Worth a listen as well ....

We think that spirituality is passed from modern discussions , not evident but it's clear that in pop lyrics it vague not evangelical or Biblical but it's is present.

Take 'Pink', the pop star of several decades danced tracks very much part of her catalogue...but try this.  І think оf уоu when І thіnk аbоut fоrеvеr

І hеаr а јоkе аnd І knоw you wоuld'vе tоld іt bеttеr
І thіnk оf уоu оut оf thе bluе whеn І'm wаtсhіng а mоvіе
Thаt уоu'd hаtе, yоu'd ѕаy it, you were never оnе tо hеѕіtаtе
Yоu wеrе аlwауѕ fіrѕt іn lіnе
Ѕо whу would іt bе different fоr heaven?
Вut І gоt а соuрlе questions
Іѕ there а bаr uр there where уоu'vе gоt а fаvоrіtе сhаіr?
Where уоu ѕіt with friends and talk аbоut thе weather?
Іѕ thеrе а рlасе уоu gо to watch thе sunset?

Yeah, І know, you'll tell mе when І gеt there.

Deep resonate moving and painting picture of a kingdom heavenly images natural storytelling. When arrive in heaven going to chhat discuss do al sorts of natural everyday stuff in safe environment. Biblical no but worth reflection.

Proclaimers communicate often about Life Love and Relationships again spiritual directions in the brothers catalogue.

The air you breathe

Will be there after you're gone

Will be there after you're gone

Still be there after you're gone

The lochs and seas

Will be there after you're gone

Will be there after you're gone

Still be there after you're gone

Three score years and ten of joy and pain

Adds up to mayflies on the windowpane

The windowpane.

There a discussion that's generated story must be told. Narrative to share. Pointers to bigger picture deep stuff we must engage with. The directions in truth can't build a way to through but there still clarity about big things happening. We could use other examples not from the Praise and Worship folders. But the 'storytellers liveing Life' are sharing thoughts here about death. 

While we discuss the live LIFE of pop stars the dairy accounts of breaking up. We may moan about relationships formed. But always something about extra parts of Life and issues. These narratives open up more conversations.

Leadership outside of British parliament.

We see in present Labour government complete degradation of responsibilities lack of moral compass but interesting advocation of true Leadership. Lack of accountability and innocence is destroyed.

So what is Leadership, firstly it is about security in who you are in yourself. We need to value our selves in Youth work so we can value those in theirs most formative years. They will examine us they will trust you and l. They must know that as they get exposed to a world they are growing up in Society with whole its sham and drugedy..It's about encourage those who are around you wether that's on Church hall once a week nite time provision or street based every moment prison, school , neighbourhood corner or chip shop queue. Leadership is knowing who is disabled who is less valued, Leadership is being able to listen to the quiet one while ignoring the loud full of the moment group members.

Youth Leader soaks up the place, the sphere the noise, the values being formed morals displayed, spirituality on display gets to reflect on the stuff that's is important.

If others witness you doing this in Leadership. They will follow what you present to those who look towards you and your team.

Being human.

The emotions of a Saturday afternoon have been laid bare today in all splendor. Fun in the park with nephew growing up fast in troubled world. Where even l am fearful of the way this may travel. Football result we feared came as expected Home town team couldn't hold onto a 1 nil scoreline.
The fun of being in the park overrode everything else. Swings slides sandpits.

Joy. 
laughter.
Burgers. 
Ice cream. Children's laughter. Happy meal.

We gathered like we often do but not everyone came l was reminded that some people have a way of being affable. Friendly fun to be around. Some people the sound of their laughter fills a room. You wait for them to re-enter the place time just drifts till they arrive back. Human emotions are always confusing to myself. 

Some people, they long for each other, they love to talk
Holding the other one's hand
They always understand
Some people cry
Some people know why
With a word unspoken, with a voice unheard
When a thought is broken by a tender word
When a heart is moved, when a heart is found
The silence tells you you're not alone
Some people are born for each other, they love to walk
Holding the other one's hand.

Again just to remind us all. '...this too will pass ..'

 This too will pass.

So we hear all sorts in the news and we have political commenters who agree but are dishonest. The world sits waiting for idiots to spout rubbish to bully others. Community lack moral compass all are encouraging fast track to better material well being. Lack of understanding.nding about alternative lifestyle it's about better car, better carpets, modern clothing, improved position, power.

The antisocial selfish behaviour has become a way to better yourself, better your Sphere, better your circumstances, bigger headphones to mute the outside world. Your own music, your own space, your own place isolated often with finical benefits from those who contributed to make society better for ....wait for this the isolated few.

That too will pass.

Individual concern for the other must return.

Community that creates for others development and growth where others are empowered to care for others as primary concern.

