Jesusbethecentre

The End

2011-08-27T17:20:00.003+01:00

As you may have noticed, this blog has stopped! I haven't stopped however, so you can find my music and photography at My Sarmism Tumblr where you can follow me on twitter, or Like my Facebook page if you fancy.

Yorkshire Photos 2010

2010-09-06T16:18:00.002+01:00

Statue of Saviour, originally uploaded by petersandbach.

Here's some of the output from a recent trip to Harrogate and Castle Howard in Yorkshire, UK.

Windswept Lorna

2010-08-20T16:08:00.000+01:00

Windswept Lorna, originally uploaded by petersandbach.

Some of our arty photos of Budapest...what a wonderful city!

Glow

2010-06-29T18:13:00.001+01:00

Glow, originally uploaded by petersandbach.

Playing with my new camera, and here are some of the outcomes...

Yeasayer Remix Competition

2010-05-01T17:38:00.004+01:00

I've entered a contest to remix the track O.N.E. by Yeasayer. Please consider voting for me/sharing to get me off the bottom of the pack! There are some great tunes there so head to the site for a listen.

Click here to head straight to my track for a listen and to vote!

Austrian Adventures 2010

2010-02-23T15:56:00.003Z

Some pics from our Radstadt snowboarding holiday.

Flickr pictures page

Colour-clear

2010-01-06T12:03:00.001Z

Colour-clear, originally uploaded by petersandbach.

I've been suffering for my art out in the garden trying to capture some moments from the snowy winter we've had this January! This is my favorite - I love the detail in the branch and the depth of the colours.

My New Toy

2009-12-29T19:42:00.002Z

I'm very excited about getting my life back (I've finally passed my last anaesthetics exam!) and have received this rather super new gadget for music making! This has more of a performance edge than most, so should hopefully herald some interesting new experiments in live music!

The Novation Launchpad, for Ableton Live.

I Will Seek You

2009-08-11T15:39:00.002+01:00

I will seek you

I will seek your face

I will seek you when life leads me on paths that I fear

I will seek you when I'm tempted to hide from jeers

I will seek you when I feel unable

To withstand a life of a different label

I will seek your face when exhaustion draws me away

I will search for you when not inclined to pray

I will seek you

I will seek your face

I will seek you when victory and ecstacy reign in my heart

I will wander searching for you when my rambling pulls us apart

I will lie in your presence within the summer heat

I will shelter between your wing when storms upon the earth beat

I will seek you

I will seek your face

But finally when my journey in this place is complete

And my breath becomes scarce, all suggesting my body will suffer defeat

Then I will truly find you and forever rest in your presence true

And as I rewatch my life I can be happy, knowing that I honestly sought You.

Antique Shop Doorway, Cortona

2009-07-21T21:50:00.002+01:00

Antique Shop Doorway, Cortona, originally uploaded by petersandbach.

New photos of our wonderful trip to Italy. Flickr houses the more arty ones and Facebook the more peoply ones...

Lorna's people ones can be found at her Facebook site

Being

2009-06-16T22:13:00.003+01:00

I love to think,

But sometimes it's important just to be.

Like sitting in my bed listening to the rain,

Or enjoying the cessation of pain as I lay down my head.

Its in these moments of being that my life grows and shapes,

That I can focus on The Eternal,

The beginning and the end;

On becoming more of a friend to Him that made me for just that.

Dry

2009-05-25T05:44:00.003+01:00

Ezekiel 37 (The Message)
Breath of Life

1-2 God grabbed me. God's Spirit took me up and set me down in the middle of an open plain strewn with bones. He led me around and among them—a lot of bones! There were bones all over the plain—dry bones, bleached by the sun.

3 He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?"
I said, "Master God, only you know that."

4 He said to me, "Prophesy over these bones: 'Dry bones, listen to the Message of God!'"

5-6 God, the Master, told the dry bones, "Watch this: I'm bringing the breath of life to you and you'll come to life. I'll attach sinews to you, put meat on your bones, cover you with skin, and breathe life into you. You'll come alive and you'll realize that I am God!"

7-8 I prophesied just as I'd been commanded. As I prophesied, there was a sound and, oh, rustling! The bones moved and came together, bone to bone. I kept watching. Sinews formed, then muscles on the bones, then skin stretched over them. But they had no breath in them.

9 He said to me, "Prophesy to the breath. Prophesy, son of man. Tell the breath, 'God, the Master, says, Come from the four winds. Come, breath. Breathe on these slain bodies. Breathe life!'"

10 So I prophesied, just as he commanded me. The breath entered them and they came alive! They stood up on their feet, a huge army.

11 Then God said to me, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Listen to what they're saying: 'Our bones are dried up, our hope is gone, there's nothing left of us.'

12-14 "Therefore, prophesy. Tell them, 'God, the Master, says: I'll dig up your graves and bring you out alive—O my people! Then I'll take you straight to the land of Israel. When I dig up graves and bring you out as my people, you'll realize that I am God. I'll breathe my life into you and you'll live. Then I'll lead you straight back to your land and you'll realize that I am God. I've said it and I'll do it. God's Decree.'"

"When hope is gone, I'll call You Saviour" I've Had Questions by Tim Hughes.

OP-1 The Future is Coming

2009-04-03T11:51:00.003+01:00

Having, as I do, an interest in electronic music, I'm incredibly excited at the new OP-1 from Teenage Engineering. This funky little gizmo is well away from release yet, but looks to be a hardware controller for your music software on your PC, as well as having built in synth and sequencer capacity. I WANT ONE!!

Sadly, they're a long way off from release yet!

Here's a pic anyway...

Lent Project

2009-03-16T11:27:00.002Z

Another attempt at a daily photo blog for Lent 2009. Not been quite so strict this year (attempt not to become dogmatic!) but have tried to take a pic of something interesting every day. Doing lots of on-calls so you may notice a theme developing around views of Manchester from 7th floor on-call room!

Christians Against Poverty

2009-02-19T21:18:00.002Z

In these times of economic turmoil, we learnt of a very relevant organsiation called Christians Against Poverty (CAP) last night in house group. Brilliant charity who offer free debt advice to anyone who needs it. The perfect solution for our troubled times when we're realising that our nation's recent prosperity has essentially been built on sand. We're proud to be supporting a CAP centre as Altrincham Baptist Church, so hopefully we can make a difference in our community, which is one of the most in-debt areas in the country...

I've just read...

2009-01-04T20:58:00.004Z

A quick update on a couple of books I've just read in the Christmas period...

The Shack - a great allegory all about God.

God's Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? - A brilliant but concise look at the relationship between science and faith.

Ice on my car 3

2008-12-12T12:52:00.001Z

Ice on my car 3, originally uploaded by petersandbach.

It's proper Winter up here! Very beautiful though...

Slavery

2008-12-05T21:01:00.004Z

Since attending The Stand in November in Birmingham, I've really been thinking a great deal about modern day slavery and human trafficking. For those who aren't aware, slavery still happens today. In fact, it's incredibly common, even in the developed world. People are also trafficked across borders, having been tricked into working for nothing, and children are exploited as labourers. Pretty much every industry you can think of is affected by this, from steel manufacture to coffee, from chicken packing to prostitution.

I'm still trying to work out what my response to this sudden burst of knowledge and conviction is: I'm starting by writing about it here, telling people I know, and trying to increase my awareness.

These are some of the sites I'm using to find more information, and some of the people who are actually doing something.

Anti Slavery International

Stop the Traffik

Hope for Justice

The Ethical Trade Initiative

My feeling is that ordinary people like me need to get involved shouting for justice for those who are being exploited in this way. I think the church should be united in an obvious and vocal way against slavery and trafficking - our consumer power is massive and together we have a loud voice. We can use this opportunity to stand for those who are not able to support themselves, to care for the broken and needy in society - to do just what Jesus intended.

Geocaching

2008-10-23T22:33:00.004+01:00

Lorna and I have discovered a great new hobby called Geocaching. Basically you look at the website http://www.geocaching.com/ and get some co-ordinates for a cache, which you then plug into your GPS (or Nokia N95) and start wandering!

The caches are usually a tuppaware, hidden very carefully in the countryside some where. They contain a logbook so you can prove you found it, and various other little prizes which can be traded for something you want to leave. I imagine kids would love it, and its great fun for adult kids too! It also takes you to places you never would have thought to go, and there's usually plenty of scope for good photos in many of the locations.

Another way to get out and about and enjoy creation!

New look

2008-09-26T22:39:00.001+01:00

An ever so slight change to the appearance of the blog as I got bored! Not sure what I think of it yet so I'm going to try it for a while and see...

