Something unpredictable - the DW spot

20/10/09 - another day, another blog post!

2009-10-20T05:48:00.000-07:00

Greetings to you all! Its been three weeks but, hey, I've made it back to the blog for some more brainstorming. Some of it'll make sense; other's I'm not so sure about! But we'll see how it goes:
Some random thoughts, coming to you from moi's brain as I type away....
My Open University course kicked off just over two weeks ago. Since the offset of my last dose of studentship, in June 2006, I've mainly worked full-time, has a spell of being "Army-barmy" and got a bit of Glasgow in me.
Please spare a thought and a prayer as I go through this degree over the next four years. A few years back, I didn't get to do it as a full-time student for a number of reasons and, now, everything makes sense as to why that didn't happen. Now I'm ready to take it on and have a full bag of tools which equips me to take this course on.

Its been over a year now since I first met Sarah! It'll be a year in January since we started going out but, yeah: I met her in Starbucks as part of the C7 church's "Lifegroup" bible study. A couple of months later, after a lunch in Walkabout and a Celtic Connections gig, things materialised into something truly amazing. Still is today, too! :-*

Its been ten years - 10 - since my uncle David (McAllister) introduced me to the music of David Bowie. I remember one Friday evening, in June 1999, he brought down all these vinyls of Bowie's from between the years 1969-1983. Such classic LP's as Ziggy Stardust, Hunky Dory, Aladdin Sane, Low, "Heroes" and Scary Monsters...
Coming into work the other morning, I had a Bowie track called 'Survive' playing on my iPod - it was the third track on his '99 album 'hours....' which, as a 14-year old, I saved my pocket money to buy and being the first new Bowie release I actually purchased - and, so far, the last! - I still treasure the CD today.
Apparently it won't be long, if not already, when a 40th anniversary edition of Space Oddity gets released and I may just ask Santa for it! Why not...

Glasgow really is a beautiful city, isn't it? Even in the cold, the rain and the hail; there just seems to be an irrepressible charm about it. Now I know that might sound odd but, hey, because I'm not Glaswegian, I have a slightly different take on it all. I don't know.
This morning I met with my good friend Jonathan for a coffee and Bacon 'n' Egg McMuffin (delish, by the way!) and, whilst heading back to 64F a bitter chill came racing down and through the Gallowgate. I'm telling you, it was seriously cold! And, even though its far from the most spectacular of areas, there just felt like an underlying beauty of being there. Maybe it was because I'm away from home and standing on relatively foreign soil. Maybe its because I was with my brother in Christ. Or maybe its because I had just consumed some hot food and drink! Either way, in that bitter Autumn chill, I somehow wasn't complaining to be there.
About two weeks ago, for no real reason other than getting a couple of snapshots, I got in the lift of the Cineworld in the city centre and went straight to the top. I'm scared of heights too! So I got off at "Floor 6", when I'm sure it felt like called Floor 66, and I took a few pictures on my phone. They're not bad pictures, if I do say so myself. Probably not as good as the ones Laura Bridge takes on her camera but I like them; and I like the images they present.

Over the last week or so, the media will have run riot over the death of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately. Let me just say that, once the tabloids and the telly start to go wild over celebrities, it kinda turns me. The late Boyzone's untimely passing was different though, and I'll explain:
Although I'm no boy-band fan by any means, its no secret that I have a deep appreciation for '90's pop music; and, if its somehow associated with Ireland, I'll give it bonus points. What Boyzone gave to pop music in the closing decade of the 20th century was invaluable: classic songs were re-introduced to a new audience through the tightrope art of the cover version; female fans had new pin-ups to add on to their wall after the apparent break-up of Take That; and contemporary pop journals, such as Smash Hits, would be hits at the newsagents. Essentially, a lot of money was made but it was marketed in a way which benefited their record company Polydor, the list of musicians associated with their work and, not to mention, the Irish economy.

What Stephen Gately contributed to Boyzone was invaluable because he had the right type of voice for their songs. It was quite recognisable and respectable.
One thing I remember was post-Boyzone's own apparent demise and Gately's own coming-out: his brief stab at a solo career. Anyone remember it? A single called "New Beginning"? I think, for me, that stands out because of those two words in the song title; which, by the way, was also the title of his album to go along with it.
Ultimately, there was no follow-up. Its sad in so many ways but I think the saddest thing of all is the fact that there was potential there: a "New Beginning" was do-able.
Was it the second coming of pop music? We'll never no. Its easy to say no but, if marketed the right way, I think there may have been more of an impact than what there was.
As far as talent and "new beginnings" go, its just a crying shame that they so often go to waste. I spoke in the last blog about new beginnings as well. Maybe this is another recurring theme, along with cafes, in this page of mine; I don't know. But, if something good and full of so much potential is alive and well, why let it go to waste?...

If you read the last blog, you'll know I was writing from the Esquires cafe in Hope Street. Well, today I write to you from the iCafe on the Great Western Road! (Brilliant coffee shop, I highly recommend it.) Coffee shops, as you'll know, are great for all sorts of things: catching up with friends; reading a book; studying for courses; listening to music, either on the PA or in the comfort of your own iPod. Not only am I updating my blog, I'm also working on my next book. The follow-up to 'An Irish Memory' will be ready early next year. Don't ask when because bits and pieces like work, uni and, um, another thing.......CHRISTMAS will take priority over it; however I assure you, when its ready, it'll be ready.

That's me for now! 'Til next time....

dw (dwwray1@hotmail.co.uk)

Back to the blog! (after all this time)

2009-09-30T03:09:00.001-07:00

29/9/09

Greetings to you all.

I thought I'd get this blog back up and running for a couple of reasons: one because I started this page up two years ago with the intent of making a consistent communication via the world wide web to those of you able to access it and, two, because a lot of things in my life have either recently happened, are happening or about to happen which I think require some sharing. As well as giving me the chance to "vent" it! And why not? Everyone likes a story to tell.

You have to know me or have some sort of association with me to have clicked on this page as I haven't publicised the blog link on large posters or mult-million pound dotcom conglomerates or corporations. Communication is something I think I'm relatively strong in but promotion wouldn't be as much. I guess its mainly because I'm not an in your face character or the type to ram who I am proverbially down your throat. However, this is my page and you're welcome to read at your own will!.....

As I write this blog, I'm sitting in Esquires Coffee House in Glasgow's Hope Street. About an hour ago, my gorgeous other-half Sarah and I went to a travel centre to check out flight prices for an impending trip to Australia next year. Sounds great, doesn't it? We started looking at quotes the other night on the net and, put it this way, the good Lord is truly blessing us in ways of planning and getting there. I like to travel and, even though the extent of my travels so far covers multiple parts of the UK/ROI, various European destinations and the sunshine state of Florida, I've always fancied going somewhere seriously far-out. Like the moon. At this stage, the moon doesn't seem that likely, but Down Under to my girlfriend's place of birth and upbringing is perfect. Growing up, when watching soaps like Neighbours and Home And Away, I wouldn't have thought that one day I'd be in that same piece of land. (I was going to say "not that far away", although that's not strictly true!...) I'm really excited about this. Mental note to self: all I have to do now is schedule a trip to see Christiaan in Holland now.....

What is faith? To me, faith is something that requires belief without necessarily being visible. Without giving the impression I'm getting all religious here, lets use a synoptic comparison: believing in something that you can't actually see. Lets say, for example, you wake up in the middle of the night and you want to get a midnight snack from the fridge. For some reason, you've got it drilled into your head that the particular snack you want isn't in the fridge. Maybe you don't even think the fridge is there next door at all! So you keep getting hungry and are too stubborn to do anything about it; even to go and see if your food of choice is in the fridge or if the appropriate cooling apparatus is actually in the kitchen. What are you going to do about it? Starve? Phone out for a takeaway? Tell your flatmate/partner to make somethng for the two of you while lying in bed? What are you going to do about it? Would you even want to believe and, more importantly, be open to the belief that there's a fridge next door with nutritious, ateable items of consumption just waiting for you? I'll let you work that one out.....

New beginnings, new pairings, new unions. Beautiful, right? Some might say yes, until things become not so pleasant. Define pleasant. I say its pleasant if you want it to be. In the last couple of months, I've been to three housewarmings and two weddings. Before that, I hadn't been to one housewarming, ever - even one for myself! - and the last wedding I was at was my uncle's in December 2004. Maybe its a coming of age thing. You know when you were a kid you used to wonder what making adult decisions in adult lives would be like? Its almost as if, now adult life has come about, its like "Ahhhh! Decisions, decisions!" What's the right decision to make?! Fair play to those who've made decisions of the afore-mentioned nature; they're not light ones to make.

30/9/09

At time of writing, I'm in the midst of putting together some birthday surprises for a few close people to me in my life. Do birthdays ever lose their excitement? In truth, I think they do: my 24th was celebrated in Orlando earlier in the year. To say that I actually got to spend my birthday in Disney World and Universal Studios, all on the same day, is like a big rude hand gesture up to millions of children worldwide but, hey, it was my birthday, so ha-ha! :-p On the other side of the celebration theme, I think there's no better than feeling than organising someone else's birthday proceedings. I try to be a generous guy anyway but knowing that someone is going to smile at the thought of what you've put together for them is a great gift in itself. Especially if they're special to you. Even in tough times, where circumstances are neither ideal or what you were prepared for, everyone's entitled to a bit of birthday love!!

I'm going to see my favourite film at the cinema tonight! The Godfather is showing at GFT, and Sarah and I are going to spend a few hours in front of textbook film production. I challenge anyone to find me a better movie combining top-notch acting, music, art direction and production anywhere else in the field of movies. Ok, so that's a slight exaggeration, but if a film means a lot to you, you're going to promote it 'til kingdom come, right??

Ovation vouchers from work came through the post today!! What to buy, what to buy?.... WrestleMania XX seems tempting! Any other suggestions?.....

Have a good day one and all.

dw (dwwray1@hotmail.co.uk)

"AN IRISH MEMORY"

2009-08-25T02:43:00.000-07:00

An Irish Memory

A collection of sho...

By Dan Wray

Book Preview

Poem - Someone Lost

2009-08-24T02:18:00.000-07:00

Someone lost is in a corner
wondering where the past is gone.
Someone lost is feeling bitter
adamant they've done nothing wrong.

Someone lost has no direction,
nor can see the tunnel's light.
Someone lost could do with action
in their life, combined with sight.

Someone blind to other's sorrows
needs an urgent wake-up call.
Someone blind to their own failings
thinks they're big but is really small.

Some needing issues sorted
longs for healing, love and care.
Someone needs an ear to listen;
not for folk to stop and stare.

Poem - Following

2009-07-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

She would follow him
around the house to
everywhere possible.

Into everyroom and out
again, the child would
sometimes mimmick wher her
dad (and her mum!) do.

No greater inspiration;
no bigger hero, other than
those animated on T.V.

Regardless of what physical
obstacle stood in the way,
she'd instantly find her way
round it; over to him.

A lot I can learn:
for today, my father follows
me. Why can't I reciprocate?

AN IRISH MEMORY - the book

2009-04-15T02:52:00.000-07:00

Its here - my first publication and an achievement in itself! "An Irish Memory" is basically a photo album in written form. Some of the poems wer written in Northern Ireland; some of them were inspired by ongoings in Northern Ireland.

The actual title of the collection came accidentally one evening in Peterhead, Abderdeenshire, when I referred to my own memory as an Irish one in conversation with a few friends. When I stopped to think about it, I knew I'd stumbled upon something almost three-dimensional: a title for a new poem, a theme for a bolue of poems and a statement which can be interpreted in so many ways.

The poems themselves are mini-masterpieces, if I do say so myself:

NORMALLY I SLEEP IN ON SATURDAYS...

This was written in the summer of 2005, round about the time I was considering travelling more and getting away from Ireland, longing to relocate.

EAST BELFAST

A commentary from a period and nostalgic points of view both in one. This came about from actually coming home to visit after relocating and deals with a before- and after- sense of my home area growing up.

AN IRISH MEMORY

A poem of optimism fighting against negativity and remaining hopeful for what is to come, backed up by, and appreciatively acknowledging, beauty surrounding it.

WINTER BELFAST'S MORNING

Analysing the city in a cold December, asking the question if the climate is brought on by the season or relations across the community.

THE WATER WORKS

My tribute to an area in North-West Belfast which I used to pass nearly every Saturday morning while working as a postie and how God was with me every time.

SOUTH BELFAST

A snap shot of various sites such as Queens University, Lisburn Road, Donegall Pass, Donegall Road and University Avenue, along with its respective inhabitants and characteristics.

WHEN FLOWERS BLOOM

The parable of an Irish farmer planting his crop, which subsequently comes into fruition upon a short absence and return to the site in question.

ULSTER SONNETT

A Shakspearean prophecy of a united Ireland conquering all division and joining hands together in the way the emerald isle was intended in its' creation.

PRAYER

Probably the most intimate poem in this collection and the most personal. A true monologue with me speaking to my heavenly father and a plea to develop my faith.

GETTING THERE

Chronicling the experiences of highs and lows, like being on cloud nine and heading upwards slowly, only to watch yourself come down at a similar pace.

Want a copy? One can be yours for the tender price of £3. Get in touch today and we'll see what we can do for you!...

dw :)

Poem - Walk along the Gallowgate

2009-03-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

We begin by crossing over from the top of
Duke Street, then another cross of traffic lights
where Tollcross Road and the Gallowgate both
meet: connecting two roads for a long journey
either way, in unity and harmony.

From here, another cross past Springfield Road
is necessary; four out of five ways isn't so
bad, however we only have the one way to
journey forth toward. Rain, hail, snow and
shine. We've done them all and we've met
them all along the way!
The penitents departing
en-masse from mass at the chapel; the biddies
with their daughters, complete with trollies
from the Forge; the jakies standing at the
bus stops, outside and across from the necropolis;
football fans in green-and-white jerseys and scarves,
heading up the way, either for home or for a hot
carry out (and they'll be spoilg for choices in
carry-out venues!); the car-wash dudes at the
old BP garage venue; and, at night, we even
see foxes running across the road! Hiding from
humans, scurrying from being noticed or potentially
an HGV running them over!

Then we see them, just behind where
the main road ascends up a slight hill, but fully
visible for everybody to see; even from as far as
West George Street when its a nice day:
the massive
pair of tower blocks. Comprising of many inside,
high and low, top to bottom. They can see us
walking past, two little dots. Or at least they
can see me! My walking partner next to me
is only visible in another tower of his own,
right next to their own. And they put Him there.
I even put Him there.

We walk along some more together: apartments
being made up; chippies gone for good; mixtures
of kids in tracksuits, builders in construction gear,
men walking their pooches and dormant shopping
trollies left to the side, with rubbish inside them.
The biddies musn't have bins inside! Then again,
neither must half this road's population, for
council workers spend as much time here as
my walking partner, trying to cleanse and rid
this road of desecration, defamation, defecation
and demotivation; in turn blessing it with
determination, definition and declaration.
Sometimes
we have to duck little neds winging stones
from behind the railings of the sports park
next to the school. Instead of a four-lettered
curse, my walking partner covers my mouth, in
turn saying, "Bless you my sons! Go forth
and sin no more". Then the hostel, in all
its glory, stands afresh with odours, images and
sounds of empathy, (in some cases) sympathy,
(more often than not) confusion and (in a twisted
way) curisoity. Perhaps one day, they'll be invited
with the neds and our fellow tower-block
comrades, for my walking partner has passed by
but He doesn't pass them by.

"Are we nearly there yet?" I ask. "Why didn't
we just take the bus?" Like a disciple of the
biblical sort, I didn't fully get it, until a
corner came for me to turn: new apartments
already built, in the shadow of older buildings
with longer histories, more familiar stories, images,
sounds and emissions of their own trademark.
Now there stands a big gate, where fortunate
people in this area have passed through and they
get by comfortably, without a trace of hassle.

My walking partner says to me, "Aren't we going
to pass by them either?" I said. "No need,
they've made their way through a big gate - the
others still have to." He wasn't going to pass
them by: "Bless each one of you, the invitation
is open". I was amazed, somewhat overwhelmed
but more appreciative of it all.
Finally we
pass Bain Street, pubs and other merchants of
a carnal nature. Passionate people going about
their business, interjecting into their community
with support and enthusiasm. Fair play to them!
At this point, the road splits in two....

