warm Yorkshire hospitality that I've only heard about before - but now I've experienced it first hand. It's certainly helped sweeten these last few days of inactivity for me as I've sat and chatted with our hosts while waiting for Jim to finish the day's walk.

Today, however was different. the day's route was from Reeth to Richmond - a shortish hop of around 10.5 miles. I was dropped off at our destination by our wonderful hosts from Reeth, Bob & Denise and enjoyed a couple of hours reading and chatting to anyone who cared to listen in the Market Square . Richmond has a lot going for it wth it's museums, Castle and the lovely River Swale at the bottom of the hill on which the town sits. If my knee hadn't been so sore I may have been able to enjoy it more!

But I did have a chance to think. I wonder how warm, chatty and hosptable I really am? I thought again about that one of the last things Jesus said to his disciples was that others will know that they are followers of Jesus because of the love that they have for each other. In fact you could ask the question we started with at this point - "What makes a good Christian?" Jesus was very clear about it "Love me and love your neighbours with everything you've got." It's not rocket science but it's powerful when we get it right!

Anyway, back to this walk. My knee seems to have made some sort of recovery this afternoon and, with the help of a knee support, I may actually be able to walk tomorrow - 13 miles from Richmond to Danby Wiske - no I've never heard of it either but I'm sure that if I do walk tomorrow it'll be brilliant!

Now for some sleep....

Will's Coast to Coast - Day 8

2009-06-28T23:48:00.002+01:00

My boots are begining to feel neglected!

Another day, another 9 miles covered. But once again these miles were completed on 4 wheels rather than 2 feet.

It's a pity because the stretch covered today, from Muker to Reeth, is a lovely stroll along the the banks of the river Swale which gurgles its encouragement with every step.

However, after breakfast at the wonderful Swale Farm and some time with Jim feeding on God's Word, it was time to say goodbye to our hosts and to leave Muker - me in the company of my family, and Jim in the company of the Coast to Coast guidebook.

It was good to see Dreen and the girls today. They spent last night under canvas and didn't seem to be too much the worse for the experience.

There was time to visit Tan Hill, which is the highest pub in England on top of the Pennines, which was today shrouded in mist and low cloud. Even so, the the place was buzzing with activity with various forms of life - from the sheep and ducks gathered around the entrance, to the hairy bikers and other travellers gathered around the car park! It was a surreal experience.

It was also good to meet up with an old friend from many years ago in the village of Reeth - the 'capital' of Swaledale. Another distraction to take my mind off the fact that this is yet another day's walking I've had to miss.

As the sun goes down on the latest day of imobility for me there's the added sadness of saying goodbye to Dreen and the girls. The next time I see them will be at the bottom of the hill by the shore in Robin Hood's Bay next Saturday. In my mind it should have been a triumphal march to the finishing line. At this rate it's more likely to be an ignominious arrival in a taxi!

More tomorrow...

Will's Coast to Coast - Day 7

2009-06-27T19:48:00.002+01:00

Another frustrating day!

Sitting on a bench outside the Tourist Information Centre in Kirkby Stephen was not the way I'd planned to celebrate reaching the half way point on this walk. But my left knee is protesting ever louder with each step now and with the day's walk being a 16 mile hike up and over the boggy moorland of the Pennines and down again to the gorgeous Swaledale, it seemed judicious not tn inflict any further damage.

In fact my knee has swollen so badly that it's highly likely that, barring a miraculous intervention from above, this great 'adventure' may have to come to a premature end for me.

In a way it already has. Even if I could walk tomorrow, I've now missed two days and therefore have not completed the whole walk - which was, of course, the whole point of the challenge!

On the plus side though, my wife D'reen and our two daughters are joining us tonight in the exquisite Swaledale village of Muker. I can't wait to see them. They'll be camping in Keld a mile or two up the road while the rather beautiful Swale farm is my home for the night.

The view from my bedroom window reveals the Swale valley laid out in all its splendour. A patchwork quilt of fields and farm buildings. It's a lovely picture postcard view to help take my mind off my troublesome knee.

Muker itself is a small but perfectly formed Swaledale village - not without a surprise or two up its sleeve. For example, the impromptu choir who turned up from no-where to seremade the regulars at the Farmers Arms in the open air earlier this afternoon.

However, as sleep beckons tonight bringing to an end week one of this challenge, I must admit that the disappointment at not being able to complete it fully is overwhelming.

Will's Coast to Coast - Day 6

2009-06-26T22:13:00.005+01:00

They think it's all over.... I hope not!

The day started with warm sunshine and a jaunty step and ended under grey skies and a pathetic, pianful limp! I'm afraid my knee seems to have taken a strong dislike to the treatment it's been getting and has decided to behave like a patulant child - screaming at me until it gets its own way! I'm in serious pain and my knee has grown a liitle swelling on the left hand side - it doesn't look good... arrrgh!

I should really have known better. This morning everything felt ok but after 8 miles of fairly gentle walking across the heather clad fields of the old county of Westmorland my knee just gave up. I called the company transporting our main baggage and they arranged to meet me in the beautiful quinticentially moorland village of Orton. I bade farewell to Jim who manfully carried on without me and arrived at our destination some five and a half hours later - bedraggled but triumphant! Judging by the gentle snoring coming from his bed as I write this he's obviously enjoying his well-deserved sleep!

I, however, spent an initialy frustrating but eventually lovely afternoon in the company of strangers who became friends in a very short time. A lovely young couple from London - also doing this trek - who took pity on me as I hobbled into the village and became my companions for the rest of the afternoon. It was also good to meet up with the father & son team I had shared Youth Hostel dorms with on two other previous nights. They are taking a day longer to do the walk so had arranged a stop in Orton. It's amazing how quickly relationships have built up during this adventure. When the two guys saw me today it was like the meeting of long lost friends! It was a special moment in an otherwise difficult day.

So, with knee heavily strapped up and anti-inflamitary drugs doing their worst I'm going to sleep tonight praying for a miracle; otherwise I'll be travelling the next stage on four wheels again and not two feet.

Once again God is showing me who's in charge - you'd think I'd have learnt by now wouldn't you?

Will's Coast to Coast - Day 5

2009-06-25T21:19:00.001+01:00

Phew! what a day!

The guidebooks say that Day 5 of this walk has you wishing you'd never heard of "Wainwright" and cursing the day you ever donned a pair of walking boots! It's a 16 mile test of stamina and will power. It begins with a steep ascent up to the isolated and rather boggy area around Angle Tarn, memorable only for the amount of effort it took to get there! Then a further climb up to The Knott where a group of walkers from Norfolk were taking a break. There was nothing remarkable about this except that they were all well advanced in years. There must be something in the water in Norfolk! This was followed by a final haul up to the summit of Kidsty Pike - at 2000ft the highest point on the Coast to Coast. The views from the very windy summit were overwhelming, especially as they took in the whole of Lakeland. It's a sad moment too as we say goodbye to the fells, lakes and crags which have been our companions up to now. In the other direction the Pennines loom through a murky haze - we'll be there in two more days!

As if all that's not hard enough, there's a steep descent down Kidsty which has most walkers' knees screaming for mercy! But that's still not all - there's a 5 mile trudge around the Haweswater reservoir which feeds Manchester's watery demands. (time for a toilet break! - only joking - honest!!) After that there's stll a 4 mile walk through glorious meadow past the ruins of Shap Abbey and finally to a hot bath!