Schmap

2008-09-21T17:48:00.003+01:00

I've been absent in my posting for a while due to job change related stress and general work related low moodness (see below), but now am up and about a bit more creatively. Since last posting, I've updated my myspace with some new electronic music, and I'm working on more. I've started worship leading at Intention, ABC's youth group which is turning out to be really exciting, and I'm taking photos again. Whilst exploring various bits of Manchester with Lorna, we visited Castlefield (was up and coming a few years ago, now fairly firmly arrived). I took a few photos, posted them to my flickr website and one of them has been selected for use on a website guide to Manchester, called Schmap. This looks a great guide to the city and is growing all the time, so definitely worth taking a look (see my sidebar to the right on this very blog). It also has guides to numerous other cities around the world, and can be accessed on your I-phone for trendy types.

Reading my previous post, I'm slightly embarrased to admit that despite all my wordly wealth, beautiful wife, wonderful family and friends I've been very low in mood for the last couple of months. Whilst my own recent stress has not been in the league of Brother Yun and friends (see below), I can similarly testify that during this low patch I've had a great sense of God walking with me (probably carrying me really!) I had not really known whether the path I've been following has been right, or whether I had the emotional reserves to follow it, but I've known that he has a plan and would be with me through all of it no matter how steep it seemed. Through times talking with friends, studying The Bible, in prayer and in church, I've heard Him assure me I am doing what He wants, where He wants me to do it, and this has given me strength to re-emerge from "just coping" to "truly living".

I'm writing this having spent the weekend in the sun, in Manchester and Altrincham (food festival and our little garden). Like the rainbow after the flood in Noah's story, the beautiful weather this weekend feels like a seal to the promise He has made to me. In times when I'm feeling sorry for myself, finding life hard or generally going through a low patch in the cycle of life I must try and think back to these glimpses of beauty, and focus on the gifts that God gives me day-to-day.

Brother Yun

2008-06-30T20:03:00.002+01:00

I've just finished reading the book "The Heavenly Man", by a Chinese pastor called Brother Yun. It chronicles the story of his life thus far and is an account of horrific persecution of him and the Chinese church by their authorities. However, the overwhelming message is one of hope and encouragement for the help that God gives, even during our lowest points in life.

This book has challenged me massively - to focus on the important things if life and to try and re-centre my life on Jesus. It's a scary prospect as not many figures in the bible or in history who go "all out for Him" have a very nice time, but with the knowledge that He went through worse for us on the cross we can learn that the physical life is not all there is.

I dare you to read it!

Healing Window

2008-06-30T19:59:00.001+01:00

Healing Window, originally uploaded by petersandbach.

The 'Healing Window' in Manchester Cathedral. A window donated by a local doctor. The text reads: "Diversity" "Healing" "Glory" "Wholeness" "Inclusion"

RIP Bertie

2008-05-30T12:13:00.001+01:00

RIP Bertie, originally uploaded by petersandbach.

Rest in peace Bertie the Border Terrier. He was scruffy and a little pungent at times, but a great companion with lots of character. Sadly Bertie had to go to the vet for the last time yesterday - his pain and exhaustion go the better of him, but we are very grateful to him for 15 years of good memories and devotion.

The Telectroscope

2008-05-22T18:39:00.004+01:00

I can't quite believe this is true but apparently, a tunnel has been built from London to New York, so that, using optical devices, you can see from one end to the other. I thought this may be an April fool joke at first, but it's May, so that's unlikely! Interesting website here

ADDENDUM

Turns out nights must have affected my brain! The Telegraph puts a more likely theory, being that the "tunnel" is actually a broadband connection between London and New York. Sad in a way - all the mystery is now gone!

Music production gadgets

2008-05-22T17:36:00.002+01:00

Argh! I'm being persued by musical gadgetry! The Create Digital Music blog has been tempting me with pricey technical wizardry!

The bizarrely named Tenori-On is a Japanese invention (who else) which seems to be trying to create a completely new way of making music. It's extremely exciting (and also quite expensive), particularly as a live instrument. Originally created by a Japanese visual artist called Toshio Iwai in conjunction with Yamaha, as well as being able to be used as a sampler/sequencer and performance instrument, it also has brilliant flashing lights! Check out the Youtubes below for demonstrations of the Tenori On.

The other musical gadget that's got me excited is the Pacemaker portable DJ machine thing. It stores your MP3s, plays them, and allows you to do all the things a DJ would traditionally do with decks - beatmatching, crossfading, adding effects, pitch shifting. Again, it's not cheap (although compared to decks+mixer it's pretty good value), and here are some Youtube vids of it in action...

Radical Christianity

2008-04-23T13:24:00.003+01:00

In our house group we've been talking occasionally about how comfortable we are as Christians - as though we are in a social club rather than a life changing faith. An interesting article at Ekklesia seems to suggest we need to become more radical, in line with the social upheaval suggested by Jesus' teachings.

Looking at the front page of the BBC News website its easy to see there are increasing opportunities to express the life giving nature of the Gospel - tax demands on low income households, rising food prices, torture and death in Zimbabwe and Sudan to name a few.

I pray, Lord that we will not be found wanting...

Fly sex change nonsense

2008-04-18T09:26:00.002+01:00

Not content with our already vast levels of knowledge of Drosophila, a group of scientists have now discovered how to program female flies to behave like male flies during courtship rituals. Not only is this 'fascinating' and 'exciting' but I'm sure very useful. I can think of at least.....hm.....no uses for such an insight into the lives of fruit flies.

Might I suggest that if the researchers want to learn more about human behaviour, they stop wasting money on fruit flies and go to an average town centre club on a saturday night. It's already apparent what triggers female homo sapiens to behave like males during courtship rituals - the combination of lambrini, archers, vodka chasers and cheesy pop music provides an immediate trigger for hormone fueled tomfoolery.

The power of prayer!

2008-04-14T21:45:00.002+01:00

Bizzarely, this is a really heartwarming story about a gent who had a little accident in his car, but thanks to prayer and some friends ended up none the worse for wear...

Spring has arrived!

2008-03-31T22:18:00.001+01:00

Spring has arrived!, originally uploaded by petersandbach.

Spring has officially arrived today as the French doors were flung open and the roof was ceremonially removed from the MX5!

More musical robot craziness with the Thingmagoop

2008-03-29T16:38:00.002Z

There are more musical robots in action here at Beep Labs - the Thingmagoop is more like a traditional synthesizer in robot clothing, but still looks like it's trying to take over the world (in a friendly fashion of course!)

Robot beat box

2008-03-27T18:57:00.001Z

A robot that roams around generating samples of things that it hits and then creating drumbeats out of it? I WANT ONE!!!

Scapegoat

2008-03-25T16:11:00.002Z

I'm finding more information on the scapegoat philosophy that I was referring to earlier. An old 'Thought for the day' reminds me of how cruel we can be using the media to crush people and remove their dignity. There are some interesting relfections relating to humanity's scapegoating of Jesus on the cross at 'Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary' which give us an idea of Girard's theory. There's also a great interview and summary of his work at Touchstone archives.

Sunset over the water tower

2008-03-23T16:06:00.001Z

Sunset over the water tower, originally uploaded by petersandbach.

Here's a sample of the Lent Photo Project. Hope you enjoy them...

Easter

2008-03-23T15:56:00.003Z

Happy Easter everyone! Christ's resurrection on the cross offers us all hope for the future and the chance to start again in the present. I've just finished reading an excellent article by Giles Fraser on the Ekklesia website which offers a controversial but really interesting perspective on the season and the behaviour of some prominent Christians and points towards work by a French philosopher, Girard. I've heard a friend of mine, Andy, talk about this guy before, so I think I should check out some of his work before long...

The arrival of Easter also heralds the end of my Lent Photo Project. Every day this Lent I've taken a photo, trying in some way to be an act of worship to God. Judge for yourselves whether I've managed it and I'd love to hear what you think...

The atheist delusion

2008-03-17T19:42:00.001Z

Definitely worth a look if you're fed up of hearing that Richard Dawkins is a 'scientist'!

New Camera Phone - my lovely wife

2008-03-04T10:33:00.002Z

New Camera Phone - my lovely wife, originally uploaded by petersandbach.

Another year, another gadget! I've now upgraded my Treo (sob and whimper) to an all singing all dancing Nokia N95. One of the main reasons for this was the opportunity to take more pics - the Nokia has a 5MP camera! I'm still trying to work it all out but seems to have lots of multimedia stuff to play with. I'll continue to let you know how I'm doing!

My Lent Project

2008-02-14T00:29:00.002Z

Disintergrating leaf, originally uploaded by petersandbach.

For Lent this year I've decided to do something positive as an act of worship to God. This entails taking a photo a day for the duration of the season, ostensibly detailing God's creation (but actually ranging far and wide into all sorts of subjects!). Feel free to check the pics out and I'd love to hear what you think...

MX5

2008-02-02T10:53:00.001Z

Check out this review of MX5s to see why I'm going to be so sad when our one finally gives up the ghost!

Feb Update

2008-02-02T10:07:00.000Z

Apologies for that little December rant - not very seasonal!

