So where does the "wild life" bit come in?

So you'll gather that my main interest is worship...but as well as that I love all things outdoors...well except for this time of year when the sport of choice is climbing of the indoor variety! My mate Bob is a monkey..a tree monkey to be precise. His job has him up and down trees all day every day, which makes him a perfect climbing partner, 'cause he can climb just about anything, as was the case at the climbing wall on Tuesday. Some people take their climbing very seriously and use just one colour of hold to make their way to the top...I prefer the "colour blind" option, where there are, quite literally, "no holds bared". The real objective is to get to the top of the climb without incurring any pain as far as I'm concerned. I can just hear the purists tutting...

So today was the presentation of the Eames-Bradley report, and what a to do! What amazed me most from the TV pictures was the apparent ability of those who were not protesting to sit calmly in their seats, chatting away to one another, whilst all around, chaos seemed to be breeding! I'm not really one for political comment, but you have to ask how anybody can think that paying out to someone who caused their own injury as well as to everyone else they took with them is an idea that will be easily accepted - I know that the definition of "victim" is based on the "Victims and Survivors (Northern Ireland) Order 2006". Reading between the lines of the report it seems that this was a bit of a nightmare, as the report states,

"In the consultation process a definition of a ‘victim’, acceptable to everyone, did not emerge. The contention the Group encountered around this issue is nothing new."

So there you go - there must have been some long and heated debates about that one. As Lord Eames said (it seemed over and over again on every news broadcast), they've been at this for 18 months...so really, who am I to question them...doesn't make it any easier to swallow! Better that the money goes to people directly affected than to all the lawyers and civil servants and the rest, who suck the coffers dry during all these inquiries though!

I think I'll just stick to trying to climb up the wall.

Anyway, back on the wild side of things, I've forgotten what the Mournes look like, it's been so long since I was in them...must have a wee dander next month!

Our Gap group in church have been meditating (well I've been trying to get them to meditate) on a different verse each week...mainly driven by what it says in Joshua 1:8...Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Sounds pretty good doesn't it...and God does make you prosperous and successful, and I don't just mean in a Christian-super-spiritual way ;-)

So the verse to be discussed next Tuesday is:

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Now that's worship rolling right on in to a wild life - don't you think? Gappers - get meditating!

This is new for me...

So, here we are, nearly at the end of the first month of 2009. Where did January go to? I've heard enough about these blogs, and thought it was time to get myself one. With no idea what will be written here, away we go!

Church was great yesterday. I was leading, and having witnessed major history in the US of A, I thought it a very apt time to throw in a bit of "Pride" to the worship set. )Make sure you check out the videos of U2 at the Lincoln Memorial!) Linked in nicely with Third Day's version of "Turn your eyes upon Jesus". Apologies to the congregation that it was too low - it sounded alright in the house...we'll know the next time! Had some friends down to visit as well...and the neighbours who we'd invited to come to church for the first time...that was really cool.

Last night was the memorial service for Rev. Gary...very sad, but very amazing service. The full band weighed in and sounded great...and the packed church sang their hearts out to God. Alison and Rebekah we love you with the love of the Lord...keep on keepin' on!

There is something amazing about children praying and singing. Suggested to Gary H something that I'd seen in a friend's church - asking the children for their prayer requests...what is it the bible says about "out of the mouths of babes..."? I think we're going to try that in Sunday School and lead into trying it in the church service...really looking forward to seeing how that works out.
Gappers...hope you all enjoyed laser quest last week while I was sick...I'll post the verse for next week up here shortly...and I want some good debate on Tuesday week. Danny, hope you arrived safe and sound in the land down under. Let us know how you're getting on.

And the band...next scheduled gig at the moment is to be Dunamis on 4th April at Tandragee Leisure Centre...I wonder can we do "Pride" there? Can't wait to play another gig with the band...and Mark's new guitar (don't tell his mum and dad - they think he's skint (and now he is after buying a new guitar!) And just what drum kit will Pete bring this time? Hopefully there'll be a couple of gigs before this, but I'll let you all know.

So...this looks something like a blog should I think!