Bigger better society that built on each individual working in community to improve big society.

Sometimes you can make it with just own gut reaction.

Sometimes do we have to go against the authorities break policy and ignore guidelines ? Of course guidelines along with policy directives change. From the moment they are activated. But we do....have you had experience of ignoring guideline's?

Because my work was detached, well feel my isolated position allowed me certain freedoms to break maybe bend the rules. Mainly because street based directives are few further small, the line management has little if any direct understanding. Nor actual experience of that role.  Only knowledge comes from work practice they may have only read about.But should we may go against directive if it feels OK ? That may be only way we can explain a decision. When l have and:

-  An example was when legally couldn't find accommodation for young person at risk in late teens (17), allowed him to spend few hours resting in youth club.
It's was 5 in morning needed to rest up for 3 hours. Later l was suspended but reinstated at  about 15-00. The problem wasn't risk assessment but lack of support in the field. But here's the rub it was administrator  who created the issue.
Isn't that life. The expert is punished here for not following the rules. 

 Reason commentator issue is to show how LIFE isn't straight forward no matter how prepared we are. It's complex, its difficult, it's  challenging, at times feels uncomfortable sometimes it's our gut that leads us, it's just knowing we are trying to do the right thing. You may understand that or you may need to grasp this anew.

Sometimes you can make it with just own gut reaction.

Gatherings conversations enrich us and are vital to our humanity.

So we get together and enjoy the silence. Waiting for another to speak happy being with each others company. Cliches are long ago often share level 3 of level 5 open honesty.

Last time spoke with another in a coffee place, we hugged. It was rewarding not uncomfortable. Not most open person but have to communicate better because that's LIFE the journey goes on.

But think this writer is a warm person but being detached professionally leaves me cautious. Feel fairly liberated in the conversations take part in always return to role of active listening. Glad when years ago on year long counselling  course, Christine would suggest l am closed. Despite that being truth it also not something recognise as negative. 80 per cent of communication is non verbal so silence and active listening allows us the opportunity to internalised our answers. But gathering too be in each others company is so vital.

Gatherings enrich us. Gatherings are part of our humanity it's essential. It's valuable. But sadly it's become more absent for two reasons.

1:- Health and COVID along with poverty of the last 5 years especially.

2:- internet and social media taken place of gatherings so we get the bus no one enjoys the sights of the journey because eyes are down. This also produced a 'antisocial mechanism'.. phone call conversations are long and loud important information is unnecessary shared. Film or music is not listened too on headphones but Loud enough to impact others comfort zone. This is most evident with the younger passengers l witnessed but not inclusive.

Gatherings, conversations, enrich us and are vital to our humanity. Hence community is broken not created. So we cannot share our brokenness nor our vulnerability. Growth is damaged and our skills to listen are not practiced.

You can't pretend to be in conversation, you can't pretend to listen. You can't pretend to be vulnerable.You can't pretend to be a friend it's a vital part of being human of being you. 

`On disagreeing....`

 Sometimes we use different terms to say similar things. That doesn’t explain disagreements. Lets remember differences are healthy and bring us to places we can grow.

Being honest most of the time,the `complete pictures l gained, (formed about issues) about concerns are because I've found people to argue with. Found people to argue seriously about important concerns. Found people who have debated with to be the same people want to go and have a drink in the pub amongst . Found the same people to be people agreed with about lots of other stuff. People I've argued with often been people l respect, like, and enjoyed spending time among.

This should apply to Theology but that's not exclusive most things that involve us using our gifts in any relationship should follow the above concept. Well lots not get carried away here truth is theology often brings out most threats and Church folk worked among can be the most callous if disagree among themselves. perhaps Power becomes a player along with persons position of Authority.

if Luther will forgive me ditching the theology for 15 minutes.

 Smoked Haddock with pasta is a deliciously simple fish dish, perfect for midweek and ready in just 15 minutes. The flaked haddock is stirred through pasta with a creamy lemon and yoghurt sauce and topped with fresh parsley.

Fancy this for tea. Reckon l can do it...PLUS GOT ALL THE INGREDIANTS.

ISA funny ole game.. (just ask Liam James Rosenior ). ..former Chelsea manager I know jumped the gun wee bit here.

 What's another way to say emotional stability?  Not sure that relating to performance of a team playing premier league football. Chelsea Leon Rosenior used these descriptions.

"emotionally stable" and Mental Stamina. Exploring some related words (calm, composed, balanced, level-headed, and many more). Look into any modern Thesaurus. You should find calm, (of a place or situation) Free of noise, and disturbance. (of a person),  Peaceful, quiet, especially free from anger and anxiety.
mental stability?
Need synonyms for mental stability? Here's a list of similar words from my own Collin's thesaurus that you can use instead. Mental stability? Emotional intelligence. Some expressions come to have weight included :-

“I’m listening” / “I hear you”,  “What are your thoughts? Am I missing something here ?” “I have a different perspective” "Thanks for (your) understanding”.' "That's a very interesting view your holding".