Well, we've been through lots of stress over the last couple of months. Once again I have been revising for an exam (which, thank God, I passed!), but the strain its put on Lorna and me has made me realise that there is more to life. I think that God has taught me that my career has become too central to my self identity, and He and some of my new friends here up north helped me come to terms with the prospect of failing this one (probably the hardest I've done so far). I also had a lot of doubts about my career choice but I do feel called to be an anaesthetist and much more excited by it now I've lept this most recent hurdle!

Having been enmeshed in a rather negative couple of months, where the most I could manage was to get up, go to work, come home and sleep, I'm now noticing my creativity returning - once again I'm feeling the urge to write music! I'll be uploading them soon at Myspace.

I'm also in the process of putting some of my better photos online at Flickr, so please feel free to look at those and I'd love to hear you comments.

Lorna is doing well, starting her new job next week. I think at the moment she feels that strange combination of trepidatious and excited! I know she'll do brilliantly though.

We've also managed to complete on our house, which is very exciting! We picked up the keys yesterday, and while I am at work typing this (very busy today you know!), the furniture is busy arriving in our 3 bed semi in Timperley. I'm not quite sure how its all going to fit in at the moment, so keep watching ebay for some Sandbach Seconds!

Thanks for all your support and prayers, God bless...

Brown set to oppose MP pay rise

2007-12-24T17:35:00.000Z

Too bloody right after the panning he's given the rest of the public sector. I wander if they'll delay the MPs' pay rise to give a below-inflation award?

Doubt it though...

Merry Christmas everybody - all God's blessings!

Lost Data (again!)

2007-12-18T15:14:00.000Z

Yet more data seems to have been lost recently, and apparently private firms (in addition to government departments) are coming forward admitting to losing customers data! Of course this can't all be a coincidence that we are hearing all about these loses at the same time - my interpretation is that loses of personl data happen all the time, and we are hearing about so many because the press are baying about it all! I have to say I'm not encouraged to apply for an ID card!

What's even more galling is that recently a doctor was struck off by the GMC for amongst other things taking patient details around with him - at least he didn't lose them! I wonder if the government will suffer such consequences?

Tunisia

2007-12-05T09:31:00.000Z

Just a few photos of our recent holiday to Tunisia - very long overdue!

Up North

2007-12-04T17:41:00.000Z

Hello all,

Well, we're finally settling in up in Manchester, so I thought I'd better at least try and get back in to updating the ol' blog.

It's only been 4 months since I moved up (3 since Lorna joined me) but it feels like we've been here for ever. We've settled into a town called Altrincham, just south of Manchester city centre, which has trams into the city but it's own little town centre which is very well serviced for restaurants and bars. That might explain why we were so attracted to it!

We've joined a church, Altrincham Baptist Church, which is a large, vibrant family church with lots going on. We're slowly getting into going to house group and getting to know lots of new people who all seem very nice. I think I'll hold off getting involved with doing too much for the moment, until we get more settled, but we have already helped decorate a new community centre which the church is taking over.

Work is busy as ever! I'm based at Wigan hospital, working in the theatres and intensive care unit. I'm also sitting postgraduate exams (the Fellow of the Royal College of Anaesthetists this time) - I recently passed one, quite miraculously, and I'm sitting another at the end of January which I don't have high hopes for (as always!)

Lorna is currently locumming as a GP, so spends lots of time trying to navigate around greater Manchester finding GP surgeries, which are usually in really obscure places! She starts a permanent job in February in Warrington in a lovely practice, so that's a real answer to prayer.

On a sadder note, my Grandad fell recently and broke his hip. Fortunately, Broomfield patched him up and he's on the mend now, but we're not really very sure about the future, whether he'll cope living with mum and dad, etc. That happening really made me miss Essex and being close to everyone.

We often wander how all is in Bicknacre and St Andrew's, and we continue to pray for everyone. In many ways we miss being so close, but we're so blessed in lots of other ways and joining another exciting and vibrant community and absence definitely makes us realise how much we love everyone down in Essex. Life really suits us up here and we can't wait to get involved in more stuff (and try out Altrincham's Michelin starred restaurant, Juniper). We've already had some visitors from Essex and we're looking forward to loads more, we've made an offer on a house near where we're renting a flat, and we're starting to make some friends here. The next step is to start to explore some of the amazing scenery up here, like the Peak District and the Lakes!

Thanks for all your prayers through what has been a busy and emotional time - I'll try and update a bit more regularly from now on! God bless...

Manchester

2007-06-26T17:25:00.000+01:00

Following on from last month's post, I have accepted my job in Manchester after lots of hard praying and thinking. It has been a very hard decision to make, but both Lorna and I felt that God was pushing us in this direction, and many of our friends have confirmed this with their advice. Obviously we are sad to leave Bicknacre, but we can't wait to see what's in store for us up north. I'll be using this blog to keep you updated, but due to the obscene amount of stuff we have to do in such a short time, there may be even fewer posts than normal!

Does God read the Independent?

2007-06-06T10:12:00.000+01:00

An advert appeared in The Independent yesterday, reportedly from God, speaking directly to George Bush! For the full text go to http://www.forgodssake.org/, and for an amusing comment check out Ekklesia.

I have a job!

2007-05-31T19:17:00.000+01:00

I have been offered a job! On Sunday I recieved an e-mail from the North West Deanery, offering me a training post for 6 years in anaesthetics (which would result in me being a consultant at the end!) The job is in Manchester and the surrounding area, which I've heard is a very good scheme, and is an excellent experience.

We're still waiting to find out if London want to offer me one too (which may mean that we could stay where we are currently), but if not, Lorna and I would have to move "Up North", which would be stressful, but exciting too. Of course we'd really miss all our friends and family in the south of England, and we'd probably get very homesick to start with, but I'm sure God knows what he's doing.

The question is, if I do get an offer for a London training job, will it be in a location that means we can stay where we are? If we'd have to move anyway, it would be a real struggle to decide where to go. We're just praying that God will make it really obvious where He wants us!

Do Doctors get paid too much?

2007-05-20T14:07:00.001+01:00

A brilliant quote from a GP in the Telegraph...

"Per patient, per year, I am paid approximately £50, regardless of how many times I see them. That's a year's unlimited cover. The cheapest policy I could find for pet insurance - for a hamster - was £65 a year, plus £50 excess. So your health care costs less than your pet rodent's. GPs are excellent value for money."

Suck on that, Patsy!

Still waiting

2007-05-19T10:53:00.000+01:00

Sorry to harp on, but we're still waiting to find out where we're going to be working in August - we may not be told until the beginning of June now! I think this is deeply unfair, especially as many people will have to sell their houses and move children to new schools. As junior doctors, we're not seen by politicians as humans, just machines to be exploited. Well I suppose MTAS, the computer applications system for these jobs has at least been scrapped, although the underlying structure beneath it, MMC is still ploughing on through! Lorna and I just have to try and keep our faith in God - that he will make good out of whatever happens...

On another note, Christianity magazine this month is fantastic - if you don't buy it - I'd thoroughly recommend it. I think it certainly has some messages for me, and our church...

Sometimes it rains

2007-04-21T23:03:00.000+01:00

Well, regarding the job thing - the government have delayed telling us whether we have a job or not, to try and rejig the computer applications system so it's fairer. Actually what they're ending up doing is changing it so that it's equally unfair for everyone! Therefore, we now have to wait until June for a final answer. Whether they'll fill the posts in time for the 1st Augsut when every junior doctor's contract runs out at the same time remains to be seen!

In life, we find that sometimes it really does rain - burdens seem to pour onto our already soaked backs, weighing us down and dampening our spirits. I want to share our last couple of weeks with you (if you don't mind being shared with!)

It started when our Nissan Micra boot clamped shut - it wouldn't open no matter what we did! Lorna had some important documents in there so we had to weasle our way past the back seats. Then I found out that the Mazda's coolant was still leaking despite having paid for a new radiator to supposedly sort out this problem at the beginning of the year. Then the shower broke...

We've just had a new kitchen fitted. Two days after it was put in the brand-new tap busted and wouldn't turn off. In the process of purchasing a new one at B&Q, I got a punctured tyre on the way home and in the process of fitting it, I put my neck into spasm which took me out of work for three days and was agonisingly painful. To finish off last week, Lorna got one of her worst migraines for years, which laid her out for Friday and half of today.

Whilst none of these things really are particularly disastrous, they add up to generate a pretty horrible time, especially when you're trying to revise for exams, worry about job security and work full time! Without the support of our family, friends and most of all God, we'd be in even worse states than we are. Jesus says "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28) The Bible also said of Jesus: "And he will be called...Wonderful Counselor..." (Isaiah 9:6)

He wants to help us with our problems, to be there with us in our pain, and to hold us when we're going through turmoil. We just have to let Him, and to learn to let Him in...

Interested? Have a look at Rob Bell's short films at Nooma.com particularly at his title "Rain".