It's an exhausting day and the views along the way are amazing. The main cloud on the horizon once again however is my dodgy knee which really didn't enjoy the day at all! Tonight it's so painful and stiff that I may have to miss tomorrow's 21 mile slog to Kirkby Stephen. Here's to a good night's sleep...

Will's Coast to Coast - Day 4

2009-06-24T21:28:00.001+01:00

What a brilliant day?

I awoke to this morning to the sound of birdsong and the golden rays of the early morning sunshine flooding into my room. As I stretched my aching limbs though something didn't seem right. Where had the pain in my knee gone?

With a pain free knee, the sun in the sky and a short 10 mile hop to Patterdale ahead this promised to be a good day!

The route to Patterdale is through the Grizedale valley - a sharp climb followed by a slow descent past Grizedale Tarn which was glistening below. The water looked so inviting - too inviting for some who stripped off for a swim! Don't worry, meither Jim nor yours truly yielded to the temptation!

Arriving in Patterdale most people head for The White Lion - especially when the Youth hostel supposedly open 24/7 is shut! But it was also the unofficial meeting place for all those walking across the country with us.

One of the features of this walk is the cameraderie that has been built up between us all as we struggle on through blisters, insect bites - and twisted knees! As we sit in the late afternoom sun sharing experiences from the day's walk looking out over Ullswater sparkling in the distance all is right with the world...

Then someone points out the path for the start of tomorrows walk etched into the fellside opposite us. It looks so steep - maybe there's an escalator someone quips - but there's no one laughing...

Will's Coast To Coast - Day 3

2009-06-24T08:57:00.004+01:00

Today was not a good day...

The looming clouds of uncertainty about my knee gave way to full blown dark clouds of dispair this morning as my knee had stiffened up and was totally unable to take even the slightest amount of weight I could put on it! This of course meant that today was a day of rest for my troublesome knee and a day of impatient frustration for me!

To further add to my dowcast mood, the weather today was beautiful with the brilliant sun shining out of a clear azure blue sky onto the verdant valley below. God was certainly doing his best to cheer me up but the sense of disappointment was overwhelming.

Jim, who arrived last night however, was raring to go! So I must have looked a disconsolate figure as I waved him off down the valley and off to conquer Greenup Gill and the slopes of Helm Crag - the views would be magnificent up there today - grrr....

Sitting in the yard of the delightful Stonethwaite Farm I made the aquaintance of three chickens a sheep and a nosey horse who all came over for a chat. The Farmer's wife, who runs the B&B was busy at first but then came out to join me for a long chat over a cup of tea and biccies. It's always interesting to take a peek into other people's lives and as she recounted her daily schedule to me I realised just how hard work it must be to run a working farm and look after guests. She spoke of the responsibility she feels over those walkers who don't turn up on time and the subsequent calls to mountain rescue. Fortunately this had only happened once during her time in charge there. Then there are the rather rude walkers who turn up late but don't call - she's had to call round the pubs in the village on more than one occasion to track down stray guests before calling the emergency services. She was good company for me and helped me get over my grumpy mood!

Tonight I'm sitting in the rather posh Youth Hostel in Grasmere enjoying the beautiful late evening sunshine. The village below is buzzing with activity and Jim is buzzing after his days excercise! He is staying tonight in a Quaker house - at least he should get some peace and quiet there! Unlike me where, once again, my arrival has coincided with half of the school population of Wigan on an adventure week here in the Lakes!

My knee's feeling a lot better though. I hope after a good night's rest it'll be in fine fettle for tomorrow - I'll keep you posted...

Will's Coast 2 Coast - Day 2

2009-06-23T15:27:00.011+01:00

I'm usually ok with mornings...

Today I awoke - as I had done throughout the night to the sound of one of my fellow walkers gently snoring away. As I lay awake in our riduculously hot room listening to the sounds of sleep, I pondered a question which has puzzled me for many years. Why is it that those who snore the loudest go off to sleep the quickest? Is it just a quirk of nature? As a good Pastor I've often wondered at 3am if snoring is another result of the fall of mankind! Suffice it to say that I didn't get a lot of sleep last night!

Apologies also for whenever you eventually see this! I'm afraid neither the mobile phone nor the internet have reached Ennerdale Bridge yet! Some people in these parts are quite proud of this as I found out to my cost when I rather foolishly asked if the hostel had an internet connection. The terse answer I was given rather suggested that it may be some time before thay ever do!

Today's walk was tough but a lot shorter than yesterday - phew! First a long trudge down Ennerdale valley beneath the towering peaks of High Stile, and Haystacks on one side and the brooding presence of Pillar on the other. I had hoped to take a higher route across the tops of these peaks but the mist and cloud were too low for any sight of the panoramic views of Buttermere at the top - and it was just too dangerous for a novice like me in those conditions.

However, the tedious tramp along the valley floor was rewarded by teabreak at the Black sail Hut - a very isolated Youth hostel in the middle of nowhere! What a fantastic little place! There's no warden there for most of the day but there's always a kettle handy with hot tea and biccies for the weary walker - I loved the place! The break there turned into an improptu meeting place for all those whom I'd made aquaintance with during the route so far! There was quite a party going on there for a while!

However the party atmosphere was about to change because soon after there was the first real work of the day. A lung bursting, gut wrenching, knee trembling climb up Loft Beck - 900 meters in a quarter of a mile! The guide book once again rather generously talked of "steps" up to the top which turned out to be boulders which were more of a hinerance than help! The weather had really closed in and visability was really poor so there was no real indication how far there was to go. However, after about 45 mins of the best workout I've had in years the top was reached and "butties" were eaten!

The rest of the day was a long slow descent over the Honister pass as the weather began to clear up. After a stop at the Slate mines with the amusingly titled "Sky High Cafe" - presumably because of the prices - the descent continued into the beautiful Borrowdale Valley and eventually to the wonderfully picture postcard Stonethwaite where I'll be sleeping tonight.

Altogether, a brilliant day - only 9 miles, but they were miles made much easier by the company of friends. Two father and son partnerships have become my travelling companions so far and they've been great fun to be around. Apart from the snoring that is!!

Tonight another friend - Jim - from home is joining me. However all is not well as I'm typing this as my knee - the one I tweaked yesterday, has stiffened up really badly and I can hardly walk on it. I'll see how it goes but the dark clouds of worry are starting to amass overhead and they're spoiling a beautiful evening here in he valley...

More tomorrow - signal permiting!

The Adventure Begins...

2009-06-21T21:19:00.000+01:00

I love adventures!

You know the kind of thing; dangling precariously off the end of cliffs, trekking through dense Jungle, fighting off ferocious wild beasts, until our hero about to draw his final breath, manages to reach his goal and win the prize!

That's a pretty good description of how it feels at the end of day one of this particular adventure!

Ok, so I wasn't actually dangling over the cliffs at St Bees, but the paths were so close to the edge in places that it made for a nerve shredding start to the first day! Then it was on to the 'dense Jungle' of the woodland and its ferocious inhabitants - millions of mosquitoes, horseflies and other assorted minibeasts to whom I becane a walking buffet! Some of the greedy little beggars came back for seconds - and thirds! There are some very overweight insects in these parts tonight - and at least one extremely itchy walker!

Today though was seriously hard work. 20 miles taking in the exhilerating cliff walk and a weary climb up the 500ft Dent Fell - and a descent which the guide book said was 'a little steep' which actually meant 'like a death slide!' one chap slid down on his backside - he didn't mean to, he just sat down to retie his bootlaces and 'the next thing I knew I was down here!'

