EP is back

My fav stalker in this new world... Miss [EP] is back with a couple of fab posts.

First off, she links to this article on BBC News about a chap who was forced to remove his tee because it has arabic writing on it that means we will not be silent (pictured above). What is this world coming to? Its acceptable to wear F*C*U*K tees but not tees that express an opinion... and a very valid opinion at that.

Secondly, she makes a great point about faith:

I see fundamentalism of any kind, but especially in Christianity, falling into a "low tolerance for uncertainty" that is violently held onto with white knuckles. As followers of Christ, we must remember to hold onto doctrine, beliefs, practices, etc. loosely as we are finite beings incapable of nailing everything down in this life we live on earth. With faith comes the freedom to believe, yet still question, doubt, and be ok with not having all of the answers. Faith is a mystery and is an avenue to "allow" us to "be" and continually 'become" a follower of Christ.

Get EP in your RSS readers and hassle her to blog more... you never know... she might stalk you too!!!

PS EP... keep being who you are! and to the clown who said she was a stalker... its your loss!

Technorati Tags: thought

((deep)) :: the inital email is away!

...I attach a mindmap that was developed in conjunction with Jon G, who has been instrumental in creating this shared vision.

((deep)) is about creating a space where prayer and worship... creativity and expression... fun and laughter... can safely collide. It is taking the concept of the 24-7 boiler room and expanding it to create a place where predominately young people can come and share their stories with their peers... where networks and relationships can begin... where people can do "church" without it resembling their preconceived notions of "church"... where people talk about their faith and can open up to the Spirit's leading... where healing can take place and lives can be transformed...

((deep)) needs a home... a foundation from which to grow... Glasgow doesn't, to my knowledge, have a 24-7 boiler room and I see this as a disgrace. We can change that and, in doing so, bring alive the collective spirituality of, not only the division's young people, but the young people from the West of Scotland. The boiler room is only the start. I see ((deep)) as being a space our young people wait in line to enter and are thrown out of at closing... if we close!

Jon and I would be grateful if you could take time to review the attached mindmap... and give us some time to discuss our proposition over a coffee. We are not looking necessarily for funding... what we need is space... a place, like City Centre Corps, that could accommodate a boiler room... with space for performance and art and music.

I trust this makes sense... and this is something that you could support.

There is a desire for this form of expression... Mountain top experiences at Roots or Youth Councils are no longer enough... and their is a definite movement towards incarnational and missional expressions that do not follow the present "norm" within a traditional Army setting. Its about the "ancient future" about looking to our roots as a guide to our future.

Extract of the initial proposal for ((deep))

The email is away to our Divisional Commander... the ball is now rolling... please hold ((deep)) in your thoughts and prayers.

Feedburner...

Been playing about with ((Feedburner)) tonight (I live such an exciting life when Olly has a BLOC practice)... Its a from of RSS feed for people who read loads of blogs / websites and want to be automatically notified of new content (you need a RSS reader - I use Sage in firefox). Reason for playing is I am looking to put the podcasts on iTunes and wanted to test the water first.

Anyway... feedburner offers a sweet piece of kit whereby if you subscribe via email you get a daily email of the previous posts. It may be of value for some of my treasured nanolog community. Check it out.

Technorati Tags: RSS

eBible :: 9 invites left...

9 invites left... who wants one?

Technorati Tags: Bible, web 2.0

What would Jesus download?

I have to admit... I always thought that Jesus would rock MacOS. Just think of his Think Different poster!

Anyway, thought this was rather adventurous :: a version of ubuntu linux for Christians ((link))

Here's a wee bit about it...

Ubuntu Christian Edition is a free, open source operating system geared towards Christians. It is based on the popular Ubuntu Linux. Ubuntu is a complete Linux-based operating system, freely available with both community and professional support.

The goal of Ubuntu Christian Edition is to bring the power and security of Ubuntu to Christians. Ubuntu Christian Edition is suitable for both desktop and server use. The current Ubuntu release supports PC (Intel x86).

Ubuntu Christian Edition includes more than 16,000 pieces of software, but the core desktop installation fits on a single CD. Ubuntu Christian Edition covers every standard desktop application from word processing and spreadsheet applications to web server software and programming tools.