In football terms perhaps..should just,

:- .... 'Smack the ball in the back of the net'.. Well it could work.

He's a great humanitarian, he's great philanthropist
He knows just where to touch you honey, and how you like to be kissed
He'll put both his arms around you
You can feel the tender touch of the beast
You know that sometimes Satan comes as a man of peace

Well, the howling wolf will howl tonight, the king snake will crawl
Trees that've stood for a thousand years suddenly will fall
Want to get married? Do it now
Tomorrow all activity will cease
You know that sometimes Satan comes as a man of peace.

Meanwhile, the Pope responds to criticism levelled at him by Trump, saying he has "no intention to debate" the war with the US president - Trump had accused the pontiff of being "terrible for foreign policy"

Pilgrimage.

Pilgrimages are often thought to be a way of becoming several things. 

Well more tired. Worn out willing to accept a 'cup of tea and bowl of lentils' V 'Take away pizza and bottle of larger.'

Place to focus spend time on the internal resolution you may require. Come back seeking solace being more reflective.  This period when schools collage and places of education return. Some spent some form of pilgrimage away. Perhaps In God's great cathedral of nature individuals have had period simply away.

The great Sin is forgetting the experience. But at times we need to be away even if it is just a wander to places where can watch people walk by while you just drink cup of tea and walk a few miles away from the harbour. That's a pilgrimage experience just as vital as a period of days climbing hills, walking the valleys and walking alongside streams with odd rest in Caves in remote woods. You know we can't all be Cuthbert or Luther. We just have to sometimes be KEVIN  or whomever.

The time l've spent .....

Spent some time this day looking at Art

Spent some time today away from social aspects of community. Spent lots of time this week with people whose time l spent around allowed me to  invest energy. I so very much appreciated the conversation with a young lady of Noble birth. Fooling around indoor golf with my youngest family member 

Spent time on social conversation including modern WhatsApp.. spent time with valuable conversation by technical medium. Spent time this week working on my health with gym buddies at several places. Spent time with my fitness goals. Spent time collecting the provision of health care delivered to myself. Prayed for others whose health is not so good. Spent time alone.

May your journey this week ahead bring you to placed where you spend time like ways Have.

May God bless you on seeking peace and recieving kindness love and good health.

Shabbat Friday sermon in a paragraph.

The words and beliefs of others encourage me to reflect deeper ,in a world , that to this northern working class guy, well feels so wicked , gonna chose the next word , and Godless.

But above that image contains words. But not just words are they. They' are a code'.   something we all need wether it's parking across pavements, feet on bus seats, we need a  standard to rise us all up. Ethical conduct to to guide us all. On the way we live alongside our neighbour's.

It's been decades long journey this faith walk but still wrestling with stuff.

"Do we get leaders we deserve"...

 It seams the debate about....."Do we get the leaders we deserve ".....has ended and we do. Faceless, corrupt, self serving ,greedy, cowardly, without strong moral base,fearful,arrogant. Mostly straight out of Collage no worldly experience.

My profession was practice based. You had to be buttered into the role. Gaining suitable qualifications. Constantly networking listening  actively. You moved around often intenerant.

My father was not a tool maker. Out of curiosity it means nothing to the Passage l was vocational sentenced to walk along. When going abroad to work l too was full of concerns, apprehension. Experienced great reward but economic wellbeing was difficulty to maintain. Other difficulties were placed with renewed resilience and steadfastness courage. Courage to recognise oppressive practices and stand up for correct approach to others. Encouraging better communications.

Many skills not developed by the political classes destroying this one great nation. That statement hurts. Where are the Churchills, Roosevelt, leaders who back done wouldn't bend. Words spoken should be listened too.

Love concern and willingness to engage with local people act to improve community's. Do ask again

..." Do we get leaders we deserve"...?

what fight are you choosing to get involved with.

 This is Floyd Mayweather former boxer who has since Oct 7th he has stood by the Jewish people and the people of Israel. Further visited the Jewish rehabilitation centers,  donated $100,000 in protective equipment to volunteer organization. Mayweather won 15 major world championships spanning five weight classes from super featherweight to light middleweight.

Then I'm laying out my winter clothes

And wishing I was gone, going home

Where the New York City winters aren't bleeding me

Leading me, going home

In the clearing stands a boxer

And a fighter by his trade

And he carries the reminders

Of every glove that laid him down

Or cut him till he cried out

In his anger and his shame

"I am leaving, I am leaving"

But the fighter still remains

The fighter still remains so what fight are you choosing to get involved with. What resources and weaponry are you going to bring into the situation. Boxers have to be reflective, weigh up the fight. Learn ringcraft, maintain fitness, be disciplines, its skills that are life affirming. They are (these skills), used often outside of the square ring.