But it was the last 5 miles which were really tough. Up to that point the day had been hard but truly enjoyable. After a stop in Ennerdale Bridge to say farewell to my walking companions for the day, it seemed like a pleasant stroll around Ennerdale Water and a well - earned meal provided by the good folk at the Youth Hostel of the same name. The lake did look magnificent with the mountains skirting its shores reflecting on the water in the early evening sunlight - it was a stunning view. However, I'm beginning to take a real dislike to the author of the guidebook I'm following. I'm beginning to wonder if he has actually done the walk at all as his descriptions of the trail in places are bordering on the ludicrous. His suggestion that the walk aroud the southerm shore of the lake is 'a joyous amble through classic Lakeland' made me want to wring his neck as I clung on to manfully the rocks at 'Robin hood's Chair' with the lake 10ft below waiting to give me an early bath! I just didn't need that after 18 miles! It was as I was recovering from that particular part of the 'amble' that I stretched a weary limb too far and stood on a loose boulder which promptly gave way sending an electric shock of pain up and down my leg. I'm sure that's going to come back to haunt me!

Sn that's day 1 over! I've met some great people - I'll introduce you to them tomorrow. But for now I'm off to my top bunk sharing a room with my four newfound friends and a night of sleep depritation caused by snoring and midgies! See you tomorrow!

Will's Coast to Coast - The Day Before...

2009-06-20T23:32:00.004+01:00

I'm starting to dream.,.

This week has been all about dreams. I've been back at WEST again where we're being encouraged to dream about Church and the impact that a truly gospel - centred community could have in its neighbourhood. There's so much more I could say about that - but maybe that's for another time!

However my nights have been hncreasingly broken recently by reveries of an entirely different but no less exciting kind!

I'm writing this on the train to St bees and the start of the 'great adventure!'. 14 days and nearly 200 miles walking across the north of Britain taking in the heights and delights of rugged Lakeland, the pastoral landscape of The Yorkshire Dales and the barren heather strewn wilderness ol The North Yorkshire Moors. It's going to be a treat!

Having said all that, the images dancing into my head at 2 o'clock the other morning had nothing to do with the excitement of being in the 'great outdoors'. You see, I'm one of God's worriers! In my experience, if it can possibly go wrong... then I'll not just worry about it, but I'll obsess over it every spare moment I can during the day! And just to make sure I've covered all possible disastrous eventualities, I'll make it the subject of my nocturnal fantasy land too - hence the disturbed nights!

So, having survived all that, here I am at last - waiting for whatever will unfold in the next two weeks with a mixture of excitement and not a little apprehension. The latter wasn't helped earlier tonight when I arived at my B&B for the night in St Bees. Actually, the whole journey was a bit eclectic - from the loud and very drunken stag & hen parties on the Blackpool Train to the lady who fell asleep opposite me on the train to St Bees. She was deep into dreamland, her mouth wide open... You couldn't blame the fly for going in there - it was so inviting! - well it was if you were a fly! So what should I do? wake her and tell her that she's just swallowed a fly - and perhaps she'd die? Or do what I decided to do, leave well alone. I'm sure that being tired and all, she'd appreciate a little extra protein!

Anyway, back to my B&B, the very grandly titled "Manor House Hotel." It seems that the previous owners had "done a moonlight flit" and left the new owners somewhat in the lurch. You can imagine my anxiety point rose quite markedly when the very nice man who now owns the place informed me that he had no record of my booking - and of course the deposit I'd paid to the previous incumbants. "Your very fortunate though", he informed me in a manner which I thought was a touch innapropriate since, having made a booking in good faith I shouldn't have had to rely on good "fortune" at all! "We do have a room for you." - thank goodness for that!

So tomorrow is the big day. I took a stroll down to the beach and the start of tomorrow's walk. (Another worry of mine is that I always find it hard to find the start of a walk! It's so embarrasing!) 19 miles from St Bees to Ennerdale Youth Hostel. It's going to be a long day so I'd better get some sleep now - dreamland permitting....!

Back To School

2009-06-04T23:31:00.003+01:00

I can remember it like it was only a few days ago... In fact it was! – my first day back at school!

To be honest, I was a bit nervous... would I be able to make friends? Would the teachers like me? Will I be able to keep up with all the others? Are my trainers trendy enough or will all the other boys and girls there laugh at me!!? However, all joking aside, my week at WEST (Welsh Evangelical School of Theology) has been brilliant!

As you may know, the subject of my Sabbatical musings has been how we can become more "Missional" as a Church. How do we reach out to people in all strata of society with the Good News message about Jesus Christ. This week at WEST has been led by the Association of Evangelists – and it's been a treat. There's been so much to challenge and inspire – it's been exhausting but excellent.

It's made me even more aware though of the chasm that exists between our Christian subculture and the rest of the world. This was highlighted to me again last week while on a family holiday in beautiful Devon.

I love being on holiday because I get the chance to read newspapers! It's sad I know, but I just love sitting in the sun and poring over the supplements and reading every last word! Anyway, on one particular day the only newspaper left in the shop was the Daily Express – a paper I'd usually have to think twice about using to clean my shoes on! However, to my shame I actually paid good money and sat down to read. After I'd read about the unfortunate Susan Boyle and the heartbreaking and devastating news that Jordan had lost a stone in weight since separating from her estranged husband Peter, I turned for some light relief to the letters page.

It seems that there's a girl somewhere in Scotland who's sharing a flat at university with another wee lass who's only gone and become a Christian. Oh yes! She's got it bad. She's stopped getting drunk with her mates and given up smoking spliffs. Instead she's out at "Bible Studies" and gets up really early on Sundays to go to church! Her concerned flatmate is beside herself – what can she do about this girl who's gone all strange on her?

I couldn't wait for the answer! And do you know what insightful pearls of wisdom were dispensed?.. "perhaps you should make fun of her or ridicule her in front of her friends which should eventually shake her out of her madness!" Incredible!

So it's official then, following Jesus is utter madness!

But in all seriousness, how is it possible to reach a society which feels this way about people whose lives have been transformed by God's amazing Grace? A society which, despite the fact that more than 90% of the crimes committed in our communities are alcohol and drug related, thinks that not drinking yourself into oblivion at the weekend is "weird"

The challenge is huge and there are no easy "quick fixes" But there is only one solution and that's the Gospel. As Paul says in his letter to the Romans chapter1 verse 16 "I'm not ashamed of the gospel, it is the power of God for Salvation for all those who believe..." This is the power to transform our communities ... one life at a time. And this message has been entrusted to the Church and it's our job to find ways to communicate that to those around us - as someone once said "The Church is the only hope for the world."

It's been a real joy this week to listen to others sharing their passion for people. It's been an absolute privilege to have this time of Sabbatical to be re-energised and to sharpen Vision. Over the remaining weeks I'll be looking at how God wants this all to impact on the work He's called me to at OPBC. It's exciting, it's exhilarating and it's extremely daunting.. but when God's at work, how could it be any other way!!?

PS. In relation to this check out the "Redeeming Our Communities" website at: http://www.citylinks.org.uk/Articles/152691/CityLinks/Redeeming_our_Communities/Prayer_Bulletin/Merseyside_Launch_of.aspx
If you're able to attend this event in Liverpool then sign up and go!

The BIG Questions...

2009-06-01T20:46:00.007+01:00

I didn't go to church last Sunday...

