tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5559347486822266142024-03-19T10:06:28.843+00:00allestreedaveDavid Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.comBlogger582125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-10786373787151988912014-12-11T17:04:00.001+00:002014-12-11T17:04:49.778+00:00The Nerd Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Life would be a little too plain without the occasional
‘special moment’… and this last couple of years has certainly produced a few
surprises! So Dr Who is not a tv series I've ever really watched, but I've now
been ‘enlightened’ and have sat through all 8 new seasons pretty much
consecutively. Yeah we watch almost zero live tv nowadays but loads of different
series on either box-sets or Amazon/Netflix. Anyway I can now say it’s all good
stuff… mostly anyway!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yup… that’s me and a Dalek!<o:p></o:p></div>
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My engagement proposal ring-box tardis. What’s that you
say… not romantic enough? Hey at least I formally popped the question on a
bench situated high on The White Cliffs of Dover and she said yes!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I could talk about the quite hilarious Big Bang Theory
or watching Marvel movies in their proper order and then mustn’t forget Star
Trek, Star Wars or even Stargate… yes I’ve always been a bit of a sci-fi fan! The
point is I’m really enjoying my new life. Learning to love the things my wife
enjoys and sharing the things that have always been important to me is just wonderful!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now where did I leave those Jelly Babys?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Job 33:25 ‘let their flesh be renewed like a child’s;
let them be restored as in the days of their youth’ (NIV)<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-72328054345236435732014-11-15T14:36:00.001+00:002014-11-15T14:44:22.894+00:00Courting A Good Wife!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Of course good women don’t just grow on trees… but a
shared love of anything woodland related, for me, is always gonna help in
building the new relationship! From the very beginning my new wife and I walked
through woods and along forest trails, simply enjoying the things we’ve always
enjoyed. We talked as we walked. A lot! Our life journey shared and deep
friendship grown.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">I was totally impressed when our
second date revealed well used hiking boots, complementary gaiters and suitable
all-weather gear. ‘By the way Dave, I hate shopping!’ Awesome… a few short
weeks later the weather changed and friendship turned it’s wintery eye t’wards
the beginnings of love.</span></div>
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‘So let’share a favourite movie?’ Never heard of it, but gave
it a go anyway… <i>Into The Wild</i>. A
story of one man’s life changing decision to sell his possessions and go live
in Alaska. Within the movie a ‘hippy’ couple opted out of the rat-race to go
live in a camper. Another shared dream. Sort of. Well at least for lots of
holidays anyway. And not too sure about selling my house either. Mmmm, the
bigger dream of travel, specifically the movie trek into the winter wonderland
of Alaska, may also have to wait a while! But we both love camping. Maybe not
so much the tent thing nowadays I guess…<o:p></o:p></div>
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So then, Alaska? What
about somewhere a little nearer for now… Paris say, or maybe Rome? Barcelona
would work fine and anyway, let’s keep dreaming!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Proverbs 18:22 ‘The man who finds a wife finds a treasure’
(NLT)<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-25842933423689471202014-11-07T17:07:00.001+00:002014-11-07T17:24:19.492+00:00Signing My Life Away?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh yeah, time just seems to
fly by when you’re enjoying yourself! So I've been a little busy courting my
bride and subsequently enjoying a whole year of marital bliss… that’s got to be
good reason for not posting for 22 months. Hasn't it?<o:p></o:p></div>
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And it sure feels strange
picking up exactly from where I left off in my writing. Life feels totally
different from everything that’s gone before! Well yes, I still enjoy doing
many of the same things I've always enjoyed: beaches, forest trails, historic
houses, a little Sci-fi mixed with an occasional hobbit. And reading lots and
lots of books. Mustn't forget good food. Well I always enjoy curry and pizza
and Chinese and English roast.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So we’re living in the same
house I lived in for 35 years. But it’s a nice house! Yet increasingly
different as time passes, allowing my new wife to make her unique mark. Merging
two households into one new home is a very interesting exercise. My workshop/office/craft
room/artspace/music-room – now an uncomplicated ‘Round the Back’ – was filled
to overflowing with a small mountain of surplus furniture and general household
stuff. It took a whole year to disperse to various charity storehouses and
nostalgic children. So I have my workspace restored. And can now sit writing my
blog to the beautiful sound of a sewing machine humming away at the adjacent
desk. Snip, snip snip… ‘Do you mind just standing up for a minute Dave.’ Dressmakers
dummy required! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I'm no longer lonely. I've
found a friend. A true like-minded soul-mate… life is wonderful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Best piece of paper I ever
signed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p>John 3:7 'So don't be surprised when I say, 'You must be born again''</o:p></div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-31781317490168441932013-01-20T11:48:00.000+00:002013-01-20T17:55:57.751+00:00Having A Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So yeah, it's been a little while since my last post cause my life has
changed quite dramatically, and for the first time in quite a while I find
myself rather busy! Well at least evenings and that was my blog writing time...
Mmm, so a sort of natural break as it were. But the good news is that I'm well
and truly learning how to fall in love again! Two amazing women in one lifetime
is far more than I deserve and for sure I have to give my beautiful new life
undivided attention. So I'm taking a break, no idea for how long but feel free
to check in now and again; just need to wait on the Lord for inspiration that's
all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But today is Jane's birthday, a day to remember, a day for a family
party. And we got to build a snowman with or without the birthday girl! Wonder
if they have snow in heaven??? One up on you my sweet and faithful very best
friend... wish I could come visit, I need one of your hugs and I miss your
beautiful smile :-)<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 John 5:20 ‘And we
know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we
can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God
because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true
God, and he is eternal life.’ (NLT)<o:p></o:p></div>
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David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-67232330116548057392012-12-19T18:15:00.000+00:002012-12-19T18:15:55.313+00:00Winter Sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A change of perspective is
sometimes all we need to breathe life into the bleakest of circumstances. Like
my tree photo on a recent walk, a few steps sideways and all you get is a
leafless tree preparing for the winter season. Taking just a moment of time to
allow the sun to shine a little brightness into the very centre changes everything!