On one hand I think this is great... it shows real thought, imagination and a willingness to innovate. But on the other it seems to me to be another form of Christian ghettoisation. Its another thing that could potentially differentiate us from our non-Christian friends. Also, just because its Christian software doesn't mean it is any good.

I'll be stick with MacOS for now... I tend to avoid anything overtly labelled Christian and reject ghettos and pigeonholes. I would, however, welcome anyone who has installed this version of ubuntu to let me know how it works.

Thanks to Boing Boing for the heads-up.

Technorati Tags: ubuntu

If I was in Japan on the 3rd...

I love [pingmag] and think the line up to their free mini-festival looks pretty interesting in a leftfield kind of way. I won't be in Japan on the 3rd... but if I was, I'd check it out.

Now... when can we have a festival? OK... here's a game to play... Fantasy Festival :: 8 artists / bands - only one can return from the dead. Who & why?

My festival would have ::

* Bebel Gilberto... I have always wanted to see/hear her live.
* 4hero... I love their music.
* Tom Middleton / Global Communication... Tom is a DJ genius and 76:14 is a classic.
* Tim Hughes... He writes redemption songs that just touch my heart.
* Broadcast... I have seen them 4 times live and they put on a great show.
* Quantic / Quantic Soul Orchestra... Yeah, I know I am cheating but I love Quantic's sound.
* Iona... They are one of my fav bands and bring me peace in this busy world.
* Led Zeppelin... Do I really need to answer?

Technorati Tags: pingmag, japan

Heads-up :: Departure Lounge

This looks like being a great night... Zero db headlining at The Departure Lounge with the fab Joe Acheson Quartet live. Going to be good!

Technorati Tags: edinburgh, jazz

Bonfire of the brands :: a blog

This is interesting... albeit a wee bit sad. A journalist / DJ chap called Neil Boorman is de-branding his life and having a bonfire on the 17th September to get rid of all the brands in his life.

As a statement against today's consumer society I fully get it. However, could he not give the stuff to charity? I mean... as the stuff works and is in good nick... is it not worse to burn it instead of giving it a second and possibly more meaningful life?

I don't know... but I suggest you read his blog and make up your own mind.

Thanks to Coolhunting for the heads-up.

U*P*D*A*T*E

The manner in which we spend our money defines who we are. This theory isn't exactly new. Thorstein Veblen conjured the phrase "conspicuous consumption" back in 1899 in his book the Theory of the Leisure Class. In this secular society of ours, where family and church once gave us a sense of belonging, identity and meaning, there is now Apple, Mercedes and Coke../

Neil Boorman :: ((BBC News))

Paula has left a valid and valuable comment... but one I don't quite agree with. I totally agree that he is making a great and powerful statement and there is a sense of giving away porn mags ((love that analogy)) about passing his stuff to others but I still think burning this stuff is a waste. At the end of the day, his clothes are simply that clothes - give then to charities who could benefit from them... recycle them... give them away to people who need them (not want them).

If brands are evil (and I agree that they can be) then usurp them... resist them... by buying from charity shops where the profits actually make a difference... or by buying from small, local and independent producers;

What do you think? Leave a comment and join the conversation ((Thanks Paula for your contribution!))

Technorati Tags: brands, blogs

My riches consist :: A thought...

I like to keep current with what's what with trainers... tee-shirts... portage... you know, freshness and design in all its forms. I read blogs like Coolhunting / Josh Spear / Jeff Staple's blog / Product Dose / Hypebeast / High Snobiety etc and work on my stuff-lust.

I found this pick for Ltd mag fascinating... because it is a sentiment that I never expected from what I saw as being a consumer more-more-more culture.

It got me thinking... Over the last wee while my wants have got smaller... and I feel better... richer... for that. I no longer desire the riches of having lots... but have the riches of wanting less. Don't get me wrong... I still have things I want. You just need to take a look at my wishlist over at thisnext to see some of the stuff I would like... if I could afford them. And that's the thing... affording... needing... both come before wanting.

I bought a bag today... an Eastpak messenger bag / briefcase for my work. My camo Stussy messenger is no longer suitable for work (Boss commented). It cost me £16. Did I need it? Well, actually, no I didn't... but I didn't think the Windows Developer Conference bag I was given a while back was really me. There is irony and there is irony!