Instead I sat with my mum and watched the BBC's Sunday morning offering "The Big Questions" - it was a real eye opener! I didn't see it from the start but by the time I focused in on the proceedings they were trying to answer the age old question "Will my pet be in heaven too?" Now, at best I'm barely tolerant of most pets, so the idea of heaven being full of them seems a bit more like the other place to me! However, personal prejudice aside, I was amazed at the discussion which unfolded before my eyes. From the very well-meaning and sincere vicar who does "pet funerals" to the very butch looking shaven-headed woman who thought that "animals deserve to be there more than any human I've ever met..." and to prove it she seemed to have animal chains descending from every extremity of her body, presumably so she could take them all for a walk at the same time!

Obviously, central to the discussion, as many people observed, was the altogether bigger question of "what is Heaven?" It was the assembled throng's answers to this which really made me sit up. We had Angela Rippon - fresh from her latest assignment on "Flog it - home and away" or something, informing everyone in her best BBC matronly way that "heaven is all in the mind - it's a place we retreat to, and if Fido makes you feel happy - then he'll be there too!" - "Simples!" Then there was a Jewish Rabbi telling us that "you get what you deserve - you have to earn your way to heaven - so let's start being nice to each other and make earth a bit more heven-like." Then there was the other guy who I didn't know who was obviously an atheist who thought the idea of heaven was "absurd" and that "this is all we've got so let's make the best of it!" - how depressing!

The one thing that NOBODY mentioned was the Bible! I was not suprised - after all it was the BBC!

My reaction to it all was, at first, anger - even shouting at the TV a couple of times! But as I thought about it some more I realised that I really shouldn't be surprised - or angry for that matter. How can we expect a world that's in darkness to understand the glorious hope of heaven? Why shouldn't they - without the light of Christ, reduce it all to an "animal rescue shop" which is all in the mind? Why shouldn't the world believe that by "reaching out and touching somebody's hand" we can make this world a better place? It may be a long shot - but it's all we've got...

Well, it is... without Jesus!

He's God's brilliant light shining in the darkness of this hopeless world assuring us that the best is yet to come! He, Jesus, is our only hope of heaven - because He's opened up the way for us to be there through His death as our substitute - paying the price for our sin - removing the barrier to heaven for us. But not only that - through His ressurection we can follow in His footsteps - all the way through "the valley of death" straight to heaven! What a Hope! What a Joy! And, to be honest, once we're there it'll be so amazing that it really won't matter that much whether Tiddles the cat made it or not...!

MP's Money, Moats and Manure

2009-05-18T12:50:00.010+01:00

The mother of all Parliaments eh?

It's been a tough few weeks for our county's leaders. Having their misdeeds broadcast all over the press and news bulletins - it's been highly embarrasing - for them and for our nation. As always the bible gets it right again when it says "Be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23).

On 20th April 1653 one man, Oliver Cromwell (a historic hero of mine!) spoke for the rest of the country when he lifted up his voice to speak to Parliament - he could have been speaking to our leaders today...

"It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonored by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money. Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you have not barter'd your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth? Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defil'd this sacred place, and turn'd the Lord's temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get grievances redress'd, are yourselves gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors. In the name of God, go!"

There's no doubt that some of our so-called "honorary members" have been caught red handed with their fingers in the till and manure in their yards! It's all a sorry mess and has rightly been met with outrage from all sections of the community. Some of the evidence appearing in recent days is much more serious and could even mean prosecution and possible time spent "at her majesty's pleasure."

It's a sad indictment on how far our nation has fallen - they say we get the leaders we deserve don't they? I have wondered throughout all of this though how many millions of pounds of dodgy expenses have been paid out to "Joe Bloggs" for his inflated mileage claims or Hotel bills? If we were to have all our financial dealings splashed all over the press how clear would our concience be? Once again the bible has something to say here "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" John 8:7.

However, those who have taken public office should be held accountable and should set an example to the rest of us. But is it fair to expect them to be perfect? I don't think it is. I do believe that when anyone has broken the law they should be punished and, as many of our leaders have, if their crime is to break the spirit of the law then they should be held to account. And here's the problem - is there really anyone who is qualified to set the standards for us? Is there anyone of whom it could be said that they are "without sin?"

Yesterday I read this from Amos 7:8 "Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people; I will spare them no longer" It's a timely reminder that it's ultimately God who we all answer to - leaders or followers. How do we fare when God's plumbline is held up against our lives? Because of God's Mercy and Grace we have been spared his judgement so far - both as a nation and as individuals - but it WILL come! How will we escape?

Rom 3: 23-24: "... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

We will only escape because of Jesus! He's paid the price for our sin. He's made things right with God. Our response to His wonderful Grace - is faith - that's all just 100% faith in what Jesus has done for us.

But what about our Politicians? What about us when we still sin? None of us are perfect are we? Back in John 8 Jesus said to the "sinful woman" they had brought before him "go, and sin no more!" We have a responsibility toward God to try to live lives of integrity. However when we fail - and we will fail - then we go right back to the cross where Jesus died in our place and once again confess our failing - and receive His wondeful grace.

So, How should we react to all these revelations about our leaders who are "on the make?" Perhaps to pray that God would reveal His plumbline to our nation, to our Parliament, to our leaders - and to me. And pray that we would get on our knees at the foot of the cross, confess our sin and plead for God's Mercy and Grace. Afterall:

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." Proverbs 14:34

Croeso i Gymru

2009-05-16T12:00:00.000+01:00

Welcome to Wales!

The land of song, dragons, rugby, leeks - and sheep! Heaven forbid that I’d stereotype my Welsh cousins of course! And cousins we must surely be - with a name like William Williams it would be criminal not to have some Welsh ancestry somewhere in my distant past! So actually, this annual sojourn at the North Wales resort of Rhos-on-Sea really does feel like I’m coming “home” in more ways than one!

I’m here at the annual Liverpool City Mission retreat funded by the A.H. Boulton Trust who graciously keep on inviting me and the family to join them. Unfortunately the rest of the family can’t be here this year so I’m here alone and it’s really not the same without them. However, there are many things about “Rhos” which never seem to change!

There’s the fantastic panorama of the view across Liverpool Bay – the first glimpse of which you get on the drive into Rhos over the crest of the Cayley Promenade. It’s a stunningly simple but beautiful vista – especially when the sun is throwing millions of sparkling diamonds in a trail across the water. Then there’s the “slightly past it’s sell by date” feel of the shops and café’s in the town; although in recent years there’s been some new investment – in retirement apartments mainly – which will hopefully bring some much needed regeneration into this special place. There’s something quite ironic about regeneration brought about by retiree’s – but I’m much too diplomatic to comment on that! For me though it just feels like “home” because home is where the heart is and my heart is here, wrapped up in the memories of fourteen years of lovely family times together.

Maybe it’s because I’m on my own this year, or maybe because my Sabbatical study has been focusing on how to be more “Missional”, but I suddenly thought earlier in the week that I really don’t know anything about the people who live here in Rhos. I come here every year and just use the place staying in my safe little “ghetto” of Christians. The only time I actually interact with the local community is when I’m being served by them in a shop or café. So, last night I decided to investigate and while the rest of the crew were entertained in the only dedicated Marionette Theatre in the country – I went in search of local culture of a different kind.