These past few years I've journeyed through the most impossible of challenges I
could ever have imagined. To see the woman I've loved so very much, suffer and
eventually die from a pretty awful cancer was almost completely unbearable. Yet
throughout I chose to recognise the place of Jesus Christ as being in control
of every tiny detail of both our lives. That is a very, very hard thing to do,
but in reality the only sane way to cope with what happened. Yes I've known the
presence of the Lord with me at every step of this impossible journey, and
despite the intense pain of loss I live daily with the peace and comfort that
only such a faith journey can bring. And the pain has eased massively over the
past 19 months. But even this morning I awoke in my bed thinking of Jane, and
within minutes found myself once again on my knees before the Lord… crying
uncontrollably, though comforted in those very same tears as I know full well
that they must be shed in full measure before I can move on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And, of course, I know beyond
a shadow of doubt that Jane lives in the physical presence of the Lord, in that
most mysterious of places called heaven. Yes she has truly moved on by now and
left behind all her pain and suffering for the rest of eternity. One day we’ll
be reunited. But in the meantime I need to embrace my new life, which can never
be the old one I shared with the love of my youth. I'm middle aged and one day,
not too soon, I will grow a little older… though yeah my intention is to keep
the teenage Dave alive inside of whatever this weather worn body decides to
look like! And having walked with God over these past months and years I've learned to recognise his direction, his favour when he brings it across my path,
which is exactly what he has truly done. I am the most blessed person on planet
earth as I daily discover that I am able to live and to love again! Am I still
sad in this winter season of my life? For sure! But only a little… just to make
sure I'm completing all that needs to be done on my bereavement journey.
However right now I'm also beginning to feel like the teenager I once was… and
have every confidence in an absolutely amazing future, whatever happens, as I
continue to walk on this great journey called life, with my Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Isaiah 61:3 ‘he will give a
crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive
praise instead of despair.’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-77477621911199327572012-12-08T22:35:00.000+00:002012-12-09T13:35:28.110+00:00Out With The Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix12FwXMcKZzkkBPiSBEfNI4u9MjQcfN3xo3QIl5z1KKDcIAR1nafdsZkyXBjduEiAkTQVo5HHhBXE4I3lUJGc16KgyX9eQuzD7tRaQZd439CQw7IouNXv7btXc0f2TALsq-eDOO-QG3Z1/s1600/delamere+birds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix12FwXMcKZzkkBPiSBEfNI4u9MjQcfN3xo3QIl5z1KKDcIAR1nafdsZkyXBjduEiAkTQVo5HHhBXE4I3lUJGc16KgyX9eQuzD7tRaQZd439CQw7IouNXv7btXc0f2TALsq-eDOO-QG3Z1/s320/delamere+birds.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our past can either be a
stepping stone into the future or an anchor that keeps dragging us backwards.
My photo today reflects my visit earlier in the year to Delamere Forest, and
yeh I'm ready to return there sometime very soon. The powers that be have
restored an ancient lake by felling part of the forest and changing drainage to
allow flooding. Of course old tree stumps make great perches for our flying
friends determined to keep their ‘feet’ dry. Not so good for nesting anymore so
I guess they've moved on to new pastures for that particular activity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I've</span> been carefully reflecting
upon my own journey through life over the past few months. And looking back I
can clearly see a step change in how I'm feeling after the heavy trauma of last
year. Well of course I realise that bereavement has no quick or complete fix and there are still difficult days;
but nonetheless since this summer I've begun to feel like I'm in a totally
different place, though it’s only because of more recent events that I've realised what has been happening. Basically as I've been reaching out to the
Lord, he has changed my heart in a very special way. I enjoyed the most amazing
marriage for 37 years and remained totally devoted to Jane from a couple of
years before and until after she passed on. Indeed it seemed impossible for me
to imagine any other way of living; yeh married life suited me totally and
especially with Jane. But then God began to change me as day by day, step by
step, I increasingly found complete contentment with him as my most intimate
companion. A total transformation in my faith walk compared with the decades of
prayer I’d enjoyed with my wife by my side. And I never imagined that the
presence of God could be so real and so truly precious to a lonely ‘old’
widower like me. Although my thoughts were still trying to reconcile my potentially
quite long term future with being permanently single, my heart was definitely
totally at peace. I was just enjoying the Lord as I got to know him in a
totally new way. I suppose you might say that I had found a place of complete
acceptance in my return to being single again and was really starting to
actually like the idea… until a certain rather special widow came into my life.