I turn round to ask another question and
He's gone; out of visual sight. Yet, I can
still feel His presence. He's still holding my
hand, keeping me from danger, acting as my
shield, myhelmet, my immunity from bodily
harm in one of Glasgow's more cinematic
neck of the woods.
"Can you spare some change,
son?" No. "You got a light on you?" No.
"Looking for business?" You're doing this for
badness, aren't you. "They don't know what
they're doing", He says. "Pass by them but
don't pass them by. "This road will be cleansed,
the people have been blessed, and will all you
and me up here." They put him on that third
tower, yet I'm hardly any different.

Should I walk back or take the bus? It
matters not, without slight or major, for
perfection in His eyes is different from mine.

Poem - Union Canal

2009-03-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

Heading up the ways, to get a
clearer view of the ochills on the
other side, we pass a sight so
new, yet so familiar. A fresh
feeling combined with God's wry sense
of humour he playfully interjects in
times of soa operaesque moments this
world cries out for.

We see the river that normally
flows along - but today, its come
to a halt! Imagine that: time
standing still without a trace of
movement, when the intention and
blessing of union is explicit in
the name. More so onwards, the
image becomes even more striking
as nature takes its course via
alternative movements of life:

Birds singing, young couples out
walking, squirrels climbing up and
down various trees; each form of
living animal subsequently in search
of the union necessary in fulfilling
their creator's prophecy - to revive
and restore; not dive in where its
sore. As the water floats along,
so do "what if's" from before hand,
silently into yesterday.

Poem - A mother's love

2009-03-22T10:47:00.001-07:00

A mother's love is whole and pure
like lying snow on a winter's night.
Its spotless, clear yet strong with
many emotions filled behind the frost.

A mother's love forgives for worse;
she dismisses not a sinful child.
Accepting features, warts and all,
behavioural or visually present.

A mother's love, a solid rock,
a fleet ship's anchor: they are one
with one another as a unit,
keeping me at bay from drowning.

A mother's love is ever present;
the past has proven precisely and
my future days are strengthened
by her understanding nature.

A mother's love replaces never,
nor retracts throught tempests tossing.
In times of darkness, hail or
cloudburst, she is my compass guiding.

A mother's love will win the
battle should my opposition strike;
when at peace, my mother's love
remains and wraps around me.

Poem - An Irish memory

2009-03-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

To many, there will be one unforgettable
moment-in-time, describing day gone by in
the emerald isle, unique and incomparable
in comparison to any other.
It may be in
the rain: skies of grey bursting apart
with clouds erupting, soaking all walking
below. Those who require cleansing from
above, in need of moving on.
Perhaps
an ounce of grace handed over to the
unhappy tourists, disappointed by what
transpired on their visit. Unequalled
in every structure of home, for there
isn't any place quite like home.
Maybe
the grateful and goodness in those
remembering all who appreciate special
times, most of which still yet to happen.

Who can forget? A memory such as this:

peace, tranquility, hope and optimism,
all wrapped into one parcel of faith and
presented to the already gifted one, who
depends on what they see.

Like a picture on the wall, completed
by cross-stitching and effort, it looks back
thinking all is truly well.

Poem - Organ grinder

2009-03-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

The monkey does his thing, performing
away for the audience who spectate
this little affair. His chief executive
stands in the shoadows, directing all
that goes on; with authority and directness.

One can't change little mannerisms or
habits of an authoritive measure when
many are influenced either for better
or for worswe, albeit silently. Still, the
monkey is keen to challenge and conquer.

All the organ grinder does is vocally
direct and dictate, until one day, his
apprentice decides to change the game's pace;
for the real boss is revealed upon his
departure and lack of independent status....

Poem - Take-off!

2009-03-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

Sounds and noises coupled with
rhythmic ongoings produce the
beginning of what happens next.

Any second now, a rocket will
go sky-high, taking optimism
with it, leaving behind negativity.

One must wonder how to be
like the rocket - open up and
receive beauty and goodness.

Heavens above and multiple
galaxies spread out, allowing
escalation and elevation united.

Poem - A richer man

2009-03-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

Today you will go from here
a richer man:

Blessings have been poured out.
Prayers are being spoken, as
well as being answered.
Sins have been forgiven; one's
redemption wipes the slate clean.

In another moment, long ago,
times were miserable, somewhat
borderline pathetic; now, things
have changed considerably. Amen!

What happens now is crystal clear,
minus fear and loaded with cheer.
The spirit wins again!

3/2/08 - some thoughts sitting in Starbucks...

2009-02-12T12:15:00.000-08:00

I found it interesting that the choice of this evening's Lifegroup is to be at Frankenstein's, at the bottom of West George Street. Not a venue I've actually been in, if I'm honest, but to hold a bible study and spend time with some great people there is an honour and a priviledge.

When I got the text through about it, the Frankenstein bar/restaurant stood out and it reminded me instantly, not of the monster whose image is immediately recognisable, but of the Doctor; the mad scientist who created the famous creature. Here was a man, very intelligent and ambitious; well-educated and came from a good family. And yet, the hunger of developing experiments got to the point where he wanted to create life. In essence, he wanted to play God ad create life-forms in the form of a human being. In the process, he did this by piecing together remains of dead bodies, thus attempting to resurrect the dead but also caused mayhem in his home village, as his creation was monstrous and was on the hung to kill. The monster is a devotional thought in itself, which I think we could all identify with but Dr Frankenstein stood out for me because of his somewhat warped desire to be responsible for a living creation.

As we know and, as touched on, his monster was not exactly peaceful, beautiful or natural and, as hard as he tried, Dr Frankenstein was not God when it came to creation. As we are reminded in Psalm 8, God's creation among the heavens, the moon and the stars (v.3), as well as us living, human beings (v.4,5) are blessed with so much with what else he's given us. What he's given us is to appreciate all of his creations everywhere we look - and its imperative to remember and share that.

Frankenstein's monster is a popular Halloween character but, after Halloween on the calendar comes Thanksgiving, a few weeks later. Lets be thankful that we're not amongst the creations of a psychotic physician but the great physician: healer, creater redeemer and Lord.

Gen 1 - "...He saw that it was good"

2009-01-15T10:11:00.000-08:00

The other day, I took a trip to Glasgow's Mitchell Library. Now I'd been on the first floor a couple of times over the last few months, where its done up real nice and very modern looking now, but on this occasion I went upstairs into the 4th and 5th floors, where I hadn't been for just over three years; since before I even moved over to Glasgow. I had been to the library on one of my many excursions over from Belfast, in December 2005, and you'd think that on this wee trip to the 4th floor, in January 2009, I'd just been in the same area the day before - it was identical to how I recall it three years prior. Same carpets, same furniture, same layout of the bookcases and desks; in fact, its probably looked the exact same way over the last 30 years, let alone the last three!

It sounds silly but I couldn't get over this because, in the period of time between the last time I was there and on this occasion, I had experienced a number of changes in my life - I mean loads! - and, in a lot of ways, was a different guy from who I was in December 2005. Yet the room seemingly hadn't changed in the slightest. (I don't know if you've ever been at, say, a party or a gathering of friends/family where there's akways one quiet man or woman sitting comfortably in the corner and, you could be walking out of the room for long periods of time, yet when you come back, they haven't moved a muscle - that's what it loosely put me in mind of!) Ans as I wandered round askimg myself why I hadn't been here for such a length of time, I was reminded by how much God never changes and remains the same today and tomorrow as He did yesterday.

Maybe you're at a stage in your life where you've gone through too many life-changing experiences that you wish to even care about any longer; perhaps you're not necessarily like myself but like the casual library-goer who hasn't been there for years and you've done all the changes enough for both yourself and your area of context. Or maybe you're like that Mr or Miss Cool at the party, just sitting there taking it all in, watching the world go by, and you've barely lifted a finger. Regardless of which category you fall into, the day God kicked off creation, "He saw that it was good" and today He looks at each of you and sees that you are good. You are His child, His creation and He's not going anywhere anytime soon.

I know its not always easy to believe that but its the truth and He constantly reveals thr truth so we are reminded of His constant presence.

Poem - Substance

2009-01-10T16:22:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, I owned a pair of shoes;
today they sit at the bin, worn out.

Last week, I had a ticket to fly away
but, this week, I'm still here because it ran out.

A few months ago, my credit was interest-free!
This month's bill is in, reminding me nothing's free.

When I was a child, I owned many toys.
Where are they now? My playtime is no more.

In my teen years, I had the best video games -
before technology advanced and I was left behind.

Once upon a time, this was a happy home!
Today, in its place, is a half-empty house.

Mum had a parcel arrive, saing "Fragile".
I now see why, for rattles inside.

Loved ones seem to come and go....
Jesus is still here, didn't you know.

Poem - Ulster Sonnett

2009-01-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

A combination of the past and now
will blend together if we all allow;
for in the land where time seemingly stops,
a ruin comes among the harvest crops
which promise hope and value in the morn',
instead of pessimissm, hate and scorn.
Our fathers and our neighbours will unite
forgetting any reason left to fight.

When day returns forever and a day,
my people on my turf will see the way
that they should follow, like some follow on,
in stark contrst to Peter, James and John.

Unholy world, we have to leave behind;
the way, the truth, the life: indeed, we'll find!

Two new poems

2009-01-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

REST

In the busyness of it all, my shepherd
lays me down to rest. Among the quiet
pastures appears a certain serenity;
my restlessness is vanquished by the
touch of peace and tranquility.

A door
opens, following the closure of another:
inside there is bedding, so comfortable
and cosy.

My eyes deceive me from the
wonders of the world; when they say
"seeing is believing", they don't always
test the waters before jumping right in.
Temptation is there for me.

Give me peace
and solitude to hide away from what is
recognised as life's freewheeler, for I don't
want to fall asleep at the wheel.

Search me and protect me Lord; allow
relaxation and tranquility to come my way.

I LOVE HER LAUGH

My jokebook collection's going to
expand today! So I can crack a few
gags and hear her laugh all day. Its
music to my ears and it sounds so
sweet; it brightens up my day each
and every time we meet.

I love to listen to her reaction whenever
she gets tickled; this makes a change
from today's worldly society - oh so
fickle. Be it black or white the colour,
I don't really care - as long as she keeps
laughing, I just want her there!

Poem - When flowers bloom

2009-01-09T16:54:00.000-08:00

When a seed is planted into the ground,
the farmers sowing hasn't started.
He's a patient man. But, even still,
his patience is tried so much so he exits.
And when he leaves to go away,
the tempests come to try our patience,
for we only want what's best for all
and protect what we've got while it grows.

So up it grows, while the farmers gone,
and radiance beams on a daily basis;
the bees will come and attempt to make
their honey, because its only natural
while its sunny. For the farmer would
even find it funny. If only he had
a little bit of money, which he'd saved at
home before but greater things are even
more across the water, where he needs
to be; because he's not a bee.

A gardener waters his gorgeous fields
with the right idea to maintain such
beauty. So when the roses blossom and
flowers bloom, it could never be like
any other, like a daughter running to
her mother. Or a hero fighting for
his lover. What a plot of land we
bore in front of us! The battle grounds
exist no longer; there's new life to
keep us stronger - and why not?

Poem - East Belfast

2009-01-09T16:43:00.000-08:00

Interestingly enough, the smell still
pipes from the Fryar Tuck; with many
locallers queuing up. I don't blame them -
the fish suppers are amazing.

Almost like the Blue Lagoon but with
more history attached to them.

While standing at the top of Bloomfield,
looking down to where Beersbridge runs
across, the stars and city lights look
shiny and electric. A charge connects
to me and longs to take me elsewhere.

Its picturesque down Cyprus too, where
Lottie likes to make a mess and walk
me while I pull her lead. She charges
at a smaller mutt; serves her right
for even looking over this way!

The rain is starting and I'm off
home; I cut through Kirkliston and think
about getting a house like these. But
I don't have the money.

(Neither will half of them, for a
crunch is munching everybody.)

Perhaps tomorrow, I will return to
the Newtownards Road, where so many
went about their business day-to-day
when I was a teenager.

Poem - Winter's Belfast morning

2009-01-09T16:36:00.000-08:00

Without a spick or speck of rain,
the sun shines through the bitter cold;
no snowflake, hailstorm, cloud in sight
but frost and temperatures are down.

And down south is a different land -
the currency and language alter
from our part of town; as if to say
they are not like us. Well I'll disagree
myself for, even though we differ,
we are stubborn and could do with
moving on across the bridge and not
fall through the icy water.

Without a sighting of a storm,
the ice melts with the sunrise coming
up above what's horrible and lifeless
but the temperature's still down.

The city has advanced somewhat;
in many ways, its changed a lot
from years ago, when flying stones
could more than likely break my bones.
Like the ice before me, melting further
into waters still that circulate the Lough,
under the Lagan river. Memories still
cause a quiver.

Frosty fog leave months and spread
into the air, never to be seen again;
like the ice today attached to all
the runaway from yesterday.

Poem - South Belfast

2009-01-06T16:26:00.000-08:00

Children of the education
run amock and their salvation
lies among the Avenue, where
friends will meet, both old and new.

Bars and clubs are rather dear,
and leave me skint each time I'm here;
the artists, they aren't far away
with plenty to sing about or say.

Windsor Park will show a match
which finishes with a punch and scratch
between the players, green and blue,
and children grow up like that too.

Round the corner is the Road;
it runs for miles while carrying the load
of violent outbreaks from before.
The scars inside remain quite sore.

QUB is looking strong; the
children are right, they're not wrong
about the way this area looks;
they do not need anymore crooks.

Not to far away's the Pass,
where Harold's numbered days were last.
A man, he was, in South Belfast
where buildings crumbled with a blast.

Poem - Will they or won't they?

2009-01-06T16:11:00.000-08:00

He walks in, sits down to take a seat.
She's been there a little bit longer and feels comfortable.

Throughout the duration, he contemplates flirtation,
as time is short and precious, without little to spare.
But no high sign is given. She sits looking exceptionally
gorgeous, without even a dab of make-up on her face.

He glances over as subtle as possible, yet makes himself
obvious to everybody, including her, but himself. She sits
there thinking, "Is he going to approach me or not?"

A sign is all he needs; not because he feels insecure
but because, for ll he knows, she could cry "Rape!" or
scream the house down, with many looking on.
Now, our boy's not easily embarrassed but this would
seriously be extracting the uring - so-to-speak!

"My word, she looks so sexy. Blue is her colour,
brown is her hair". "Why won't he just talk to me,
even if its to say hello? He'll get my number anyway!"

She strokes her hair and plays with it discreetly,
wishing those were his hands. He's thinking exactly the same,
only neither of them know this because both are either
too shy or are convinced the other isn't interested.

As soon as he gets up again, she'll be gutted but,
you never know, she may decide to follow.

Poem - A wiseman's tale

2008-12-22T15:24:00.000-08:00

It came from out of the sky: beaming
brightly, shining unlike any other
light even dares to beam remotely.

The light started to move and
it spoke to me: it said, "You,
follow me, for there is a journey
to be travelling". So I travelled
along the journey. The light that
beamed down on me wa so bright
that everything else around me was
dim and dull. Darkness was at
pitch black.

As the light moved on, so did
my feet. Times whre there many when
I wanted to give up. Oh, the
occasion when I stopped for a rest.
My goodness! I didn't even know
where I was going. The darkness
around me left no indication
towards any direction which was
to come. This was surreal.

Lo and behold! The light leads
me to a place of shelter, whre
warmth is present, as are people
from all sorts of backgrounds. They
each have their own agenda.
Me, I still don't know why I'm
here; for its no longer as dark
but the dullness still remains once
I walk into the shelter.

Suddenly, the light is back -
and its inside this place where
we can take a seat. Over by
the corner, the light is even
brighter, yet its now safe to gaze
into it more without fear of
damaging my sight. Why should I
even worry? It will be healed!

What shines right before me
couldn't possibly contain anymore
beauty and peace and hope
and love; for he is here. The
very one we have waited for!
The light that guided me to
where I am sits before me and
challenges me to kneel.

A wasted journey, this was not,
by any means. This was the walk
that you and I wanted so badly
and now we've done it. He is
here, we are here and now the
darkness is gone. There is visibility
and a clarity of epic proportions.
Nothing in the world is anywhere
near this scale of awe.

