Tag: me

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Soaring Arrows and Loud Noises

At the weekend we managed to do something that I’ve wanted to do for a very long time – we went up the A15 towards Lincoln, sat in traffic for over an hour and walked for miles under the midday sun…

OK, so those particular bits weren’t part of my ambition but the end goal was well worth it.

The end goal was the annual Airshow at RAF Waddington. A huge collection of static aircraft to view and even climb in along with some of the most amazing aerobatic displays from WWII to the modern day.

The littlest Hartley was unfortunately ill due to the heat, but everyone still managed to have a great time.

When we arrived it was just in time to watch an outstanding display of agility from a Lynx and Apache helicopter followed by 30 minutes of the worlds best pilots showing just how to do it – I am, of course, talking about the one and only Red Arrows display team. Watching those pilots position their Hawks with such precision and control and seeing them carry out so many intricate moves makes me fit to bursting with pride over just what our RAF folks are capable of.

For those of you on Facebook, I have posted a small selection of the photos I took on the day – some of which I am rather proud of 🙂

It was a strange day in many ways as it was the first time I’ve been back on a base since my dad left the Air Force a fair few years ago and at times it got quite emotional – especially when we were sat in a hanger with brass bands playing – memories came flooding back and the atmosphere was so familiar, so comfortable.

I’d never want to go back to that lifestyle, and never regret escaping it – but there were very good times and very fond memories and it was an amazing day and well worth the visit.

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Amazed by the Grace, Favour, Provision and Randomness of God

There’s a saying that “God moves in mysterious ways” and it’s one that I cannot dispute in any fashion at all.

Not only have we had the amazing BBC coverage at KingsGate, along with the complete randomness of Chris Moyles then raving about it, but there just seems to be a whole lot happening right now that just seems to come in a barrage of amazement and wonder.

So far this year I’ve seen friends experience what can only be divine provision, both financially and materially. Friends have been challenged by God and their lives shaken by things they have seen/heard. There have also been healings and answered prayers of all kinds.

Probably one of the most random experiences of the year took place only the other evening – I can’t go into too much detail at the moment but trust me, it’s sooo random it can only be God.

From a personal perspective, the year is not the most comfortable as my job is at risk and the job market is proving frustratingly silent, and we are facing other challenges as well – but with all the things we are witnessing right now we really do have a firm belief that Gods promise that “I know the plans I have for you… to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29) really is true and that whatever happens he will be our “Jehovah Jireh” , the God who provides.

Yes, there are bad days when it all seems to close in and I find that it seems impossible – but there is such a peace, a Shalom, that these days and times and few and far between!

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More…

Brian Doerkson wrote this back in 1994… a simple song of declaration, desperation, adoration, worship, love and more

More than oxygen, I need Your love
More than life-giving food the hungry dream of
More than an eloquent word depends on the tongue
More than a passionate song needs to be sung

More than a word could ever say
More than a song could ever convey
I need You more than all of these things
Father, I need You more

More than magnet and steel are drawn to unite
More than poets love words to rhyme as they write
More than the comforting warmth of sun in the spring
More than the eagle loves wind under its wings

More than a blazing fire on a winter’s night
More than the tall evergreens reach for the light
More than the pounding waves long for the shore
More than these gifts You give, I love You more

Copyright © 1994 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing

It’s a tough time right now – there are a lot of things we/I am struggling with right now and it’s difficult to always find God or to feel His direction, will and purpose. Whilst playing the guitar this evening and having a bit of a personal worship session, this song sprung into my mind once more. I’ve not played it for years on end and not listened to, or sung, it for nearly as long and yet it entered my mind with such a resounding crash it was plain that God was dropping a (not-so-subtle) hint and it also echoed the cries of my soul right now.

On Sunday we had David Ring speak at Kingsgate. David is a mid-50s preacher from Nashville who also happens to have cerebal palsy. Not a minor variant that is barely noticable but a major, life-effecting, variant that has shaped his whole life. Look him up on YouTube, please, and catch some of what we experienced on Sunday. It was a humbling, heart-warming, challenging, encouraging, amazing and blessed testimony that he shared with us including the very simple, but life-challenging, line of “I have cerebal palsy – what’s your problem?”

I’ve tried to hold on to the inspiration that he gave to us – but unfortunately it’s not that easy for too many reasons to list here and so I’ve still found myself struggling a lot and feeling quite down and trapped. This song sums up for me what my heart is crying out now… More than a word could ever say, I need You MORE than all of these things…

Please pray for us at the moment. It’s a time that is proving testing and difficult but we know that God has it all under control – it’s just remembering that when I feel the darkness swamp my mind.

More than oxygen, I need Your love. More than life-giving food the hungry dream of….. Father, I need you MORE!

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My favourite time of year

Easter. A time of rememberance, of meditation, of celebration and rejoicing.

I LOVE Easter so much. For me it’s the best time of the year and the one that stirs my heart more even than Christmas.

I love to spend time focussing on all the Christ has done for me (and for YOU!) and reading the accounts of His last few days and all the He went through – and of course, the joyous resurrection! I love to meditate, to pray, to celebrate communion with others in memory of the last supper. I love waking up on Easter Sunday knowing that nearly 2000 years ago, Christ rose again giving me the chance to know a new life, a new hope and a new eternity. Continue reading “My favourite time of year”