I reckon the Lord’s timing is, as always, perfect; but somehow I can’t help but
imagine him sitting on his throne in heaven with the most enormous smile on his
face. What a perfect Father he is and what a great sense of humour! He truly
knows what’s best for each one of us… <o:p></o:p></div>
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1 Corinthians 7:32-34 ‘I want
you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his
time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him.<b><sup> </sup></b>But
a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please
his wife.<b><sup> </sup></b>His interests are divided. In the same way, a
woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the
Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her
earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband.’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-69085923284220350972012-12-02T16:58:00.000+00:002012-12-02T16:58:32.214+00:00The Wilderness Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK63SawesEg7aauqgYa4LFtJg2Wi0XnxPqQbcDO43uiGVVUU7pV1IP78SK8HWNYhxdmtFxykfTDhHgo7dedv0mCqoJUo4CXmnPhe0sw-sUzSmZMm-mEJu_nGTq3NmwhnOYaEIxtA7-P7H5/s1600/wilderness+walk+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK63SawesEg7aauqgYa4LFtJg2Wi0XnxPqQbcDO43uiGVVUU7pV1IP78SK8HWNYhxdmtFxykfTDhHgo7dedv0mCqoJUo4CXmnPhe0sw-sUzSmZMm-mEJu_nGTq3NmwhnOYaEIxtA7-P7H5/s320/wilderness+walk+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of my
Kedleston walks over the past year<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19H-Nqs8GeTk6V1JjbY1STButt5nWiJvNNONzWKp4HG4R2_e4FPUYoJVoNH8qXY0M64EqO6dzqEjSsPiAkZUyvT1WLAaihi965nW6jqtPy20MTDoVtjADHrIr-Nx2NYmtEvkR7CeL5kJg/s1600/wilderness+walk+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19H-Nqs8GeTk6V1JjbY1STButt5nWiJvNNONzWKp4HG4R2_e4FPUYoJVoNH8qXY0M64EqO6dzqEjSsPiAkZUyvT1WLAaihi965nW6jqtPy20MTDoVtjADHrIr-Nx2NYmtEvkR7CeL5kJg/s320/wilderness+walk+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A great mix
of wildlife<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlj8npQpPptuoTal-DbqdE12mvTsfZsoyWXODzTPNFKGjTEkFiyvFHMdyuFqH2OiflEQQvaT-K4whCmVEi2ihZtcoqqmc1q0GDmRH8p7qlIJ6wzLZId13V6K661LEau3fOSb2Bw2J-ViXn/s1600/wilderness+walk+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlj8npQpPptuoTal-DbqdE12mvTsfZsoyWXODzTPNFKGjTEkFiyvFHMdyuFqH2OiflEQQvaT-K4whCmVEi2ihZtcoqqmc1q0GDmRH8p7qlIJ6wzLZId13V6K661LEau3fOSb2Bw2J-ViXn/s320/wilderness+walk+(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And stately
home stuff <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3k1vPuR9s9_w9rBZYLApuoTmSU7I24rZRGB_2AtlowY2hjitAkiktPKILoftoA9AT3JFsmuTFMmD5JUjNdLmeukGJZo2r0kTD6CU91KGtjQNFqQqKsniRtV-Wk9kTCnc4m0tDSncSqsp/s1600/wilderness+walk+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3k1vPuR9s9_w9rBZYLApuoTmSU7I24rZRGB_2AtlowY2hjitAkiktPKILoftoA9AT3JFsmuTFMmD5JUjNdLmeukGJZo2r0kTD6CU91KGtjQNFqQqKsniRtV-Wk9kTCnc4m0tDSncSqsp/s320/wilderness+walk+(4).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Space to be
alone<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9Ttz_rWIOMeFvvzpOFBQDw9u7KKVsmLqmjNNM-l6YMD6VgIpssIK2FpXyoupO0Fn_DFE_l6kIQdKivCb62gTvTUjYlB5iJuOFgBj2OBMop3qcKBeqDTNRoyWokFYeP7QhM6FFJT4W5zm/s1600/wilderness+walk+(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9Ttz_rWIOMeFvvzpOFBQDw9u7KKVsmLqmjNNM-l6YMD6VgIpssIK2FpXyoupO0Fn_DFE_l6kIQdKivCb62gTvTUjYlB5iJuOFgBj2OBMop3qcKBeqDTNRoyWokFYeP7QhM6FFJT4W5zm/s320/wilderness+walk+(5).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The
miniature Dexter’s are ‘cute’<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHowfbHEU1iW4omsGy3O3ChAqLUbCbDhJUvkdZGdikIABTMVq_O7hlw-qG10Tv5eKUF4x6faawEDFw3Ep6lSs-wiGaLasCiOeOowIyik7oxeDfwd2R3IDClNfr3kzJi7rdxSW5iqI8UDA/s1600/wilderness+walk+(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHowfbHEU1iW4omsGy3O3ChAqLUbCbDhJUvkdZGdikIABTMVq_O7hlw-qG10Tv5eKUF4x6faawEDFw3Ep6lSs-wiGaLasCiOeOowIyik7oxeDfwd2R3IDClNfr3kzJi7rdxSW5iqI8UDA/s320/wilderness+walk+(6).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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A favourite
avenue<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6Hd-j1kUzrh-C2aaFklKTuYAkKLtX-Vwu9u4fm8B253thpCU9fwcrueHw0O81pfzYsw8Aw7h5neewlRXzNRddYsdjU6Er9xaFDseYNuvE0Fx-voWjgArw433CpavhvSQUB1UdUv8RtFe/s1600/wilderness+walk+(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6Hd-j1kUzrh-C2aaFklKTuYAkKLtX-Vwu9u4fm8B253thpCU9fwcrueHw0O81pfzYsw8Aw7h5neewlRXzNRddYsdjU6Er9xaFDseYNuvE0Fx-voWjgArw433CpavhvSQUB1UdUv8RtFe/s320/wilderness+walk+(7).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just love
the woodland<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBSOBdvBhdTVF7v4ar8P-LtJVpE7xVPOaZVH5o6s-7YjrzkfXtMJFHRT3c03bZunNud_XVMdvuI_ww9rdAdYQJH_fQh1OwUn1jmjlvq1nAyCPlzyZQHpa6C5XqDYi-2yWZNcjcHdx6QiW/s1600/wilderness+walk+(8).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBSOBdvBhdTVF7v4ar8P-LtJVpE7xVPOaZVH5o6s-7YjrzkfXtMJFHRT3c03bZunNud_XVMdvuI_ww9rdAdYQJH_fQh1OwUn1jmjlvq1nAyCPlzyZQHpa6C5XqDYi-2yWZNcjcHdx6QiW/s320/wilderness+walk+(8).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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With early
frost<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLulAeJz-gjzG_H7ahKLTW1CmilPwQ8AzvWQjOEtXYN958idg1aMLXHwsaYeMDr-TH7-Hs2eZLvCM0My8aH_IpfHZD8wFlXx7mYxQY8DsH5CQB0Jzlvgo4Tzd8n0R3bRj6O2E-l5d_r0Xr/s1600/wilderness+walk+(9).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLulAeJz-gjzG_H7ahKLTW1CmilPwQ8AzvWQjOEtXYN958idg1aMLXHwsaYeMDr-TH7-Hs2eZLvCM0My8aH_IpfHZD8wFlXx7mYxQY8DsH5CQB0Jzlvgo4Tzd8n0R3bRj6O2E-l5d_r0Xr/s320/wilderness+walk+(9).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And