What better gift is there; yet
the gift I present in return is
myself; my soul; my spirit.
Down I kneel to place it at
his foot, to keep. It no longer
remains in my posession, for before
it was filthy and unclean. Today,
on this morning, it is cleansed. It
is PURIFIED!! It is his and His.

When I go home, we shall be one
and in union forever more; that will
be the greatest gift on offer.

Poem - Argyle Street

2008-12-17T16:07:00.001-08:00

Everybody's been here for a
period of time and momentarily
walk up and down or drive on
through to wherever they may be
destined to get off at.

One way in and one way out,
the people walk and drive about
but don't stay long. It would be
wrong to spend more than two
minutes at a time.

People come from down below
and others do not even know
what way they're going; they're still
growing older and the young folk
are much bolder, as you see.

A sign says "Everything Must Go"
but none of them inside you know
where they'll be heading. They are
heading off to different pastures.

When someone from the past walks
by, its easier to let on you're shy
or that you didn't see them pass.
Another little memory lasts inside
your head forever.

Production is the key to this:
the travellers score and homebirds miss
the point in why we do not stay
that long or sing a song.

Mission is still possible 'til
six o'clock, before the shops
close down until tomorrow, leaving
shoplifters to scheming and the
junkies keep on dreaming.

Precious moments pass until
the moment comes to last a
little longer than the people there;
they walk on and don't even care,
'cause this is just a brief stop.

Commuters from east will
travel west today and vice-versa;
they will stay for one night only,
heading home alone and lonely
back along Argyle Street.

How they need a rock to build
their hopes and dreams on; solid
land instead of sand but they
just march to their own drumbeat.

One way in and one way out,
the people walk and drive about
but don't stay long. Another
little memory lasts inside
your head forever.

Poem - The Big Chief

2008-12-17T16:03:00.000-08:00

He waltzes in with all the ambition in the
world, literally; the places he says he's been
speak for themselves. That is until the big man
opens his mouth. He's seen and done it all
- supposedly! - no corner of the world has been
left unvisited; no stone in his sight has been
left unturned. He's rubbed shoulders with crims,
he's avoided doing time. He attempts to deal
with cash and, yet, all day long he talks
trash. For some, he keeps them amused for
it prevents a painful sense of bore but, come
time to clock out and leave, my head is
feeling sore! This is not defamation and I'm
sorry to say its no hallucination. "Well, basically,
the thing is, right...." nobody's backside could
be anymore uptight. If anyone else in the world
is a moan, they've now met a match with the
king of groan. The stock goes up and his
shares fall down. I couldn't care less - for
I've more important things to be worrying about.

While we're in the middle of a gloomy recession,
I'm forgetting if I made an impression. While
he's out trying to make some gold, I'm
having to do what I've been told. The bank
manager is getting a migrane and others
are being driven insane! Doesn't matter
anymore, its neither black or white, the
whole situation at hand is not .... alright.

The madness is only going to get
worse, for an old lady calls
about a stolen purse. So, once we
attempt to answer her call, the big
chief says something that makes her fall:
he says, "Listen up, you silly old
biddy; none of this news will make
you feel giddy!" But once we
stop your details from spreading
out, we make a promise you'll not
have to shout. And if you call back
to be told something wrong, they're
singing off a sheet from a different song".

It's become clear to everybody present that the
story goes a little something like this: a fifty-
something year old high-flyer has hit and missed.
What's the point of hanging out where your peers
are young? Because chances are, everything we want
to do, you've already done! What's the matter, has
nobody bought any of your stock? Just like us,
they probably thought it was all a crock. And as
for the family, well that's if they really exist,
its time they lived the perfect life, not down
in some abyss. My senses tell me all's not done
and more is on its way; if that's the truth, then
what's the point in calling it a day? Beginner's level
is for those who haven't got a clue; I'm thinking
maybe this is either applicable or true!

Two more new poems - 12/12/08

2008-12-13T15:49:00.000-08:00

The water works

Daybreak has arrived and the sun
is rising for another day, adding brightness
to the darkness present everywhere you turn.

I've travelled across the city this morning
just to catch a glimpse of what posesses
so much serenity and peace. With and
without my glasses on, the beauty I see
doesn't compare to anything else; for the
rainbow has fallen and the colours rise,
heading to where the opposition reside.

As I get a little closer, I can see
that the water works at the Waterworks
and it longs to cleanse me whole. The
rainbow rises for me today because of a
promise made that I wouldn't be alone.
All tempestous climates have concluded,
thus allowing the sky to be clear again.

Everytime I get a little closer, the
spirit whispers in my ear: "In you plunge!
Return from the waters a different person",
because the water works for those who
test them, and all tests shall be passed.
The flying colours - all seven of them - will
shine brighter than ever before.

My morning couldn't get any better, for
it was faith that got me here. My faith
is fluid too and overflows throughout the
course of the day.

Accepted

Its now no longer me that just
calls you but you also call me too.

I remember the moment my mobile rang -
and your name appeared on the screen!
My goodness, Lord! What are you playing at?
Your sense of humour has come into play.

Everything now seems to good to be true
but its really nice to know there's a two-way
thing going in terms of contact.

How happy I was to see your
name on the phone; without me making
the initial approach on this occasion.

When we have a little conversation, I can
feel the connection that I've longed to
have since the moment we met. Your name
in my phonebook now has its own ringtone!
The song itself speaks of new beginnings
and the power of mutual faith as the glue.

Oh, the smile that appears on my face;
the spring that is activated in my step!
The feeling that covers me whole.

Next time I see you, I doubt I'll tell
you all this but a wee thank-you for your
acceptance should really say it all.

Two new poems - 11/12/08

2008-12-13T15:48:00.000-08:00

Split second

With one split second, the whole
world could change dramatically and
fantastically.

But, with God by my side, He tells me
which way to go and when. And with one
split second, everything that I worked
towards could turn into something
unbelieveable and beautiful.

But I'm not the type of person to take
a gamble on it all; for I've been told
by He above that I should take some
extra care.

Someday, I will stand in front
of Him and discuss where I shall go;
with His guidance, He will tell me where
I have to go.

But within just one split second, all my
plans could be rearranged; and temptation
stands right next to me, looking good
and saying stuff that other men could
quickly over come - but I'm not other men.

I'm a Christian and I stand for only One.

Prayer

Here I am, with a word to say;
with so many thoughts going on
in my head. With my eyes shut
and thinking of what I want, my
desire is to know you more and
to have a closer relationship;
closer than what is there already.
Its times like these when you realise
who matters the most. You matter
to me, so much more than I had
already known. All along, You were
here and, from the get-go, You were
there. Come now; make it real to me.
More real than how I already know.

This is what I long to tell you and this
is the part I keep hidden from the world.
They don't need to know but you do;
You already know, you can already tell
whats going on. I have no choice in the
matter but to communicate it to you as
I should, so I should. Yes, I should.
As you sit down next to me, there's
no-one else I'd rather be next to. No-one
else I'd rather talk to Nobody else I could
share all this business with. Nowhere else
I could turn to with the luggage I need to
unload. Nothing else in this world would
make me feel better than to know you
hear every word I say.

When all is said and done, I will walk
away with a weight lifted off my shoulders
and I will turn to look towards the future days
that lie ahead of me. I will stand firm and
be hapy with how you make me new again;
no wonder everyone that turns to look stands
in awe and amazement. Throughout the rest
of my days, I want to walk by your side and
for you to watch out for me. I know you have
done already but the end is nowhere near.
My trust is in your hands; you will treat it
well and manage it without abuse. What
happens now will be perfect and the way
you want it. That's all that matters to me.

Three new poems - hot off the press! 10/12/08 (part 3)

2008-12-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

BENEDICTION

Christ be with his people - the young and the old,
Christ be with the world - their story still to be told;
Christ be on the journey home - his mercies I will take,
Christ be in my heart today - his praises I will make.

God be in the industry - to keep my living strong,
God be in the social scene - prevent me from all wrong;
God be in my house tonight - His presence: let it flow!
God be in His house tonight - and let his kingdom grow.

Amen

Three new poems - hot off the press! 10/12/08 (part 2)

2008-12-10T14:43:00.000-08:00

COMING HOME

Off I go to pastures green,
for the best is yet to come.
I'll be sorry to leave you
all behind, but it appears me
work is done. I'll save you
a spot next to me when you
get here later on. But now,
I must bid you farewell, with
the setting of the Son.

My maker called me here today
and I feel in better shape;
the promised land - at last,
I'm home and now I see
my dad! He picked my
number up this morning, so
I could make my way home.
For all the world, and all
its people, be still - the battle
is won.

I served a saviour immortal
and now I'll serve him more.
To be home with Him is such
a joy; I remember being taught
this when I was a boy. My own kids
I taught the same to them and
look how well they turned. When
you come home, I'll make sure none
of yout bridges there are burned.

Three new poems - hot off the press! 10/12/08 (part 1)

2008-12-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

BEATUIFUL GRACE

The beauty of His grace is
something I can see but not
something I'm able to touch.
It drops like a bolt out of the
blue; it commands with an all-too
familiar iron-will. It draws me
nearer with the movement of
His spirit.

The beauty of His grace is
never too far away, wherever I
may go. It covers me with an
awesome presence. It looks at me
and makes me nervous. Its
different and fresh, yet comforting
and pushes my senses. I want some
for myself.

The beauty of His grace is
like the season of winter: whenever
cold and feeling low, a slice of
the cake - a word from the mouth -
becomes my blanket and the core
of my happiness. In the days that
lie ahead, I give my grace back to the
Lord, for His renewal.

The beauty of His grace is
friendly and approachable. Its
inviting and settling, I want some
for myself, but there's plenty to
go around. Never in a lifetime
does His grace compare to anything
else; its beauty only matures
and sustains.

The beauty of His grace is
the last thing I hear before
my slumber. Oh sweet disturbance,
I will not complain, for it is a
reassurance of its presence. Move
with me, beautiful grace; remain
in my life and be fruitful now
and forever.

Youth Band devotions, 8/12/08 - Isaiah 9:2-3, 6-7

2008-12-04T14:59:00.000-08:00

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace...
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."

Last Christmas' Marks and Spencers advert on the television has the tagline and theme song to it of "the most wonderful time of the year"! By doing this, the company were obviously promoting the more commercial side of the festive season.

For children, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year, as they experience the excitement of receiving presents, the legend of Santa, time off school, building snowmen, and so on. For others, its not quite as wonderful. The amount of shopping that needs done, the food to get in for the dinner, the travel mileage that builds up from all the visits to do....the busyness level all adds up.

In the Salvation Army, we seem to be constantly on the go with carolling every night of the week; we have weekends without weekends; a lot of us end up cold and tired, maybe even ill!

Christmas is different for everyone. For some, its far from wonderful, almost to the extent where there's an emptiness or darkness in life.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,...and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace... "

In the buzz and amongst the hussle and bussle, lets be thankful and meditate on who and what really came from Christmas - the baby that was born in the manger. As verse two points out, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light..." Regardless of what the festive season is to us and to who we minister to, "a light HAS dawned" friends!

And then ask yourself the following:

"Who is he in yonder stall,
At whose feet the shepherds fall?

Who is he on yonder tree
Dies in grief and agony?

Who is he who from the grace
Comes to succour, help and save?

'Tis the Lord! O wondrous story,
'Tis the Lord, the King of Glory!
At his feet we humbly fall,
Crown him, crown him Lord of all!"

And that my friends is truly wonderful; although its just for this time of year, is it? Its for eternity. I'll leave that with you.

dw :)

Luke 1:8-13a - "Don't be afraid...your prayer has been heard"

2008-12-01T12:15:00.000-08:00

"And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard;.."

Picture this:

You're having a hard time with your faith. You're wanting to get a move-on in life, in a direction which you feel makes sense - and it doesn't seem to be happening. At all.

Zechariah was a priest (in Biblical times), whom along with his wife Elizabeth wanted a child, however the two of them were elderly. Heartbreaking as you can imagine; they were devout to their religion and followed it faithfully, through and through.

And one day he goes to God's house to carry out his 'duty', his role which has been placed upon him. While he's doing his job, there's an angel standing in front of him.

Think about going down to the church hall for band practice and the past couple of days you've had have been lousyl the worst of the wotst. So you get out your instrument, you start warming it up, you sit down in your seat, ready to play a tune and then you look to your right....and do a double-take - AAHHHH!!!

There's an angel standing next to you. (And we're not talking about looking in the mirror here, by the way!)

How would you feel about that? You would probably be ready for the funny farm! After having a bad week, this is more than likely going to tip you over the edge.

But then the angel speaks - and he, or she, calmly says, "Don't worry - God has heard your prayer. He hears what's going on. Chill."

One of the things about church is we don't always come with great expectations, maybe we can be a bit cynical, but when you least expect it - just when you thing it couldn't get any worse....it doesn't; because the Spirit speaks and moves and acts upon your prayer.

And, like He did with Zecharia (by giving him a son in the form of John The Baptist), I pray His blessings on what your troubles are this evening. For he has everything in hand.

God bless you.

dw :)

John 11:35 - "Jesus wept"

2008-11-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

Think of a list of things that make you cry. They could be either of the following:

death
loss
fear
pain
sadness in our loved ones
ultimately not getting what we want

What made Jesus cry?

in the afore mentioned passage (John 11), other's misfortunes
someone's death
others' sadness
others' loss
others' pain

Jesus was human, just like you and me. Its hard to be like Jesus at the best of times but in a lot of ways we already are. Jesus has emotions, as shown in scripture. Jesus has passion, as proven when he tossed the tables over in the temples on Palm Sunday. Jesus went through pain, most notably at Calvary. He went through sadness, for example with the death of Lazarus. He went through frustration, particularly with his disciples. He also tasted happiness, lovingness and worship towards his Father.

Some of this may be stating the obvious but these are basics. Do you see yourself in any of the afore-mentioned qualities?

When Jesus was happy, loving and compassionate, he was also forgiving, he led by his and Father's example, and he befriended people who were "inferior" or seen in a generally lower social stature. Do you still see yourself in any of these qualities?

Jesus showed many emotions and our aim is "To be like Jesus". That's a challenge to us all. What we have is good but we must not stop there. We must allow him to continue working on us.

"To be like Jesus, this hope possesses me; in every thought and deed, this is my aim, my creed"

I pray we continue this learning process on a daily basis and let nothing worldy distract or derail us from this journey.

dw :)

Philippians 1:3-11 - Youth Band devotions, 25/8/08

2008-10-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."

Did you all have a good summer?

Its really only been two months since our last rehearsal together but a lot can happen over the summer period, when we're not together as the same group, especially as there aren't as many practices on during the week.

Some corps opt only for the one Sunday meeting. People go on holiday, people stay at home and without the ongoing activities of the Salvation Army during that period, its easy to be exposed to or become aware of things that you wouldn't involve yourself with during the academic year (or season!). The vast majority of us are friends here, so you will have all heard from each other during the holidays at some stage and its important to have that bond and encouragement in the Army. To know that there are other Salvationists your age still wanting to deal with you outside the 'curricular' goings-on.

I'm glad to see you all here tonight, which I'm sure the other locals will concur with. Even though we have a weekend coming up and a lot of you are back at school or in your studies, its encouraging to see so many of you come out on a Monday night to a Youth Band practice. And encouragement is important because, without it, playing doesn't become as dun and out performances can suffer. But the fact is you're all good players; you're all in this band for a reason. We spoke about encouragement and nurturing this evening in our locals' meeting, and our aim is to help elevate you guys further so you can make the best noise possible for the Lord.

Verse 7 says this: "It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart" - that's my testimony this evening.

This band's been in my prayers a lot over the summer, as a group and as individuals. We have the weekend, entitled "Vision of Grace" coming up; lets be mindful that we have so much more ahead of us as Army bandsmen/women. My prayer - my vision - is that we become a band of witness, where we do change lives with our ministry; but ew can only do that if we look out for each other first, so our fellowship can translate out there. We need to let the grace spread within before we can justifiably take it out. And, with our eyes wide open, we'll be able to recognise that goal and claim it for the kingdom.

May God bless you.

dw :)

"You must follow me!" John 21:20-22 (Youth Band locals' meeting devotions)

2008-10-21T05:18:00.000-07:00

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"
Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."

We can be a nosey bunch in the Salvation Army, can't we. Little things take our curiosity and this in turn can lead to our discoveries spreading like wildfire in no time.