It’s not that easy to find! There’s not too many locals about on a windy Tuesday in Rhos! However, there seemed to be some signs of life in a rough looking pub – at least it seemed like life but, as Mr Spock would say; “not as we know it Jim!” Undeterred I ventured inside. At the bar a man sitting on one of the stools informed anyone who was listening without any solicitation, that Cumberland sausages were, in fact, made out of rat meat – a fact which I have no way of either confirming or denying – but as a conversation starter it was going to take some beating! Suffice it to say that my initial fears were eventually confirmed when he turned out to be, as suspected, the local nutter. I found a seat and began to recover from this less than encouraging beginning to my inroads into the local psyche when the juke box burst into “The Fields of Anfield Road” – a song recorded in memory of the 96 Hillsborough victims. The familliar melody was beginning to help me feel more relaxed in the strange surroundings when out of the blue one of the locals who’d been leaning quietly against the wall up to now, suddenly became quite animated shouting “You English ********** you’ve pinched our ******** song!” and then began to chant, supported by his now equally animated friends “IRA! IRA!” At this point the whole atmosphere seemed to turn rather ugly so a fairly sharp and largely unnoticed exit was made by yours truly! I was a bit shaken “but not stirred” and as I continued my small foray into the Rhos nightlife most of the rest of the people seemed perfectly normal!

So what, I wondered, had my feeble attempt at research taught me? Back at the guesthouse later on it was Horlicks and digestives as usual. We were having a lovely time sharing, laughing and enjoying God together. We had been looking at the story of Queen Esther and the amazing web of God’s provision – in her life, in the life of Israel, and in our lives too. What an amazing God we serve! His purposes for mankind and nations are held in the palm of His almighty hand. Knowing that God has literally got everything “in hand” brings peace and comfort in the terrible times of life, as well as an amazing hope and security for the future. But the question is, how do I communicate this amazing Good News, won for me by the sacrificial death of the Son of God, to the community where I live? The people in Rhos are just the same as those in my neighbourhood and everyone else's! - some normal and some nutters too! I wonder how Jesus would reach them? I wonder where Jesus would have been last Tuesday night? That’s not a criticism of Christians enjoying God together – in fact we’re told to do it in the bible – we need to “come aside a rest awhile” (Mark 6:31) - and I certainly enjoyed “coming aside” with everyone last week. But I often wonder what the “Friend of sinners” would say to us after we’ve been fully rested? In fact – I think I know…

"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” Mark 16:15

The "world" is not always an easy place to be - on a windy Tuesday or any other time for that matter! But it's where we're told to go to meet people and tell them about the Goood News. It may seem a bit uncomfortable - and some may not understand - but I think I'll be in good company there!

What's Another Year?

2009-05-04T21:55:00.007+01:00

It's my birthday today!

When I was a child these were magical days full of unknown and eagerly anticipated delights. I remember when I got my first Liverpool football kit - I stood shaking with excitement as I pulled that famous red jersey over my head like Stevie Heighway and Kevin Keegan did every week - my heart was bursting with pride and joy! but, that year the excitement just kept piling on and was almost too much to bear as I opened my first ever pair of footy boots - "Top Dog" - made out of a cows backside and girders from Cammel-Laird's shipyard; they weighed a ton - but they felt glorious!

It's fair to say that the years have changed things somewhat - although most years my array of gifts usually include refrences to my love of all things LFC - however the football kit has now been replaced by coasters or a mug which, as well as being a lot more practical, also serve to remind me where my best position is these days!

It's been a while since I got behind a computer and wrote anything here. Since getting back from the Lakeland adventure I've been trying to catch up with things at home. It's been really strange not having any deadlines looming or meetings to attend. These are the punctuation marks of my life usually and I have to admit, I'm not missing them at all at the moment! However, this week I have started to miss people I usually see each week and perhaps take for granted. I've missed the encouragement and uplift that interaction with others brings.

I think that most of us don't realise how much we need the other people around us. Like the old Joni Mitchell song says "You don't know what you've got 'till it's gone". We don't realise how much of an encouragement we can be to someone even - or perhaps esepecially - when we don't particularly set out to be. It's just about being "there" for each other - perhaps a corny phrase but nonetheless true. It's how God has made us - he told Adam right at the begining that "it is not good for man to be alone" - I think that applies to women too! We often just apply that part of scripture to marriage, but I think it can easily be applied to all human kind - single or married. No-one can do it alone - we all need to just "be there" for each other - it's enough!

As birthday's go - this has been a fairly quiet one. A lie in with breakfast in bed brought to me by one of my daughters. Then a trip to the ancient town of Southport - well the town's not that ancient but it seems to have it's fair share of ancients occupying the main street! I've discovered that time moves slowly in Southport - just like everyone else! Anyway, where was I, Oh yes... then there was a (hugely overpriced) but very enjoyable family meal at a lovely (but hugely overblown) resteraunt. Finally a trip to the cinema - well actually I backed out of that one as "Hannah Montana - The Movie" and it's accompanying "Ho-down Throw-down" sounded like it might make me throw up my (hugely over... sorry - have I already said that?!) lunch! So, quiet it may have been - but I got to enjoy the best present of all - T.I.M.E. - with family and friends - you can't beat it!

PS. My feet have almost healed (no pun intended - honest!) I'll be back in training soon - watch this space!

The Hill's are alive!

2009-04-21T17:51:00.004+01:00

It's Tuesday morning and the sun is pouring through the window as I write this. Just across the road is the little village church of Threlkeld, and looming high above are the majestic heights of Blencathra. On an beautiful spring morning it seems that the hills certainly are alive!

It's been a couple of days since I blogged and things have begun to move at a more sedate pace which has allowed more time for reflection - and for my feet to recover!

On Sunday I was bowled over by the wonderful welcome from the folk at Kings Church Keswick. After the service I met Sarah Kirk who was once a regular at my church in Liverpool. It was a lovely way to spend the first Sunday morning of my sabbatical - I felt truly blessed!

All this week I'll be attending the Keswick Spring Bible Week. The speaker is Dave Fenton. I'm slightly suprised at how few people are here - and at how old most of them are! Good job it's only a week - It's by no means certain that they'll all make it to Friday! However the ministry is good and refreshing and it's a joy to be here.

Another joy is far more earthly - we have a real fire to play with! I love a real fire! There's nothing quite like watching the flames dance and hearing the crackling of the coals as the weather is doing its worst outside. I just wish we had some 'weather' to keep outside! It's not exactly been fire lighting weather yet!

I was reflecting this morning on Acts 1:6. The disciples had walked with Jesus for 3 years; they'd just been through the events of the first Easter with him and yet they STILL didn't understand what it had all been about. They still thought that Jesus' mission had all been about freeing Israel from the oppression of Rome. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit - and not only will they then 'be witnesses' but also they will then finally understand what both Christ's... and their mission was and is. It's the vital work of the Holy Spirit in us isn't it? - to reveal Christ to us and to glorify him in us by completing his mission through us. May Jesus be glorified in us today!

The Wild Rover

2009-04-17T10:49:00.004+01:00

It's important to finish well...

I had a bad feeling about the last day of my journey through Cumbria. It had the potential to be a real anticlimax - but. as George Formby once said it 'turned out nice again'

My night at Keswick Youth Hostel was ok in the end too! I had a room-mate - a Geordie called Alan who'd 'got sick of the fog in the north east' and cycled over from Durham that day - as you do! He was a thoroughly nice chap although my worst Youth hostel fears were almost realised when I went to my room to go to bed. As I approached it sounded like someone was using a lawnmower on our carpet! Alan was somewhere in dreamland and was giving it the bifters! I braced myself for a night of sleep depravation but without any intervention from me, as soon as I put the light out he finished mowing the carpet and put the mower away for the rest of the night!