I didn't buy a supersweet pair of green (yes... green!) Nike Footscapes. I didn't need them... I have about 30 pairs of trainers...and don't need another pair that will only go with a couple of tees.

I also left a Modern Amusement polo on the shelf too. Not needed.

Less is truly more. Its not about having stuff... its about having the right stuff... and focussing my efforts on things that have actual value like my faith... my family and friends... my community! And even if I don't have the right stuff... who actually cares? If my shoes are wrong or my jeans are too baggy or my tee is last season... and you know this then, my friend, get a life! Judge me on what is in my heart... what my actions and reactions are... don't judge me on the outer but on the inner.

Check out the blogs above... they make good reading... but always question your motives : do you actually need it?

Technorati Tags: freshness, thought

What Jesus said... and didn't

I would recommend this post on ((simple church)) - the article quotes victor choudhrie who cuts the fluff on what Jesus did and didn't say about certain things...

Jesus never asked you to worship only on Sundays. His disciples worshipped daily, broke bread from house to house and the Lord added to the church daily and the churches were planted daily. ( Acts 2: 46-47; 16: 5; Heb. 3: 13)

Powerful stuff. Check it out...

Technorati Tags: church, faith

There's a new track out by [ 4th alternative ]

Have you ever wondered what the South Park Headphonaught was listening to?

Well this morning it is a new track from Rob Davies aka Rojavida aka ((4th Alternative)). I love ambient music and I love netlabels... and a while back I blogged about Rob's album [ new dawn ] because it just hit the spot.

Well he's been busy and created a new track called Mote which is presently available to hear on his MySpace page. It is a lovely piece of 10min ambience. It lives and breathes... with a central theme that sounds like distant church bells. There is a sense of presence and comfort... which makes it powerful listening while in bed... escaping the world for a wee while... on an English bankholiday that no one else has.

Love it. Can't wait to download it. Check it out.

U*P*D*A*T*E
Shaun the Monkey is a kind soul... He sent me MOTE on mp3...and I love it. Netlabels RAWK!!!

Technorati Tags: ambient, netlabel

Thought :: Get in step

God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We've finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade.

Romans 3:27 & 28 (the Message)

These verses have been running through my head... and heart... for a wee while now. I spoke of them today when opportunity was given to share. There are two important points to note ::

1) It is nothing to do with what we do. God doesn't respond to what we do if He isn't in it. If we are doing stuff... in His name... and it is for us and not for Him... then He'll have nothing to do with it. This makes me think of all the fake televangelists and false preachers... but it also challenges me to think of the stuff I do. If I am doing stuff for Him... but it is really for me... because I am not prepared to move on from the comfortable place I am in (physically AND metaphorically speaking)... how can I expect to see growth and satisfaction?

2) If I am in step with Him then I am in step with all others. If I let Him set the pace... then I get in step with Him and everyone around me. I find this amazing. If we give to God our actions... desires... dreams... passions... and stop trying to sort it all out ourselves... proudly... arrogantly... then we enter community with Him AND all others.

It is a challenge to consider what we are doing here and whether we do it for Him or for us. Think about some of the traditions we hold dear... are they for Him or us?

We are about to enter a busy spell of service... we have our Annual Appeal... and the start of Alpha... and Olly and I have 4 meetings to prepare for and lead. We need to respond to what God wants us to do... and we firmly believe that the stuff coming up is for Him.

Technorati Tags: thought

New Music... On an Icelandic tip

Strengir Hrynja by ((Traject)) is the kind of atmospheric ambient electronica that I lap up just now. Dark, forceful, malevolent, creepy... and yet delicate, intricate and soothing... Its hard to fully define the soundsculpture that Traject has created here... but it is fair to say it reminds me of Sigur Ros in feeling and movement... it must be an Icelandic thing. It is challenging... to the point where I think this is the true heir of fusion... but is ultimately rewarding.