While its all well and good finding things out, especially when news breaks, its important that we don't let that distract us from our own day-to-day business. Peter had been given insight into part of his future by Jesus, as there were great plans ahead of him as well as how he'd die; but all of a sudden he wanted to know what would happen to others! Jesus reminded him Peter pretty much that it wasn't his business and he had to focus on what lay ahead of him, because he'd only been equipped for so much.

Each one of us are good at what we'vebeen given the task of doing, be it playing, organising things, helping others, maybe even praying or reading out loud! But if thats your gift, don't let anyone else distract you if you feel you you can't do what they do just as well yourself. God's blessed you with a particular calling - be thankful, make the most of it.

"You must follow me" - not what your friend does or anyone else; Christ says "follow me" and he will give you an endless supply to do your role well. I trust we're grateful for our blessings as solders and are happy doing what we do, and my prayer is that we keep Christ and his plan for us at the focus.

Excess baggage - Isaiah 40:27-31

2008-10-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

"Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

How many of us like to travel? How many of us like to go shopping? And how many of us like to play in a Salvation Army band? Personally I like to so a bit of all three - shopping if its necessary, of course! - but I'm sure you'll agree that all three elements add important elements to our lives.

Each one of them requires us to carry a few bags about, be it plastic bags, backpacks, suitcases or instrument cases, to name a few. That's some of the baggage we tend to carry about with us - but I wonder how many of you are carrying more than that; by that, I don't mean the invisible type.

Sometimes comfort is a dangerous word and can do more harm than good but the Lord provides comfort to those who need it. Who cry out for it. The baggage we cart about may be heavy and get us down but, as verse 29 states, "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak".

Youth is no exception from it - verse 30 says "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall" - it an be as much of a victim as the more mature and experienced of us. A lot of you will be familiar with the verse "They will soar on wings like eagles" - imagine that! Being completely free of the problems weighing you down!

"O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer"

We are reminded in our reading that "who hope in the LORD will renew their strength" - make it fresh and brand new. And I pray that as a band and individuals we use the comfort and the strength available to us through God.

"Sound and Vision" sermon - Youth Band weekend, 14/9/08

2008-10-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight I want us to consider what watching a television programme or a film without the sound going is like.

Some of the older members of the corps may recall the tradition of silent films from days gone by, where nobody spoke audibly but only through text and facial expressions. Male members of the band, when groups like Girls Aloud or Sugababes come on the telly, you may be happy to watch their actions visually but you'll hit the mute button, because their music may not necessarily be your cup of tea!

How about you DVD collectors who, after you've watched the main feature, check out the outtakes and deleted scenes. I'm often fascinated by the differences between the final mater cut and the outtake sequences, which always seem to lack something. Not only does it lack accuracy, as to what the finished item should be, but they often feature no music to go along with the mood of the scene. There's no background noise, where the extras natter away and go about their own business. Only the basics are empathisised in those outtake scenes - where the actors play their parts on a scaled-down basis, while the cameras roll, and ultimately they mess up; hence why take two and take three, and so on, is required before the finished and accurate sequence is in the can.

In the Salvation Army, we make a lot of noise on a weekly basis. We have plenty of sound; whether it be from the music we make, from the social scene among our comrades or even the outreach work we deliver to our respective communites. But I'd like to know if we have as much of a clear-cut view as to what our vision entails folks, particularly if we are to combine our sound to go with it.

Let me ask you:

what if that sound was taken away?
what if the mastered cut we produced wasn't satisfactory for God?
what if God's version of our mission in the Salvation Army became an outtake on the cutting room floor?

Just as our vision as a church has sound, that sound we posess must have vision as well. When we make our music, it can't just be about the here-and-now, it has to also be about where its going. Where we are going with it! When we interact socially with people in our corps and around our division, its all well and good thinking about the present age, for some its about the past (which can't always happen) but as Christians we mus acquire a vision to take our witness further, so it remains strong. And I don't need to go into too much detail about the vision our social outreach centres and workers need but, for those linked with that, I'm sure they'll agree that the vision needed there is paramount! We may find it difficult t full these seats and this hall friends but we can't use that as an excuse not to fill the seats of Heaven.

So what does this vision require?

Foremostly this vision requires unity and harmony among each other:

The text we read from earlier, Paul writes in verse 10 that he was appealing to the Corinthian church to be united and forget about their divisions. Corinth was stuck in a rut, for many reasons, but one of them was down to the divisions and lack of unity needed to move forward in the name of Christ. Are we "perfectly united in mind and thought" friends? If not, maybe the Lord is prompting you to do something about it, so His vision can be fulfulled.

We can't afford to fight or argue with each other friends (verse 11):

Some of you may know I was in a rock band in my late teens. We had a pretty good outfit and some potential on us. The musicianship was good, the banter was good, the repetoire as.....alright(!) But, as time went on, we started to disagree and then we were barely speaking to each other at all and everything else suffered big time because there was no communication. We couldn't even agree to disagree! The foundation was gone. I ask you now, if you want your vision to continue friends, please end your quarrel. Now.

Focus on the one person, the one figure of worship - our Heavenly father! (verse 12):

The people of Corinth weren't going anywhere in their vision becxause they were divided in who to look up to; Paul, Apollos, Peter, Jesus. Who do you follow today? Who is it you strive to be like in your faith? Is it your C.O? Your section leaders? Your Sergeant-Major? Or is it Christ Jesus? Its great to have people to aspire to in many ways but Christ is perfect. No human is better or more worthy of such praise and admiration. Are you focusing on Christ for your vision? If not, you need to ask yourself "why not?"

Paul gives all the credit back to God in our passage we read (verse 14): "I'm thankful that I did not baptise any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no-one can say that you were baptised into my name". Paul is not self-indulgent here and he doesn not take any credit to save for himself. He is clear what his vision is to be and what is required to make it work. He knows what type of sound has to be coupled with it and what a positive influence it can have a people. On everyone who is open to it!

You know, sometimes when we go to church, we often hear what we don't want to hear. Its all well and good getting something from what we agree with that takes place, torught either music or spoken work but the challenge can lie strongly in what we were not prepared for. I wonder if I've said anything this evening that you dodn't want to head. I wonder if you're sitting thinking along the lines of "Grrr, that Dan coming out with such a comment...", "Who does he think he is?!" The truth is I stand here before you delivering His word this evening about it. You need to allow the sound of God's voice in your ear and his vision in your heart.

Perhaps you need to sort out your vision; I don't know. But if there's one thing I ask of you right now is take time out with yourself and God. Let Him in and speak to you. You can't hide from it and you can only do nothing about it for so long, because He has the plans figured out - and He's going to have it His way, regardless. Do you need to put the right kind of sound back in your life? Do you need a new idea of what your vision should be? Or do you need both?

Maybe you're sitting there thinking you need neither! Well fair play to you, you really have heard stuff you didn't want to hear tonight! But I sincerely doubt that's the case and, if you need to make a response to that, our place of prayer is open as always. The holiness table is available if you want to stand at it or feel free just to kneel at your seat.

"Amazing Grace" sermon - Youth Band weekend, 14/9/08

2008-10-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

The theme of this weekend is entitled "Vision of Grace" and is entitled so because this evening's service will be focusing on 'Sound and Vision' for each of us as Christians and as a whole in the Salvation Army. This morning, I'd like us to consider the most amazing gift we as a church are blessed with - His grace.

I originally had a slightly longer sermon planned for this morning - but last week the big man upstairs instructed me otherwise!

Earlier we read from the first of two letters that Paul wrote to Timothy and, whilst look at God's word together, I want us to be mindful of three points (they say all good sermons are based around three points!) that I'd like to think about this morning:

Your previous purpose - you aim before you accepted God's grace
Christ's purpose - what he wants for you upon your accepting of grace
And your future purpose - where we go from here in our walk with Him

MY PREVIOUS PURPOSE:

Lets look at the purpose we had before submission to His grace: ask yourself 'Who were you before you came to faith and faith took hold of you?' Verse 13 says: "I was once a blasphemer....a persecutor....a violent man...." Everyone of us who professes to be saved has a part of our lives changed. Everyone of us who claims to know Christ Jesus has sinned and has done things we're not proud of. "...I acted in ignorance and disbelief". However, for some, that may be the way we behave today. Right now.

This letter was penned by Paul, "an apostle of Jesus Christ by the command of God" (verse 1), who Christ gave strength, considered faithful and appointed as an active servant (verse 12). This man, of course, was a sinner before - under the name Saul - and did all he could to tear Christianity down. Yet, Christ changed him; he accepted him wholly and moulded him into his own. If there's any proof of change that He can do, its right here, when GRACE was given to Paul. What Paul did before was his own doing and his own purpose. What he did caused harm to Christians: men died, were tortured and were scattered all over the country.

Consider the effect your behaviour has on your fellow Christians; on your church folk. The wounds it causes, the hurt that comes with it and the picture it paints of yourself. You may even become someone you don't even want to be, because you've lost control. I don't know how you can plan mass hurt around you but it can spread quickly. We want grace to spread quickly instead, right? Who's purpose is it to live like that - your own or Christ's? Ask yourself that one.

CHRIST'S PURPOSE:

Now that we've looked at what one's own purpose without grace, lets look at what is available to you:

"Knock, knock!" He comes calling and He wants to deliver you from your pain and the dire straits you life has become. For, as it says in verse 15 of our scripture from earlier, Christ "came into the world to save sinners" and we must fully put our trust in Him. Now how could one knock that back? When Paul was converted, and Christ's purpose became his, people around him noticed this change. All of a sudden, Paul's a Christian! Were the people apprehensive or wary of this change? Absolutely! But Paul proved it that Christ's change inside can wash you clean. He can transform you, with his grace, into someone that only He knows you can become. A better person, a better Christian, provided you recognise the need for Him to change you.

There's a story - some of you may have heard me tell before - about how a twelve year old boy used to cycle to and from his house. He would speed on his travels, at neat enough 60-70 mph, and would just miss his dad's old saloon by swerving into the driveway every time he would get home. This would happen continously until one day, the boy comes cycling so fast and this time it was too late to do anything by the time he realised that the saloon has been replaced by a brand new Renault Scenic people carrier.

He crashed into the side of it. The dad was less than impressed; he took one look at the side of the car where the bike had crashed into it and he cries out "What have you done to the car?" His son replies "Oops! Sorry dad, I haven't done any damage, have I?" After inspecting the deep scratch in the paintwork, he mutters a "Yes". The boy starts feeling sheepish at this point, he says "I'm sorry dad, I didn't expect it". "I bought it this afternoon and had planned to take the family away for the weekend in it". The boy starts breaking down crying and he keeps saying again and again to his father, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry". And with that, his dad says to him "Its ok son. Just be more careful in future".

The point of the story is that, despite messing up and not thinking about it until after the damage has been done, the boy's father was quick to forgive him because he was genuinely sorry and he had realised what he'd done wrong. God is a father of grace and forgiveness; we mess up along the pathway, he comes over to help us and put his arm around us in our hour of need. Friends, he wants to do that today! Is he doing that in your life now?

FUTURE PURPOSE:

Which leads us to where Christ wants you to be today. Forget all the baggage and all the distractions. The faith we have as Christians, we take and put it into action; and be happy to do so because, as verse 16 says, "...for those who would believe in Him and have eternal life..."

Christ's purpose, should you accept it, is in His hands and apart of His plans, meaning not to worry about what anyone else is doing or where they're heading. You follow him and what he leads you to do. Think of those that chose to follow him before: the first four disciples, who were fishermen and Christ called them to be "fishers of men" and to "follow me". Think about a man he healed, in the form of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar who, in Mark's gospel, "followed him along the way" after his healing. Salvation; grace - given to he who asked of it.

Now it is something we can get frustrated with and distracted from. Impulsiveness takes over, indecisiveness sets in. We start to follow a crowd; "What about him? What's he doing?..." You may recall from John's gospel in the closing verses, Peter asked Jesus a similar question about the "beloved disciple", after finding out about his own future. Jesus' response was "...what is that to you? You must follow me!" If the father has grace waiting for you, go get it. Receive it and make it yours.

This morning could be your chance to change your purpose for the better; think of the grace he bestows on you, what He gives you, what He wants to give you and more. He knows your hearts and there's no hiding from that whatsoever. The band are going to play a piece entitled "Grace Alone" and I just want to read you the first verse and chorus which I pray speak to you while the music plays:

"Every promise we can make
Every prayer and step of faith
Every difference we can make
Is only by His grace.

Every mountain we will climb
Every ray of hope we shine
Every blessing left behind
Is only by His grace

Grace alone
Which God supplies
Strength unknown
He will provide
Christ in us, our cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone."

May God bless you.

One life to live

2008-10-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

"One life to live, oh may I live for thee,
Give me your spirit and I shall be free.
Free from desire, my own way to pursue,
Free to obey your will, my whole life through"

We're challenged and taught in church to mean the word of the associated music we sing or play, and its a constant challenge as we grow up because we all have favourite songs, choruses or band pieces which we like to sing along to.

But I wonder if you've ever studied the words of your favourite songs and found yourself thinking, "I can't sing this as if its my own testimony". As boys and girls, young men and women, growing up in a Christian environment, our own belief in the words we sing will be challenged on occasion.

Take the words of the chorus you've just read - do you find them difficult to sing or even read out loud? I think its safe to say we all want to be given a piece of His spirit and we want to be set free from evil but its a two-way thing. "Free from desire" - free from worldly and human wantings which distract us and deny us of a fully happy walk with God.

The will the song says we must trive to achieve is God's and do so because we've chosen to believe and follow. Is it an easy journey? No, but the reward of eternal life is worth it and the happiness of being secure in God's love is beyond our wildest imagination.

"Free to obey your will my whole life through"

We have one life on this earth and there is one plan for each one of us. Are you prepared to obey and carry this plan out for Him?

dw :)

Image

2008-08-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

I want to show you a picture - this was taken just off Alexandria Parade in Dennistoun, Glasgow...

Its something else, isn't it?

Its just an old East End building; its seen better days, it could probably tell as many stories outside as it does inside. I don't even know if its a church building or if its connected to anywhere at all but, needless to say, the moment I saw the big white sign, I was struck. And when I moved closer to it, I saw the barbed-wire and I couldn't have been awe-struck anymore!

A couple of things came to mind:

Christ's crown of thorns when he hung on the cross

The old with a touch of the new

The contrast of darkness in the bright, beautiful sunshine

Barriers we put up between ourselves and Jesus.

I know there'll be many more from many other people who walk by this building or look at this photo. For those of you who happen to visit the West Scotland Divisional Youth Band's bebo page, you can now catch it as the front profile image (www.bebo.com/wsdyb). But if you'd like to leave any comments or thoughts about what you see, and what it means to you, get in touch.

Blessings

dw :)

Crash and burn or run the race?...

2008-08-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Life has it's challenges every so often and one of those challenges we often find in the Salvation Army is keeping on top of things; trying to remain in control of our church commitments, as well as balancing that with work, family and a social life. And really, when each of those areas start to get busy at the same time, its a lot easier said than done.

Time management is as much a part of our Christian life as it is in a professional environment because we have to work with what God's blessed us with, or else He'll take it away from us.

Before the summer break, I was out nearly every night of the week straight; either socially, on my shifts or doing something for the S.A - and believe me, I was knackered at the end of it all. In fact, I was knackered during it all.

Now, you may think "Oh he's a young thing, he's got energy to burn, he can handle it." Well, maybe - but its when you start burning that energy you're also burning yourself out. And that's not good for yourself, nor is it good for how God wants you to lead the life he's given you.

They say its best to fill your week before your week is filled for you. We don't have to be busy to prove anything because we're saved by the grace of a man who died for us in a method that couldn't have scarred and broken a person anymore. But the end result, the ultimate benefit, the supreme reward of our labours, when done right - by fixing our eyes on Jesus - is better than any consolation prize here on earth.

And I pray that, as we "run the race...with perserverance", we will "throw off everything else that hinders" so that when we cross the finish line, the big fresh drink of water we take is that of Christ's blessings.

"When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun"

dw :)

Let them have it

2008-07-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

"But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat as well. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two." (Matt 5:39-41)

The 118118 number is a wonderful thing, isn't it? You can text a question to find out whatever random information you require and it sends you the answer back in about ten minutes. I was in work the other trying to work out where, in scripture, verse 40 ("If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt...") came from and it wasn't till I text the 118 number and got a reply that I was reminded whereabouts it was.