So, revived after a good night's sleep I bade farewell to my new friend Alan and off I went into a day which for the first time this week had started under grey clouds of uncertainty. My feet were slightly better but were not up to a 16 mile hike to Caldbeck.

I thought it over in a Keswickian coffee shop and decided to take a local bus to Buttermere and take a leisurely stroll around the lake. The bus journey was terrific! On the way the sun came out and accompanied me all the way around the lake and 'home' again... bliss!

I finally made it to Caldbeck - via taxi! Local buses up here can be a little unreliable... Enough said about that! Apart from me having to get a second mortgage to pay for the taxi ride it's been a wonderful day. Psalm 121 by Buttermere - magnificent!

A Day In The Sun

2009-04-16T22:18:00.005+01:00

3 days in the Lakes and no rain!

Not even a hint of it. Just lots of lovely warm sunshine!

Unfortunately though my worst fears were realised this morning as my troublesome feet prevented me from walking in the delights of God's creation... I was gutted!

However, tonight as I sit on the balcony of the Youth Hostel at Keswick overlooking the River Greta with Skiddaw growling in the background, the sun is finaly sent to bed and all is right with the world again! It's a lovely scene.

I can't help thinking that God is reminding me that this time away from work is not about my plans to get more time with Him, but HIS plans to get more time with me! Today - for the first time this week I got some quality time with my creator - and it was good.

Like most Christians I sometimes struggle with God's sovereignty - especially when it affects me! It's annoying and stressful when the things we plan for are messed up and, even though we woldn't want to hold God personally responsible, if we're honest we question whether it would have hurt Him to have let us have our own way for once. It's an honest and human reaction.

I think it's God's way of reminding us who's in charge. I also think today He asked me some questions - 'do you still think I'm the same God even when things go pear shaped - will you still love me? will you still trust? Will you still surrender to me?'

The Sun's gone now and the peace has been shattered by a Youth group from an inner city church in London on a week's holiday. It's been a good day and I don't think its over yet...!

Walking Back To Happiness

2009-04-15T23:59:00.003+01:00

What a difference a day - and some sunshine - make!

I had decided that I wouldn't be walking today due to the spat between my boots and me which I lost miserably. So I was ready for a day wondering around Coniston and Ambleside - that was until the lady who runs the guesthouse where I'm staying tried to helpfully inform me about places en route where I could 'chicken out!' Suddenly my feet didn't feel so bad and I informed her defiantly that I'd be looking forward to seeing her daughter in Dungeon Ghyll - the day's destination - at 5pm to pick me up as previously arranged!.

So off I limped! but the sun was shining and there was a mood of optimism in the air.

It was at this point that I met the Germans. Three girls completely lost - and they hadn't even got started yet! One of them came over and enquired as to the direction to 'ze norse.' I tried hard not to be condecending (see I learned) and pointed them in the right direction. They were doing the Cumbrian Way too and our paths were to cross quite a few times during the day.

Then I met some Americans also doing the walk. International relations were going well until I bumped into the Germans for the third time - once again completely clueless as to where they were. Cue the Americans who somehow managed to convince us that they knew a quicker way and like fools we followed! Well they were very convincing! After half an hour of going nowhere diplomatic relations were curtailed as this Englishman left them to wander in ignorance and somehow managed to get to where he needed to go without the help of our continental cousins!

The walk itself was wonderful. From the tourist filled, almost too twee to be true gorgeousness of the village of Elterwater, to the awesome rugged lonliness of the Langdale valley. Today it felt like I really was in God's backyard - and I loved it!

However, my feet didn't! I hadn't noticed the pain all day until waiting for my lift back to Coniston at The Old Dungeon Ghyll hotel. It was here that I started to pay the price for rising to my landlady's entirely innocent goading - and boy was I paying! In fact the damage is so bad that, at the time of writing, it is highly likely that these dreadful boots have wrecked the remainder of the walk.

But that's not what's filling my mind as I drift off to sleep tonight though. As I recall the events of the day I'm remembering the wonder of God's handiwork and am thankful that I'm alive and able to see it in all its glory... and I'm also thinking about 96 people who lost their lives at a football match 20 years ago today.

YNWA.

A Painful Begining

2009-04-14T17:33:00.003+01:00

They said they were comfortable enough to walk in straight from the box...!

If you asked my heels they'd produce evidence to the contrary - these wretched boots have peeled away enough layers of skin to adequately re-sole themselves - and then some!

It's fair to say that me and the boots have not had the best of starts to our relationship but i'm willing to give it another try if they are.

As for the walk itself - a lot of fields aod no paths - not too inspiring - especially under grey skies. Plus i had to cut it short after 8 miles because the steaks being tenderised on my feet were 'well done' by then!

Just a mention for the man in the walking shop in Coniston. So helpful and full of great advice - without being at al codecending. Could this be what God wanted to teach me today...?

More later...

Holy Week - Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T08:54:00.003+01:00

Who would have believed it!

The comotion at the tomb, the rumours all around Jerusalem... Jesus has come back from the dead... He's alive!

His followers are telling everyone who'll listen that they've seen him - a walking talking miracle! Two guys who'd pretty much given up and were heading off home have turned up in the city saying that they've eaten with Him! What's happening?

Come to think of it, He always said that he would be "put to death" and then "3 days later" He would rise - but I don't think many of us believed Him... then.

But... If this is all true, then it only serves as proof that He is who he said he is. Surely only God could do such a thing as triumph over death! Look at the change in that ramshackled group of his disciples. Terrified and in hiding on Friday... out in the streets and bold as you like today! There MUST be something in all of this...

Two Thousand years of history and millions of transformed lives around the world will testify that there indeed is something in all of this. God has made it possible for us to have a realtionship with Him by sending His only Son, Jesus, to die in our place... to take the punishment for our sin... and to triumph over death. This brings us all hope - not a vain "leap of faith," but a real hope which helps us to triumph thropugh the struggles of life here and now. And the hope goes on, because as He sits today in heaven with His Father... so one day will those of us who believe in Him - in what He's done... for YOU!

Holy Week - Saturday

2009-04-11T21:30:00.000+01:00

It's all gone very quiet...

After the drama of yesterday there's as eerie sense of despair over Jerusalem. What just happened there? The man called Jesus has been Crucified as a common criminal - so much for Him being "God" or even "The Son Of God" as he claimed to be! Where is He now? How could He have surrendered His life so meekly?

His bedraggled band of followers haven't been seen since last night - they're running scared in case the same happens to them - you wouldn't blame them would you? I can only guess how they're feeling today - confused, betrayed - probably really angry. Where is their "glorious king" when they need Him most?

What's happening here? It's all gone so quiet...

Holy Week - Good Friday

2009-04-10T12:41:00.002+01:00

It doesn't make any sense...

Earlier this week He was a hero - a King riding to the rescue of His people - but today...

"Crucify Him!" - that's what they all wanted - "Crucify Him" - but why? It doesn't make any sense at all. They say that He called out to His Father while He hung there on that roughly hewn cross - but nobody was listening. Others said that the sky went dark... and there was an earthquake. People at the Temple said that the curtain between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies - the place where God's presence is... well, it ripped in two causing shrieks of terror and amazement to come from all who where there.

So what's this all about? Why has this man died? How could this have happened? What is going on here...?