Englabörn by ((Jóhann Jóhannsson)) is a piece of beauty... with its electronically modified vocals and luscious sweeping string arrangements. This is music that captures your heart with a bittersweet melancholy and holds it to ransom with the gentle sound of a piano. Here is a snippet of what is said of the work ::

Englaborn is Jóhann's first solo album. It is derived from music he wrote for an Icelandic play of the same name. For the cd release on Touch, the music was revised and restructured to make it stand as a work on its own and not simply function as a collection of cues. The music is written for string quartet, piano, organ, glockenspiel and percussion. These elements were processed and manipulated, adding delicate electronic backgrounds to the otherwise entirely acoustic recordings. One song, "Odi et Amo", is a setting of Catullus's famous poem. He says "This was a happy accident; I'd written the music and wanted a computerized counter-tenor vocal singing a Latin text and was looking through a collection of Latin poetry when I remembered this poem from college and it did fit the melody perfectly and was also thematically perfect for the play. It’s in the final scene. What I really like about it is the harsh contrast of the computer voice and the strings, the alchemy of total opposites, the sewing machine and umbrella on a dissecting table”.

It is truly a wonderful piece of music... no wonder he is / was a featured artist on Classic FM. I would be safe in saying he is on a par with Craig Armstrong. Well worth checking out.

My gratitude extends, once again, to the Soos for letting me hear these two albums.

Technorati Tags: music

Podcast :: 3rd of 3 :: Saints reflecting God in everyday life

Capt Andrea presented tonight's thought on the challenge of building on Holy faith.

As before... We have two flavours to choose from :: The full fat ((aac)) version weighs in at 12.4mb and comes with chapters and pics. The lower fat ((mp3)) version weighs in at slightly slimmer and healthier 11.8mb.

Unfortunately it is still an air recording... I am going to have to invest in some better kit... Does anybody have any recommendations?

Also...I've made a few changes with the new logo and an "outro" to tail the presentation. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think about the podcasts?

I use [ box.net ] for my storage... pick up a free 1gb account here ::

Technorati Tags: salvation army, podcast

New Music :: Finding Forrester OST

I love soundtracks... especially ones that capture the mood of the film (if I enjoyed the film) or ones that I can recontextualise into a soundtrack for a moment in time in my own life.

I picked up the ost for ((Finding Forrester)) yesterday in a charity shop on Byres Road for £1. I am a big fan of ((Miles Davis)) and have a fondness for his '70s work... when he went all electric and fused jazz with rock and world flavours. I am grateful to my old friend, Roberto, for switching me on to [ fusion ] - its hard to listen to... it isn't obvious... you can't dip your toe in... you need to emerse yourself in it and when you do you'll find it worthwhile (as long as you are in the mood... if you aren't you are likely to go insane!)

This CD has some great electric Miles pieces... especially Black Satin that I discovered on a David Toop curated compilation CD on ambient music entitled ((Ocean of Sound)) - based on his book of the same name. It is an amazing piece of totally emersive ambient fusion... or crazy dissonant noise... depending on who you speak to. Which made me think about what a strange choice for a soundtrack... brave but strange!

There is more traditional soundtrack fare... like the supersweet Hawaiian version of Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World by Israel Kawiwo'ole which is just lovely! and the tracks by or including Bill Frisel which capture a haunting atmosphere.

All in as a compilation it works well and makes me want to see the film... although, from reading the review on Amazon I don't think the tracks actually appear in the film which adds to the strangeness of the choice... but also adds to the appeal.

Technorati Tags: music, miles davis

Makin' changes...

((Studgie)) and ((Emma)) were over tonight for some food and a catch up... I quite fancied changing my header...and Studgie gave me a wee hand tonight to do it...using the pic above (its a bridge near the railway station in Motherwell).

It was time for refresh and his help is gratefully appreciated.

Apple RAWKS!!!

I should be on commission... Some of the important people in my life have Macs - my dad... The Soos... Janey... All sired by me... who was, in turn, sired by Roberto who sold me more than just an original bondi blue iMac all those years ago...he sold me into Apple slavery!

Anyway... two more of my pals have succumbed :: My pal Mathaionios over at ((perpetuity)) has obtained a sweet 2nd-hand 12" Powerbook (they are lovely... the Soos has one!) and is enjoying the freedom from Windoze.

Chris over at ((Council of War)) has ordered up a wee Mac Mini. I predict you will love it and never want back (even though you can duelboot).

Anyway, welcome to the Cult of Mac chaps!

Technorati Tags: Mac

My Bible has a wikipedia page!!!

I have spoken about the Message translation before... Its the translation I read on a daily basis... I quote from it here... and even have the audiobook on my iPod. Its a cool translation... real language of now... but what I find amazing is it has its on wikipedia page :: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Message_(Bible)] :: how cool is that?

