Monthly Archives: August 2013

Divine Whispers

Posted on August 30, 2013 by 1urcher

I am not sure I have ever even felt that I have heard God speak in an audible way before. However, before you reach for the white coats. On Wednesday last I was at St Ninian’s Cave, near Whithorn in … Continue reading →

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Syrian Hopes

Posted on August 30, 2013 by 1urcher

I have just returned from Dumfries and Galloway, and missed the debate in Parliament yesterday. I am not sure I have formed an opinion over what happened. Those of you, who know a little of my politics will not be … Continue reading →

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Hope is not a dangerous thing

Posted on August 24, 2013 by 1urcher

“Let me tell you something my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.” Red to Andy in the classic (I think) film The Shawshank Redemption. The clip can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDGNsbLayJw Since my sabbatical … Continue reading →

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worship, discipleship and summer camps

Posted on August 21, 2013 by 1urcher

My son had a brilliant time at the Scripture Union Camp he attended last week. I think he had a fabulous week at New Wine in Newark the week before when we camped together. Both events had teams of committed … Continue reading →

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Sabbatical Musings 9: Stories that shape us

Posted on August 20, 2013 by 1urcher

In the past couple of days, I have watched two films. A Song for Marion and Grow Your Own. They were both moving. I think they were well acted. One is about coming to terms with loss, and the other … Continue reading →

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Sabbatical Musings 8: Chaos in the midst of sanitised order

Posted on August 17, 2013 by 1urcher

I have always had a thing about chaos. I am not a good person to be with if you want life compartmentalised or indeed if you need things tidy. I do not necessarily think that this is a problem. Some … Continue reading →

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Sabbatical Musings 7: Orienteering around the Bible

Posted on August 17, 2013 by 1urcher

I referred recently to the fact that the Bible should not be seen as some sort of divine satnav, but rather as a means of orientating one’s life. This is a big claim for a multitude of reasons. Many Christians do … Continue reading →

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allotment days

Posted on August 17, 2013 by 1urcher

I am about to go to the allotment. I know this is not earth shattering news. It is damp in Brum, and there are no doubts that I will interrupt a slug fest There is little doubt that food tastes … Continue reading →

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Sabbatical Musings 6: Where do we find beauty?

Posted on August 14, 2013 by 1urcher

I am an urbanite. I have lived in the following places: Sheffield, London (Bermondsey, then Earlsfield), Newcastle, Gateshead, Manchester, London (North Kensington, Pinner, Shepherd’s Bush), Cheltenham, Birmingham, Gloucester, Maryport and Birmingham. Apart from Maryport, which was still urban, all have … Continue reading →

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Sabbatical Musings: Sanitising God

Posted on August 14, 2013 by 1urcher

It has been a privilege to listen to Radio 4 this week after The World at One (1:45pm), where for 15 minutes there has been an examination of one of the prophets. Monday was Jonah, Tuesday Isaiah and today (Wednesday … Continue reading →

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