Holy Week - Maunday Thursday

2009-04-09T00:18:00.000+01:00

The Anguish of it all...

It's the night before the Passover and the scene before us is overwhelming in it's intensity. The moonlight flickers through the trees as the chill in the night air causes a shiver to run down the spine. It's here, in the garden they call Gethsemene, that we find our mysterious friend and he's praying... great agonising prayers to the one He calls his "father." The words spoken seem so helpless... so utterly hopeless - and yet so powerful:

"Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me... yet not my will but Yours be done."

How deep the pain, how crushing the lonliness - but why? What awful prospect awaits that is so terrible that it causes him to sweat "great drops of blood?" What Father could inflict such punshment on his own beloved son... and why? What is this "cup" of his destiny...?

Walk on...

2009-04-08T23:13:00.004+01:00

Oh dear!

Well, just when you think things are going well...! Fair play to the boys from the bridge though - they wanted it more and deserved to win. The final score didn't flatter them.

So I'm disappointed and slightly downcast tonight... but isn't this why we love sport - and football in particular? When you support a team you enjoy the highs - and there's been planty of those recently - and you despair at the lows. (If you don't follow footy or support a team then you'll have no idea what I'm talking about! It's the unpredicttability of it all. It's a roller-coaster ride of emotion and drama!

Anyway, I thought that in the interests of balance and fair play after my jubilations in earlier posts I ought to let you know how it feels when my beloved team loses! It's not great... but as someone else once said, "tomorrow's another day!"

Holy Week - Wednesday

2009-04-08T10:04:00.004+01:00

It was one of those "tumbleweed moments"...

Everything was going so well at the dinner party. Then she walks in! There's a few red faces and much awkward shuffling among the guests! But the room falls silent as she walks over to Jesus and washes his feet with her hair. She's crying, but Jesus breaks the silence and begins talking about forgiveness.

Oh yes, it was one of those "not to be missed" moments alright! But, who is this man who has such amazing power over people? That woman - and countless others have had their lives changed - there's joy instead of sorrow, hope where there was only desperation before... who is He...?

Holy Week - Tuesday

2009-04-07T11:14:00.003+01:00

People say the strangest things!

Jesus is back in the Temple and he's saying some very disturbing things about the future! People are listening, taking it all in as he describes "the end of the world" as He sees it. The most astonishing thing is that He's talking about coming back - from where? Where's he going anyway? It's all very mysterious - and a bit scary! Here's some of what He said...

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."

So, He's going... and he's coming back? I think there's much more to come from this man yet! Perhaps the best thing to do is to take His own advice as we "keep watch..."

Holy Week - Monday

2009-04-06T08:00:00.000+01:00

"It's a disgrace!"

You couldn't move in the Temple for the animal salesmen and moneychangers. The "Kerching" of the cash register taking over where only the murmuring of tear staned prayer used to be heard. It was a total disgrace the way rampant commercialism had taken over God's house - but who could actually do anything about it?

Then there was that memorable day when it all "kicked off" - it was THAT man again! Shouting and rampaging around the Temple Court brandishing a whip he'd hastily made! It was a memorable sight as he sent tables and chairs as well as thousands of coins spinning in all directions and calling it a "den of thieves!" But who was He? and what was he up to?...

Holy Week - Palm Sunday

2009-04-05T16:22:00.006+01:00

It's the day they heard that their promised deliverer was coming to town. This Charismatic stranger with his bedraggled band of followers. They said he'd healed the sick and even raised the dead. He'd stood up to the leaders - both Jews and Romans - it MUST be Him!

The crowds gather - the kids are going wild at the city gates! They're singing and chanting "Hosanna!" And here he comes - on a donkey... a donkey? Still, He's the only hope they've got so they'll give Him a chance...

These Boots Were Made For Walking...

2009-03-31T16:23:00.005+01:00

2 weeks today!

Yes the long awaited (well, by me anyway!) Sabbatical begins!

It will all start on the 6am train to Ulverston as I begin my first challenge - to walk the Cumbria Way. Ahead will be 70 miles and five days of walking in the most breathtaking scenery in all of the UK. With a bit of help from above I may even get to see some of it! They say that in Lakeland "when you can't see the tops of the mountains it's raining - when you can see them then it's about to rain!" I don't believe a word of it - most of the time it's too cloudy to see anything!

I've been preparing myself for the rigours of this walk for some time now. You can't just turn up and cover the distance required each day - on average 16 miles - without some advance training, preaparation and planning; at least you can't at my age! Four months ago I was 3 stones heavier and had not walked further than the odd mile or two for as long as I could remember! It's been tough going but thanks to the many "red days" and "green days" of Slimming World and the local Gym I finally feel that I'm ready for it!

Up to now I've never needed a "base layer" or "gaiters" in my work as a Pastor. I seem to have gotten by without them! But now I seem to have stumbled upon a whole new language! I've also discovered the amazing world of "Craghoppers" and "North Face" who do a great line in trousers which turn into shorts at the rip of a zip! I've brushed up on my map & compass skills - if only I could remember to have the map the right way up I'd be laughing! But all is not lost there either - oh no! I've also entered the digital age with a vengence and got myself a handheld GPS off ebay and, in the process, saved myself forty quid - and hours of frustration! So that's it - I'm ready... apart from the boots!

Now, for a walker there's nothing more important than his/her boots! "Your feet are your best friends" say the guide books! I'm not sure I agree with that - I'm not sure my feet have ever been that friendly! Certainly not after a day's walking! So, I need a pair of quality boots which I can "break in" in less than 2 weeks! I saw some yesterday on Blacks Website with the priceless description announcing that "these boots were made for walking..." - as opposed to what? And now I can't get that song out of my head! It'll be haunting me with every blister I get!

So, the adventure is about to begin! 5 days walking in God's backyard followed by a week sitting at His feet at the Spring Bible week in Keswick. It'll be good to be able to sit and listen for a while. I'm taking a couple of books with me to get stuck into. One of them, "Living The Cross Centred Life" by C.J. Mahaney, I've read twice already - it's a gem. You can never get enough time at the foot of the Cross! The other? well, I haven't decided yet - I'll let you know when I have!

"...these boots were made for walking...!" - Oh Nooooo!

Deborah 13: Servant Of God

2009-03-21T22:16:00.007Z

"I'm not ashamed of the Gospel..." - or am I?

As I sat and watched the TV screen I found myself warming to this young girl who, at the tender age of 13, was putting my miserable efforts to live a gospel centred life to shame.

Last week BBC3 aired a documentary about Deborah Drapper who lives with her large family on a farm in Dorset. She, like the rest of her brothers and sisters are committed Christians and are trying to live a different kind of life to their peers - a life filled with Christ, From their homeschooling and family devotions - led by their parents, through to their family outreach Puppet Show - their one desire is to serve God faithfully even if it means that they stand out from the world they live in.

Deborah - the subject of the documentary, was shown witnessing to some local street kids without embarrassment, boldly sharing her faith. "If I have to offend someone to see them saved for eternity," she says, "well, I don't mind doing that."

But I guess the most challenging part of the whole thing for me was when she went to visit her older brother at University up in Derbyshire. It was here that she was "exposed" to some of the most shocking behaviour which is the norm of student life. As she stood surrounded by the "world" of drunken, sexually explicit and thoroughly licentious life which was going on around her I couldn't help but feel moved with a mixture of horror and compassion at the picture of hopelessness and helplessness I was watching. Here were two worlds colliding. I thought I was going to pity Deborah - thrown into this "den of iniquity" and I was prepared to squirm as she struggled to come to terms with it. However it was not Deborah's plight which got to me - she was assured and confident - not in herself, but in her God who she spoke about with refreshing directness. No, it was the sight of the cream of the nations young people who's sole aim is the pointless mission to go out, get drunk and "get off" with someone at the weekend. "Ashamed of the gospel" - I think not!

