Simon Says

Here's a well-known quite from Catherine; one which follows on from the thought in my last blog of experiencing holy discomfort: "If we are to better the future we must disturb the present"  How might that work out practically in our lives, our churches, our corps, our Army? Are we afraid to disturb the present? If so, why? A short entry today - more of a morsel to thoughtfully and prayerfully chew on. Let me know how you get on!

Today I begin a series of random, sometime, uncomfortable quotes from the Army founders, Catherine and William Booth. Some may dismiss these as words for their time, with little relevance for today and just a bit "over the top". Perhaps though a bit of discomfort and a bit of "over the top" is what our respectable modern (UK) Army needs. In an entertainment saturated society (a world where entertainment and pleasure are both aspiration and a way of life - saturating the things we do and say - conversations, time, money etc) we need that same uncompromising holy fire that saturated everything they did and said. Journey with me through these quotes and let's experience holy discomfort together and allow the Holy Dis-Comforter to set us on fire so that the whole world will come and see! 'We are not sent to minister to a congregation and be content if we keep things going. We are sent to make war...and to stop short of nothing but the subjugation of the wor...

Elijah recently discovered some Windows software which enables him to make films together from music, photo and videos we have on the computer. Here is his first video - made off his own back, without any help. Not bad, eh?

I recently changed the picture library file that my desktop dips into for my background photos. I came across, what I think is possibly my all-time favourite photo of Nina and the boys. It's called The Three Cooks, was taken approximately three years ago when Elijah was 3 and Ezra 2 - and I absolutely love it. Enjoy!

My lovely wife and partner in ministry, Nina, has shared a story from our time in wonderful Liverpool. Please do read it. I'll fight. Will you? http://mum2theboys.blogspot.com/2011/05/memories.html

From an early age I have been blessed with friendships and experiences of different church traditions and these have greatly blessed and enhanced my life and own spiritual journey. Here is a music video - a praise chant - from a Greek Orthodox Christian singer. It's truly beautiful. If you get a chance, visit the church she is part of at http://www.andoverorthodox.org/index.html - makes interesting reading!

I was called to follow Jesus as a Salvation Army Officer in 1990. In May 1991 - four days after my 22nd birthday - and exactly twenty years ago - my Nana Smith typed out a letter to me (she later told me that it had taken ages as she could only type with one finger). It contained wisdom and advice for a young man preparing for ministry. It is one of the most precious possessions I have. I entered the William Booth Training College in 1993, the year after my Nana went to be with Jesus. My sister later also entered the Training College and on her Commissioning Day I sent a copy of this letter to her - from a Nana to a precious granddaughter - words that she would want to say to her as she stood on the cusp of new challenges and ministry. I have returned to this letter from time to time. I came back to it this afternoon; initially because of clearing boxes in preparation for moving. But I then spent time to re-visit it and receive again such godly wisdom. I reproduce the letter in f...