Thoughts of a Christian/Husband/Father...: Archive

Subliminal...

I have recently been reading a few books on anthropology and social psychology (I don’t drop that in to appear smart - some of them had pictures!) But one thing it has opened my mind to is how many subliminal messages are deliberately and expertly weaved into our daily lives. Whether it’s TV ads, or articles, or things at the side of the page when we’re searching the internet -...

Apr 15th

Start Starting...

I always seem to start starting things…like blogs/journals/reading plans etc. So I’m going to start starting my blog again… Let’s hope that I can keep keeping on with it… Talk soon…

Mar 1st

Rediscovering...

Gomez - Whippin’ Piccadilly Everyman’s Talmud - Cohen L’Abri - Edith Schaeffer

Nov 2nd

Oct 31st

Getting Real...

A few weeks ago I listened to a couple of interviews from some church leaders and then on Wednesday I met with a few Christian friends of mine. All these have used mightily by God to challenge me on a lot of things. The main point of it was a question that was asked by a friend on Wednesday that has really got me thinking… Why am I doing this? Basically in my life and I suppose in a lot...

Oct 15th

Good thought from a book I'm reading....

We can’t think ourselves into acting differently, we must act our way into thinking differently.

Jul 19th

“Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank...”

– Invictus

Jun 17th

The funniest thing...

Last week I was sorting out the outlines and finishing up my sermons for Sunday. It was on John 12 and unbelief, and to be honest it was one of the hardest sermons I’ve had to prepare. Occasionally I find some sermons subjects more difficult to preach on as I’m still working on them and try to be as honest as possible without sounding crazy! Coupled with that, our week has been a...

Jun 3rd

Does Bartering Work?

I have read a few post recently about a Bartering craze happening. I wonder if it would work in Northern Ireland as we can be a pretty strange people. You start with a 1p and see what you can barter it for…and so on. Anyone game? If so what did you end up with?

May 14th

May 11th

Watch

May 10th

Bible Characters...

I’ve been studying in John 11 for this Sunday’s sermons. In the story I must admit that it makes me think of how cool heaven is going to be. I have nearly always wanted to meet the characters in the Bible to see what it was like for them. One of the people I’m looking forward to meeting most is Lazarus. So it’s been cool to look at that whole story again while preparing...

May 10th

Family...

On Monday we went out as a family with my parents and my brother’s family. Ben enjoyed walking with his Nanny and cousin Jackson. We got some amazing snaps using the Hipstamatic App for the iPhone.

May 7th

A Question...

I have been looking at the structure of church and ready a few books on church culture and I have a question… When did the church begin to use “worship leaders” and do we really need them? I’m undecided either way but wanted to know what people think on this area.

May 7th

May 5th

Apr 30th

195 notes

An Interesting Chat...

I had an interesting chat with two women who came to the door. They said they were local Christians who were asking people about politics. I’m still a Ballymena newbie so I went along with it. Julie & Ben were sleeping so I had a minute or two. I explained I worked a a pastor, they said well done (?) they said they had “good news” to share with me so we stood in the sun and...

Apr 30th

Apr 27th

I made this on Garageband tonight. It’s...

Apr 27th

Apr 23rd

Apr 21st

Apr 20th

Apr 16th

Apr 12th

Books...

Anyone who knows me, knows that I read probably far too much! I’m reading a book at the minute by Bill Hybels called “Just Walk Across the Room.” It’s an interesting look at personal evangelism in terms of just being normal. I think for me there always seemed to be a “secret formula” to telling people about Jesus, or we just jumped in feet first and freaked...

Apr 12th

Apr 7th

Easter Bank Holidays...

Ben has been sick….however…as the weather is terrible outside we’ve decided to see how fun we can make our house. So yesterday we pulled out all our pillows, sheets, duvets and toys and transformed our front room into a toddlers play area. We had a ball pit, a tent, a climbing area and also a soft play area. Ben loved it and it meant he could be in his slouchie clothes all...

Apr 6th

A living hope...

