2009 – The Year of the Biography

I’ve been on a bit of a roll blogging lately.  In a desperate attempt to finish looking back on 2009, here is the final post in the reflections blogs.  Enjoy!

Of the 50 or so books I have read this year, the ones I seem to have enjoyed most have been predominantly biographies and autobiographies.  I try to read a variety of books and at any one time am reading a fairly large number of books, so I would say this list is slightly skewed.  However, in no particular order, here are some of my book, film and song highlights from 2009.

‘Flowing Streams:  Journeys of a life well-lived’ – Stuart Briscoe

I’ve only just recently finished, but had read it within a few days of buying it.  The autobiographical story of Stuart Briscoe.  Originally from the North of England, it tells the story how God takes and uses an ordinary man in all sorts of circumstances.  It’s quite simple, but really encouraging and contains some great lessons inside.

‘Axiom’ – Bill Hybels

I like Hybels.  I don’t agree with everything he does, or even every way he approaches things, but his creativity and commitment to the church stand out.  This book is collected wisdom that he has learned in his years in ministry.  I enjoyed gleaning from someone who has fascinated me for some time.

‘Cricket, Lovely Cricket’ – Lawrence Booth

A simple, but amusing book.  I love sports books and this was classic observational comedy in written form.  Genius.

‘Lion Man’ – Sir Ian McGeechan

This was probably my most enjoyable read of the year.  I like McGeechan.  The fact he’s a Yorkshireman helps, but his writing demonstrates the man as a true legend.  After reading this, I warmed more to McGeechan than I had before.  His humility oozes out of this book and his genuine love of the game and love of people strikes me as unusual in the era of professionalism.  I realise not everyone would enjoy this book, but as a rugby fan, it was a good and simple read.

‘Trouble is My Business’ (Film)

This is a film documentary following the inspirational Gary Peach round Aorere College in South Auckland.  His love for Maori and Pacific Island kids who others have no time for and his investment and input into them is a bright and shining example and a joy to watch.  Jen and I went to see this with no idea what it was like.  It would rank as one of my favourite films and having now met Peachy, I can vouch that he is like that in real life.  It’s a great Kiwi film.

‘Bright Eyes’ – Simon & Garfunkel (Song)

I consider myself privileged to have been able to hear Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel sing in concert earlier this year in Auckland.  They are lyrical genius & musical genius combined.  I’ve known the song ‘Bright Eyes’ for some time, but Garfunkel’s haunting rendition has remained with me through the year.  It’s become a favourite song, even if it is about rabbits dying of myxomatosis!

‘Shooting Dogs’ (Film)

I’m not sure how much a film can convey of the horror of war, never mind genocide.  The various accounts of the Rwandan Genocide move me and sadden me.  The West sitting back and ignoring the attrocities of 1994 is unforgivable.  This film was a good reminder of the awfulness of sin and its most potent effects. 

Thankfully, I am reminded through the work amongst students in Rwanda, that the gospel is still true and has the power to change lives.  I would love to visit this country and see God’s grace at work.

‘The Busy Christian’s Guide To Busyness’ – Tim Chester

I like Tim Chester’s writing.  He’s readable, but also writes things of Biblical and gospel substance.  I read this through with Peng, one of our students and thoroughly enjoyed it.  It is basically applying the gospel to all areas of life written in a book.  I recommend it!  (I also prefer the old book cover for this!)

‘Outnumbered’ (TV Show)

 

I discovered Outnumbered on a flight into Wellington.  I only saw one episode and as a result decided to try it.  I bought series one on DVD for Jen & I.  We watched it as “parenting prep”.  It’s good fun, good British humour and for me, took over where no-one has picked up in the post-‘Office’ era.  Hugh Dennis is fantastic and the kids hilarious.