Technorati Tags: bible, wikipedia

I [heart] coffee

I was having a laugh today at work... I have and maintain 3 loyalty cards for coffeeshops in Glasgow and beyond. Caffe Nero... Beanscene... and my new favourite The Coffee Merchant.

I collect the card for Nero but don't trade it in... I pass it to my pal ((Andy)) who has given 10 days a month to working on the edge in his community. He needs your Nero cards so he has something to nurse while he uses their broadband.

I picked up the card for Beanscene when I had breakfast with the Soos a while back... their place near his flat in Haymarket, Edinburgh; is really cool. Hope to be back there soon. They also have a fab place across from the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow, which is a fav place to take Olly to.

I am... however... loving being on the doorstep of The Coffee Merchant - its a fab wee independent in the Merchant City in Glasgow. The staff are cool (one girl was singing along to Tom Jones this morning which made me smile) and their lattes are super-dooper! and only £1.40 to go... which is outrageous... and 80p cheaper than Starbucks.

So anyway, come to Glasgow and we can do coffee.

Technorati Tags: coffee, glasgow

1 giant leap

One of my fav albums on my iPod is ((1 giant leap)) - I love it... it is truly a diverse and intricate album full of the wonderful sounds of the world. I really enlightened me about world music and opened my eyes... or should I say my ears... to new experiences.

Thanks to ((JB)) for pointing me in the right direction here... According to their website ::

...the second film and album is deep in Post Production now, due to be completed later this year. It features many familiar faces and voices from the first Leap as well as some new friends, Noam Chomsky, Tim Robbins, KD Lang, Zap Mama, Susan Sarandon, Courtney Love, Daniel Lanois, Alanis Morrisette, Oumou Sangare, Rokia Traore, Lila Downs, Deepak Chopra, Stephen Fry, Douglas Coupland, John Cusack, and brain surgeons, drug smugglers, belly-dancers and preachers filmed and recorded in 50 new global locations.

1giantleap.tv

Can't wait..! although some of the names mentioned above will be interesting...

Check out a taster video (password is "trailer1") :: [link]

Enjoy.

Technorati Tags: 1giantleap, music

The Wee Chill

[The Wee Chill] is a 1-day dance / groove-based festival held in the Glasshouse in Queen's Park, Glasgow.

Its the fifth event these cheeky chaps have held in the space of the last 2 years and their rep is growing... The have some fab acts this time round with Metro Area doing a set and Osunlade dropping some soulful house. Apart from the music (20 artists over 4 stages) they also have some galleries, boutiques (it is Glasgow afterall) and a space showing some short films.

I would love to check it out... its nearby... its £15... I have a bank holiday on Monday... Hmm???

This Sunday from 1630hrs...

Technorati Tags: glasgow, music festival

The definition of "Portage"

According to ((dictionary.com)), Portage means...

"...the act of carrying; carriage."

Porterage on the other hand means...

"...The carrying of burdens or goods as done by porters."

I guess I have been using the wrong word for my obsession with bags... and things to put things in. I should have been using portage instead of porterage... for the things I use when I am carrying something. We live and learn.

I have to say that when it comes to [Manhattan Portage] its not the act of carrying but the art. I love their bags and once had a dream to open a MP store in Glasgow.

My fav bag is their ((J-bag)) - it has a really innovative style and is really practical for accessing your stuff without the need to remove it from your back.

I was really grateful when Janey sourced one for me when she was in NY a wee while ago. You can't get J-bags in Glasgow... although some trendy shops do sell some MP at inflated prices. Thanks pal!

Anyway... if you are looking for some sweet portage... check them out!

Technorati Tags: portage

I love Stevie Wonder

I am a huge Stevie Wonder fan... I just love his voice... and his music... Even the OST to Lady in Red rocks. I am, however, kind of stand-offish to his new stuff and do tend to dwell on his golden era.

Over a period of 5 years... King Stevie recorded and released five of the best soul albums ever. End of. These albums just rule. No contest. Game over!

First off we have :: Music of my Mind from 1972.

...then you have Talking Book (also 1972 - he was busy!)

In 1973, King Stevie recorded and released one of my personal favs :: Innervisions...

...and in 1974 (year I was born) he followed it up with Fulfillingness' First Finale
- talk about a winning streak!

