Life’s about cr*p (guess the missing vowel)

I don’t really have anything to say to my esteemed fans except that you should check out Ben’s wise words on his all NEW blog. (This will help you understand the title).

Take care

Daniel

Everywhere the wind blows

After such a serious post, I thought everybody would want to make sure that this is in fact me, so I thought I'd tell you a little story to prove it.

Today, me and Patrick decided enough is enough and left our studies to go shopping in the Pool. First we stopped off for vital food rations; I had a kebab and Patrick had a burger. Then, we braced ourselves against the British storms. Over the past couple of days there has been snowstorms, sleet, sun (not much though!), and now driving rain; trust us to choose the harshest of these conditions – though we are men and therefore should be able to cope with anything throw our way. I won’t bore you of the details of our shopping exploits, though I will tell you about our “find of the day”.

When in Burtons, we found the chief amongst hats. Called the “Brown fur trapper” it stood out on the rail; inferior species like the “NY tweed flatcap” and “Khaki Camo Ny Cap” couldn’t match up to it’s prowess.





Patrick and I just stood there in awe staring at the “fur trapper” wondering whether or not we were worthy to place it on our heads. As the brief sunlight shined through the blonds onto the “fur trapper” we made up our minds; we were going to try on the hat. Nervously we took one each (there was only two left; coincidence; I think not) and placed them on our heads. It felt like a crown and we began parading round the shop, much to the consternation of the staff and respective customers; though did we care? No; they were all jealous of our superiority. After what seemed like a lifetime we reverently removed our crowns and set them down on their thrones. Finally our lives were complete; though we knew that we would never be worthy to own such a creation, so quickly we left, not looking back for fear of temptation or greed.

So the moral of the story?

“Don’t touch what you can’t afford”.

Hope you are all well.

Take care

Daniel

Three steps forward, not enough back

If you forget to take a step back from life it can become dangerous; I had forgotten this until recently, and then I stepped back. Soon I realised how much I was getting caught up with the here-and-now of the world; and forgetting how much I have be focusing inwardly on my own wants and desires. Because of this, it has suddenly dawned on me how much I have been neglecting friends, family and God. Because of the here-and-now I haven’t bothered to get in contact with friends, in Liverpool or at home, as much as I ought, and there is no real excuse for this other than the fact that I am human, and because of this can be selfish, and to be frank a nasty piece of work.

That said we cannot use that as an excuse, as if we truly are Christians we are dead to our sinful nature; though I can feel mine frantically clutching onto my heel as I walk hand-in-hand with Christ; trying to grapple me back, desperate for me to feel sorry for it, bend down and help it up. As long as I cling onto Christ this won’t happen, though the thought terrifies me.

As regards my family, I saw them today for the first time since the Christmas holidays. Being with them today really brought back to me the life I have left behind at home; it reminded me of all the friends that I don’t speak to anymore, or am barely in contact with. For the first time in a long time I really wanted to go home. The familiarity and security is what I miss most; at home I have a place, at home I have a purpose. I am still trying to work out what my place and purpose is up here in Liverpool. I have met so many wonderful people, all amazing in their own right; and God has provided for my every need and more, but I don’t feel like I am truly at peace here; not yet.

As regards my focus on God, I am only thankful that He is a loving and patient God, who can forgive. I know that by his Grace, and his Grace alone, I have been saved, and that He will guide me through even the rockiest paths. Due to this I have a new found want for Him, and everything that He delights in; I cannot wait to serve God with my life. I have no idea what He wants me to do with it yet; but I’m sure He will make that apparent soon.

I urge you my brothers and sisters to also take a step back and reassess what you are doing with your lives; it is not until you really take the time to analyse your own thoughts, deeds and reasons that you really see where you are going wrong. But beware, we are all sinners and therefore every one of us can improve. So if you do take a step back, you may not like what you see; I know I didn’t.

On the Brink

Everyone, without exception, takes life for granted;
Until it’s too late.
Think of the days, weeks, months and years
Wasted doing nothing.
All the time you lay in bed for that extra five minutes
Could’ve been spent helping the poor
Or curing the sick.
We could make the blind see, or the cripple walk
If only we could be bothered.

But,
As we are, our human nature, our very personality
Battles against the thought of a selfless act,
Or a kind deed.
We are constantly at war,
If not with others, then with ourselves.

Do you know what it’s like
To entertain the thought of losing a loved one;
Someone in their prime of life.
Your very soul seems drained, the pit of your stomach
Empty.