If you’ve never seen it, here’s a clip to get you started:

Other notable mentions for 2009 would be Colin Durez’s biog of Francis Schaeffer, Dan Kimball’s ‘They Like Jesus but not the church’, ‘It’s not about the coffee’ – Howard Behar, John Stott’s BST on Ephesians, and Peter Allisson’s ‘Whatever you do, don’t run!’

Looking at this 2009 list, it looks like I may have to add some heavier tomes, but reflecting on 2009, I enjoyed reading and learning from the lives of others.  Watch this space for (hopefully) more regular reviews, courtesy of an initiative by Thomas Nelson books.

BDC Cricket Rankings

My friend Paul Windsor has posted on his highly recommended blog his personal cricket rankings.  We’re mid-season here & it captured my attention.  I know not everyone will be interested to read this (my wife, Jen, for one!), so I’ll keep it brief…here is my take on my most favoured (first) to least favoured (last) cricket teams & brief reasons why.  It’s a little bit of fun at the end of the day…

ONE – England

It’s a hard one.  My first and second choices are so close these days, but what swings it is that when the two play, I would still support England.  It’s not quite the same with fewer Yorkshiremen (Gough, Vaughan, Hoggard, but they’re still my number one team to watch.)

TWO – New Zealand

Daniel “boring, but effective” Vettori is one of the best.  McCullum and Ryder add some fun and flair.  I’ll miss O’Brien, Bond and Oram, but probably not as much as the BlackCaps will.  "I’m looking forward to NZ v Oz later in the year.

THREE – South Africa

For me, one player alone made me like watching SA – Jonty Rhodes.  Just this morning, I was having a conversation about how great a player he was – 7 years after his retirement.  His dedication to catching/fielding, as well as his Christian witness made me inclined towards the Proteas.

FOUR – Zimbabwe

This country doesn’t appear in Paul’s list and it comes in mine with a note of caution.  This is the free from political interference Zimbabwe, one without Mugabe’s influence.  It’s a country I have never visited, but have always had a soft spot for & I look forward to the day when they return to the Test arena to do their stuff!

FIVE – The Windies

How can you not be positive about a team that produced Sir Viv, Curtley & Courtney, and Lara?  Incidentally, there’s a great picture in Sir Viv’s autobiog with his dad outside their house with a banner that says “Yes, God is good in earth and sky!” – They’re big West Indian grins echo the truth of that hymn!  I’m not sure what hymn to have outside our house.

SIX – India

I’m afraid this is the Yorkshire connection coming through.  Sachin Tendulkar.  I still remember the enthusiasm and anticipation which greeted his arrival as a 19 year old arriving at Yorkshire.  Meeting him last year showed me why he is such a legend.  I like the Indians and would love to see cricket played over there.

SEVEN – Sri Lanka

I’ve always thought they were a decent side and have produced some great big-hitters.  I’m a bit wary about Malinga’s action, which to me looks incredibly suspect.  I like them, but they’re not my favourite team!

EIGHT (joint)- Australia/Pakistan

In a match between them (as is currently happening), I don’t have interest in either team winning!  I think it is the over-confidence and sledging of the Aussies and the allegations of cheating by the Pakistanis that have meant I’d rather any team but these two win a match!  Still, I admire Warne for his bowling and Inzamam for his comedy running (and often comedy commentary to go with it on TMS). 

Ah, cricket – it’s a great sport…over to you.  Who are your top teams?

(Thanks Paul for the inspiration to give 15 mins of my time thinking this one through!)

The Soundtrack of My Life

The New Year continues to move at a pace – we’re already 11 days in and Monday morning of a new week is upon us.  I’ve not finished my reflective posts on years past (I think there’ll be one more after this), so today’s reflection is one that I’ve been thinking about for some time.

I’m not a great musician, but I enjoy good music.  I enjoying listening and singing, as well as sometimes playing the odd instrument I’m not particular good at.  Music plays an important part in my life.  It often sets the tone for my day – I’ve come to the conclusion that the first song I hear or sing in a day is crucial, as it usually ends up being in my head for the rest of the day.