But the challenge for me was, and is, how confident am I in the gospel? How assured am I of it's ability to chage lives? How willing am I to be bold enough to be different as I "work out my salvation with fear and trembling?" Am I ashamed of Christ's kingdom when it meets the kingdom of this world? What makes me "squirm" the most?

I know it's easy when you're 13 and life is very "black and white" - there aren't many shades of grey to a teenager! But it's too easy to dismiss Deborah like that. I was ashamed to hear some christians who described her and her family as a "bit weird" or "too narrow". Of couse they're not perfect, and it must be easier to live this way in an isolated part of the beautiful Dorset countryside as they do. However, our calling as followers of Christ is to be "in the world and not of it" Paul tells us that in Christ we are a "new creation, the old has gone..." - well it's supposed to have! How different is the kingdom I live in from the Kingdom of this world? How much "noise" does it make when they collide? - is there any? And if we're on a constant collision course, how can we "engage" meaningfully with this world in order to share Jesus with it?

On Sundays recently we've been looking at Paul's letter to the Romans. Paul deals with all this stuff in Chapters 5-8. It can be tough going to understand it but I know that the answers are in there! It's the Christian's oldest battle - the "old and new master." The problem is, we're living in the "overlap" of these two kingdoms and the outcome of the battle is dependant on who's "on top" in my life! Too often I think it's eaier to give in to the world rather than standing up in Christ.

As you can probably tell, Deborah's story really got to me - in a good way! I've been challenged and rebuked and for that I thank God. I'll leave the final words to Jesus as he responds to the Church leaders of his day as they try to stop the local kids from getting too excited about Him...

"But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read,‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?” Matt 21:15-16

Walk, Rest and Pray

2009-03-17T16:19:00.005Z

Only 5 more weeks!

On Monday 13th April (Easter Monday) I begin a 12 week Sabbatical. As I said in an earlier post, the good folk at OPBC have granted me this time away from my normal duties to take time to "recharge the batteries" Spiritually, Physically and Emotionally and I'm really looking forward to it! However, I'm also aware of just how precious this time will be and I want to make the most of it.

I will be spending some of my time walking - long walks with plenty of time for thinking and talking to God - I hope! I love the outdoors - especially in the wild, remote, rugged corners of the British Isles. There's nothing quite like walking in God's creation - it's spellbinding!

My first walk will be along the Cumbria Way - from Ulverston to Carlisle which is about 90 miles. Then there's the bigger challenge of "Wainwrights Coast To Coast Walk" at the end of June.

This magnificent walk covers around 190 miles from St Bees Head in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire. It passes through rugged lakeland mountains as well as the wilderness of the North Yorkshire moors. It'll take about 2 weeks averaging 17 miles a day to get there - but I'm up for the challenge! Look out for my Walking blogs if you want to follow my progress. I will be looking for sponsorship on the Coast to Coast walk with the money donated going to the Liverpool City Mission Summer Camp - watch out for more details soon!

As well as the walking I'll be spending some time studying at a Theological College in South Wales. I'll be looking at how the Church can be more effective in preaching the gospel relevantly in an Urban situation. I believe that the church should be truly "Missional" in it's outlook - ie putting the Gospel at the centre of all that we do. I'll be taking the opportunity to visit oither Churches and situations to see how they are meeting the challenge! I'm really looking forward to it! Once again I'll be blogging about the things I'm learning - so keep following!

Another Day In Paradise

2009-03-14T19:42:00.003Z

Enough said!

So it's been quite a good week on the old footy front then!!

I can only repeat what was written in my last post - and then double it! There's nothing like winning against your biggest rivals - but this wasn't a win - it was a humiliation! - 2nd time this week!

Having said that it looks like they've still got the Premiership Title in the bag. But let's not worry about that for tonight and just enjoy the moment... again!

Is This For Real?

2009-03-10T23:54:00.005Z

Football drives me crazy.

I know, I should grow up and probably do something more prodictive with my time, but I can't help myself - I'm a football nutter!

In particular I'm a Liverpool FC nutter. I wouldn't say it's like a religion as some do, (well I wouldn't would I?) It's more like a relationship. Brian Reade who writes for the Daily Mirror published a great book recently entitled "40 Years With The Same Bird" - referring to his love of all things Liverpool FC (the "bird being the mythical Liver Bird on the Liverpool crest) and I think I know what he means. You have good days and bad days, sometimes you surprise each other, sometimes you let each other down. There are days to remember and days you'd love to forget but you can't. Times of hope, times of despair and disappointment. But like all good relationships you're always there for each other through thick and thin; like the song says "You'll Never Walk Alone."

Well, tonight is one of those fantastic, and wonderful moonlit nights walking along the seashore as the waves lap onto the beach below. The gentle breeze is cooling the warm sultry air and somewhere in the distance a band is playing your favourite tune. Is this for real - or am I only dreaming?

The boys in red have just produced one of the performances of the season to beat one of the best teams in the world 4 goals to nil. Did this really happen? Like I said - football drives me crazy! Still, I'll enjoy the moment for now - maybe there's a lesson in there somwhere for my relationships too!

I can't help wondering how God sees me whe he looks at our realtionship. I must constantly disappoint Him and yet He's always faithful, never holds a grudge and is there waiting for me with open arms when I mess up. Sometimes we're like the moonlit beach scenario - and sometimes it's more like the "valley of death" - but unlike my relationship with my beloved football team - he never let's me down. Maybe I need to spend some more time "enjoying the moments" with Him - even when the sun isn't shining!

That Friday Feeling!

2009-03-06T11:46:00.004Z

It's Friday again - and there's a Coffee Morning going on in the hall next door to the office. There seem to be loads of people going in - probably enticed by the amazing smell of bacon butties! What is it about the smell of bacon eh? It's part of being British I think - I don't think anyone else does the smell of bacon like us brits!

Anyway, it's distracting me from getting things ready for Sunday. A "Family Time" at a Church in Irby and our own Evening Service to get sorted. It's that Friday feeling again - anticipation mixed with mild panic! Anticipation because the words I have been entrusted with are powerful and life-changing; mild panic because the responsibility to present them in a way that brings glory to God is awesome! You'd think after nearly 19 years it would get easier - but I'm glad to say that it doesn't! It means that I have to trust in a very gracious God who'll help me! - and that's never a bad thing!

Hello!

2009-03-05T15:30:00.002Z

Welcome to my world!

I've always fancied writing a blog but I just never seem to have had the time for it until now. I hope to keep things as up to date as possible and I'll try to be as interesting as I can! Over the next few weeks I'll be preparing for a Sabbatical which the good folk at Orrell Park Baptist Church have granted me. After 7 years as Pastor they have allowed me 12 weeks to rest, read, ramble, research, reflect, recharge, and hopefully be renewed at the end of it all. If you promise to follow, I'll promise to keep you updated on my experiences - both good and well... not so good!
As well as that I'll try to talk about other stuff that's happening too - please feel free to comment - it's good to talk!

So here goes then! My first attempt at launching into the world of Cyberspace and the wonderful world of the interweb. See you soon!