Lastly, we have the opus that is Songs in the key of life released in 1976.

I am so grateful to my girls for their gift of Songs in the key of life and love having it on the iPod... in the car... on the stereo... Fab!

If you don't have these albums in your collection... then stop what you are doing and run down to FOPP and give your ears... and your soul a treat with some truly inspirational music.

G'on yersel King Stevie.

Technorati Tags: stevie wonder

Headphonaught's Music Store

My friends... the music store is open... and I have a mighty fine selection of F*R*E*E mixes to download... upload... and shake your booty to.

First off... We have Mr Will Holland aka ((Quantic)) with a fab set at [Cargo] in conjunction with Rob Luis. The set was recorded live at the launch party for ((An Announcement To Answer)) and is a lovely mix of soulful funky beats.

Next in line to drop is a couple of mixes by one of my fav netlabel artists :: Jonah Dempcy aka Revolution Void : He's been playing about with his favourite Latin Jazz tracks with Sony Acid and has curated a fab selection of tunes which include Esquivel, Ray Barretto, Medeski Martin & Wood, and Nina Simone; Well recommended!

[ Latinesque I ]
[ Lainesque II ]

Lastly, check out ((nugroove)) :: Ari Kushnir (one half of the fab
m ss ng p eces team who do the Coolhunting Videos) is another curator of great soulful-jazzy-beats... His site gives details of his internet radio shows and has a 30min "sampler" of a show to download (nugroove A) . The mix opens with some super nujazz from Compost Records and is full to the brim with great grooves. Watch out if you are sensitive to sweary words as one of the tracks is a wee bit explicit. Otherwise... well worth checking out.

Set your iPods to stun and check out some fab tunes. Enjoy.

Technorati Tags: beats, mixes

Star Trek vs V

Star Trek (The Original TV series)

vs

V

That is the question...

((Mrs Headphonaught)) basically holds the mistaken belief that V is a better series than the original Star Trek. I love her but this is just... plain... wrong!

Let's think this through... These are my 5 reasons why Star Trek rocks!

1. Captain James T Kirk would kick Donovan's bum.
2. Uhuru was a fox! Julie Parish wasn't.
3. Can you hum / sing the V theme tune? No? Neither can I.
4. "Beam me up, Scotty! Can you quote V?
5. I want a Communicator - what toys did V give us?

What do you think?

Technorati Tags: star trek, V

Mrs Headphonaught has a blog!!!

Mrs Headphonaught aka Olly aka [ littlelaughalot ] has started down the slippery slope of blog-dom... and kicked off with a fab post on the whole I'm-a-member-of-the-Salvation-Army-and-I-don't-drink scenario.

Its going to be good...

Check it out...and give her your support.

PS :: ((JonnyLaird)) got there before me... and I'm not quite sure how he did it... but I'm glad he did!

Technorati Tags: blogs

Like this :: You Grow Girl

((You Grow Girl)) is an online community that speaks to a new kind of gardener, seeking to redefine the modern world relationship to plants. I like their approach and suggest you check it out... whether you have green fingers like Olly or not.

It reminds me of a cool story Paula told me once of a pal of hers who does guerrila gardening in the worst parts of her space...to show the Creator's love to people other people have abandoned. Inspirational.

Technorati Tags: blogs, gardening

An interesting dilemma for the Noughties...

I'm going to be honest with you... I like stuff. I like my tees and my sneaks... I like my tech and my Apple products... I love design... new products and new ideas...

This is why I dig this new webspace :: ((thisnext)) [Thanks to ((Coolhunting)) for the heads-up] It is basically a space with a lot of nice kit that you can shape into your own personal lists and wishlist. Its like windowshopping in magazines... with the ability to tag and recommend new products for addition to the site.

Check out my [wishlist] and a list of the stuff [in my bag] to get the idea.

Personally I think I have stuff in its rightful place. I love my Lord... I love my wife... I love my family...and friends. Stuff comes after people... and has to serve others as well as making my life that wee bit sweeter.

I take comfort in the words of my Lord on this subject ::

“Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion-do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers-most of which are never even seen-don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Matthew 6:27 - 33 [The Message]

I try to chill and not focus on getting. The stuff I have is a blessing that I count and I acknowledge... but it is fun to dream...in the knowledge that my needs... my concerns... will be met.