Doctors training system falling apart

2007-03-09T20:59:00.000Z

I wrote recently about the new system for applying to training posts for junior doctors. Well, it has been unveiled, and failed on every level! I won't bore you with too many details, but the computer program crashed repeatedly, lost peoples' applications, the shortlisting process was deeply shoddy with no firm guidelines on how points should be awarded to candidates, and some applications not even being read properly. It now seems that the media (finally) are listening to doctors, and kicking up a fuss. The Telegraph has been especially supportive.

With this weight on its shoulders, the DOH has announced a review and slowly this evening details of the conclusions are coming out. I'm not sure of the details currently but hopefully the process should be fairer. However, the fairest way to sort it all out is to scrap the current process and start again. I have got shortlisted for several interviews but I would happily give them up to undergo a fairer system.

I'd urge you to support us by signing the petition at The Telegraph. Don't do it because you feel sorry for junior doctors - if you do, thanks for the support, but if you don't, consider the issue - thousands of the best doctors are being excluded from working in this country and are likely to go abroad. You've paid for their training in taxes. Some doctors employed by this new system may be unfit to practise. If you care about your family's and your own health, then you owe it to yourself to harrangue the government as much as possible.

Over and out...

New church website

2007-03-08T16:17:00.000Z

Loads of stuff seems to be happening at church at the moment - Alpha, Lent groups as well as the usual murder mystery and quiz nights! I'm a bit gutted that work and job seeking is so all encompassing at the moment - and work could even take us away from Essex to another part of the country altogether. Still, one thing I've been involved with is the church website at http://www.bicknacrechurch.org.uk. At the moment it's very basic, but we're working on a new improved version which should be online shortly! I'll try and keep you updated...

New job

2007-02-05T12:41:00.000Z

The government in their infinite wisdom has decided to modify the way doctors train and create a new process called "Modernising Medical Careers" (MMC). So, for the last few weeks I have been beavering away at my application so that I can join this new system. If I do not get into MMC, I have no job in August - no pressure then!

It seems that most of the known world have decided that they want to join MMC too, so there are many more applicants than there are jobs. I'm up against stiff competition, but I'm hoping that God has it all in hand. We're hoping to stay in the area we live now, but with MMC, I have the potential to end up anywhere in the country. Therefore we'd be very grateful for your prayers that we can stay in our local church, where all our Christian family are and where we think God has plans for us. Thanks very much, God bless...

Various pics of Ireland people (mostly Lorna!)

2007-01-04T20:42:00.000Z

New Pictures

2007-01-04T15:30:00.000Z

Happy new year everyone! I hope yours was as enjoyable as mine (in a pub in Donegal, Ireland!). I've tried out the new digital camera and have posted a few landscapes on pixmania.co.uk's site, so please check them out and let me know what you think...

Ireland

Around Essex

Just click on "Diaporama" for a slide show.

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T12:33:00.000Z

Merry Christmas everybody! I hope and pray that you have blessed and peaceful celebrations and a fulfilling New Year.

God bless,

Pete

It's Christmas!

2006-12-12T23:00:00.000Z

PG wodehouse

2006-12-03T16:50:00.003Z

For some unknown reason, every time the festive season begins to loom, I always dig out my favorite books - my collection of PG Wodehouse. I can't imagine a better way to spend some time off than with one of his novels or anthologies. For me, Blandings Castle has to be his ultimate creation, closely followed by Jeeves, however, I can be equally entertained by Mulliner, Psmith and the like.

For the uninitiated, Wodehouse was an unparalleled comedy writer, who excelled at creating brilliantly convoluted plots with thoroughly lovable characters, all delivered in beautifully constructed prose. These stories are such excellent escapism, both the Kaiser and one of recent Nigerian Presidents were reputed to take to their beds to read Wodehouse when the tide turned against them! There are thousands of biographies about Wodehouse on the net - try the Wikipedia one for starters. For a taste of his writing, try What Ho! An anthology containing a selection of his best stories.

Labels

2006-12-03T16:50:00.002Z

Well, you'll be excited to know I have updated all of my bloggings so far with labels, which was no end of fun!

Looking through my old posts, I realised I never updated the blog about my exam progress. I passed the whole of my MRCP (hooray!) and I'm now planning to start the anaesthetics exams (FRCA) in June 2007. Must be some kind of lunatic to sit all these tests...

New Treo

2006-12-03T16:50:00.001Z

For those of you are familiar with my obsession wth my Palm Treo smartphone, you'll be relieved and delighted (I'm sure) that there are several new Treo models on the market. The Treo 680 is a straight upgrade of the 650 (my current phone) as far as I can tell. The best thing about it - no aerial! Hallelujah indeed my friends. The Treo750v is a Windows based phone which to my eye looks pretty much the same as the 680. For any of you who may like to find out more check out the links below...

Palm's official website: Treo 680, Treo 750v

Treo 680 review and Treo 750v review

Christmas, and those who have none...

2006-12-01T19:01:00.000Z

At this time, with all the festivities and excess, my mind seems to subconsciously switch itself to thinking about those less fortunate. Maybe God is using my blessings to help me focus on others. It's a good time to review my charity donations. One I recently have started to support is Compassion, which enables me to sponsor a child. Mine is called Mateo and he lives in Equador. For anyone who is not involved in this kind of thing, I can't express how much of a blessing it is. When I first received my information pack about Mateo, about where he lives, what he enjoys doing and so on, I was moved to tears - it's such a privilige to be involved even in such a small way in this little chap's life. Hopefully, by supporting him, I can show Godly Christian love to someone who has so much less than myself. I'm not sharing this to blow my own trumpet - indeed I am so very blessed and so very hopeless at sharing it around - but in the hope that others may read it and consider doing the same (if they don't already do so). We are called to support the poor as Christians, and this really is one of the ways we can do so. Let's not forget (however cliched it sounds) that celebrating Christmas is about the birth of Jesus who has given us the gift of life.

Digital Camera

2006-12-01T18:53:00.000Z

As part of my gadget portfolio, I feel compelled to share with you my latest purchase (an early Christmas pressie). I am awaiting in barely contained excitement the delivery of a new digital camera, what the magazines define as a "superzoom" or "prosumer camera", the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 (snappy title I know).

Hopefully I'll be able to take some nice pictures once I've worked out how to use the camera, so watch this space for arty landscapes and the like!

Best man

2006-11-18T21:38:00.000Z

Well, the best manning went ok - the speech was short but amusing enough to keep people entertained, and Jon and Suzanne seemed to have a lovely time. In fact everyone seemed to. There's something about a Christian weddding that just blows me away - I think the fact that the couple are binding themselves not only with legal and emotional contracts but also with a commitment in front of God, asking Him to be centre of their relationship is a very powerful thing, making these occasions an excellent witness of our faith. I pray that the non Christians at Jon and Suzanne's wedding will begin to notice God's presence in their lives.

Steve's blog

2006-11-15T22:18:00.000Z

My mate Steve has finally succumbed to temptation and joined the blogging community! Well done Steve! He has a lot more interesting stuff than me to say too, so get on down there and visit his blog at http://champerton.blogspot.com/. Meanwhile, I have the pleasure of preparing for my mate Jon's wedding - he's asked me to be best man, so I have a write a speech. This very difficult task has been made easier by the book "The Best Best Man" by Jacqueline Eames - if anyone out there is faced with this task I'd encourage you to get the book - it makes life a lot easier.

I have glasses

2006-11-08T17:26:00.000Z

The official announcement - I now have glasses - here is an
updated pic of me in my specs (not that you probably care!).

God wants to breathe life into us...

2006-11-08T16:59:00.000Z

Did October really disappear so quickly?
A while back , we met with some friends for dinner, and afterwards we prayed. One of our friends had a message for me - that I should remember Ezekiel 37. This talks about a vision the prophet had, when he was walking through a valley which was covered in the bones of the dead. To cut a long story short, God gave these bones life - through Ezekiel prophecying to them, God's Spirit brought them together into people, and then organised them into an army. I thought about that for a while, and even told my small group. Many of the members of that grouphad recently been in Kenya, where, to my surprise, they had also studied Ezekiel 37! To me, thatconfirmed that God wanted us to think about this passage. However, with the business of theworld, I put it to one side, and forgot about it.
This morning, as I was reading my Bible and my Bible notes (Closer to God, from the Scripture Union), again Ezekiel entered my mind. I realised I had neglected that message. The more I think about it, the more I feel that God wants me to use it to build up my church, St Andrew's. I feel God wants to tell us that he is breathing new life into us - some of whom have become a bit dry and worn, like those bones (and I don't deny that I may be one of those!). He does this because He loves us, and He wants us for His army - not an army of destruction, but a force who are strong with The Spirit, working to show our community His love and grace, and bringing people closer to Him.

Argh!

2006-09-02T21:11:00.000+01:00

Feeling tempted to do stuff that goes against God? Well, we're in a war here and God's not left us without weaponry...

"Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Ephesians 6:17

Bearing that in mind, here are a few verses that I use when I'm feeling attacked by temptation:

"But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it."