Looking back on my life, certain songs have been important or representative of a specific time in my life.  When I hear them, they bring back memories (mostly good) and remind me of times & incidents which tell me of the goodness of God in my life.

So, for what it’s worth, here is the soundtrack of my life – it’s not my desert island discs (my favourite songs which I’d love to be played), but rather songs that sum up my life so far.  Some are better known than others, hence the longer descriptions of some compared with others.

Early Childhood Years

I’m sure there are lots of songs which when I hear them would take me back to these times.  However, the most formative songs for me would have to be “There’s a Way Back to God” and “Just as I am”.

This morning, on a CD we were playing for Sam, I was reminded of “There’s a Way Back to God”.  It was a song that dad used frequently when leading beach missions, sharing the message of Jesus on beaches in the UK.  Most commonly, it was the song that closed a meeting, or often was used on a Sunday.  It’s a slower song, allowing the words to sink in and resonate.  They contain simple, but great truths which have revolutionised my life.

There’s a way back to God from the dark paths of sin

There’s a door that is open and you may go in

At Calvary’s cross is where you begin

When you come as a sinner to Jesus.

The hymn “Just as I am” is better known.  It’s the song that is most frequently associated with the evangelist Billy Graham and his crusade events.  1984 was a significant year in my life, as I was taken to several of the Mission England events held in footy stadiums (Anfield, Roker Park, Ashton Gate, Hillsborough (1985), Villa Park were the places I went).  It was also the time that I affirmed the commitment I had made earlier that I wanted to give my life to Jesus and to follow Him.  I suspect I didn’t understand everything in the hymn, but I understood the sentiments of it and particularly of this verse.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Childhood Years

One of the immense privileges for me growing up as a child was to be taken each year through the Iron Curtain into East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary.  It certainly never seemed a privilege at that time – when others were holidaying in Majorca and Tenerife, it was somewhat embarrassing to say “We’re going to Poland!”  However, I look back with fond memories and real thankfulness for the times we had in Communist Eastern Europe. 

I recently tried explaining to Jen how fearful we would be and the uncertainty of those trips.  I don’t think it’s easy to convey, particularly now the Iron Curtain no longer exists.  But in the midst of that fear, we would often stop as a family to spend time together reminding ourselves of the God in whom we trusted.  I remember singing as we approached some of the scarier borders these great words

I’m under the blood of Jesus, I’m safe in the Shepherd’s fold

I’m under the blood of Jesus, safe when the night’s grow cold

Safe when the nations crumble, safe when the stars grow dim

I’m under the blood of Jesus and I am safe in Him.

 

Teenage Years

I have to admit my teenaged years (in this regard only, I hope!) were a little bit geeky.  I wasn’t quite into music in the same way many others are/were.  I remember the battle between Oasis/Blur (Oasis, for their music, every time – songs like Wonderwall, Champagne Supernova etc) but the soundtrack from this time for me has to be REM’s seminal album “Automatic for the People”.  It wasn’t just one song on it, but several of them (– Man on the Moon, Nightswimming, Everybody Hurts & Find the River) stand out.  I think Everybody Hurts is the one that sticks – not because my teenaged years were painful, but more that the song was the one has remained as the song of that era. 

USA

In 1996, I moved to the USA to study at Bible College for what ended up being 2 years.  This time was dominated by a lot of ‘Christian’ music.  Listening to Christian radio stations taught me of numerous artists that I’d never heard of before and showed me a multi-million dollar industry.  Steven Curtis Chapman was probably my favourite Christian artist before I moved to the States, and probably continued to be my favourite.  I’m not sure I could pick just one of his songs, so I’ll go with a song I learned in the USA.  I won’t put it all down here, but the lyrics that I remember most are

You are my rock when I weak, You are the treasure that I seek, You are my all in all.