So check out ((thisnext)) and enjoy dreaming and researching and hunting for new goodies and toys... but always remember that stuff grows old... becomes obsolete... gets replaced... but the soul lives forever.

Technorati Tags: thisnext, thought

Miriam starts school...

I'm feelin' old! My youngest, Miriam, started school today.

Podcast :: 2nd of 3 :: Saints reflecting God in everyday life

Capt Alec presented tonight's thought on the challenge of living by the word.

Two flavours to chose from :: The full fat ((aac)) version weighs in at 8.6mb and comes with chapters and pics. The lower fat ((mp3)) version weighs in at slightly slimmer and healthier 8.4mb.

Unfortunately it is still an air recording... the iMic only recorded one channel and I didn't have the time to fix it before the meeting.

It looks like I am going to have to invest in some better kit... Any recommendations?

Also... let me know what you think about the podcasts? 11 people downloaded the 1st in the series - first time in double figures!!! - let me know what you think.

I use Box.net for my storage... To get a free 1gb storage (with the option to upgrade) follow this link ::

Technorati Tags: podcast, salvation army

Olly's been busy...

3 Presents BH21 £2.25
Originally uploaded by believehandmade.

Olly made the birthday card my parents gave me...and I have to say I love it!!! Its joint second with the one the girls made for me [ first is the card she made for me ]

She has added another half-dozen or so to her collection... and has just fulfilled her first bulk order from a member of the Nanolog community ((Thank you!!!))

Check them out...

Coming Soon...

Getting ready for the Autumn Alpha series...in Bellshill Salvation Army.

Looking to start on the first Monday in October and over the following 10 weeks build upon the success of the Spring series. We'll have a big meal followed by live music from our in-house worship band :: BLOC. Afterwards we'll have live teaching from our "ministers" Captains Alec & Andrea Still.

As always we are looking for ways to improve and evolve... and this series will be slightly different from the last series. We are going to run the follow-on course A life worth living for people who wish to develop their understanding of the Christian faith.

Basically... everyone will share in the meal and worship... and then will break out into two groups for the teaching. We will come back together for coffee and a catch up and then split out again for discussion.

Its the first time we'll have ran both together but it is important to allow people to share in what I believe to be an essential expression of church :: sharing stories over a meal. We found that people were continuing to attend Alpha even though they had moved on just to share their stories over the meal. This will allow them to move on AND share with their community in a way that "Sunday" church doesn't.

A lot of prep work needing done... but Olly and I are up for it! and are part of a great team of folk :: Alec & Andrea, Kenny & Sarah, Bobbito & Diane, Roscoe :: who'll make this happen.

((Alpha))

Technorati Tags: alpha, salvation army

eBible :: 16 invites left...

I have 16 invites left for [ eBible ]... so if you want one... please leave a comment and I'll hook you up.

For more on eBible... check this out :: ((link))

Technorati Tags: bible, web 2.0

Love this :: Elgato EyeTV for DTT stick

For my dad and all my pals who rock the Mac :: This is a seriously sweet piece of kit...basically its a USB2 doohickey that allows you to watch, record, edit and enjoy digital terrestrial television on your Mac!

It works with ((Salling Clicker)) and represents the latest technology in television reception, providing you the best in free, high-quality live TV on your Mac anywhere digital terrestrial TV is broadcast.

I think it would be pretty cool to be able to watch freeview on my iBook... especially when I am on the move. I like this!

Buy it here :: ((the Apple Store)) for £69.95

Thanks to ((Coolhunting)) for the heads up.

Technorati Tags: Mac, eyeTV

Israel Gaither in Ebony [ & SalvationArmy.ca ]

Commissioner Gaither should have been General... there, I've said it! I have a ton of love for the Gaithers... ever since he led the meetings in Hamilton a while back... and am glad to see him get props in Ebony mag and, more importantly as I don't read Ebony, on the Salvation Army in Cananda's blog :: ((link))

Israel L. Gaither, the first African-American to lead the U.S. operations of the Salvation Army in the group’s 126-year history, plans to put his stamp on the organization, in part, by reaffirming the group’s commitment to serving the poor, and replenishing the ranks of its ministries with younger and more diverse recruits.

God bless you Israel... g'on yersel!

Technorati Tags: salvation army