reminders of past glory<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtVYlPFa5sPSib5y1lbtSoVaLMFosYVNSxAOvJY7q9CaU3VdYgOHOGxgcKeeS6qp0OdLm4ZAZiVSKPJY-49rGkCjk2_mC5N1DJqBuPfAY4bJJfXDxshKYZsLIJnahzcTH7oyPLw5t9vtP/s1600/wilderness+walk+(10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtVYlPFa5sPSib5y1lbtSoVaLMFosYVNSxAOvJY7q9CaU3VdYgOHOGxgcKeeS6qp0OdLm4ZAZiVSKPJY-49rGkCjk2_mC5N1DJqBuPfAY4bJJfXDxshKYZsLIJnahzcTH7oyPLw5t9vtP/s320/wilderness+walk+(10).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finding my
way back home now…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Isaiah 43:19 <b><sup>‘</sup></b>For I
am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I
will make a pathway through the wilderness.’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-13111962702361957562012-11-25T20:53:00.000+00:002012-11-25T20:53:00.091+00:00Follow The Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrx6bQCzy7C_8bYlWij-uJOJmDhen3gcs7sPITJ2w5vlPxUtq9nhKP003JftFfRUtcSMJtYRchKHOvtv-SAbVs_MBaQqrcpiFcuvBL3h3iAr-SYFNuu5atp0h-5cRnSyFQgJ0XvjEdIBbi/s1600/follow+the+light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrx6bQCzy7C_8bYlWij-uJOJmDhen3gcs7sPITJ2w5vlPxUtq9nhKP003JftFfRUtcSMJtYRchKHOvtv-SAbVs_MBaQqrcpiFcuvBL3h3iAr-SYFNuu5atp0h-5cRnSyFQgJ0XvjEdIBbi/s320/follow+the+light.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The next
step we take in every area of life is always the most important. No matter the
major decisions already taken, no matter our present situation, there’s always
gonna be potential to effect change, for better or for worse. So do we choose
to continue on our present course whatever that is, or change direction at the
next opportunity? Or maybe we can always just sort of drift along, ignoring even
any pretence of trying to work things out; just spontaneously doing whatever we
want, whenever we want. Seems foolish to me, an invitation for yet more
problems. So then, what’s done is done, and for sure time travel is not going
to be an option any time soon so perhaps now is the time to move on. The next
page of life, in the big and the small, is always going to be completely blank
until we start writing, so why not believe for something good, no matter the
disappointment of yesterday? Doesn't hurt to have an outline script to hand
though does it?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m increasingly
beginning to understand that prayer actually works. Of course the Lord has his
hand of favour upon my life, yeah I know that, no problem. But it’s so easy to
presume that he will automatically answer unspoken prayer without us making
even a little effort to reach out to him. Just recently I've started praying,
just briefly, about occasional very small things that are about to happen. So
for example, when I write this blog sometimes I will specifically ask the Lord
for inspiration, whilst at other times I’ll basically just sit in front of my
laptop trying to dream up a good idea. Of course looking back, it’s not too
difficult to recognise the very few days that seem to say something truly
engaging. Maybe I need to remember to pray more, stay on track and not wander
off on a whim?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yes, only the
Lord has complete understanding about our past, present and future, so walking
with him along this great adventure of life makes really good sense!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Exodus
13:21 <b><sup>‘</sup></b>The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them
during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a
pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night.’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-32634364650588403092012-11-23T22:06:00.000+00:002012-11-23T22:06:39.246+00:00Don't Look Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDG6HWnyqNZ3Cjc2rY0GeNCZAzrMjq493U4_nYHiN9DTEM-8bgva2vrDH01PvNWZJVFhR7qfBpaASf6NvQWoABdnmpxoWo3yWbU8HDPk9msjBBzmkGJz0ZkvufJhwBeyv5NseXApuzoGEB/s1600/cliff+path.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDG6HWnyqNZ3Cjc2rY0GeNCZAzrMjq493U4_nYHiN9DTEM-8bgva2vrDH01PvNWZJVFhR7qfBpaASf6NvQWoABdnmpxoWo3yWbU8HDPk9msjBBzmkGJz0ZkvufJhwBeyv5NseXApuzoGEB/s320/cliff+path.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sometimes you've just got to take a chance, even though one careless step might lead to a
far more serious problem. Yeah, I really love this walk across the cliffs at
Dover, but for sure vertigo has me feeling just a little queasy at times! I've been on any number of similar walks as well, but no sign of even beginning
to get used to it just yet. The rewards are always great with tremendous views,
and an inner satisfaction, having conquered fear to complete the more
challenging stretches. I never enjoy high wind at such times though!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I allowed
myself to be challenged a few nights ago, when offered the opportunity to lead
worship at a monthly mid-week meeting in the church <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">café</span> So rather more than a
small house group and it’s been a while since I did that. Quite naturally I was
a little nervous, particularly as I struggle with concentration due to me/cfs.