1 Corinthians 10:13

"Shun youthful lusts and flee from them, and aim at and pursue righteousness"

2Timothy 2:22

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Ephesians 4:32

Reading matter

2006-08-31T20:30:00.000+01:00

Anyone read "The Purpose Driven Church"? I'm really enjoying this great book - given me lots of ideas, but really challenges what we go to church for. It really makes me wonder, are we too comfortable? On this note, I've also been (trying) to read some theological articles in www.bible.org regarding crucifying sin - giving it up to God with His Spirit's help. So often I find that I try to do it on my own - earn my way into heaven. So often, we're told in society to rely on our own strength to achieve. Actually, The Bible says that we can't do it on our own - we need God's help. How do we do this? Through recognising our failings for what they are and telling God about them.

1 John 1:9-10, 2:1-2

If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we've never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.
I write this, dear children, to guide you out of sin. But if anyone does sin, we have a Priest-Friend in the presence of the Father: Jesus Christ, righteous Jesus. When he served as a sacrifice for our sins, he solved the sin problem for good—not only ours, but the whole world's.

The Message
Also try:

Bible.Org - ABCs of Christian Growth
Bible.Org - Of the Mortification of Sin

Holiday Pics

2006-07-22T09:02:00.000+01:00

Here is a link to my our photos of Sorrento, including Pompei and Vesuvius as well.

Still alive!

2006-07-11T22:08:00.000+01:00

I am officially still alive. Good news - I have a job in August, in anaesthetics, praise the Lord! He has gone all out and answered my prayers, despite my sulkiness over the past few months. Thanks to all who have been praying for me (I know there are some at church who have been praying for a long time, bless you). This new job means a new and hopefully more sensible rota, so I'm hoping to get back into contributing a bit more at church, maybe leading some worship again. I think first, I need some down-time however, just to get back on track with God.

Away

2006-05-17T23:07:00.000+01:00

Sorry I've been away for so long - currently going through some busy and rather difficult times. I'm looking for jobs in a rapidly shrinking market, and trying to revise for the final (and hardest) part of the MRCP. Consequently I won't be around much for the next few weeks. Just a quick thought before I go - it's amazing how easy it is to forget God's grace when things get stressful - He's been with me all the way through my life, and when I should be looking to Him the most, I still try and rely on my own endeavour. It reminds me of the words to the song 'Only By Grace' - "Not by our human endeavour, but by the blood of the Lamb". We just need to try and remember that in our hearts in the hardest times, and remember that God never said we wouldn't suffer (indeed, Jesus said on many occasions we will suffer as Christians) but He did say he would be with us in pain and in joy. On that note I think I'll head off, thanking God for blessing me with Lorna, who also promised to be with me during good and bad times and who is a constant joy and blessing to me! I should also remember that a few hard exams and job worries are nothing compared with the suffering many are going through. I pray they will know God's presence during their hard times.

More on Abdul Rahman

2006-03-22T18:29:00.000Z

Amnesty International

Adnkronos International

CNS News

BBC News

Apparently, the court think Mr Rahman may be insane and not fit to stand trial under Sharia Law. However, he says:

"They want to sentence me to death and I accept it, but I am not a deserter and not an infidel. I am a Christian which means I believe in the Trinity."

Quite a sensible sentence for someone who is supposedly mad!

The international reaction has been interesting. The US says they do not want to interfere but are concerned. Italy, Germany and Canada show some courage by more forcefully condemning the situation.

In the UK, Alan Simpson, Labour MP said:

We have to be saying to the government of
Afghanistan that it is not the role, the function or the presumption of the UK
government to have a presence in Afghanistan to defend an administration that
conducts and complies with laws that are brutal in terms that would be judged by
the outside international community, and would not be accepted by the Muslim
community if they were used in reverse.

Abdul Rahman

2006-03-22T18:09:00.000Z

Here is a copy of an e-mail I received this week from The Barnabus Fund:

AFGHAN CHRISTIAN FACES DEATH SENTENCE IF HE WILL NOT
RETURN TO ISLAM
Abdul Rahman (41) converted from Islam to Christianity at least 14 years ago. He is now on trial in Kabul charged with rejecting Islam. The prosecutor says that if he returns to Islam the charges will be dropped, but if he is found guilty he will be executed: "We are Muslims and becoming a Christian is against our laws. He must get the death penalty." The judge has also stated that Mr Rahman faces the death penalty if he refuses to revert to Islam as shari‘a [Islamic law] proposes capital punishment for any Muslim who converts to another religion.
Abdul Rahman was denounced to the police last month by his family, with whom he was in dispute over the custody of his two daughters. He has refused to renounce his faith, despite the threat of execution. He is being held in Kabul Central Prison, one of 50 prisoners in a cell built for 15. Most prisoners have food brought to them by their families, but Mr Rahman’s family do not visit him.

AFGHANISTAN’S CONSTITUTION
The death sentence for adult male Muslims who abandon their faith is agreed by all schools of shari‘a. Afghanistan’s 2004 constitution states that "no law can be contrary to the beliefs and provisions of the sacred religion of Islam" (Article 3) thus affirming that apostasy from Islam is punishable by death. On the other hand, the constitution’s preamble affirms that the people of Afghanistan will respect the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which in Article 18 guarantees the freedom to change one’s religion.
Non-Muslim Afghans who have never been Muslims have a measure of freedom in that they are permitted to "exercise their faith and perform their religious rites within the limits of the provisions of the law" (Article 2). This applies to Afghan Hindus, Sikhs and the one remaining member of Afghanistan’s Jewish community. But it does not apply to Afghan Christians (or other non-Muslims) who have chosen to convert from Islam. [1]

A TEST CASE
The trial of Abdul Rahman is the first of its kind since the fall of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in 2001. In 2004 five Afghan converts from Christianity were murdered either for apostasy from Islam or for spreading their faith. It is reported that other converts who have been formally charged by the authorities have renounced their faith in the face of the death penalty. This means that Abdul Rahman’s case is the first time that Afghanistan’s ambiguous constitution will be tested. It will set a precedent for the treatment of other converts from Islam to Christianity.

The judge of the Primary Court has said he will rule on the case within two months. If found guilty, Abdul Rahman will be able to appeal to the Provincial Court and the Supreme Court. The execution order would have to be signed by President Hamid Karzai.

WRITE TO YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE
Please write to your elected representative to ask for urgent representations to be made to the Afghan government on behalf of Abdul Rahman. Point out that the Afghan constitution says that Afghanistan will respect the United Nations Universal
Declaration of Human Rights which guarantees the freedom to change one’s faith.
However if Abdul Rahman is sentenced to death this would be a clear violation of
the Declaration. Point out that Christians and those of other faiths throughout the world can freely convert to Islam without fear of punishment, and ask for reciprocal freedom to be given to Afghanistan’s Muslims who want to leave their faith. Urge that implementing the Islamic law of apostasy, with its death sentence for adult male Muslims who convert to another religion, is unacceptable in the twenty-first century.
It is most effective to be polite, brief and use your own words. If you do not know who your elected representative is or how to contact him or her, please refer to the Right to Justice website [2] which sets out information for those in the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand.

OUTRAGE THAT IS LONG OVERDUE
Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund, comments, "This case is rightly causing outrage in the West. What I would like to emphasise is that the death sentence for apostasy is part of mainstream Islam and always has been since the seventh century. In three of the schools of shari‘a it is applied to women apostates as well as to men. An outpouring of indignation and protest on this issue from those who enjoy religious liberty in the West is long overdue. I call on political leaders and church leaders to take up the cause of Muslims who choose to embrace another faith. To pretend that freedom of conscience is not an issue in our modern world is a scandalous evasion of moral responsibility. In the face of Abdul Rahman’s plight, those who have for a long time refused to accept the implications of Islam’s apostasy law can surely do so no longer.

"Islam is a religion which is very active in seeking to make converts. It MUST change and learn to grant freedom to Muslims to convert to another faith without penalty. In the twenty-first century Islam can no longer continue to be a one-way street, which people may enter but can neverleave.
"The kind of injustice which Abdul Rahman is suffering is one of the principle reasons for Barnabas Fund’s new campaign "The Right to Justice".
I urge Christians and all people of goodwill to sign our petition which calls for justice for Christian minorities [2]. Then please write to your MP, congressman or other elected representative about his case. Please pass this message on to as many people as you can. And please pray."

PRAYER ITEMS
* Pray that Abdul Rahman will be strengthened and comforted by the Lord Jesus and that his faith will not waver. As an apostate from Islam he is likely to be facing abuse from the Muslims he shares a crowded prison cell with. It is not known how he is eating, as his family will not bring him food. The prison authorities will not allow him access to the Western press who want to interview him.
* Pray that, despite pressure from Islamic extremists, Abdul Rahman will not be sentenced to death, and that this precedent will allow other Afghan converts from Islam to Christianity to live freely and safely in their homeland.