The reason the verse came into my head was because there was a recent change in the office teams and this resulted in no definite seating plans for staff, people appearing to be out for themselves and grabbing the first chair they saw upon arrival, and, either by design or default, I had to sit further away from the team, even though I often to assistant admin work for our team manager. I have to be honest, this annoyed me.

Where I did end up sitting, I was exposed to even more gossiping, bitchiness and borderline immature behaviour among people on the floor. It was like being back in the school bus. Immediately, Matt 5:40 came into my head; it was almost as if I'd been subconsciously asking God to calm me down, rather than remain angry. And He responded with that verse.

This reminded me of how He's with us in every single solitary step of the way, regardless of what walk of life we're in. He is the ultimate guardian angel and all we have to do is search for His guidance.

Sometimes in musical groups/sections we can be like the afore-mentioned staff. We want to move about seats in the band; we want to sit above someone we deem as inferior, we want to play someone elses part. And from there the bitchiness and politicking begins. We're all aware of it!

If you're sat in a particular spot in your office, thats where whoever's in charge of you has been led to put you, for your own good. If you're a musician, you sit where you sit because you're a good player - otherwise you wouldn't be in that band or at your level in the first place - and you'll get better. With care and practice, you'll improve.

Consider this being where God wants you to sit for now, so regardless of what part you play, it contributes bit by bit to how the piece you're playing is written. To put it into a Christian context - if its a religious piece of music, your individual parts contribute to the Body of Christ. "But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts but one body." (1 Cor 12:18-20)

Its easy to get impatient about it, especially if something as simple as a seat, a role or a position is taken from you - but you know what? Maybe that role means more to the person who takes it from you than it actually does to you. They may not have gone the right way to get it but they've obviously put themselves out of their way too, so let them have it. Because God will have better plans for you, blessings that are out of this worldly world. He won't leave you in the lurch and He won't let you go either.

"O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be."

And I pray that, as you play your part well and accept you're where you are for the best reason of all, the blessings that are collaborated together and spread will be for the extension of His kingdom.

dw :)

Update - "FOLLOW ME"

2008-07-04T02:23:00.000-07:00

Its been nearly a month since I last wrote anything on this blog and I apologise. I made the conscious decision to contribute more regularly to this a few months back and, through a number of recent events in my personal and professional life, its been hard keeping on top of it.

My diary over the last three weeks has been like a dot-to-dot, being here and there, doing this and that, and its left me knackered. Whilst I get something out of hanging out with people socially and carrying out tasks involving skills I've been blessed with, its tired me out a bit. I need to use the next couple of months to chill a bit more and add a bit of a balance to what I do daily or I'm going to wear myself out, just like people close to me in the past have.

There's the description of busy people "burning the candle at both ends". I'm not a believer in that lifestyle but lately I've become a victim of it. How ironic, eh. Its now a case of trying to remind myself who I'm following here - is it me? Is it other people? I'm pretty assertive, I can say no to things, but why all of a sudden don't I? Am I insecure about things? Do I feel the need to prove anything? These are just questions I ask myself and I find myself saying "Probably" for some of them.

In truth, I've been a little lost lately, which brings me back to the question of who or what I'm following. And I can't answer with certainty, which isn't like me, but I reckon its me. How other people do it, I don't know and I don't want to know but I should be following Christ.

Check this out:

Matt 4:18-20 - Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. He said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people!" Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

Mk 10:52 - Then Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said to him, "Rabbouni, I want to see again."Jesus told him, "Go. Your faith has made you well." At once the man could see again, and he began to follow Jesus down the road.

John 21:22 Jesus said to him, "If it is my will for him to remain until I come back, how does that concern you? You must follow me!"

Its time I sorted out my priorities and get a steady balance in my life. Do you need to do the same with yours?

I'll leave that with you just now....

dw :)

Whole Again - Luke 15:24, Colossians 3:3

2008-06-10T02:58:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks back I lost two important goodies of mine - my iPod and my watch. Now I'm not the type to cry about worldly possessions but these are quite valuable items that I'd misplaced. Without them I felt rather awkward and even a bit uncomfortable; and lets be honest, if something you feel should be there isn't there, then it doesn't feel the same.

Picture a deck of cards without the aces or jigsaw puzzle with a few pieces missing. It feels odd putting them together and looks odd as well. Perhaps we can relate like that spiritually where we've either come this far without recognising our saviour and all of a sudden feel we personally need His presence, or we've tried to live the Christian life for so long and yet something isn't quite right. Something's missing.

By studying the above verses, I'd like us to consider a few points which can lead us from our current state of confusion to where God would like us to be.

"Your old sinful self has died and your new life is kept with Christ in God" (Col 3:3)

Something was missing but is now retrieved; something was dead but is now alive; something was out of reach but now within reach; something was unholy and worldy but is now blessed and cleansed, pure and whole. You could use all the metaphors in the world but, wth Christ, a spade's a spade and once you've got him, then BLESS YOU because that is for eternity.

"He was lost but now he is found !" (Lk 15:24b)

In my job I get a lot of customers telling me they've lost their credit cards; they call up for it to be stopped and have replacements requested and issued. Some don't even receive their new pieces of plastic either because of how they've managed their account, resulting in no replacement sent out or they've simply been lost in the post. Imagine that being the case with God and faith.
Incidentally, the majority of those customers must be really lost without them! All those finances, all those spending plans and so on. Not to different from the prodigal son featured in this passage in Luke's gospel who took his share of his father's fortune and ended up in a terrible rut.

"My son was dead...." (Lk 15:24a)

This is where one ends up at rock bottom, with nothing or no-one. Can you relate to that? There are people out there in the community that can. As soon as you step out the door, there are and they're there in front of you.

Last year at a meeting held in Parkhead Corps, it was revealed in a survey that the area of Parkhead was in the top three poverty-stricken towns in the UK.

TOP THREE! And there we are sitting in the hall every week, in our seats, in our sections, complaining about the temperature, worrying about whether we'll get tea or coffee after the meeting! The Salvation Army has a motto - heart to God, hand to man. Do you think people out in the community worry about the above? Heck no they don't - because they're not that priviliedged!

People who used to come - former attendees, PRODIGALS - may be in a similar position. I often wonder how many of us take the time to actively consider that.

"...but now he is alive again!" (Lk 15:24a)

That's where we come into the picture with a bit of simple interaction - a simple "Hi/hello/you well?" It works, and it makes all the difference! Through us the people get to see Christ and know Christ; maybe again, maybe for the first time.
Great! Yeah? No?

It means we win more for Heaven! Yeah?........No?........

I wonder if there are any prodigals reading this; anyone who's already lost and has been for sometime. I don't know if there is but He does and He knows what's going on with your right now. Don't even try to hide from it.

Does the word in this blog post apply to you? Do you feel that God has opened your ears to what you need to hear? Do you feel that a piece is missing from you and you need to be made whole once again in Christ?

My prayer is that you've been challenged - because the Lord has spoken to me and says we need to take action in piecing hearts and souls together again. And its not that difficult, friends.

Do what you need to do, and do it quick, before the Lord does otherwise.

dw:)

Fish supper

2008-06-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

Its Saturday afternoon. East end of Glasgow.

My good friend Jonathan and I meet up for lunch and, in the process, decide to take our food to the nearest park and eat it there as the weather is absolutely immense! Picture this - the sun shining, temperature surely hovering around the 20-degree mark, people hanging out in their summer clothes...the hottest season of the year had well and truly kicked in. It was incredible.

So we go to a hot food bar along Alexandra Parade in Dennistoun. Jonathan gets an omlette and I get a fish supper; here was me trying to be healthy too but I couldn't resist. We walk up the road, cross over and walk into Alexandra Park, a lovely big park that felt a bit like the revelation of the Secret Garden to me - I'd gone past it loads of times before and I'd often heard about it but never til this day actually been in it.

After we sat down on the grass, we opened up our food, gave thanks and tucked in; and I noticed that the two - not one, two - pieces of fish that I'd been given were big beasts of things! Seriously, if I was a veggie, I'd have been worried because they looked more like a pair of battered whales as opposed to cod, and they were delicious too. But, all of a sudden, as I took a bite and was looking at the fish, I heard God speaking to me. I mean, how surreal is that? There I was, sitting in the heart of Dennistoun with my mate on a hot summer's day and the Lord was communicating to me through this piece of fish that I had in my hand and I was eating away at it.

What He said to me was that it must have taken a heck of a man to pull out those two big fish from the water.

But how ironic it is for a city such as Glasgow - or any British city for that matter - associated with fish and chips that the real fishing that needs done is the fishing of men. To go out into the streets, the community, the city with the fishing nets God has equipped us with, bring them in to the house of the Lord and, rather than be fed by the fish, feed the fish ourselves. They are the type of fish that need caught and need fed with the gospel.

After we proceeded to walk around the park for another few minutes, we came to the bridge above the motorway and just stood there for at least 10 minutes while the sun baked down on us and the motorway down below was very busy. People were travelling to and from Glasgow, going at ridiculous speeds; different types cars drove past, I didn't even count the range of age groups or backgrounds but I'm certain they were large. And I asked myself, where are they going? Do they even know where they're going? Do they have any particular reason to be driving today? Are they lost?

The fact is that many of those drivers are like the fish that need caught. That need WON for the Kingdom. As each car drove past - and there were loads of them, by the way - I looked at each one thinking God loves him, God loves her; God loves the dude with the new Mercedes, God loves the chap with the old beat up Austin Metro. No-one was exempt from that.

And how many of them know that?

I just pray that we can make a difference out there and be the fishers of men that God wants us to be. Remember when he chose the disciples? Young men who were were relatively nothing in their society, yet this Rabbi, this teacher, walks over to them and says "Follow me....I will make you fishers of men" - all of a sudden they felt worth something. They had purpose.

My question for you is do you realise how much your calling to go out and extend the Kingdom is?

dw:)

Thoughts on Matthew 9:9-13 (Youth Band devotions - May)

2008-05-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

Everyone of us, at some points or another, comes into contact with "sinners", or people more inclined to the secular world; and that's great. Whether it be work, school, college or simply getting on the bus or train, there's an immediate contact and an opportunity to minister to people. Social activities with non-Christians will be fairly frequent as well. and there's the chance that, if word about this gets back to Mum or Dad, or Granny, or someone in the corps,they voice their disapproval - "Oh, he shouldn't be hanging out in that crowd! Dear goodness he'll be led astray!" etc.

It could just so be that you're there among those people by design, for Jesus has told you to follow him, follow his plan, by being a witness for him and he has said "Follow me" to your friends or colleagues through you. "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick". I understand not everyone in here (the practice room) wears senior uniform but, regardless of what rank you are or how long you've been going to the Salvation Army for, you've been "called to live, to love and save the lost". The S's you see on the uniform - 'Saved to Save' or 'Saved to Serve' - states you're exactly that hen you put it on. And even when you don't physically have it on, we must be mindful of the promises we signed to God and remember that we are his for witness.

This requires setting an example, being the type of Christian that "sinners" are comfortable around, so they may see Christ through you. Its not always easy, thats fact, but God is always there to guide you, as are your Youth Band locals and helpers when you need us. Lets be mindful guys that we will stand out to people and they will notice something different about how we conduct ourselves and from there, if we make the most of what opportunity of ministry comes our way, it'll be for the extension of the Kingdom.

dw :)

Newspaper

2008-05-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

One of the first things that you're likely to pick up in the morning, wherever you're heading, is a news paper. It has a lot of benefits to it, doesn't it? It grabs your attention, its up-to-date, it doesn't cost much and contains stuff that we want to know about. Also you can share it with people too, so it can either be passed about from person to person or left on the table for the next person sitting there to read.

Newspapers also have the misfortune of being discarded at the end of the day - for tomorrow, another edition or issue is going to take its place. Its going to be more up-to-date, it'll have jucied headlines, the latest big stories, more pictures with the 'beautiful people' of the day and who may not necessarily be the same ones from the day before. In fact, there used to be a saying years ago, "Today's news is tomorrow's chip-paper" - so really what we see today in the broadsheets and tabloids will be used as either rubbish or other means of recycling or support.

Its funny how we as people can pick these pieces of literature up daily and be done with them at the end of the day. I mean, really - what kind of value will they have if it says Monday on it when its actually Tuesday or even Wednesday? (Having said that, I deliberately kept the special issues printed the day after the total eclipse in August 1999 and the world trade centre disaster in September 2001, respectively) These are just old news; unless info that we've heard about, already know inside out about or forgotten about. Stuff that will either go into the archives for memoir's references, television documentaries or pub quiz questions. Pictures that will go into scrapbooks or framed on walls. In other words, the important or most impacting stories/features will stick with those to whom it mattered to.

Let me ask you a question:-

If or when you bought a bible from Faith Mission, Wesley Owen, Waterstones (!), where does that go after the day is finished? Dad's just given you a devotional reading book for the next three months. Its been published for the months April-June this year. What happens to that issue in July?

Do you take much time to read them, to study them? Or are they just discarded, not to be touched again?

You know, there's times in life where people will use us like today's newspaper. That's right, I said "USE". They'll be all over you in every way; wanting to know whats inside you; what's most interesting about you; what sort of scandal you've got going about you; what you know that nobody else knows. It'll trigger off a liking from another pary but, after a while, once they find a fault in you or they decide they've figured you out, they're no longer interested in you. The harsh reality is you were just a tool for mere amusement that gets warmer once in somebody's hand and, after that party has warmed you up and comfortably placed you in their hand, you're set back down again. Nine times out of ten, that party will move on to the next mug; or they may even just withdraw from the picture without a clue what to do next.

God doesn't do that; He is with us always. He doesn't see us as yesterday's news or as a tool - a toy - for our amusement. No. God embraces us wholly, unconditionally and lovingly. One of the last things Jesus said to his disciples was "...surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b). This was following Christ's commission of his disciples to spread the gospel and multiply in discipleship through him (v.19) and, when he said "always", he literally meant "to the very end of the age".

Its hard to imagine the end of the age, isn't it? It's hard to wrap your head around it; may even seem impossible. However, in the Bible we are taught nothing with the Lord is impossible (Luke 1:37). Especially not the love He has to offer us (1 Cor 13:6-7).

A love that won't end at the end of the day. A love that has no expiry date.

"O Love that will not LET ME GO....
O Light that followest ALL MY WAY....
O Joy that seekest me THROUGH PAIN....
O CROSS that liftest up MY HAND...." (SASB No. 621)

And I know I could add a lot more to that. Can you?

dw :)

Desire?

2008-05-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

Its easy to want what you can't have, isn't it? It always seems that the attraction is to things in life that are not our own. One songwriter put it once "You can't always get what you want"; but lets consider for a moment what we can have:

We can have a friend in Christ Jesus.

We can have eternal life

and we can have a faith so strong and overpowering to the point where people notice that you're different from others and that you don't need much else.

Its human nature to want things beyond our control, beyond our reach and that can be testing. I hope Santa was good to you at Christmas and you got at least one thing that you wanted; and chances are that you got that gift because it was within the doing of whomever got it for you.

But what are you going to do now with it? Are you going to make use of your gift, get what its worth out of it? Or is it going to go back in the cupboard and collect dust?

Among your family/friends or colleagues, you'll see that God has given many talens and gifts. As a Christian, its the duty to be a steward of those gifts, from which we either use or lose them. (Jesus himself taught about a man who hid his talents, in Matthew 25:14-30, who had them removed and given to a man who used his and were therefore multiplied) However the greatest gift we could ever ask for in times of trouble and happiness is a gift that

didn't have to be bought
didn't have to be put away in the cupboard
doesn't have to be kept to yourself

"For God so loved the world...."

Sometimes what we have already is what God wants us to have, what he wants us to make use of. Its not until you sit back and analyse what's available to you how special it is.

Talents. Friends. Family. Church. Faith.

Its easy to want what you can't have - but you can have a friend in Christ and thats easy to obtain.

"What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a priviledge to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!"

My prayer is that we make use of the gift that is knowing Him and never take for granted "what a priviledge" it is.

dw :)

2008-05-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

Acts 18:5,6 - "When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."

Life is filled with lots of choices and decisions to make and there's times when those decisions can be influenced by others around us. For example, if we're in a certain place and we're carrying out a role or task, its good to know we're being acknowledged, particularly if its a valuable one. When it comes to the stage where nobody is respondant to our tasks, then we may decide to go elsewhere.