Into life goes the fighter. God puts fighters into situation that demand discipline and focus. What fight are you choosing to get involved with. In what ways has your focus been displayed, how are you discipling the  argument. Are you listening deeper. Can you be gracious to the others. What will be the outcome are the rules of war practiced with compassion will their be opportunity for dialogue and chance for deeper Shalom offered.

Floyd Mayweather (Above.) stood praying at a wall clear witness to others of a faithful moment of surrender.  

TV Films books other communication sources form values we adapt or reject.

 Film's condition us they show us examples of how LIFE should be lived. Examples of where it can go wrong. Shows us a narrative. Non linear communications do that Art Entertainment all bring our emotions into the landscapes. Drama of our lives get lived by engagement with characters.

Above image from Easter in my 'Island on the sun' caused people to stand for long periods. Observed. Reflection occurs then our mind, then our heart all form perspectives. Storytelling brings us into a experience. So behaviour changes, behaviour is affected. Discussions take place.

We revisit again the image. We shared the narrative. Speak to others and they share better perspectives. Speak to others and they share different perspectives. Discuss and our children gets the vide our family group gets as we watch together. They find other films, books, cinema,TV, books and media to further engage with.

Not just in relationships plus formal education we develop grow and communicate. TV, Films, books other communication sources form values we adapt or reject.

"If you will not hear the truth.No one can tell you."

Desolated outpost.

Angry rabble

Accusations 

Unlawful request for penalty of death.

Once welcomed prophet

Leader of dangerous sect

Claim to be a Messiah 

Malefactor 

Delivered to Pilote Roman ruler

Crucified.

Risen victorious.

Cooked fish on charcoal embers.

Calls fisherman to cast nets opposite side.

Breaks bread with two walkers coming into city.

Meets in physical form his disciples offers forgiveness, communicated with many witnesses to his grave robbing act his death defining feat. 

He is risen.

We did didn't we....

You and me, we part of the crowd who crucified the lord.
We held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword
We threw the dice when they pierced his side
Have we seen love conquer the great divide
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

Maybe it's still going on ....

Maybe you and myself have to keep up the work.

A world needing more LOVE.

This time always felt bit like Christmas day. (Which never celebrated). Well this 'Easter Saturday’ feels long, odd. Not place, for those who don't follow Jesus .We Christians, are meant to be stuck in a moment where we acknowledge  sorrow, joy, despair, hope, absence. But heart felt possibility of hope.

Individuals, community, we sometimes hold faith, this 'long Saturday' is where most of life is lived, spiritually, leisurely emotionally. Uncomfortable, unresolved, hope is not often visible and can can feel distant.

So listen to each other, put music on, sing, gather, pray, pray deeper for longer.

Gather with one another. Trusting those Biblical narratives that, told the old old story steadfastly. Sunday's coming, resurrection is on its way. 

Love has yet to conquer the great decide.

So let's prepare with some time in the garden.reflecting after thinking about the events this evening.
The Passover meal, time together with friends.Meal clothed in numerical literacy plus old testament theology.

Clothed with lovely food. Fears evident in the community. Special Jewish messianic message. Remembering the time of Exodus, God's provision, escape from slavery.
Clothed in today's events in the middle east. War tyranny, credulity, fears,death,oppression, attacks on the vulnerable. 
Man called Pilot Roman bully, wicked ruler bringing fear dispising the weakness of those he has conquered.
Pharisees and the scandalous acts have been made. Betrayal is to follow, denial also arrived. The cowardly acts like those identified by modern Bully in current middle east, wil also take place.

Love has yet to conquer the great decide.

Letting Passion of Easter begin within us.

 

Gods promised Kingdom....wee bit of a ramble

Jesus teachings most common theme was not salvation  
It was not about getting to Heaven.
Nor was it about the rapture and being saved.
It was nearly always about the better way of being.
It was nearly always about the different way of being.
It was always about the Kingdom of God.

John the Baptist a mentor of his cousin Jesus said this about the saviour..." The kingdom of heaven is at hand".

We discovered as frontier youth workers that the kingdom values where what we should be living as being part of. Therefore promoting a moral compass to the society we are living among.

We are meant to be sharing the gospel. However we can. Using as l often say whatever medium we can engaging, discussing debating but not arguing.

Those following Jesus are the chosen people with the exact same message as Jesus, to shows God's Love and be concerned about the vulnerable, the poor, be alongside the oppressed

That's deep deep theology and it's constant working all this stuff into individual life's, improve community, change society.