LINKS
FOR THE FULL TEXT OF THE CONSTITUTION OF AFGHANISTAN IN ENGLISH
[1] - http://www.oefre.unibe.ch/law/icl/af00000_.html

BARNABAS FUND'S CAMPAIGN "THE RIGHT TO JUSTICE"
[2] - http://www.righttojustice.org

We can't let these injustices continue. I have written to my local MP and I urge you to do the same. All should be free to practice their faith, whatever it may be. We should also be able to discuss the shortcomings of other faiths. This is why we need to fight against protection from balsphemy for any particular religious group being enshrined in the law, as many muslims were demanding after the Mohammed cartoon fiasco, because it would limit our effectiveness as witnessing Christians. I understand muslim people's pain when their prophet is criticised (as Jesus often is) but I appreciate our current freedom in the UK to have our faith, whatever it may be, and to debate its merits. It is as important for our fellow Britons who are muslim as it is for us that things stay this way.

So please, use this link to find out who your MP is and petition them in a reasoned and rounded way to fight for the rights of those abroad, and for our right to worship The Lord Jesus.

Links to check out...

2006-03-08T21:08:00.000Z

Today's society accepts spirituality readily, but falls short of accepting Christianity as the one true way to God. Here are a couple of interesting blogs on the nature of spirituality and people's search for the truth...

Why believe Jesus is the only way?

Breaking the Da Vinci Code

I'll post more as I find them...

Taking something up for Lent

2006-03-05T16:40:00.000Z

Traditionally Christians give up something during Lent, the time which represents the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert before commencing His main ministry. It's usually something they find enjoyable and usually a 'vice', for example, chocolate, biscuits or caffeine. This year I'm giving up alcohol - not because I'm addicted to it (I hope!), but more because I want to concentrate my mind on God and not be reliant on anything worldly. Consider it a kind of purifying process.

However, I think more important than giving up booze, I'm also trying to spend more time with God, trying to listen to His voice amidst the clamour of the world, and together with Lorna, trying to focus on making our marriage more God centred. I think that positive steps like this are much more important than the giving up of our habits - and hopefully honouring to God, which after all is the whole point of our being.

Christian vs Muslim violence

2006-02-22T18:13:00.000Z

Oh dear. Shocking news from Nigeria, where Christian mobs have now been attacking muslims and mosques in retaliation for anti Christian attacks. Read more about it at the link above. I'm sure the situation isn't helped by one archbishop who reportedly said:

"May we at this stage remind our Muslim brothers that they do
not have the monopoly of violence in this nation"

I don't remember the bit in the Bible where Jesus said "Blessed are those who rampage through cities murdering people of another religion." Anyone enlighten me?

Muslim leaders push for sharia state in UK

2006-02-22T00:41:00.000Z

A worrying trend seems to be emerging since the publication of the cartoons of Mohammed. Some muslims are calling for a ban on criticism of him as it could be construed as inciting religious hatred - they site laws that protect Jews and Sikhs as precidents. However, Jews and Sikhs are protected by law not for their religion but for their race. We all are able to choose religion (or should be able to), and that requires debate, questioning and discussion with no barriers to the nature or extent of that discussion, wheras no-one is able to choose their ethnic background. It seems to me that if you are not willing or able to defend your faith against criticism, it's not really a faith!

This is an interesting article from the Telegraph (shock horror!), which might interest you...

Sermon on Sunday

2006-02-21T00:28:00.000Z

Having decided to do less last time I posted, Lorna and I ended up doing the sermon at church on Sunday! We felt God was really calling us to speak - the topic was Love especially in marriage. It was really rewarding that a number of people talked to us afterwards and said how helpful they found it. God also taught us a great deal about our relationship and how it needs to change (we need to do less!!). We realised that we were just treading water, but not really communicating as we were always worrying about the next thing. Things are definitely improving since we had that conversation, and we suspect that God intended for us to near our breaking point to learn the lesson.

For those interested, here's the sermon in full:

I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes, love is all around us, and so the feeling grows…love lifts us up where we belong…all you need is love… The world is obsessed by love, it’s in every film we see, every song we hear, every soap opera plot we follow. The web is full of chat rooms and dating websites all promising to find you The One. And yet, 14 in every thousand marriages end in divorce, 53% of those breaking up families with children under 16. There has been an increase in the number of divorces every year for the last four years– what are we as a society missing? why do so many people end up heartbroken? I – we - think it’s because the world has sold itself a lie – the Hollywood version of love and marriage is a perversion of what God has in mind for us.

Popular culture tells us what to wear, what to eat, what to say, what to do, where to do it…and increasingly what to think. TV, radio, magazines and the internet bombard us with standards to reach, behaviour patterns to follow and role models to aspire towards. One of the biggest pressures is to be part of a couple, and the Hollywood blueprint goes as follows;
1. find the right person – out there somewhere is your one true love, and fate has a plan to get you two to meet. You will know them because you will meet them in awkward or unusual circumstances, a thunderbolt will strike and the sexual attraction will knock you sideways. For girls, this person is likely to be Hugh Grant.
2. fall in love – this is usually marked by becoming a completely different person, making wild decisions and throwing caution to the wind. No attention should be paid to common beliefs, interests or hopes as LOVE should be enough to conquer all of that. Its at this point that you will magically start to have mind blowing sex – unassailable proof that this is the Real Thing.
3. live happily ever after … until you split up. Once you’ve been together a while the relationship deepens, as will the lure of alternative suitors. At this point, cracks may start to appear. Several patterns can develop – “we grew apart”, “he doesn’t understand me” or “I love him, I’m just not in love with him any more”.
4. relationship ends – at this point it is usual to repeat steps 1-3.

However, our culture isn’t entirely honest with us about the danger of this kind of behaviour, and its by no means this simple. When people enter into marriage, two become one. When marriage breakdown occurs, it’s very hard to disentangle the mesh that binds the partners, and the pain can be agonizing. These wounds are slow to heal and often leave scarred emotions. Every story is different, and in some cases it is difficult to see how a relationship can continue. There may be people who have suffered abuse and find it difficult to recover and forgive, there may be people who cannot forgive themselves. There aren’t any easy answers – certainly none we know of, but God loves us and hates to see his beloved children in pain. Jesus is called a Counsellor, a Prince of Peace and through His Spirit He ministers to us when we ask Him.

The subconscious message sent to us by the Hollywood formula is a dangerous one – that we as individuals should make ourselves number one priority in any relationship. If our needs are not being met – regardless of anyone else involved we should move on to another more pleasing situation because, at the end of the day, “we’re worth it”.

I don’t believe that this “Hollywood formula” is a fair representation of God’s will for us. Song of Songs shows us that God fully intends us to have passionate, romantic relationships with the opposite sex. From the word go, Adam saw that Eve “was good”. God fully endorses marriage – Jesus was moved to perform a miracle turning water into wine to honour one couples wedding, so strong were His feelings of joy and support for them!

The difference between the Hollywood approach and the approach I believe God wants us to adopt is what He expects from the would-be husband and wife. Its not a passive process – cupids arrows aren’t enough. God tells us in His word exactly what He thinks a good marriage needs, and it’s a lot of hard work. Our reading from Ephesians clearly states that husbands are expected to love their wives the way Jesus loves the church. Let’s think about that – Jesus became man, died a humiliating and painful death and rose from the dead to save us from sin ….. it’s the ultimate expression of how much He loves us. He literally gave up His life for us. Thankfully, none of us are likely to be in a position where we would be asked to take so huge or literal a step. But the premise stands. God expects us to serve our spouse, to put them first before our own well being. As Christians we are expected to Love God and Love our neighbour as ourselves. Paul tells us that by loving our spouse, we fulfil both aspects of the latter commandment. A spouse is not only the closest neighbour that we could have, but more than that, marriage joins two people into one – so loving our spouse is akin to loving ourselves. Paul parallels the way Christ loves the church - a love that inspired the ultimate sacrifice, with how He thinks a husband and wife relationship should be.

So, this love he asks us to show one another is a sacrificial love. 1Corinthians 13 tells us in no uncertain terms what He means – Love is patient, Love is kind, does not envy or boast. It is not proud, rude, self seeking, or easily angered – it keeps no record of wrongs. Love delights in the truth, it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. I don’t know how you feel, but I find that quite an intimidating list of expectations, but Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit, enabling us to love in this way. His death washed away our sin. That leaves us pure, like the bride in the reading –that loving sacrifice leaves us “radiant with holiness” and free from obstructions to Him.

What we’re being sold by popular culture is infatuation. Great while it lasts, but if we allow ourselves to believe that’s all there is then we will miss out on the true nature of marriage. Love is central to all relationships – even those which seem to contradict the tenets of our faith. Paul also talks about how the relationship between slave and master should be founded on obedience and mutual respect. This is pleasing and therefore worshipful to God. So we learn that injecting Godly love into our earthly interactions is an act of worship to our maker.