Its a self-respect thing, isn't it? But not only that - we want to enjoy what we do and we can really only do that if we're shown encouragement. It makes it that bit easier and more fun to get on with things.

Let's say you're in a job - the money's good, the location's good and the company's good but the work itself isn't nice in the slightest. Or lets replace the actual work with the location, or anything else for that matter. There's a slight drawback there that doesn't make work so comfortable. Now you apply for another job - its an attractive position; in fact its the total package. Its ideal to get to, the wages are a dream, the porspects are endless, the people are the best banter ever and the actual work is just what you wanted.

So you go for the interview. Things run smoothly, things look promising. You're in your present office when the phone goes.... Its your potential employers - "Congratulations! You've got the job!" Marvellous! (I have to point out that the workplace isn't always as easy going as this but I'm taking it as an example.) Now you've to report back to your current boss - "I've got the job and I'm getting this, this and this along with it. Its great." And suddenly your boss turns and says to you "What will it take you make you stay here?" Not to leave but remain here, with us".

"Well you can give me less of that rubbish work to do, I wouldn't be doing that in this new place!" "Oh but that's already in your current job description"

"Well, how about a salary increase? I'm getting offered X amount over there and I'm only making X amount here at the minute." Erm...I dont know, its a bit much out of your current grading, isn't it?"

So that's money out of the picture, still the less glamourous tasks in the way too. What about...."can I not work with Dave or Allen any longer please? I get distracted easily by them and I don't get on particularly well with them either." "What?! You've gotta be kidding - they're the best we've got! The quality would suffer otherwise!"

The writing gradually becomes more and more clear on the wall. An element of empathy can be felt towards the employer as well. Face it - he doesn't want to lose you. And you certainly don't want to leave him either! After all, you've been there for so long and you're so comfortable where you are. Realistically, however, what you've asked for as extras aren't just what you want, they're what you need. And, as heartbreaking as it may be, its time leave that behind. Something new is available to you, and its fresh and exciting. Its giving you what you want.

Paul wanted his audience to accept his teachings. He wanted to take this awesome news, the word that Jesus Christ is saviour. Jesus Christ is King! These were Paul's kind of people - a lifestyle and a way of life which he had grown up in. A frame of mind so traditional that it was merely comfortable in it's ways. These people wanted the Messiah to come; their idea of Messiah was a warrior in armour and on horseback, ready to do battle and save them all with his sword. Their Messiah was going to be their knight in shining armour! And they were awaiting his arrival.

But the fact was he had already arrived! The Messiah which was read about, spoken about, taught about and prophecised about was alive. He died on a cross to save his people's sins - and he'd RISEN AGAIN! The word of Christ has been entusted among many people to preach and Paul was one of them. So he took it to this community but they rejected it and they were despondent of Paul. They didn't take heed to what he has to say. They didn't want to listen to his teachings. They didn't care. They were happy how they were! Their knight in shining armour was on his way and thats what mattered. They didn't appreciate Paul's ministry, they didn't appreciate what he had to offer, they didn't recognise him for being a preacher or messenger of the truth.

The audience that day, present were Paul was, could potentially have been subject to showers of blessings but indtead they put up their brollies and dug out their raincoats. Remember in chapter two of the same book - the day of Pentecost! Where people were saved; thousands! Lives were changed. The spirit was well and truly alive. These people could've had the same experience! And they turned their back on it. So Paul took off. "From now on, I will go to the Gentiles" - and he walked out the door. Those people had a blessing so special, so marvellous and wonderful awaiting them. And God removed it, due to their ignorance.

Do I think it was hard for Paul to do this? Definitely. Heartbreaking and agonising. If you study his epistles to the churches in Corinth and Galatia, there is pain laid bare there because people were blind to the way. But Paul had to make a decision - to either stay where he was and bang his head on a brick wall or take his watering can and soak the garden dripping wet. He took that word elsewhere all over Europe and the church grew. Christianity grew! And the kingdom of Heaven expanded because there were people open to the word; people not too comfortable to raise their hand and say, "Yes, I believe!"

For any female adults reading this, young or old(er) I don't know if in your courting days gone by there was always a strapping young gentleman who persistently requested time to have your company and you kept knocking him back. And kept trying and trying for a date, yet the answer you gave him was a "No" or, worse, you just ignored his existence. After a while, this gentleman comes to the realisation that he's wasting his time and, in due course, another girl takes his fancy and the two of them couldn't be happier together. Girl no.1 had an opportunity, possibly for an extended period of time because the guy just didn't give up, but it started to become apparent that she wanted nothing to do with him, his interest in her was pointless, and therefore the blessing of this young gentleman that was awaiting Girl no.1 was lifted and placed on Girl no. 2.

Now, sometimes in these situations, a lot of "what if"s and regrets set in. "What if I'd gone with Joe Bloggs...", "what if I'd said yes to his request for lunch", "what if I'd actually said 'thanks but no thanks' as opposed to not saying anything to him at all. When Paul quit preaching to those to who the word was intended for, and his blessing was fulfilled elsewhere, I wonder if there were any regrets or "what if"s. I wonder if they were happy; I wonder if they got the fulfilment they seeked. I wonder if they got another chance. That's all we can do now; wonder what happened to those rejectors of the word.

Perhaps God's got a blessing waiting for you today. Do you know that? Do you know if He's got something in mind for you? If so, then my challenge for you is go and grab hold of it; make it your own and be happy with it. "His love has no limits, his grace has no measure..." but you have to want it because if you don't, He'll remove it from you and grant it to someone who does. He did it with Paul's ministry in Acts and He can do it today. Talk to God today about the decision you have to make and be open to his offerings.

dw :)

Who is Jesus?

2008-04-27T04:22:00.000-07:00

I was asked the other night by my friend Thomas, whose in charge of the SA's ((deep)) concept, to having something prepared for the event of the same name at the end of the month. He asked me to be able to answer a question on who I think Jesus is.

So yeah, no pressure or anything!

Its certainly got me thinking; here's a few brainstormed bullet points I've come up with....

- Jesus is my best friend; he's celebrated with me in the good times, heck he's been responsible for the good times, and he's been there with me in the bad times. Even when I needed my space, he was there.

- He's my tag-team partner; always watching my back, reminind me of important things that I need to do. I remember someone was using my kitchen once to make dinner and, just before I left them to it, Jesus tapped me on the shoulder and went......."Um Dan, you've still got last week's left-over chips sitting in the oven!" AAHHHH!! And what a state they were! So, as quick as a cat, I ran in, chucked them in the bin, ran out again and acted like nothing happened. Smooth. And thats only one example as how he's watching me!

- He's the instant messenger buddy that's always online. He's never busy, he's never away, he's never out to lunch - you know, lol - and he's definintely never offline. He may not always have instant answers to your prayers; sometimes you could be doing all the talking and he's silent. But that's ok; he still hears you. Always.

- He'll hopefully be my boss one day too - for those of you who've read this weeks issue of the Salvationist, it says in one of the pages about how "Bandsman Daniel Wray....has had God reveal to him to be an officer". Amen. Who could want a better boss? Who could give better perks, better appraisals, better tasks? Who could give a better one-to-one?

- He's my dad. He gives me advice, he tells me when I've gone wrong, he doesn't just lend me his shoulder to cry on but he gives me it. And half the time, I don't even deserve it.

- He's my light in the darkness; he even said so himself and his own best friend John wrote it down (Jn 8:12). He said "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life". Whenever things are dull and uncertain, he shows the way by one flick of a switch.

- He's my estate/letting agent. He provided me with a roof over my head when I got to Glasgow two years ago. Its a wee flat in Parkhead but its great. I love it. Its all I need. Is it a chic magnet? Hmmm, somehow I doubt it. But I don't need an Imagine or Supernova Heights-type mansion; my friend Jesus will provide me with "mansions of Glory and endless delight" once I get to "sing with the glittering crown on my brow" (SASB 357, v.4)

I'm sure I could say more but I'd be here all day. Which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing when talking about Jesus - but there's a four-legged furball that needs some attending to!...

dw :)

26/4/08

2008-04-26T03:30:00.000-07:00

1 Cor 1:12 - "...One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ."
Acts 19:32b - "Most of the people did not even know why they were there."

We're priviliedged in church to have so many methods of worship. We're fortunate to have activities ranging from:

youth clubs - luncheon clubs
home league gatherings - youth fellowships
bible studies - band practices
singing groups - outreach programmes

Now they're important ways of uniting people together who share common interests and the social element to that is fantastic because of how it nurtures fellowship; but, from time to time, its common to take our eyes of the main purpose and that can effect how we approach respective activities and view others.

You might be a keen musician and the instrument you practice and the music you rehearse can only progress your skills, make you a better one than you yourself can imagine but, in the context of church and your Christian journey, are you sure its Christ you're worshippin - who blessed us with these gifts and activities - or are you worshipping the instrument you're playing?

Outreach programs - football, youth clubs etc; they're fantastic because they can open so many doors, but is your conduct on the field or pitch, in the dressing room, at your refreshment table afterwards a mirroring of who you're professing to follow in your church?

Diversity's a wonderful blessing and it would be seriously boring without it! But as you grow, if you don't know it already, the music has more to it than playing or singing; the gatherings have more to them than numbers; and how you act and respond to these different ways will become apparent to others.

"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one" (John 17:22). My prayer is that we unite as one, along with our backgrounds and interests, in our worship of Christ. And that its shown through us - for it could change somebody else.

dw :)

Staircase

2008-04-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

(Okay, its after midnight on a Sunday going into Monday morning, so I'll see what I can come up with here....)

Stories of any kind have a lot of ups and downs, don't they? You can use a number of metaphors to illustrate them: rollercoasters, yo-yo's, ladders, even thermometers.

When I was in high school, the building for our music department had this staircase that went from the ground floor up about twenty feet to the first floor, into this big massive room which was mainly used for classes but also concerts and recitals. The staircase had seen its own share of stories and dramas, such as the teachers telling naughty students to stand outside or they took them out to give them a telling off.

On the other hand, it had some happier moments, such as students walking out of their music exam glad it was over, walking up the stairs to audition for school shows or waiting to be let into the classroom by the teacher, amidst the queue of your class, while messing about with your mates. My personal favourite was giving a Christmas card to a girl a bit younger than me and I'll never forget the smile on her face and apparent gratitiude; it beat anything Santa could bring.

Recently I've been doing a lot more exercise by jogging and swimming. My flat doesn't have a lift in it - its got three flights of stairs and I'm on the third floor. So you can imagine how I feel climbing up three flights after doing my Rocky Balboa-style run for half an hour! Man, its a killer. And whatsmore, heading up and down the stairs in my exercise gear - old t-shirt and shorts - can feel slightly daunting when your neighbours are on the other side of the stairs. I mean, who wants to be in a closed stairway in your shorts when someone you hardly know from Adam is walking by you??

It would be a cliché to say that life is like a staircase; it wouldn't be wrong but I think 'life' is too general a term. That's just me personally commenting. In my eyes, I would say faith is definitely like a staircase. Think about it:

ok, so there's the ups and downs side to it but thats not all...
people walk by you regardless of what direction they're going - essentially people come and go as they head either way
you'll be put in awkward, sometimes even embarrassing, positions that may make some sort of an impact but all you can do is walk on from it
you'll have some good and bad memories but the bad thoughts will make you stronger and the good thoughts will be like pictures in your photo album. Treasured.
whichever end you come away from the staircase, you get there by the grace of God. In one piece and just the way He planned it.

And, as I head to my bed, that's how I reckon faith resembles a staircase. Or vice-versa, I dunno lol; too tired to think.

Blessings :) dw

Acts 16:23-27 - Eleven fifty-nine

2008-04-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

'After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" '

At 11:59, I was in pain. Surrounded by darkness, in the corner of a dark room. Not knowing what was happening.

At 11:59, my tears were streaming. I couldn't stop crying, I needed someone to hear my cry.

At 11:59, my house was no longer the home it had been. Everything fell apart.

At 11:59, the drunkard lies on the streets with only a bottle to keep him company.

At 11:59, the victim takes some more abuse. Every word or action cuts like a knife.

At 11:59, believers with no sense of direction are lost in the maze. Their map is lying somewhere a few yards back.

And at 11:59, Paul and Silas were put in jail; feet in stocks; bound with chains; guarded like criminals.

But....

At midnight, my pain was healed and the blinding sun shone through my window.

At midnight, my tears were wiped. My voice was heard. My soul was stilled.

At midnight, the house I called home is once again a happy place, a welcoming place, a safe place.

At midnight, the drunkard is taken in; he's given a hug, a warm cup of soup and a comfy bed.

At midnight, the victim is not a victim anymore. The victim is free at last.

At midnight, the maze walls are torn down; the way becomes clear, more so than it ever did.

And at midnight, Paul and Silas were singing, were praying, were witnessing - and, once the ground shook, the prison doors opened and their chains were LOOSENED!

GOD FREED THEM FROM DANGER!!

It was His touch that healed the hurting; His presence that saved the lost; His ears that heard the crying - and His grace that sets me FREE!

Hallelujah!

Psalm 105 - "Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done."

2008-04-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

I've been confronted a lot lately with the term 'giving thanks'.

A few weeks back, I heard the song "Give thanks witha a grateful heart..." sung three times in the one weekend - once on the Saturday night (at Govan) and twice on the Sunday (at Parkhead), morning and evening.

Just the other wee, a Christian friend of mine referred to Psalm 105, which begins with the lines, "Give thanks to the Lord..." and, unless I'm imagining things, I've heard thankfulness being sung about ot mentioned a few other times in the past month or so.

This took me back about six years ago to Music School back home, when the then-Divisional Youth Officer said to me "Don't ever hesitate to say 'thank you' to someone, regardless of how often or how much it is".

Nine times out of ten, I try making a point of expressing my gratitude and appreciation to people if I feel they've been a help or benefit to me. Bit its only lately I've come to the full realisation of thanking the One who made it all woth while to begin with.

I don't know if you're familiar with the 'Teaspoon prayer' method (thank you... - sorry... - please...), which I know has been taught a lot to younger kids down through the years; but, believe it or not, it actually is the simplest and a very effective application if you're stuck with talking to God. The first part, being the "Thank you...", I guess helps us not forget to be thankful, especially when we have a great God who keeps giving and giving again.

Iwant him to know how grateful and thankful I am for having Him in my life. In my relationship with God, I also want to grow with him and I want to know Him better. Better today than I did yesterday and hopefully even better tomorrow.

"Thank you for saving me, what can I say?
You are my everything, I will sing your praise...

Great is the Lord....for you know the truth has set us free,
You set your hope in me"

"JESUS WEPT" (John 11:35)

2008-03-26T01:55:00.000-07:00

My mate Richard had a go a 'devotioning' the shortest verse in the Bible; I'm going to give it a go myself, because.....

last night I went to see the film 10,000 BC with some friends and, all the countless other blockbuster references aside (watch it and you'll get my drift!), the one thing about the film that really took me aback was the take it had on when men fearlessly battled for what they believed. When men truly defended their loved ones. When men were men.

And that's what Jesus was - he fought for what he believed against those who didn't believe, albeit in an unphysical manner. He stood by, and continues to stick by, the ones he loves. And yet he remains arguably the finest example of masculinity.

What drives men, more than anything, is emotion (probably not as much as women!) and emotion is the glue that binds them together; the motor that keeps them running; the adrenaline pumping inside them. And sometimes, that emotion can turn into tears; into openly breaking down, weeping like a baby.

Whoever said that "real men don't cry"? After all, Jesus wept.

What is weeping/crying/bawling? Its a release, isn't it? It is the literal breakdown of a mountenous building block; the melting of a mask; the removal of a real guise (no irony intended). One of the most powerful tools that the church uses for stirring emotions is music, which comforts and sometimes confronts us in the form of Christ himself.

But isn't that ok? Yes gents, remaining masculine and strong keeps us being men - however, the same way "Jesus wept", so can we and that can be the missing link between man and Christ.

