Holiday

Back yesterday. Had a fantastic time. As everyone here was going through severe weather warnings, Greece (where we went) had a heatwave with temperatures about 40 degrees most days. Not too hot as most Brits would think.

We went to Lefkas (Greek Island on the west coast of Greece) with Crystal Active (lots of watersports). However, I spent most of my time lying by the pool reading crime novels. Between books I did lots of falling off windsurfers, sailing and some diving, including a night dive which was awesome…

Unfortunately later in the holiday the car our friends we went with were in was hit by a motocyclist whilst we were driving in the mountains. He was so lucky not to have been killed… anyway to cut a long story short it got sorted after he accused us of running him off the road. Greek police don’t work too fast.

Anyway, I always read loads of books when I go away and a couple were really superb… will be reviewing them over the next couple of days. C

Worship

Just read this on Michael’s blog (highly recommended reading) and wanted to post a bit of it here, partly to remind myself of some of the really important things about worship… he’s taken it from Dan Kimball’s book Emerging Worship

1) Did we make Jesus the focus?
2) Did we have time in the scriptures?
3) Did we pray together? (including time of quiet in which God’s spirit could be listened to)
4) Did we experience the fun / joy / encouragement of being with each other?
5) Do we take the Lord’s supper regularly together?
6) Did we somehow remind each other of the mission of the church and why we exist?
7) Did we enable each other to contribute something as part of the body of Christ?

Holiday

I’m off for two weeks tomorrow to Greece (not to that beach unfortunately but somewhere just as nice). Going to learn how to fall less frequently off a windsurfer, do some diving, read some books, get sunburnt, eat, and then come back. No blogging for a bit. C

Those things you don’t admit in public

We’ve all got those songs and films that we love that would perhaps make us look a bit foolish… the reason I got thinking about it was because I’m about to go on holiday and I’m downloading some nice tracks for my (sorry the lovely wife’s) ipod.

Here goes… the 5(ish) songs that I secretly love

1. Teenage dirtbag – Wheatus. Makes me laugh and sing along loudly
2. 500 miles – Proclaimers. I loved this before the comic relief thing (although the video for that is genius)
3. Jump – Kris Kross. Still know the words. And the words to the extended version.
4. Boom boom shake the room – Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. The Ultimate karaoke track.
5. Most things by East 17. Now I’ve gone red.

Films…

1. Forrest Gump – first film I cried at. I think it’s moving.
2. Monsters Inc – still cry when they put Boo back into the bedroom. I’m such a baby.
3. Top Gun – I can quote almost every word.
4. Groundhog Day – the best film ever.
5. The Princess Bride – not embarrased about this one. It’s the best kids film ever. FACT.

If I think of any more I’ll let you know… C

Gardening

Been doing a bit today. I don’t usually enjoy it but there is something amazing satisfying about hacking back a huge bush to almost nothing whilst listening to the cricket on the radio. Can feel old age arriving quickly.

I love it when a plan (looks like it might) comes together

Do you have those days when it goes from feeling a bit like you don’t know where you’re going with a project to feeling like it might actually work? Having one of those days. But it could still change…

England v Estonia

Read this article on the BBC sport website - my thoughts exactly.

Illness

For the first time in ages I’ve been ill. Spoke at the Path on Saturday night and then vommed at home a bit later. I blame the McDonalds that I ate… those damn caramel McFlurry’s…

Anyway had a great time at my niece’s baptism yesterday. The service was really meaningful and engaging. Also, she is my first God-child which I count as a real privilege. Popped in yesterday to our XCITE social – run for the first time by just the young leaders… should I have been suprised at the fun and carnage that was present when I popped in? Thanks to all those who stepped in whilst I lay ill on the sofa.

Got a busy week this week with lots of New Wine stuff to sort out before my AMAZING holiday in 10 days. Can’t wait.

Pirates of the Caribbean 3

Rubbish. Too long. Got bored. Here’s my problem with the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy (quite clearly going to carry on to at least 4)… the first one was good. It was funny, original and well done. The main problem was that it made loads of money so they felt that they had to release another 2. Both of which were rubbish, too long and boring. It happened with the Matrix too – first film was great, the other two weren’t. Anyway, Pirates 3 – 5/10.

Podcasts

I listen to quite a few different podcasts – all of which are listed down the side of the blog. Here’s a few highlights from them over the past few weeks.

MOSAIC - They’ve just finished a 4 part series called Romance unwrapped. I think this is some of the best stuff on healthy relationships that I’ve heard. Kim & Erwin McManus do the sessions together and cover lots of the usual questions about sex, relationships, singleness and marriage from some really interesting and creative angles. Just some of the best Christian teaching that I’ve come across.

Mars Hill - Greg Boyd speaking on Jesus’ death on the cross. Really thought provoking and deep. Only down side is the constant references to how great Mars Hill is… does grate after a while.

HTB - A really good set of 3 talks by Father Raneiro Cantamalessa (??) on the “Go’s in the Bible”. Simple but profound. Anyway, check them out for yourselves. C

Marks and Spencers

Lasted 10 mins today before I got another headache. My lovely wife let me go to WH Smiths to read the papers. She is the best. For previous references to my illness see this.