Not all of us are married and that might not be the sort of relationship that God has planned for you. If we can learn to love the way God intends then all our relationships – especially the most important one of all – our relationship with Him, will succeed. Let me leave you with a quote from a Romanian prison guard during the communist era. He is describing his experience of Christian prisoners “…if we cut off their tongues and forbid the Christians speech, they love with their hands and their feet and with their eyes, they love always and everywhere until their last respiration. Does anyone know how to take out the power of love from these stupid Christians?” I think that’s proof that once we know God’s love, it’s impossible not to express it and that’s what marks us out as Christians.

If we can learn two things from what we’ve said, let it be these:
1. Love is a choice to put another first – it permeates all relationships, not just marriage.
2. Love of God is of paramount importance as through this He teaches us to love others.

Doing too much

2006-02-01T12:27:00.000Z

Sorry I haven't posted for a while (if anyone has noticed!). I am still alive, just rather busy. I seem to get very tired very easily in my Christian life. I'm always striving to resist sin, love others more, live a better life. And then one day I get exhausted and it all falls apart - I feel numb and empty. I've got so caught up in "doing" I have no time to exist in God's presence.

The story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10: 38-42) shows the priority that Jesus had. Mary and Martha were sisters who Jesus stayed with for a time. Martha rushed around, making sure all the preparations were ready, food cooked, everything was in order - good faithful service. However, when she complained to Jesus about her sister Mary who was resting in His presence - learning from Him and spending time with Him, Jesus gently informed her that Mary was the one with her priorities right!

We learn again in Acts (Acts 2:42-47) that the early church focussed their time not on striving for better lives, or serving the community, but on teaching, prayer, worship and fellowship - and the church grew because people liked what they saw and wanted a piece of it. Not to say that it isn't really important to serve others, or that God doesn't want to see us grow and change for the better, but that if we prioritise these things over spending time with Him, we are not getting it right - we can't sustain these without His presence in our lives.

I strongly believe that if we don't love God (and that grows from spending time with Him, in prayer and reading the Bible), we can't get the rest of it right. If as individuals and as Christian communities we place Him in our centre, as our priority, we will begin to see our lives, and others' lives change. With that in mind, I'm going to concentrate on trying to get to know my Father God better...

Myspace

2006-01-19T16:01:00.000Z

I have a "myspace" now as well as this blog. I'll still be posting all my thoughts/life events here, but the other site is mainly focussing on any music I manage to finish!
http://www.myspace.com/petesandbachuk

Rich's site

2006-01-18T11:59:00.000Z

Rich now his site up and running with a couple of tunes for us to listen to. I'd strongly recommend checking them out for something a bit different.

Rich's site

Exam!

2006-01-14T21:12:00.000Z

Sorry about the distinct lack of posts for the past few weeks...

I passed my exam!

This is the second part of the "Membership of the Royal College of Physicians". One more to go and I will have MRCP after my name!

Praise God for that - He leads me through these things again and again, regardless of how holy I am feeling! That's His Grace, I guess. The question now is where is He leading me? I am becoming more and more convinced that intensive care medicine is the way forward for me. Having worked in the ITU for the past few weeks, I feel that it is the place for me - where I feel most useful, and where my gifts are best used. Now its just a case of convincing the rest of the world that that's the case...

Think Christ: A Plea To Charismatics - A cessasioninst argument

2005-12-24T17:50:00.000Z

I said I was going to be looking more deeply at the cessasionist/charismatic discussion. Here's an interesting post from a cessationist Think Christ: A Plea To Charismatics

Not sure I agree with it though...see what you think.

Christmas Prayer

2005-12-24T17:27:00.000Z

The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: a Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:

"Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him" Luke 2:10-14 (The Message)

Lord,
At this time when we remember the birth of Your Son our saviour,
Disturb me in my comfort
Give me Your heart for all humanity
Help me Love others as You love me, even when it's scary, inconvenient or embarassing.
Keep me from being hypocritical, pompous or proud,
Help me be constantly aware of Your grace
Keep me humble, Lord
And make me more like Jesus Christ
In His name
Amen

God's Grace

2005-12-16T10:56:00.000Z

Had a great meeting on Sunday - got me thinking about how I've been feeling recently. I decided that guilt can get in the way of God. We can get so caught up with self flagellation for the things that we do wrong, that that feeling stops us spending time with God - it becomes an idol. As the speaker (Dan Dowman - great young preacher) on Sunday night said, if we feel that we can't get close to God because of our sin, we're actually saying that God's Grace isn't enough for our sin - which of course isn't the case (I'm sure I've read similar arguements in a book before, but can't remember which - answers on a postcard...). The incredibly freeing reality is:

Sin can't tell you how to live. After all, you're not living under that old tyranny any longer. You're living in the freedom of God. Romans 6:14 - The Message

"The strongest motives against sin, and to enforce holiness, are here stated. Being made free from the reign of sin, alive unto God, and having the prospect of eternal life, it becomes believers to be greatly concerned to advance thereto. But, as unholy lusts are not quite rooted out in this life, it must be the care of the Christian to resist their motions, earnestly striving, that, through Divine grace, they may not prevail in this mortal state. Let the thought that this state will soon be at an end, encourage the true Christian, as to the motions of lusts, which so often perplex and distress him. Let us present all our powers to God, as weapons or tools ready for the warfare, and work of righteousness, in his service. There is strength in the covenant of grace for us. Sin shall not have dominion. God's promises to us are more powerful and effectual for mortifying sin, than our promises to God. Sin may struggle in a real believer, and create him a great deal of trouble, but it shall not have dominion; it may vex him, but it shall not rule over him. Shall any take occasion from this encouraging doctrine to allow themselves in the practice of any sin? Far be such abominable thoughts, so contrary to the perfections of God, and the design of his gospel, so opposed to being under grace. What can be a stronger motive against sin than the love of Christ? Shall we sin against so much goodness, and such love?"
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

Explosion in Hemel Hemsted

2005-12-11T13:55:00.000Z

Heard the news of the explosion at the fuel depot in Hemel this AM at church. My parents used to live quite near there so I am vaguely familiar with the area. The images of the smoke from the air are something to behold - it spreads so far across the country. According the The BBC, no-one has been killed although there are two people seriously injured in hospital. Our prayers must go to anyone affected, particularly those two and their families. In a strange sense I also pray it was just an accident and not a terrorist attack - is that an appropriate thing to pray? I'm not sure really.

On a different note, I sat my exam on Wednesday and Thursday, and true to expectations it was awful. Just got to wait 6 weeks for the results now, which , seeing as its computer-marked seems ludicrous! Patience...

For those who are interested, I've just started reading a book of prophecy called 'The Gift of Prophecy' by Wayne Grudem. I'm hoping that might inform me more on the cessationist/charismatic argument and the Biblical evidence for such views, which should be interesting, if a little challenging. Got to keep the grey stuff working.

Humility

2005-12-05T13:14:00.000Z

We had a great discussion on Humility last night at our cell group. Adam, the leader had learnt an important lesson that day, and it was great to hear his thoughts, and God's (through The Bible) on the subject. Humility is so difficult to define however. I've just found a very moving poem called "Paradoxes" on a blog called Challies.com which has an almost Psalmic quality about it. This helped direct me a little closer to understanding what "Humility" is and I hope will be useful to others too. It's challenging and convicting, yet ultimately assuring of God's Love and Grace to us.

Humility
a prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22).
Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Christianity that it makes humility the avenue to glory."
Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary, Courtesy of BibleGateway.com

2005-12-03T18:30:00.000Z

Rich (on the left in the photo) visited today. We always have great chats about life, the universe, etc and today was no exception. He's starting to get involved in MCing/rapping in clubs and recordings too, so I'm looking forward to hearing some of that. I'm also trying to persuade him to get a blog - he looked vaguely tempted, but feels its a bit self indulgent. I couldn't possibly comment...

Anthony Walker - racist murder

2005-12-03T17:25:00.000Z

The murder of Anthony, a young black man in Liverpool stunned the UK. Not just for its ferocity - his head was stove-in by an ice axe - but for its motives. Two young men, Michael Barton and Paul Taylor, murdered him simply because he was black. They were completely unprovoked in their attack, and had clearly planned the deed enough to invest in a weapon prior to hunting him down as he walked home one night with his girlfriend and cousin. I can't find words to describe how this makes me feel.

And yet the horror of this act was blown away by the grace showed by Anthony's mother. Lorna and I were moved to stunned silence as we watched her publicly forgive the two men citing Jesus forgiving his murderers on the cross as her example.

"Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots." Luke 23:34

God's Holy Spirit moving in His people can lead to incredible, radical behaviour. I pray this touched people into thinking anew about God, and I thank God that He's there comforting that family.

Good site

2005-11-28T11:01:00.000Z

On my ever increasing list of "good sites" is Adrian's Blog which at the moment has an interesting take on "Reformed Charismatics", which he explains in the following way:

"It is really possible they say to pursue a solid biblical knowledge and sound doctrine whilst experiencing the presence of power of God in a real way today. The Word and the Spirit are not in conflict but rather work together to cause us to know God.The charismatics believe in a God who is alive and acts today. We believe in a God who wants a personal relationship with his followers. Who hears prayers. Who reveals himself. Who pours out his love into our hearts. Who never changes and is the same God of the bible today. We believe that receiving the Holy Spirit is a conscious real experience. We believe that this experience of the Spirit is one of the major ways that God gives us assurance that we are saved."