This is music

2008-03-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

SONGS FROM MOVIES ON MY IPOD

Jerry Maguire - "Secret Garden" Bruce Springsteen
Highlander - "Who Wants To Live Forever" Queen
Romeo and Juliet - "You and Me Song" The Wannadies
Forrest Gump - "California Dreamin'" The Mamas and the Papas
A Lifeless Ordinary - "A Lifeless Ordinary" Ash
Rambo III - "He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother" The Hollies
Trainspotting - "Perfect Day" Lou Reed
Control - "Love Will Tear Us Apart" Joy Division
Yellow Submarine - "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" The Beatles
Billy Elliot - "Children of The Revolution" T.Rex
Shrek - "Hallelujah" John Cale
Stardust - "Rule The World" Take That
Clueless - "Change" The Lightning Seeds
The Commitments - "Dark End Of The Street" Percy Sledge
Shaun of The Dead - "Panic" The Smiths
This Is England - "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want" - Clayhill

Most of you know two of my main interests are popular music and modern cinema, so its only natural for me to have a selection of tracks that have appeared in movies in my personal electronic track bank.

I didn't know until by just schimming through the songs here how many of them, through one version or another, have appeared on different film soundtracks. It must have come subconsciously to me.

To some people, music is just noise that comes from the radio, which people either sing along to in work or in the car; at times not knowing all the words of the songs, who sings them or even the title of the track to look up in a record store. To others, music is a way of life; picking up an instrument, relentlessly dedicating themselves to playing it, sometimes beyond the brink of obsession, and attempting to be a prodigy in their respective field.

What is music? Its an art. Its a gift. Its a backdrop. Its a collage. Its emotion. Its love. Its anger. Its fun. Its dressing up. Its dressing down. Its going out and staying in. Its dancing, running, lying down, sitting.
What is music to me? Its a soundtrack to life. If I'm not able to give some useless information about songs that I hear, chances are I could pin-point another time in my life when I've heard it before (provided I have!). A few months back on my Bebo I filled in the blanks for 'Soundtrack to your life' questionnaire, where I analysed my life as a film and took different tracks to be associated with specific moments or 'scenes'. The truth is I could probably fill a multi-volume CD box set with the soundtrack of my life so far, and thats only in the last 22 years!

I wonder if you've ever watched outtakes or deleted scenes of films or TV programmes where there is no music in the background, as funnily enough its all dubbed in the production stages for the final scenes. Really takes away from the flavour of it, doesn't it? Not as much life would be apparent; no comforting warmth or realistic familiarity to it.

Imagine if each day was just that: either an outtake or a deleted scene; in another words a big mistake. The script having countless re-writes and all the interesting bits ending up on the cutting room floor. In my experience, the director's extended cuts foten remind me why the classics of today became the trimmed down theatrical versions we're more familiar with; but they also raise eye-brows and a lot of what-if's. What if that character remained in the plot; what if more was done with that storyline; what if the key scene remained as initially sketched out in the rough draft.

Being a Christian, my belief is God had my life planned out from before I was even born (Psalm 139), and I reviewed this about three weeks ago while down south. Everything makes sense; every bit of the jigsaw puzzle fits into place. Every piece of music thats been important in my life has stayed with me down through the years and each track not only allows me to tell a story about them but also tells a story themselves to me.

Without being forceful or even persuasive, allow me to invite you to do this:

Think of the music that you've associated with important moments from years gone by. Revisit the soundtrack of your life. Press the pause button if need be; heck, hit the rewind control! But don't hit stop or mute. Let the music keep playing; let it speak to you; close your eyes while doing so. Turn it up loud; turn it down low.

Perhaps God is asking you to reflect and take time out....

dw :)

12/3/08 - Getting things going

2008-03-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

Its been a while coming but I felt it was time to make a regular contribution to my blog, as in maybe once a week. Quite a lot is going on up here (in my head) that I feel the need to talk about, maybe this'll be a way of getting it off me chest!

Like anything you're going to remain constant with, a blog requires time to add something to it. Over the last wee while, I realised I didn't have the time to sit down and make something of it; I was bogged down with all the cack of the day. But really you have to often take all the junk that gets in the way, put it aside and MAKE TIME for the cause, especially if its worth something to you.

Why wouldn't you want to otherwise?

Hmmm. Want. Desire. Enthusiasm. Motivation. (I'm partially brainstorming, by the way!)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyone whose ever listened to my sermons/devotions or read any of my poems may often see the metaphor of a travelling vehicle, like a train for example. I spoke the other week in Parkhead about a rather interesting tale that happened to me en route to the Youth Rally a few weeks back, about how I got onto the wrong train. (Instead of being Perth-bound, I was heading to Edinburgh - as you do!)

Recently I've been assessing how relationships - of all sorts, not just the romantic type - can be a bit like trains. After slow and patience-testing starts, they gradually get going and going at full speed whilst people linked to the journey, or the passengers, get to sit back and relax, by rights. Sometimes there are a few stops on the way but things get going again after a while. Tunnels often pop up and the train is in the dark for a brief time but, after it comes out, its clear to see out the window again. Flip, even the ticket inspector snoops about, wondering if we've a right to be sitting there to begin with! And, more often than not, the train gradually starts to slow down, the journey coming to an end, the vehicle pulls into its final destination.

Having looked back over the last two years, in particular, I've been trying to get my head round that little uncertainty period, where the train slows down after a great trip, nothing to worry about regarding getting out or off. Where the passenger has got so comfortable and adapted to his/her surroundings that its a strain to get up and off, yet you know you have to.

Its so obvious that time has come to elight - yet nobody says anything, until you get to your destination. "The next stop is _______ where this train will terminate". Call me naive but I still don't get that bit; the quiet period. Almost as if secrets might not as well be secrets anymore.

How does the driver know when to stop and when to terminate the ride? He sees the signs ahead; he's got a great big window in front of him, sure. How long does he know to go on for?

These are just random thoughts, which I'll come back to someday.

Time to make dinner....... ;-)

dw

Poem - Timepiece

2008-01-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

Tick-tock, tick-tock;
the timepiece ticks away as time
moves on. Just like me.

I fasten it round me, so it doesn't
make a move.

I take the old battery out when its done
and put a new one in, so it continues to
operate and function.

Yet - no sounds comes from it, other than
silence. Not even an alarm, or at least
I can wind it back a couple of hours,
even a few days!

But the present tense - the present
situation - remains the same.

Its time to take the timepiece off;
unfasten it from me and loosen it's
grasp.

Only to find its left a mark.

Poem - Dear Valentine

2008-01-20T08:50:00.000-08:00

I wonder what you're up to,
I wonder what you do;
I wonder what you're thinking and
whose spending time with you.

My phone's no longer ringing
with your name on the screen.

My diary only has reminders
of our little thing.

My wallet has a ticket from
when I trecked it down.

Your picture in my mobile
always saves me from a frown.

Poem - Oh, the Nostalgia!

2008-01-20T08:47:00.000-08:00

Signs of the times are passing me by.
My eyes are moist, which I go to dry
when I see a reminder, oh-so vivid
from when you came round.

The noises you make I didn't like
at the time but I long to hear them
once again.

Yes, I lost some kip from trying to
get you to quit; I would change it if
I had the chance.

I didn't want you to go;
oh, I hope it didn't show.
And I picked up your mess,
much to my distress,
because I got my hands dirty
and I got scared
how others reacted when I was
unprepared.

And I see what you wore in the
room next door,
which only drives my want to
bring you home even more.

How the signs of the times
proceed to pass me by.

A christmas thought....

2007-12-17T05:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas is often synonymous with memories of past years. As I near my tenth year as an S.A. bandsman, I could name a few if I sat down to write out a list of them.

One memory I have took place on Christmas morning 2002. (The Belfast Temple Band do an annual hike up to the Royal Victoria Hospital, playing carols to people of all ages, including the kids in the childrens' ward which can be heartbreaking to say the least.) At one of the adult wards we got on to, some wise-guy requested 'O Holy Night', which despite being a beautiful carol is a chronic brass arrangement to play. One gentleman who was standing just outside his bed - and I'll never forget the image of this 60+ year old man wth tears in his eyes, singing every word of the carol.

That man was Sinn Féin politician John Kelly who died earlier this year, succumbing to cancer after a long illness. Evidently it made an impact on him, this band of Christian men and women coming into the hospital and playing carols on Christmas morning. And thats what the purpose of the Salvation Army at this time of year is - to make an impact on people's lives. To change them. Whilst I cannot comment on how closer it brought him to Christ, the words of Christmas carols speak of the message that Christ's birth was what spurred the festive season.

Whatever you do this Christmas, may it be a happy, healthy and peaceful one. But next time you hear the sound of a brass band playing carols, take time out to stop and listen. For it may just have an impact on you as well.

Thought - Love

2007-12-17T05:02:00.000-08:00

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud... It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perserveres." (1 Corinthians 13 : 4a and 7)

Every February, hormones and emotions go into overdrive leading up to the 14th date of the month. The time of year, known as St Valentine's Day, allows us to express romantic feelings to people we fancy or just to simply bring some pleasant cheer to friends, not so different from how you would at Christmas. And it can be quite easy, if you're dead serious about your crush, to exclaim how you 'love' them!

The above verses are timeless words from a timeless passage written by Paul to the church in Corinth when they most needed to hear them. Today we associate them with weddings and funerals but also, in the church, with wall decor (i.e. pictures, portraits) and pieces of music. Not so long ago I played a hymn tune with both the brass bands I play with based on this passage, entitled "The Greatest Of These".

Regardless of how often and when we hear them in our lives, the message is still the same. Its unlikely they can be written in any simpler terms, for not only does the scriptures talk about what love is but also what love isn't.

"It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs" (1 Cor 13 : 4b-5)

Have a read through the whole chapter. Look again at the verse extracts printed here. And then replace the word 'love' with 'JESUS'.

It fits, doesn't it? It makes sense all the same and it reminds us yet again whom we must aim to be like as Christians: Christ.

"Jesus is patient, Jesus is kind. He does not envy, he does not boast, he is not proud. He does not envy, he does not boast, he is not proud... he always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perserveres."

Jesus and love are in so many ways similar that the Messiah is not only God incarnate but love incarnate and love personified. And that can't be summed up any better by when we recall the words:

"How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure,
That he should give his only son, to make a wretch his treasure;
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turned his face away,
As wounds which mar the chosen one, bring many sons to glory".

Whatever feelings of love are expressed in the Valentine's season, just remember that there is no greater love than that which was born into the world to die for us. 2000 years on, his love remains no different from what it was on Calvary.

Poem - The Photo

2007-12-01T06:51:00.000-08:00

The photo depicts such innocence, such
Happiness, no care in the world. Colour
Beauty and splendour all rolled into one.

The photographer is Michaelangelo!
Pay-day for the photographer, for
He has just created a masterpiece.

Or so it seems
No. The one and only masterpiece
(or two, in theory)
Can be held responsible to the
Creation of God.

A true masterwork if there ever
Was one; the ultimate work of art
Surpassing Michaelangelo's David.
Mona Lisa? In comparison, just
A pencil sketch.

If I come across another photo
With such colour, beauty or splendour,
It won't be anytime soon.

Not on this planet, anyway.

Poem - Wax In a Candle

2007-12-01T06:45:00.000-08:00

Take a seat.
Make yourself comfortable.

Look around and, what do you see?

You see the light, so bright.
You feel the flame of beauty burn.

It's so natural, so pretty, so perfect, so pure.
You want to cry because you're in awe.
You want to say "Thank you" to God,
because of what you see, what you feel.

Nothing or no-one can compare.

So beautiful, so vulnerable, so amazing;
you can't help but melt while sitting there.

You feel helpless sad, unworthy, confused.
Reach out and touch it, if you dare,
either to be scarred or succumb to the heat.

Like wax in a candle, I melt away
While sitting next to you.

Like wax in a candle, I'd rather be the wick
Where the light and heat embraces me to the end.

Poem - Little Flower

2007-12-01T06:40:00.000-08:00

Precious child, may you grow with beauty
and shine with vitality.
Sweet creation, let God be your gardener;
sprout up for the world to see.

Little flower, little leaves, little petals, so much
hope. So much splendour.

All your life stands and waits, along with turns
and twists of fate.
Soak up some water, take it in. You're the
prize someone will win.

Precious child, always take care; and don't be scared
of life.

Little flower, take you by the hand. Even for a while.

Poem - Train Station

2007-12-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

1625. Sunday. Out of town and
homeward bound.
The smiles of a few I leave behind
but the memories are many I
take with me.

2155. Here I am. Glasgow.
The weekend ahead of me. Why am I here?
God only knows. "In God we trust".
My trust is made worth while, it is.

As precious as you may never know.

Thought based on 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

2007-12-01T06:18:00.000-08:00

Its easy to get into a routine and treat acts of worship like a day-to-day chore or job. And sometimes it can lead to demotivation or questioning yourself about what the point in it all is. I mean, its unpaid, unprofited financially and rarely goes appreciated.

But you have to remember that it does go noticed by at least one person.

Its not a waste of time or effort. And, when enthusiasm is boosted, so is the result. You've heard the saying "Life is a cake - you get out of it what you put into it". Worship isn't any different.

Think back to moments in the last few weeks, months, years when your church produced some memorable moments where you sat back and felt great with the result. Think about the "achievements" and what led to them through you and your fellow church mates.

"Whoever sows generously will also reap generously"

I want to leave the above verses with you this evening as maybe a motive or reminder on how we as Christians can make a spiritual difference. We dont' know and we may never know the full impact we make in our churches or communities but the generous sowing we do could potentially be incredible.

Thought/devotion (for the Youth Band website)

2007-12-01T06:15:00.000-08:00

1 Samuel 16:23 - "When the evil spirit from God troubled Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then the evil spirit would leave him..."

One of the things about David's choosing as a musician for Saul was that it wasn't about being exceptionally handsome or brainy. He was chosen because he was brave, courageous and his master liked him. As well as being a good musician, not forgetting! And the music he played could still his master's soul.

Now I'm not going to comment on whether we're the best looking bunch. There may be times when our musical skills come under question too. But, the same way David was chosen to serve his master with his gift of music, we too - each one of us featured on this webpage - have been selected by OUR master to serve Him with our musical gifts, through a form of ministry. We have a responsibility so priviledged that, through a hymn tune, a band piece or accompaniment of a song, we can still people's troubled souls. And I'm talking about the souls that are out there that need to be brought to Christ.

Maybe you're one of them reading this right now.

Having said that, there might be times when OUR OWN souls are troubled and we need some sort of uplifting from the music that's played. I'd like to think as band members, we encourage and take encouragement from each other somehow.

Above all, its important to take seriously the ministry we proclaim out there and in the buildings we either rehearse or play out our music. Because we've been chosen by God to carry His work out. Its easy to get lazy about it but we can't afford to be lax when people are hurting in the world.

And after all, that's what the Salvation Army was founded on, wasn't it?

Please pray for this band and the miracles we can work with out music and never lose sight of why we do it.

Poem - Knock, Knock

2007-11-23T13:10:00.000-08:00

"Knock, knock", goes the door downstairs.
Opportunity knocks only every so often;
in fact, in some cases, it never does.

There's a bell on the door.
Why won't it ring?
The knocking continues and I'm still in bed.

My alarm clock's broken, so not only does
Time stand still, but
The alarm isn't working; at least, I can't hear it.

All I can hear is the constant "Knock, knock",
Like the sound of a pulse pounding.
Like the texture of one's heart beating fast.

Its bright outside but I don't respond.
The light's quite different than
Any other. Wow, I think. What is it?
Who is it? What do they want?

They couldn't want me, really, in all seriousness.
they've got the wrong number.
Him, who lived here before, he was important.
What could they want with me?

"Knock, knock" continues the door, again
As I finally get up. Time has passed,
Considerably. The knock hasn't stopped.
Not once.

"Hello", I say. "Who's there? Is it really for me?"

Poem - Hooked

2007-10-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

The music he can hear from miles away
Amplifies the longing of his soul;
It hooks him like a fishing rod today
And pieces him together, to be whole.

Inside, the gentleman's heart has caught fire;
It burns a little brighter in the dark,
So next Thursday, when he changes his tyre,
Mechanics will see what came from the spark.

Tradition says that all men will rejoice;
That songs, bands, choirs, musicians can be loud.
From htere, the listeners will have the choice
Whether to believe or remain proud.

Should all men be acquainted in what's right,
Perhaps the saviour will return tonight.

Poem - Daddy's Ode

2007-10-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

You lie care-free with your
eyes closed; I wonder what you're
dreaming, what goes on in
your head. You sleep so peacefully,
looking so innocent and sweet.
No sounds of snoring, heavy breathing
or movement disturbs the tranquilness.

