Alot to ponder

Well i'm not long back from the PCI Youth Ministry Summer School, a 5 day retreat at loughry college where we collectively thought through the challenge and responsibility of fulfilling our biblical mandate to:

"....tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done."  Psalm 78 vs.4

We were lead in the main sesions by Chap Clarke, Duffy Robbins and Andy Hickford gave us much food for thought, coming away with plenty to ponder and contemplate as we think of how it impacts the ministries we are involved in.  We were also fed spiritually in devotions by Maggie Robbins, as she led us in some contemplative worship techniques, encouraging us to "Enjoy the silence" in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

I personally benefitted from the week, the fellowship shared, the networking opportunities to think through how we reach this generation with the gospel, and the space provided away from the busy-ness of life to spend time in the presence of our creator, God.  Still mulling over some of the issues raised, and how it imacts the ministry I believe God has called me into in my home church.  Alot of challenges lie ahead in trying to make what I now feel are some necessary changes become a reality, but I seek to follow God's guidance, and am assured of his presence and help in carrying out what I believe he is calling me to.

A couple of thoughts i'm reflecting on currently:

• "How are we reaching out and embracing a hurting generation that longs to belong?"
• "The process doesn't always look like progress: are we prepared to journey alongside our young people for the long haul?"
• "Its about loving our young people like Jesus would, seeing the pearl within, and encouraging them to find their worth and significance in Him"
• "Developing a genuine sense of community that values our young people and journeys with them in their faith"

Windows Live writer

So this is my first blog using Windows Live Writer, seems to be a useful tool for managing updates to your weblog using a MSword-like interface.  So there we go, hopefully this will assist more regular posting

Long time no blog

Well I think this blog could officially do with a ressurrection as there has been a noteable lack of postings (i.e. none) in the recent past. I've been intending to get back into the habit for a while, but busyness has taken over. Having experienced God moving last week at ReachOut06 I kinda realised that I had been letting busy-ness push Him outta my life. It's something I have to be very wary of, not just doing stuff for God, but making sure that i'm spending time with God and listening to his voice. Think this blog helps me to put thoughts down and think things through, so I guess i'm hoping for more frequent postings on the blog-scene. Watch this space then I guess.............

Nearly 2 months, no blog

Well it was brought to my attention that i wasn't updating this blog, which is a fair point so I thought i'd better post a quick comment. Things have been pretty busy recently, hence the lack of blogging, but I kinda feel i've been missing out abit so i hope to pick up more regular postings again. I find as you jot thing's down, assemble your thoughts and think through things in the written form it kinda helps you focus your mind and thoughts, if only for a brief while.
So what's been on my mind recently, now there's a question : too much to jot down here, but a couple of things that have been apparent in my thoughts recently. First thing has been the damaging effect a quick word, broken promise or ineffective witness can have on an individual's faith. Have been chatting to a few people recently who were open enough to chat through instances in their past which have had a negative effect on their view of "church". As a christian
I admit this troubles me, because often I cannot find reason to argue with some of their comments. How do I represent my faith in society, how do I embody the person and values of Jesus Christ to the people I meet, how am I being "church" to the walking wounded who have been scarred by "the church" in past experiences? These have all been thought's i've been struggling with over past days, and as I read of the evident witness of the Early Church in Acts and it's transforming impact on the society of it's day, I ask myself how am I living and representing the body of Christ in my day to day life. Am I leading a Spirit filled, God centered, Christlike witness to the people God brings into my path daily? Or am I too busy doing "stuff", getting distracted and missing opportunity after opportunity that God is placing in my way, assuring me that he will equip me to witness of Him beyond my abilities.
I've also been challenged about my attitude toward the social issues of the society of which I am a part, and the world in which I live. Am I really concerned that today 6,500 Africans died from a preventable disease (HIV?AIDS), that society today despite it's technological advances has more social problems, broken homes, depression, suicides than ever. That a generation is growing up in this culture of individualism, longing to belong yet looking in all the wrong places. Am I taking the time, am I being moved to action, am I brought to my knees crying out for mercy from a God whose heart is breaking? Am I like Nehemiah in his day, seeking to rebuild the walls through prayer and action.

Dear God, may you continue to move in my heart : disturb me where I need to be disturbed, cleanse me where I need cleansed, change me where I need changed. May I know your grace flowing in my life, and may I show something of my Saviour to those I encounter daily. Thank you Jesus for saving me, help me to show more of you in my life.

Just setup a Myspace account and a bebo account, everyone seems to be doing it so I figured why not. Check them out sometime and if your a member invite me as a friend, seem like a good way of keeping in touch