In my naievity, I wouldn't have thought there could be any other way of doing Christianity, but apparently there are. I must learn more - there is no excuse for ignorance! I'll be keeping an eye on this blog.

Persecution

2005-11-27T11:59:00.000Z

Our service was about the persecuted church this morning. It's been a long and quite horrible week for me (hence the lack of posts) and I guess it brought me down to earth that despite my worries and woes, I have it easy. People in some other countries aren't allowed to worship freely - they can't go to church openly. In some places if they do they get bombed by terrorists, in some places its illegal, in some they are disciminated against in the kind of jobs they are allowed (eg, only low paid). These are our brothers and sisters as much as people in our local church, and yet I don't support them through prayer very much, or financially.

I feel pretty hypocritical really.

And then we sing songs about worshipping God and praising His name, when we aren't stepping out in faith and helping these people (James 2:14). What good is that?

I can do two things now - I can wallow in self pity, and still do nothing (then the devil wins) or I can ask God to help me change the way I think and act. People are tired of hypocrites and liars - Lord, give me Love, and help me be genuine.

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;" (2 Corinthians 4:8).

The Barnabus Fund - Hope and aid for the persecuted church...

Encouragement, Love and The Church

2005-11-20T21:53:00.000Z

Today began well. Our church is entering a period of significant change - we have been comfortable for too long and feel God wants us to move forward. I really want to be involved in this, and had put together some plans for changes to the church leadership, which I'd emailed to a couple of friends. What surprised me most was that they had independently had very similar ideas! Moreover, this morning before the service, our vicar Mary found me and commented on how excellent she thought the ideas were! I felt really encouraged because I have been bursting with ideas about how to take God out into our local community more, and how to develop our church community, and it was nice to have those affirmed by other Christians who I respect.

I feel encouragement is a really vital part of biblical love. If anywhere in the world shows love, it has to be the church. So many people have been damaged by thoughtless words and deeds, both from non-Christians, and from Christians. As The Bible says:

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
(2Cor 5:20 - My italics)

That means that through our lives of love, we need to show non-Christians that Jesus is reaching out to them and that He wants to meet with them.

With that in mind, lots of churches in the UK are evaluating what "church" means, both to her members, and also to the public. There's an interesting website called Emerging Church where Christians can share their experiences of doing church differently, and encourage one another. I've also been reading a great book called '21st Century Church' by Rob Warner which is pretty inspiring. And of course, who could forget 'The Purpose Drive Life' by Rick Warren which is an amzing step for individuals and groups to refocus or completely turn around their lives.

We have two options really - we can make sure people know how relevent Jesus is to them, or we can sit on our hands, and fail Him (Matt 28:18-19).

Blimey, now I've written all that, I'd better go and do some of it! G'night all...

Blogs of note...

2005-11-19T23:58:00.000Z

I'm just getting into this blogging lark. Here are a few I've found that are interesting...
Living Radical - The Jesus Army Life: July 2005
- bankrupt christian -
Blogs4God
Uncovering the gray

Must mow the lawn

2005-11-19T12:48:00.000Z

Ok, I know it's getting silly now but I hate mowing the lawn! Good job its too wet to mow today!

My Tunes - Christian Acoustic Rock

2005-11-19T01:32:00.000Z

I've put a few of my songs on the net for anyone that's interested. Do excuse the slightly dodgy MP3 quality!

My MP3s

Town in a stew over a vegetable

2005-11-18T23:05:00.000Z

Inspiring stuff...

TOKYO (Reuters) - A giant white radish that won the hearts of a Japanese town by valiantly growing through the urban asphalt was in intensive care at a town hall in western Japan on Thursday after being slashed by an unknown assailant. The "daikon" radish, shaped like a giant carrot, first made the news months ago when it was noticed poking up through asphalt along a roadside in the town of Aioi, population 33,289.

This week local residents, who had nicknamed the vegetable "Gutsy Radish", were shocked -- and in some cases moved to tears -- when they found it had been decapitated.

TV talk shows seized on the attempted murder of the popular vegetable and a day later, the top half of the radish was found near the site where it had been growing.

A town official said on Thursday the top of the severed radish had been placed in water to try to keep it alive and possibly get it to flower. Asked why the radish -- more often found on Japanese dinner tables as a garnish, pickle or in "oden" stew -- had so many fans, town spokesman Jiro Matsuo said: "People discouraged by tough times were cheered by its tenacity and strong will to live."
Reuters

Lets just hope the radish can pull through...

My Treo, and the value of rest.

2005-11-18T21:24:00.000Z

Thanks for the support Dusty - I don't know whether I'm doing a great job on keeping my eyes on God - I think I probably oversold myself - I get the impression God does most of the work!

I made the mistake of leaving my Treo at home today. For those uninitiated into the world of gadgets, a Treo is no ordinary mobile phone. It is also a diary, e-mail machine, calendar, internet machine, and PC in the palm of your hand! It tells me where I should be, when I should be there, how to get there. I have medical text books, two Bible versions, games, MP3s on it. It even runs my bath (OK that's not strictly true). It is truly a wonder.

Perhaps it did me good to survive without it!

I wonder what I would do if I lost everything in a national disaster? The terrible events of Pakistan and East Asian tsunami certainly concentrate the mind. Would the more simple life enable me to become at one with nature, enjoying time to ponder, pontificate and philosophize, or would I go mad without "stuff" to entertain me? I suspect surviving may become my primary goal in that circumstance.

I read an article a while back (I think in the Times Magazine) which asked whether our children are too entertained. From 5 years (soon to be less if Tony Blair has his way) they prepare for exams at school. They then come home and are whisked off to their ballet/football/music/drama/French lessons, fed dinner, bathed and put to bed! There is no time for kids to get bored. You may think that's a good thing, but if we constantly spoon feed activities to children, when do they learn to rest? When do they learn how to make a castle/underground lair out of a sheet and 2 chairs? When do their imaginations and creativity develop? Will we develop a generation who are unable to concieve new thoughts or think laterally. Perhaps that generation is here already - 24 hour TV, internet, groceries, cinemas, clubs and pubs are all available should we want them.

I suspect that if God can create the whole world in 6 days and then have a day off (Gen 2:2), we can rest assured it will not fall apart if we follow His example and rest too. Maybe I'll try that this Sunday - I wonder how long my rest will last...

Tube train perils and a blessed relationship

2005-11-17T21:19:00.000Z

Somewhat regretting my late night last night this morning, but made up for it with a snooze on the train - something I can't do whilst driving to work normally! However, despite my power-nap, I later felt very relieved that I don't live in London and commute every day. For some reason I became very anxious on the tube train home this evening. One particular chap in the carriage was acting a bit strangely, and in my post 'London bombings' stupidity I became concerned that he was up to no good. No matter how hard I reasoned with myself, I couldn't get the image of more terror attacks from my mind, or quell the feeling of rising panic. How judgmental and reactive we can become when we're scared. As rational as I was trying to be, I was glad to get off the train. The poor guy, God bless him, was just going home like me.

Lorna's on night shifts at the moment, so I'm feeling rather hard-done-by! However in less than a year, she'll be a GP registrar (a family doctor under supervision in a practice), and she'll never have to work a night again (unless she wants to!). Subsequently, our marriage will only be subject to my rota!

Being a doctor does put a strain on a relationship. I've lost count of the number of people I've heard of having affairs, splitting up from their partners, and generally being lonely in the health service. This must be in part due to the time spent apart when working a shift system. People who know Lorna and me comment on how "lucky" we are, how they can't believe we're still together and as close as we are. I don't believe it's luck, I believe God blesses our relationship, and helps us stay committed to keeping together. He inspires me to cherish and love Lorna by the Holy Spirit and the example of Jesus' love of The Church.

What binds us so strongly is that we try to base our faith on firm foundations, not on shaky ground (Matthew chapter 7, verses 24-29), and our marriage involves not just Lorna and me, but God as well - "A cord of three strands is not easily broken" (Ecclesiastes 4 vs 12). I'm not boasting, saying that we are any more special, clever or good at being married than any other couple (I can assure you we're not!), I'm trying to emphasise that we need Jesus in our whole life including our marriage - not just for an hour on a Sunday morning - He is not an added extra or a hobby. Hence the title of this blog - Jesus be the centre - of our churches, but also of our communities, our relationships, our souls. Only then do we give God the worship he deserves, and only then do we fulfil our true purpose in life.

Wedding day 2

2005-11-16T23:10:00.000Z

Just a couple of pics of the wedding day (Oct 2004). Great day - very blessed. This blogging is addictive - must go to bed! Nighty night.

Wedding day!

2005-11-16T23:08:00.000Z