But in the event I didn't fall off the cliff and managed to get through the
evening thoroughly enjoying myself, almost like the ‘old-days’ it was. And now
I have another ‘gig’ tomorrow, Saturday, so nerves have now been conquered and
I feel quite chilled. It was good to be pushed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I made a
new ‘friend’ a couple of weeks ago and I'm currently walking along the scariest
cliff edge I've ever walked… yeah vertigo and everything! After 40 years with
Jane and still madly and always in love with her, actually starting a new
relationship was strictly off limits… until the Lord placed a very like-minded
widow right in front of me, impossible to ignore. She understands my pain and
allows me to talk freely about it. I know for sure that God’s peace is with me
so I guess I can trust that he knows what he is doing (I don’t) but there are
no real guide books about how to walk through grief and beyond. It’s make it up
as you go along time, though let’s just say I’m determined to go slow, very
slow. But I'm having real fun for the first time in a very long time!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Joshua 1:9<b>
‘</b>This is my command—be strong and courageous’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-20934465611615211602012-11-21T18:36:00.000+00:002012-11-21T18:36:08.522+00:00Under The Surface<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjIlAM74R0PqoEUuj8x7q50aw6BqqRo6Sh_ODyNT9rUGie4VNhnWheue6oyDUJmkhymCYswN5sMR25GZyXoc33gWyciV4CF80VK1viNHC87UiGHk1DVj_SXtxQJHbeKmRyEXgfyflMWjh/s1600/lucy+london.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjIlAM74R0PqoEUuj8x7q50aw6BqqRo6Sh_ODyNT9rUGie4VNhnWheue6oyDUJmkhymCYswN5sMR25GZyXoc33gWyciV4CF80VK1viNHC87UiGHk1DVj_SXtxQJHbeKmRyEXgfyflMWjh/s320/lucy+london.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It’s always
a good idea to take a second look and work out what is really going on. Yeah,
first impressions can barely scratch the surface when we first meet people. So
here’s my beautiful granddaughter outside Buckingham Palace on our outing a few
weeks ago. Cheeky little smile for Grandad isn't it… and for the sake of
completeness, here’s her ‘ I'm having fun’ younger sister.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQE_GhwfXKRwRG0nhDXvgviPatLBF02sUkegZ0W5w1gWYb_Sj74ZWtxdmKrUJWFUMsnVRNjcmAfiQG7DOr3EmDBFSayJgut4HElOwAcHN-UFGRt034ITJSrpzbdWcl772n7qWKakbdrYy/s1600/chloe+london.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQE_GhwfXKRwRG0nhDXvgviPatLBF02sUkegZ0W5w1gWYb_Sj74ZWtxdmKrUJWFUMsnVRNjcmAfiQG7DOr3EmDBFSayJgut4HElOwAcHN-UFGRt034ITJSrpzbdWcl772n7qWKakbdrYy/s320/chloe+london.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So what
have we got then? I guess for those of you who have no relationship with my family
all you get out of these snaps is ‘OK, cute kids in Dave’s life… that’s nice!’ And
of course that’s exactly what I see, though of course I see a whole lot more as
well. I first met them a few hours after each one was born, and pretty much
have visited every week since. So in 12 years that’s quite a few Christmas and
birthday parties, not a few camping holidays, plenty of chocolate bars and more
than just an occasional tall story. In the last week I’ve learnt all about
prisms and a dictionary definition of ‘impetuous’ whilst child minding. I set
them on Kleenex duty looking after weepy adults after Jane passed away, gave
them extra pocket money to clean my house in the summer holidays and listened
very carefully to the story of One Direction’s connection with Derby City…
still don’t understand that one! These kids have won my heart, I’d do anything
for them!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have
another particularly special person in my life today, though for maybe half my
life I basically ignored him. I’m talking about Jesus Christ of course. Yeah, I
went to church all through my teenage years, a great church. But all I saw was
a fun time, in a relatively safe and moral environment. I used to love all
night table tennis, snoozing on the church floor for sleepovers, decorating the
hall for discos and pretending I was DJ John Peel! I learnt to play guitar in a
genuine 60’s rock group and… kissed a few girls as a forfeit in the ‘take a
bite out of a bobbing apple game!’ I always seemed to lose when playing the equally
dated ‘flour game’ though… that’s the one where you make a flour ‘sand’ castle
with a sweet on the top, slices are cut to trim the thing and when the sweet
falls guess who has to bury their head in the flour to eat it? All wonderful
harmless fun in a very innocent time of my life, but absolutely nothing that
happened led me to a faith decision. Church was simply a great moral social
club for me. Ok, some of the older lads taught me how to drink beer, not ideal
in a Methodist Church, and eventually I learnt how to kiss a girl away from the
crowd. But that’s part of growing up as a child of the 60’s I guess… rather
innocent by today’s standards I suspect.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So back to
my faith story. Do I know God by just accepting a belief system, engaging with
a religious organisation, and stirring up personal determination to live ‘right’…
whatever that means? Nope, for me none of that comes even close to being
enough. I met the Lord at a point of spiritual awakening, I know God as a
personal Saviour, as close a friend as a friend can be, the reality of his
existence is tangible, the relationship intimate. And all these other things
quite simply follow on from that starting point. My Lord is far more than an
image on a stained glass window, an atmosphere in a cathedral or an emotion
stirred by great music. He has won my heart and I would do anything for him!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Psalm 18:1 <o:p></o:p></div>
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A psalm of
David, the servant of the Lord. He sang this song to the Lord on
the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He
sang:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<sup>‘</sup>I love you, Lord’<o:p></o:p></div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-86279658237901737802012-11-19T21:37:00.000+00:002012-11-21T06:01:54.858+00:00Nobility<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfG4jUHSrXBK-PLq5ExmJfqi-8xn12-7XdEPjPzySMZuXzmhKR39ija1ah4x-KGhHSZQ9WCl5jwWHorK1n66sFLTtT8j8dE6XVAVKuFJqSStx41xt3ieLpgUfAJUNL1Mk1zzSML-fDDdY/s1600/stag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfG4jUHSrXBK-PLq5ExmJfqi-8xn12-7XdEPjPzySMZuXzmhKR39ija1ah4x-KGhHSZQ9WCl5jwWHorK1n66sFLTtT8j8dE6XVAVKuFJqSStx41xt3ieLpgUfAJUNL1Mk1zzSML-fDDdY/s320/stag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our future
need not be determined by our history. And whilst the past, for better or for
worse, most certainly shapes who we are today, we can always decide that the
future can become different. Very different. So today I am bereaved, indeed
widowed, and still walking through my journey of grief. Yeah, I’ve sure come a
long way but still one or two hurdles to get past at the moment. Why are
supermarkets so difficult to deal with? Most visits I’m pretty much ok, but a
couple of days ago I once again found tears streaming down my face, as I
remembered that Jane was no longer by my side, on this most mundane of chores. Ugh!