You fell helpless, your words lifeless.
You pray that instead it was you, who was
Ill, beaten, cursed, laid aside, broken; neglected.
You’d rather die than see the life force drain from their eyes.
But,
All you can do is watch.

You could kind of understand if they had done something wrong,
Something to deserve it.
But,
An innocent child;
One yet to experience the trials and tribulations and life,
To delve into the realms of love or even have a child;
What have they done to deserve such a future?

Look at it from their perspective. The thought of your life ending,
When it’s only just begun.
The thought of leaving the people you love.
You’ve planned so many tings to see,
So many things to do
But,
There is no time.

What can be done?

I have found that if you take a step backwards,
You get to see the tapestry of life
From a different perspective;
Instead of seeing the individual threads
You get a view of the completed masterpiece.
Self-pity tails into a downward spiral
One sympathetic look at yourself leads to another,
And another.
It becomes harder and harder to see things as they are
And easier and easier to blame others for your depression.

You need to be proactive when it comes to life.
You can either wait for it to grab you by the feet
Or you can dive right in.

But remember to step back every once in a while
So that you can view the tapestry,
Therefore ensuing that the meaning is not lost;
For what’s the point of a tapestry
If you can’t see the meaning behind it.


Take Care and God Bless

Daniel

The proverbial snowman

On an evening in early March, the bitter wind lashed across my face, and white rain clung to every crevice of my clothing. Soon I was unrecognisable; a proverbial snowman. As I trudged against the piercing gale, my vision became blurred and my feet uncertain. Only a littler further I told myself; I’m nearly back to the safety of my dwelling where a hot mug of hot chocolate awaited me (well actually tea but that just didn’t sound right).

Suddenly, on my left came a cackle. Tentatively I turned my head, only to see a ball of ice whistle past my ear; I was under attack by three scallies. Automatically I took up my fighting stance, ready to retaliate with full force; for those who haven’t seen this it is a scary site- though it doesn’t happen often (generally involves a large volume of Lucozade being consumed beforehand). Anyway, getting back to the action, as another barrage of snowballs came towards me I dodged two out of three matrix styli and caught the other. The cackles were cut short when I propelled the snowball in my hand at the nearest scally. It caught him across the chest and he fell down. The other two looked at me – sheer hatred in their eyes. They reloaded and sped towards me. I smiled to myself, “I can take em” I thought to myself. The only problem was that it was late, there were three of them, and I was cold. So, being the Christian I am, I let them have throw one more barrage, all of which pitifully missed, laughed at them in the most condescending way I could think of, and walk hastily in the opposite direction.

Needless to say, I made it back okay, and have lived to tell the tale. I’m so glad that God made snow, it’s so fun!!!

Anyway, the kettles boiled so I’m off for my “hot Chocolate”.

Take Care and God Bless

Daniel

Mighty, Mighty Rankin!

Some of you may remember an earlier post which encompassed my views on Small Group leading for the Christian Union (if you do I will be very impressed; not many people remember anything I write and therefore this would make a pleasant change). If not let me refresh your memories:

"At the end of the term, I was asked by one of my hall group leaders whether I wanted to pick up the reins as regards hall group leading. At first this really did appeal to me, as it would give me more time to study God’s word and to really devout some time to Him. However, after really praying about it, I decided that I should focus my time and efforts elsewhere. This was a really tough decision, as I wanted to make sure that I was doing what God had told me, not what I wanted to do. Another complication was the fact that if I did accept the responsibility of Hall group leading, I wouldn’t be able to move into a house; something which was really set on my heart...more details on housing explained below.Anyway, that’s really all there was to it; some hard praying, some peoples opinions and some more praying. If I’m honest I still can’t believe I’m not doing it, but for now I think it’s the right decision; though who knows what the future will bring!!”

Well like I said, who knows what the future brings! God in all his wisdom decided not to let me get off of the hook that easily and last night I went to my first SLOB’s- “Small-group leaders’ only Bible studies”. For all of you, (whom I could probably count on one finger as my site isn’t, contrary to popular belief that popular) who don’t know what SLOB’s is, I will give you a quick summery: - extra Bible classes for Small group leaders.

If you hadn’t already guessed have actually decided to become a Small Group leader in Rankin Hall next year; this meant that I had to leave my original group in town, which was gutting, as I have some really good friends there. However, I realised that it was the Lord’s will for me to be in Rankin, so I am excited about the future; only He knows what will happen.

That’s really all I had to say; not as thought provoking as other posts I know but hey I’m only human… will update in the near (ish) future. Until then,

Take Care and God Bless

Daniel