I am realising now that my goal to write this blog is going to the wall a bit. However partly it is because my life is busy at the minute. We have had some amazing weeks in the church, with a three people saved in the last three weeks, a lot of new people coming to church, and an amazing Easter weekend. I also conducted my first funeral service and it has helped me realise that this job is an...

Apr 4th

Mar 3rd

Slowing down...

Normally I am a speed reader. I can get through 2-3 books a week. But at the minute I’m struggling to read a few books. Not sure what is happening! I’m reading “Deep Church” at the minute and it is very good, especially because I find the area of emerging and traditional churches very interesting. I’m slowing down as Julie & I have cheated and watched loads of...

Feb 24th

Trying to be someone else...

One of the things that is bugging me slightly at the minute is the fact that many of us are trying to be someone else! I love people watching…although not in the weird way! But especially in Christian circles I am beginning to get quite worried about who we are trying to be like. I’ve seen more clones of “Christian celebrities” that we are starting to lose out on just...

Feb 15th

The last couple of weeks...

I guess I have been pretty silent the last few weeks as I’ve been up to my eyes with work. It has been amazing though as I have learned a lot. I’ll just write a load of the cool stuff I’ve been upto. Watching Snow Buddies with Ben. Teaching Ben to kick a ball. Fixing stuff that Ben has kicked! Read Memoirs of An Ordinary Pastor/Contagious Christian/Confessions of a Reformed Rev....

Feb 13th

How quick we forget...

Seems like Haiti has already been bumped down by the iPad and Man Utd - Man City match and N. Irish politics. Such a shame!

Jan 28th

Watch

I would love a library like this…I’m addicted to books!

Jan 27th

Frontin'

Since we have come back from Mexico we have realised that over the last few years rather than build friendships and get to know each other more, our initial reaction is to put up a kind of front to prevent us from knowing each other. We have spoken to a lot of people about this and to be honest, it seems as everyone is sick of it. I think it is time that we are real as people, especially...

Jan 23rd

Jan 22nd

Facebook...

is the life and soul of the party ha ha! Had a great nights craic tonight. Wonder if I’m the first to post?

Jan 15th

Morning...

This morning I got up early and went for a nice walk with hardly any snow about. I got a absolutely rubbish cup of coffee from the garage. And came home for breakfast club with Julie & Ben! Now out to do some prep on a new Bible study series for church.

Jan 11th

Watch

Future footballer?

Jan 10th

Coaching/Mentoring...

Is this a new fancy way to say the word discipleship? We are to “make disciples” as Jesus says to us as Christians/Pastors/Leaders. It should be our first instinct with people. 1st stage/1st step/1st thought. But how many people actually are being discipled or discipling others?

Jan 8th

Surprisingly happy...

A friend of Julie’s came round tonight for tea and a chat. I secretly love this! I get chased upstairs to do some reading, listening to music and chilling out. It’s been great!

Jan 7th

10 Ways to Encourage a Missionary →

Do you know any missionaries? Click this link! http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2010/01/06/10-ways-to-encourage-a-missionary/ Julie & I have some experience as missionaries and this is a really good resource to bring our attention to encourage people serving God around the world.

Jan 7th

Football tonight...

Going to play football tonight after our “winter” break! I don’t think I’ll play very well…for a change ha ha. This is for a number of reasons. 1. I’m not that good! 2. I’m wearing new “Christmas” shoes. 3. I’m about 2 stone heavier after Christmas. 4. I’ll be dreaming about trying the new Indian out in Galgorm afterwards!

Jan 6th

Reading by the Fire...

Reading a book again tonight. “God wants to save Christians” by Rob Bell I’ll let you know how that goes.

Jan 5th

Getting out of bed...

The colder it gets the harder it seems to be to get out of bed. But I’m heading out to my warm office for some study, peppermint tea, and listening to music. I’ll be warm in no time!

Jan 5th

To Do List →

http://whittakerwoman.typepad.com/whittaker_woman/my-list/ I have been really challenged by this list and what mine would look like. Maybe similar only without the jumping off things and out of things. I’m not so good with heights, planes or general danger!

Jan 4th