DT's big fat blog

Biblical & Theological Essays and Research Papers

Link: Biblical & Theological Essays and Research Papers.

I've just come across this fantastic site.  So fantastic I ended up staying up far too late reading it.  It's 3:15am and I should be getting up in 3 hours time.  :-(

I particularly enjoyed some of the essays on women's ministry.

Big things afoot

Had a good couple of days.  Gearing up for a youth event on Saturday and a party on Friday.  We'll be very busy, but it'll all hopefully be worth it.

The highlights of the last few days have included having been asked to lead worship at Jersey Youth Keswick in July!  It'll be a great opportunity to see an old friend Tim who is an associate pastor there.  He's also an amazing drummer.  Zoë is coming too so it'll be a good chance to catch a couple of days holiday while we're there.

We're all doing courses at the moment.  I have just enrolled onto a Master's Degree in Missional Leadership.  I'm very excited.  Zoe's just about to start a course helping people like me with Dyslexia and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).  It would mean I get free treatment as part of the course, so there's hope for me yet!

March Update (Pt 1)

Well, I hope there are some people mad enough to keep looking at this page every now and again.  I find myself being so undisciplined in writing.  I wouldn't be surprised if people got really bored very quickly.  Anyway, I'd like to express my gratitude to anyone who actually reads this.  Do leave me a comment if you are one of them.

In January we went to the tenth anniversary meal of Eternity Youth Church in Bracknell where I was a founding member.  We had a great time catching up with old friends and were amazed at how much it has grown and thrilled that so many young people are finding Jesus through this group.  We also had a fantastic prayer event which saw loads of young people gathering to pray for one another, for friends and family, for our nation and our planet.

In February, Zoë and I spent much of the last month in bed with a chest infection, but we're much better now.

Since January, we have seen our Friday 10-13s youth group reach a consistent attendance of 30+, with quite a few more "on the books".  This is really exciting as many of them are now showing a real openness to God.

Both Zoë and I are starting new courses soon.  Watch this space for more details.  There is more to add, but I'll finish the update another time.

Phew...

My talk went really well.  It's funny how I always feel unprepared, but often when I get to do the talk, it goes well anyway.  Hardly used my notes for a change.  I think the church took it well.

I heard the song "telegraph road" by Dire Straits again today.  What a fantastic guitar solo!  Brought back old memories.  Note to self: must go out and buy that album soon.

More in-laws...

We have Zoë's Dad and his wife visiting this weekend.  He has made me a really cool guitar stand that holds 10 electric guitars!  I just have to buy another 3 to fill it...

Merry Christmas again!

The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas today, so a Merry Christmas again!  We're keeping the tree up an extra few days, just because of this.

I'm never having a real one again unless it's potted.  Flippin needles everywhere...

Really nervous

I'm preaching at my church on the 9th (this Sunday).  It'll be the first time since leaving Lakenheath.  I'm a bit nervous as you can see.  I'm really excited about it at the same time.  I might even post a recording here if it's any good!

Just to give you a sneak preview, I'll be speaking on the subject of what it means to "live by faith".  Basically, my point is that it's become a cliche in the church, and not many people realise what living by faith means, and the amazing freedom that you get when you really do live by faith.

New youth group

We have started a new 14+ youth group at the church.  It was a bit of a small start, but loads of people have said they will definitely turn up next week.  We've been trying to get this off the ground for ages, so we are naturally relieved to finally see it get off the ground.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

We had our parents round here for Christmas and had a really nice time.  It was our first Christmas in OUR new house!

I would tell you what pressies we got, but quite frankly the best present I got was finding out that my younger sister is ok.   She was in Thailand at the time of the tsunami disaster on Boxing Day.  When I heard about it, my heart sank to think of those who would be losing loved ones, but it sank further when I remembered that Ruth was out there.  I phoned to check that she was alright and was very relieved to hear she was ok.

Things like this help you appreciate what's really important in life.  People not things.  Relationships not achievements.

God has blessed us materially so much, but not nearly as much as he has blessed us with friendships and family.

Here's to all the fantastic people God has put in our lives.  Let's all spend less time this year maintaining our things and accumulating stuff, and more time appreciating the important people in our lives.

Happy New Year!

Broadband!!

We have finally entered the 21st Century and got broadband.  Even better is the fact we have now got a wireless network thingy too!