University days

Lots of songs stick out – how could I ever forget Jon Thomas singing (and dedicating to me, no less) Brown-Eyed Girl in the bar at Rosser Hall, Aberystwyth University on my 21st birthday?!  But my time in Scotland has happier memories – 2 songs that remind me of that era are the Proclaimers ‘500 Miles’ and Highland Cathedral.  I could write the lyrics, or put various links to these songs, but in shameless promotion of friends, here is Nigel & Ailsa Pollock’s middle son Jamie playing the bagpipes at a school concert.  They’re rightly very proud of him, and so are we – good on ya Jamie.

Post-Uni Days

Post Uni could have lots of songs that bring back memories.  But quite a few years after leaving Uni, I met Jen.  2 songs from Ireland trigger my emotions in different ways.  One is actually from the Republic, but makes me appreciate Ireland and all things Irish (well, most!) – it’s “The Fields of Athenry” – the particular version I like is sung on the film ‘Veronica Guerin’ by Brian O’Donnell.  The other song is from the rugby (!) – it’s the song that unifies North and South and is the second anthem that gets sung – it’s called ‘Ireland’s Call’.  Again, it’s a reminder of the tragic history of Ireland, but also of the warmth of the people and the welcome they afford.

Recent Days

Which brings us to the more recent days.  There’s quite a few songs that remind me of Kiwi life.  We have some of the albums that play the best of NZ music, but for me, you can’t beat Pokarekare Ana for reminding me of what NZ is like and also reminding me of our farewell service at West Church, Bangor.  It brings back memories of that initial sense of God’s calling to a land far away, to share the message of Jesus with people who may have never heard.  Hayley Westenra’s version is powerful and moving. 

So there you have it – one or two songs that would comprise the soundtrack of my life.  Maybe this has been of more interest to me writing it, but I’ve enjoyed reflecting on times past and good tunes/words from them.  What would be the soundtrack to your life?

Life in ‘the Noughties’ – part two (2005-2009)

The decade continues – picking up in 2005.  Apologies for the lack of photos – if you have any you’d like me to post, send them across & I’ll see what I can do!

2005

Missions, ministry in the sun & meeting Jen for the first time!

Romans 1:16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”

2006

New Zealand, new direction, nerve-wracking question (with the right answer at the end of it!).

Psalm 25:4  “Show me Your ways, teach me Your paths.”

2007

Moving on, wedding bells & making preparations for moving again.

Psalm 73:28  “But as for me, it is good to be near God…”

2008

Crossing the world, crossing cultures and being reminded of the cross.

Acts 1:8b  “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

2009

The joy of fatherhood, the joy of spiritual new birth, the joy of a gracious God whose hand is on me.

Nehemiah 2:8  “…the gracious hand of my God was upon me.”

Life in ‘the Noughties’ – part one (2000-2004)

December 31st, 2009 not only saw the end of the year, but also the end of the first decade of the 21st Century.  ‘The Noughties’ saw much happen in my life – some good, some bad, some hard, but all of it was in God’s plan and God’s timing for me.  Some of it wasn’t what I would have chosen if left to my own devices, and some has been far better than what I may have chosen! 

I thought I’d summarise each of the years of my ‘noughties’ in one phrase or a collection of words, along with one Bible verse that sums up the year for me.  Maybe it’s just for me that this is helpful, but maybe it’ll allow you to thank God with me for all the joys and sorrows, the best and worst of times.

2000

Learning, exploring and developing one’s gifts within the context of leadership.

2 Timothy 4:5  “But you…do the work of an evangelist.”

2001

Disappointment, distraction from my degree and developing good friendships.

2 Timothy 2:2  “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

2002

Dashed hopes, depression and doubting, and discovering the goodness of God in dark days.

Psalm 42:5, 11 and 43:5  “Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour and my God.”

2003

Living again in the joy of the Lord, loving the church; God’s people and significant steps on life’s journey.  (Oh and England winning the 2003 RWC!)

Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…”

2004

Moving into full-time ministry with its fun, frustrations and friendships.

1 Timothy 4:12  “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

To be continued – keep watching for the next post!