Anyway I’m not as bad as I once was, just not quite there, that’s all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today was a
big challenge, as I ventured out to Calke Abbey, an old National Trust
favourite, filled with so many wonderful memories… like taking grandkids on
craft days, Christmas lantern walks and all the rest of it. A couple of years
ago we watched Autumnwatch, a BBC Natural History programme mostly with live
outdoor programming; and they had a wonderful feature on rutting stags. So
let’s go see them strut their stuff we thought at good old Calke, and yes they
can’t half roar when they choose to, these truly noble beasts! Of course today
Jane was missing so got to be sad? Naah, not too much anyway, as it turned out
to be great having the company of a new friend I very recently met, and found
myself chattering about everything under the sun! Nicely distracting and very
understanding of my recent journey…<o:p></o:p></div>
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I
occasionally wonder about my family history and wonder what effect my heritage
has upon who I am. So whilst any research I do only points toward ancestors in
relatively commonplace workplaces, there’s always the thought that somewhere
back down the line I might find that royal link, a famous person in history or
whatever. I suppose even a genuine certified rogue would bring a little colour
into my trawling through ancient censuses though! But the best I can come up
with, for better or for worse is an apparent namesake as founder of the Knights
Templar, though as no certifiable lineage pretty meaningless. So is my future
destiny one of overwhelming mediocrity, just a normal life, same as almost
everyone I ever meet? Well no, I just don’t accept that, though the full
outworking may well have to wait for my entry into the next life. Yes, the fact
of the matter is that I do actually have royal connections, ‘cause my brother
is a King. Actually the greatest King who ever lived… his name is Jesus. So
yeh, now I know true nobility. Wow… that’s a thought to ponder on for sure.
Where’s my bodyguard? And fancy limo to get me to the royal palace. Hey, what
about a helicopter… that would help me escape from Sainsbury’s a little quicker
next time out! Cool or what?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Romans 8:15
‘he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father”’
(NLT)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-60892011635518938142012-11-17T20:19:00.000+00:002012-11-17T20:19:37.468+00:00The Lord's My Shepherd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGQ4S97QFM4j_DH2MSu-fdnVG1p1rSbX65A2cRL8myifs4PURlAmxLjY9K1WUa7GyhHFatOMEDWH-J9CrYfHIoWia0pCR04IMDLnHw94UimWpHYEGXv-0ZmZuKio9MCyUjbHwwH-LFQBj/s1600/he+leads+me+beside+still+waters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGQ4S97QFM4j_DH2MSu-fdnVG1p1rSbX65A2cRL8myifs4PURlAmxLjY9K1WUa7GyhHFatOMEDWH-J9CrYfHIoWia0pCR04IMDLnHw94UimWpHYEGXv-0ZmZuKio9MCyUjbHwwH-LFQBj/s320/he+leads+me+beside+still+waters.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Choosing
right from wrong can sometimes be a real challenge. And I'm not thinking about
the obvious inner/outer battle to do with Christian morality and behaviour. No, I'm talking about discerning God’s guidance for my life. So do I believe that
the Lord has a plan, a pathway that he would have me walk down? In the large
and the small things of life? Well, yes but only up to a point! I've met folk
who sincerely believe that the Lord’s guidance goes right down to the smallest detail
of their every activity, even including what they would wear. Yep, what colour
tie and everything! And who am I to dispute their core belief, though it for sure wouldn't work for me. Well surely our journey is more a partnership than a
dictatorship; the Lord may well hold the universe together by the power of his
word but his intent is that we live freely and explore our own inner creativity. So on the fairly rare days I
actually need to wear my suit, if I want to wear my Mickey Mouse chasing a lump
of cheese tie… I really don’t think the Lord minds at all! It’s completely up
to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Likewise my
longing for a walk across Kedleston Park this morning. Yes my body is crying
out for the sunshine fix of vitamin D, it works a treat with me/cfs every time
I escape to the big outdoors. My photo was taken a couple of weeks ago and I'm sorry to report I've not been well enough to visit since then. Today I probably
could have taken the morning air and benefited quite nicely but chose instead to
clean my house. Why on earth would the Lord have any opinion whatsoever on my
choice of priority today? He doesn't mind one bit about such things… yeah, yeah,
my house never gets too bad anyway. Bit behind on decorating that’s all! And at
least it was relatively tidy when my daughter and son-in-law turned up with all
the ingredients for an amazing little meal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But there are
some decisions we make that really do demand a little help from on high. So not
a little prayer, but a big one with lot’s of waiting on the Lord, seeking
wisdom and discernment and favour. But then when we do make our choice, I've found that as we include him in the reckoning, the Lord always stands with us
in the outworking. I'm thinking about things like where we live, career, church
and suchlike, as well as and in some ways more importantly, our choice of
friends. Yes, who we spend time with can have an enormous influence on
behaviour, attitudes and faith. So most certainly I want Jesus to be my best
friend! Alongside a few other special folk of course…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Psalm 23:2 <b><sup>‘</sup></b>He
lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-49358980316117592232012-11-15T19:44:00.000+00:002012-11-15T21:19:29.578+00:00The Romantic Capital Of The World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQt7GSVIW52DJtu7mtKnJ9MBtpVpT85ER7Bqjo7h8KqbnjDxY-6yOiUgf6dvWp5AVcCsuxoBGICc4vRHm8678Ge2bCFocjIT3Yg179tji0LQGKqzhoh7rxXPvOcDKc-zqTvHqeZszaGm7/s1600/paris+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQt7GSVIW52DJtu7mtKnJ9MBtpVpT85ER7Bqjo7h8KqbnjDxY-6yOiUgf6dvWp5AVcCsuxoBGICc4vRHm8678Ge2bCFocjIT3Yg179tji0LQGKqzhoh7rxXPvOcDKc-zqTvHqeZszaGm7/s320/paris+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So who in
their right minds would take teenage kids to Paris for a supposed ‘romantic’
weekend? Yep, that’s my wife, educating said children in European culture a few
years ago. Never slept for two days… I shared the hotel room with my son and he
had quite a snore! So leaving aside the unavoidable traffic jams, we actually
had a great time, first visiting the Musée d'Orsay and it’s great collection
of Impressionist art. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHCrSZ_SZqw9e_SUwdT6eMY1WcAKTmOw_TL_rHGBPywjMLPzc6f9RRRagKgs1NvcuBBMM29id8cGa5CetpzEAHPw-T0kzZvlyT3kNckgx-600KAt-ZteqViGd3YjoKOZTjjJ1KxaczdRO/s1600/paris+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHCrSZ_SZqw9e_SUwdT6eMY1WcAKTmOw_TL_rHGBPywjMLPzc6f9RRRagKgs1NvcuBBMM29id8cGa5CetpzEAHPw-T0kzZvlyT3kNckgx-600KAt-ZteqViGd3YjoKOZTjjJ1KxaczdRO/s320/paris+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes here’s
my son, bored out of his mind, playing on a Gameboy next to the most amazing polar
bear! Ah well…<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a
beautiful journey by boat along the River Seine we had our picnic at the foot
of the Eifel Tower. Lovely it was.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Next day we
explored the beautiful château de Versailles, where I particularly enjoyed a special
meal in their outdoor restaurant. Fabulous. As we walked back towards the house
the musical fountains erupted into their spectacular display. Quite moving, and
a treasured memory for sure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;">Mais pas pour moi!</span></td></tr>
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So I was
just wondering… is this the best that life can offer?<o:p></o:p></div>
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1
Corinthians 2:9 ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what
God has prepared for those who love him’ (NLT)</div>
<br />David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-27534153256621290382012-11-13T23:09:00.000+00:002012-11-13T23:09:44.929+00:00Digging For Gold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GKXLuaLFyJGHZ6A9AWX21prardHJdQn3g0mxO5GSY5T6zKL1jtcyJvCq-GtR1cYsKlf8uDrdYtfboQ4hsFK0H61L5d6BsuI4O47XcOxOA35axmcV-qv9HTxLSaxfU40yIktty4868fYw/s1600/deal+diggers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GKXLuaLFyJGHZ6A9AWX21prardHJdQn3g0mxO5GSY5T6zKL1jtcyJvCq-GtR1cYsKlf8uDrdYtfboQ4hsFK0H61L5d6BsuI4O47XcOxOA35axmcV-qv9HTxLSaxfU40yIktty4868fYw/s320/deal+diggers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have
determined that my best days lie ahead, in this world and the next. A challenge
‘cause in so many ways my life has already been wonderful, though marred with
some pretty serious hurdles… yeah, dealing with long term ill health and
bereavement is always gonna be tough. But no matter, my God is greater than any
difficulty set before me and in him I have absolute confidence; walking through
palliative care with my once teenage sweetheart would have been soul destroying
without the Lord! Change is not exactly easy though and adjusting to my new
reality, after almost 40 years in a relationship, is always going to be at
least a little confusing. There’s no guide book that I’ve come across to
explain how to live as a middle aged widower. It really is not at all easy
relating to my previous peer group, who are basically all married and enjoying
their own long term relationships. Without exception they are all incredibly
caring, supportive and all the rest of it. It’s just that they are married and
I’m not, that’s all. A continual reminder of what I have lost. I really need a
new way of seeing things, a new vision for life and hopefully new friends to
share that journey with me. As I say though, I don’t have a guide book, so it’s
make it up as you go along time for Dave.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My picture
taken on a recent visit to my favourite beach, in Deal, demonstrates the
unsightly brute force needed to provide effective sea-defences. Transporting
many thousands of tons of shingle from the Isle of Wight, and rock from Norway,
was quite an undertaking. The process was ugly in the happening to say the
least, but necessary. Changing the profile of a mile long beach was for sure
quite a task, but without this work the whole town lived with the risk of
severe flooding. I have to change my profile. Yeah no way can I stand still,
living with the ever present threat of my own flood of tears! Ongoing grief is
disturbing my health, which in turn affects my freedom to ‘get out there’ and
meet new people. I missed a great evening a week or so ago when my daughter
performed her own songs, as a supporting act, at the Malt Cross in Nottingham.
I was so disappointed not to have been well enough, hopefully next time though
as she’s been invited back! Yeh, that’s my little incentive to start digging
for gold again. And I’ve been reminded of a simple technique to side step
grief… if I allow myself to think on Jane and ‘remember’ stuff I pretty much
always get upset. That’s healthy, but only up to a point ‘cause I reckon it’s
time to move on. I’ve cried myself silly for almost 18 months. That’s enough!