In any event of trouble, nothing will
happen to you, or disturb you,
as I will be on hand to guard
your sleepy head.

These are moments in time that are
not taken for granted; I wish I could
just grab Father Time's stopwatch and
hit the switch. And as these precious
moments pass, I long for another
night similar to this.

Poem - One's Reflection

2007-10-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

She shies away from
the mirror, unable to
appreciate what she sees.

There's a light that
glows and bounces back
at her, like a spectrum,
but she's blind to it
and can't seem to realise
how much beauty she
so radiantly beams.

A wondrous day away
with you will let me
show how amazing you are
in my eyes.

Thought - based on Matthew 26:69-75 (27/3/07)

2007-10-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

"Peter denied it in front of everyone"

The same man who proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ.

The same man whom Jesus used as his rock to build his church on.

The same man who, earlier that evening, told Jesus that he would never desert him and was willing to die with him.

Simon Peter, the first of the disciples along with his brother Andrew; a fisherman-come-'fisher of men'; one of Jesus' favorite, supposedly; one of the twelve who always happened to be present when Jesus performed a miracle.

He denied it in front of everyone.

He made a mistake. Probably the worst mistake that man could make but he was only human. And its forever inscribed in the scriptures so that others learn from it. So that others can take something away from Peter's denial in front of everyone.

Easter can be a time for new beginnings. It was a new beginning for Christ, for he died for our sins, rose again and ascended to the heavens shortly after. It was a new time for Peter as well because Jesus forgave him and, from the end of John onwards, became an even more powerful and influential figure among the early Christians. And it was a new beginning for the church; for religion; for mankind, because even though he was doubted and scorned before, he still forgave us and blessed us with a second chance.

I wonder if you feel that this Easter its time for a new beginning. Look at what went on in the past and learn from it; move on and do that God asks of us. Lets look towards a brighter future in our walk with Christ and build towards it.

"From that sacred hill
Hope is gleaming still"

The hope for us to start again and put things right. You might think its become a bit of a cliché now to think about new beginnings; that the mere mention of it is old hat. Its never old hat with God, especially at Easter time, when we think of our saviour dying so that we may begin again.

If its one thing you take away from Easter, let it be the opportunity to start afresh. Rise again, rise above the battles and conflicts in your life. At least acknowledge the opportunity is there for you; but maybe, just maybe, He is telling you to make the most of it.

dw

Thought - based on Psalm 91 (6/3/07)

2007-10-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

How many of you made new year's resolutions?

And how many of you stuck to them?

One of my new year's resolutions (going into 2007) was to eat a little healthier and do some more exercise. I know I don't look as if I need it but hey! So I decided all of this on New Year's Eve, December 31st. Come January 2nd, I'm having my lunch in McDonalds!

Sometimes I'm sure you'll find that you say one thing and you mean to carry that out but you end up doing the opposite. I know I'm guilty of that the odd time, truth be told. You may find you're planning, at the start of the year, e.g. to study a bit more (maybe not), work harder at your job or college, or even the simplest of things like making time for your friends or family. But for some reason or another, that idea or intention you had doesn't materialise.

Let me ask you a question; now think about this -

When you entered into a relationship with God, how did you decide you were going to do it?

What did you say to yourself, or to God, when you made the decision that you were going to hand your days, your hours, your talents, your LIFE over to him?

Did you enter into it lightly?

Did you think to yourself, "Right, this is what I'm going to do to be a Christian and I'm going to do it like (this).....and (this).....and not like (this).....and avoid (that).....etc.

Do some of you still have to enter into a relationship with God?

Whatever your circumstances, the point I'm trying to make is this:

Regardless of how you've planned your journey with God, he's got a plan for you too; he's got a perfect plan to be with each one of you. And he's not going to leave your side.

I'm not going to lie to you: the journey isn't an easy one. Its never all going to be a bed of roses or a holiday in the sun, I'm sorry to say. You're going to have to take the rough with the smooth. And you have to look at things from the perspective that such is life.

Psalm 91:14 says this: "I will rescue those who love me; I will protect those who trust in my name."

That Psalm as a whole is a PROMISE that He will be with you at all times!

You can't give up on God. If you make a resolution this year to become closer to Him and you;ve struggled or you are struggling, its ok because He's not going to give up on you. But please don't give up on Him.

I encourage you to listen to the U2 song "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" the minute you've finished reading this. Its not necessarily a religious piece of music but I believe there's a message in it for somebody reading this. I don't know who. But God does and I challenge you to close your eyes while listening to it. Listen to the words and, for the majority of them, imagine that God's trying to communicate with you. Imagine that He's telling you that whatever battle you're fighting, wherever it is, you're not alone.

dw

Poem - Normally I Sleep in on Saturdays...

2007-10-06T03:17:00.000-07:00

Weekend's returned. Happy days,
its time to spend a couple of
extra hours asleep.
Not wake up
until half ten or maybe eleven.

At least that was the plan.

For, on this morning, I wake up
slightly earlier and couldn't get
back to sleep.
Something kept me
awake.
A presence.
A sense of belonging.

Normally I sleep in on Saturdays
but today wasn't the case.
For some reason,
the bed seemed a lot comfier during
the night, even though it did get
rather warm. Not that I'm complaining
in the slightest.

Wide awake I was,
as fresh as a daisy, although
not as fresh as the other one with
petals glowing so radiantly.
Its funny
how the ones around you start your
engines at the weekend.

I wait upon the
rain again and gently it falls
but not for long. Not with as
much gusto, either.
How nice
that would've been, oh yes! With
water from the skies falling on
me and the other.

I do wonder what the gardener
has in mind, for the watering can
holds a lot more than that.

Before I know it, I'm moving
again, only this time back to
my original side of the garden.

In my little pot, the gardener takes
me from beneath; I'm helpless and
nowhere near in control.

Seems as if
it were only yesterday when I first
set in this neck of the woods,
whilst the gardener did some
redecorating.
If only he'd have just
planted me there in the first place,
otherwise I wouldn't need this
wretched pot.

Poem - Getting There

2007-10-06T03:11:00.000-07:00

I can still hear
the voice of the train station
calling my destination.

All those butterflies that
flew around inside me,making me nervous; all those
pre-monitions, wondering what would
happen. All my dreams
flashing before me, with just a few
short hours away from realisation.

My ticket was a return, even though
I didn't really want to return.
All I brought with me was a
wallet, phone and house keys; the
other tools that were required for
my mission were upstairs and in
the basement. It wasn't far away.

Something was going to
happen - I knew what I
wanted to happen, but it
wasn't up to me. I was
simply following a dream,
a mission, that was given to me
not too long ago.

The blesséd though of being
taken along to that promised land
was so sweet, and even sweeter
to taste. The smoothness and gentleness
that became mine to touch, if even
for a short time, was well worth
watching the loss of losses.

Even when it was time to head
home, to come back down to
earth and reality from being
so high up, the thought of
accomplishment and feeling of
success was overwhelming; for every
bit of time it lasted.

I can still hear
the voice of the train station
calling my destination.

But, today, I drive the train.

Poem - Holiday Sonnett

2007-10-06T03:08:00.000-07:00

The breeze is blowing gently from the sea
And cools the natives down a little more.
Embrace the air, I do, so happily,
As children mess about; as young as four.

No racket and no noise to hurt my head,
Such manners of the people I admire –
Until its past the time I go to bed,
When kicking me can be like lighting fire!

I jump into the pool, just down the stairs
But feel a little nervous getting in;
Whilst people maybe looking from their chairs,
It would’ve been helpful to have a twin.

But as well as standing partially dressed,
I’m kinda scared of water, if you guessed!

Just a thought...

2007-10-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

The strangest thing happened last night while I was in Glasgow International Airport:

While standing at Platform 8 waiting to board my plane home, I tried phoning my friends Raymond and Amy to arrange some sort of get-together for tonight. I rung Amy's phone first - so she answered and I got through; I could hear her but she couldn't hear me. I thought it might have been where I was standing at the gate, that it may have effected the signal but, even as I moved around and while I kept asking "Are you guys free tomorrow night?", she hadn't a clue what I was saying.

Fortunately Raymond was with her; they were at his house, so I rung his mobile. She answered and again I kept saying, "I can't talk for long, I'm getting ready to board the plane - are you two upto anything tomorrow night?" But still, even though she answered the phone and heard me at the start of the call, Amy just couldn't make out a word I subsequently said. I was starting to wonder what the other passengers around me were thinking about this loud guy walking about with his phone up to his ear!

No luck there, so I hung up and called Raymond's landline. Surely there'll be no problem hearing me this way! Amy answered, again - and I started speaking again; but, after a few seconds of me trying to arrange plans for the following evening, Amy still couldn't hear a word I was saying. It wasn't her fault, nor any of the phones I was trying; I just put it down to a dodgy signal where I was. In the end, I ended up sending her a text message to get my suggestion across and, within four minutes, I had arranged to see two of my best friends again for the first time since my last visit home.

We were able to laugh about it tonight as it was just one of those things you couldn't really do much about at the time. But it made me think about all the times I've prayed and how thankful I am that we have a God that is able to hear our thoughts and needs without the line breaking up; without the signal cutting us out. Without having to make us wait for a few seconds as He moves into a different room, so He can hear us properly - because He hears what we have to say to Him from right where He stands and, one way or another, He answers those prayers!

The evidence is found in our everyday lives; some answers come quicker than others and sometimes those answers aren't always the ones we want to hear, but don't doubt for a minute that He can't hear them nor will he not acknowledge them when the time is right.

dw :)

Sunday 24th June - Parkhead Corps - 6pm

2007-10-06T02:57:00.000-07:00

A week from tomorrow see myself leading the evening meeting at Parkhead. This will be the third service this year I'll have been responsible for and its not an easy thing to do - but He's got me doing it for a reason, probably for some greater reason unbeknownst to me.

If you can pray about it, excellent. If you can be there in person, it would mean a lot. I know Sundays kinda go in reverse psychology of the whole "day of rest" moniker and people will have other things scheduled, and that's cool - all I ask is you'll remember the congregation that day, the word that will be spoken and my nerves come 5:59!!

Next week I will be talking about Blind Bartimaeus which, for some reason, struck a chord with me round about Easter time. Without delving too much now, think about this -

1.) The character in question (and its in Mark 10:46-52 if you're interested!) didn't see Christ yet he still believed that he could heal him. How ironic considering Jesus' closest followers still needed explaining to develop their faith and were substantially behind in their understanding. Even after Christ's resurrection, doubting Thomas still didn't get it.

2.) The last verse of the passage comments on how, once the beggar is healed, he "follows Jesus along the road".

I don't know about you but I think that's amazing. One man is given his sight - a blind man, whose only vision before was darknes - he opens his eyes to see Christ - he actually opens his eyes to see Christ in person!! - and "he follows him along the road"!

Is there a lesson in this to learn today? Do we still not get it?? Do we need to be in the actual visible presence of our Saviour in oder to believe, when its more than likely to late? If so, is there something blinding us from Him, stopping us from following Him and doing what needs done?

I'll leave that with you for now - you know where you be next week if you need to hear more! ;)

dw

8/7/07 - 14:35

2007-10-06T02:52:00.000-07:00

I thought I’d take the time to share something with you that I didn’t get the chance last Friday morning of MS due to time restrictions.

Back in April – I believe it was April Fools Day – we at Parkhead had visiting officers carry out our meetings and it was an excellent day. Couple of things happened during the course of the day that really made it faithful to the first of April, so all was good. The afternoon service we had was a Café Church and afterwards I had a conversation with a gentleman, which turned into a real eye-opener. Without mentioning any names, the guy in question started shaking my hand and we made some general small talk. To be honest, I can’t even remember what he was saying to me, I think it might have been to do with how he comes occasionally with his respective family members. But what really made me sit up and pay attention was when he turned and said, “I’m not a Christian, you know”.

Now I had no idea how to react to this and was by no means prepared for it. He went on to talk about how he was in uniform years ago and was Songster Librarian at a corps, which is now in the North Scotland division, and that he had fallen away from God and the Army years ago. This time I was listening to what he was saying but boys was I knocked for six with this statement! I went home that night and for a few hours after was still in shock. Even while eating my dinner it weighed on my mind. The fact that someone sitting in the body of the hall without knowing Christ as their saviour wasn’t as much of a puzzle as why I was being told this. I’m pleased to say that two months later at a similar styled meeting, that gentleman came back to Christ after our officer was speaking about people giving their testimonies – and this guy apparently didn’t have one, up until this point. Amazing what He can do, isn’t it?

When I look back on that day and why it came about, the only conclusion I can come to is a simple one – he needed someone to talk to. Here was someone who clearly wanted a faith and he was confiding in me about what story he had to tell. I don’t remember what I said to him that day, hopefully it was something encouraging, but it comes back to two points:

1.) People not only out there that need their lives changed but also within out midst as well. I touched on this in the prayer meeting I led last Monday and it is so true. We don’t often appreciate that there our people in our churches, communities, musical sections that are in need of the Saviour. I keep a prayer list in a Bible of names, either family/friends of mine or connected to mine – some of you are more than likely reading this right now – and I’ve seen some miracles being worked; particularly the afore-mentioned one and Brother Kilgour last week.

2.) Whenever you’re talking to people, regardless of what environment you’re in, a good lot of them NEED that chance to talk to you. I’m sitting here in my office at the minute in between doing work and the odd bit of ‘Bebo stalking’ as its pretty quiet at the minute lol, and you’d be amazed at the amount of people that come on the phone everyday and they’re either happy or miserable and will take the time to make some conversation. Its interesting what you learn about them and you can often tell whether the glass is either half- full or empty.

Bear that in mind friends and remember those who may need a wee word in their shell because chances are it’ll go a long way.

dw

5/10/07 - Ten minutes of your time...

2007-10-06T02:35:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get the feeling someone you know needs a word of encouragement, but you don't know who or what? Like, God taps you on the shoulder a few times about something but you don't respond until you get an inkling as to what it could be about?

I've had that notion for a couple of hours now, since I woke up actually. And I've been trying to find the words to write it down but it ain't happening today. I guess I could rummage about in the old poetry box to see if there's anything there - but that would be easy. So here goes something now; spontaneous, unplanned, impromptu. And I don't even know who this is for....but here it goes:

Its official - God has a sense of humour!Not that I didn't know that already but it was reconfirmed to me over the course of this week with the junk that came through my letter box. When you want things delivered to your door, you want nice things, right?

You want the best that the postman can deliver!

You want what you ordered from a catalogue or online.

You want the reply to the letter you wrote to a friend/loved one.

You want a surprise that came completely from out of the blue.

And I know this because I once worked for the Royal Mail. (For those of you back home, you may recall your 'Postman Dan' labelling from over three years ago! Classic.)

What you don't want - and we'll take what I recently received as an example - are envelopes without a personal touch or void of any connection to your wants:

You don't want the telephone bill for the month.

You don't notices addressed to your flat's previous occupier.

And you don't want "polite request"s from your landlord (so that's what they're called these days!)

Hows this for irony - I open my door the other day to find a birthday party invitation along side a gospel tract! Now, if we forget momentarily that the party was for a birthday and we consider it to be a generic party with the ultimate cause for a celebration, and combine it with the message of this little bit of paper spreading the word of God, then what becomes apparent...., sorry not apparent, crystal clear, is this:

1.) God is OUR deliverer
2.) The greatest party of all will take place when we join Him on high

We need to believe 1.) or at least be reminded of it before we can encounter 2.), don't we? There are popular hymnal words that say this:

"Wondrous Deliverer! Sin-forgiving Saviour!
Cleanser of hearts! Unfailing friend and guide!
No one has ever trusted unavailing,
No one has claimed of his love and been denied"

What we have delivered to us may not always be what we want. Sometimes what we want to send is put on hold or given a second thought too, because of the fear that the second party won't want it. But conclusively God always delivers to us in times of need and He delivers us FROM times of struggle. Regardless.

"No tempest can my courage shake,
My love from thee no pain can take,
No fear my heart appal;
And where I cannot see I'LL TRUST,
For then I know thou surely must
Be still my all in all"

Here's where the sermon ends. I would naturally hope that I've encouraged someone or brightened up your day with this - but what I really hope is that HE has encouraged you and inspired you to get through your trials and obstalces.

dw