All I have to do now is stop thinking about Jane, not easy when love was so
fulfilled, and I almost feel guilty about turning aside from my so very
faithful wife. I protected my marriage with the fiercest determination and
struggle to let it go now. Of course it’s totally wrong to think and live like
that now; our love is destined to last through eternity and I’m not in that
place just yet. Got to get tough with my thinking, I have to lock such thoughts
away or I’ll become trapped in the past, living with only hope for the future…
and no love for today. Yes my God is a God of love… he can fill my heart with a
joyful love of life, a caring love for others and who knows what else?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I guess the
best way to change is by more fully engaging with the present whilst walking
into my wonderful unexplored future. So methinks if I were to practice guitar, and
song write a little more, maybe I could get to play at some of these great
venues… not really one of my better ideas, but who knows, and the village hall
is excitement enough for now!<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 John 4:8 <b><sup>‘</sup></b>But
anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-34378830980813085372012-11-11T21:27:00.001+00:002012-11-11T21:27:54.998+00:00Can't See The Wood For The Trees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjhB6we8Txjdp0DiF9jwIz7PwMVwnZ86bnJluLnmiUEahX10XK-zcZNYE8wmHck_Ob58Hk4F-aZG1IMolesk9rnGz_jUkLwQpBBCQ_wHb4dSoHGhGWIbmI36ZNGDCsFlBwZK9SZ0u8dr5/s1600/allestree+woods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjhB6we8Txjdp0DiF9jwIz7PwMVwnZ86bnJluLnmiUEahX10XK-zcZNYE8wmHck_Ob58Hk4F-aZG1IMolesk9rnGz_jUkLwQpBBCQ_wHb4dSoHGhGWIbmI36ZNGDCsFlBwZK9SZ0u8dr5/s320/allestree+woods.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The urgency of today can
easily thwart our plans for tomorrow. Yet walking with God always leads us into
life. So this past couple of weeks has been a real struggle with my health. I seem
to be continually exhausted, no matter the measure of rest I take. Of course
bereavement is in the equation and just recently I've felt quite sad again, and
crying makes me ill. I need a pick me up, something to take my mind of things
as I really need to move on. At least for a season. Yeah, I don’t presume to
have completed my journey of grief; it’s just that I need a break, a respite,
time to recover health. But what to do? Most recently I've usually thrown some
clothes into my motorhome and driven off down the nearest motorway. Problem is,
just recently I've needed to use a diary and can’t easily find space to travel,
and that’s not something that’s happened for quite some time. December looks
good for my camping break though. Brr!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So then, when I'm ill I rest, and then I recover. That’s how ME/CFS works, at least when not
getting upset. But I have committed to support a smattering of church meetings,
though at times really struggle to even attend. The interesting thing is that
on every single occasion I've really enjoyed myself and felt all the better for
making the effort. And actually these are the sort of things I would like to be
more involved with, ‘cause there’s a real feel good factor that counters the
downer of grief. So if I can break through the immediacy of chronic fatigue and
embrace life, even in small measure, maybe I can take a positive step forward
in overcoming illness. If nothing else I feel happier. Spending my time sitting
around at home is seriously boring! Oh yes, I have a few worship leading ‘gigs’
lined up as well, so definitely looking forward to serving in that way again. And I remain determined to take up running again… just not today that’s
all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hebrews
11:1 <b>‘</b>Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually
happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-13623796501744253232012-11-09T21:07:00.000+00:002012-11-27T04:59:37.970+00:00Follow The Leader?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYAhm6tw83ie3DNXYArzclwoY2utg7S4qnVhjSivphubkQYyT1IZ7f1BQfF0XPh0mYh73eeY-yJ8EzHpNaMpl_CThEQ0AeW1dSwaR4GBzOpV9KHpkRu23TueKyb1Kp0S4wa9wvJEbJRvp/s1600/10.12+kedleston..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYAhm6tw83ie3DNXYArzclwoY2utg7S4qnVhjSivphubkQYyT1IZ7f1BQfF0XPh0mYh73eeY-yJ8EzHpNaMpl_CThEQ0AeW1dSwaR4GBzOpV9KHpkRu23TueKyb1Kp0S4wa9wvJEbJRvp/s320/10.12+kedleston..JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When normal life comes to a
standstill is when God deserves my full attention. Problem is though, the cry
of sickness, the pain of loss, the fear of the future and even sometimes trying
to get through the day becomes all consuming! And the still small voice of the
Lord is drowned under a tidal wave of self-pity. Yet he always speaks. To each
and every one of us he has a personal message; a word of comfort, hope and perfect
love, leading us on the pathway of restoration, with Godly provision for every
need. These are times when we need to cease in our struggling, let go of worry
and just rest in the presence of God. Yeah, my photo? This clean living animal
has no say in his future, and whether it’s destiny is to provide for Sunday lunch
or a designer cardigan is totally irrelevant. He feeds well, a shepherd cares
and a continual chain of National Trust visitors enjoy his company. A simple
life for a simple creature. And he sure knows how to follow the leader! When not resting that’s
pretty much my ambition as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why do we make things so
complicated? Everything we need for guidance, and every instruction we need for
living well can be found in God. Seeking his pleasure yields my greatest
reward. And for sure the Bible makes a great handbook, with the Ten Commandments
a perfect starting point. Nothing wrong with ‘Do not kill’, ‘Do not steal’, 'Do
not commit adultery’ and all the rest surely? But there is so much more to be
found in this amazing book, indeed with just a little attention a pattern for
the whole of life can be uncovered. And as we align ourselves with God’s way of
living we share in his blessing and favour. Much of our legal system has it’s
origins in Biblical principles, respecting both God and one another, so over
many centuries the UK has been a blessed nation. Increasingly in recent decades
though, plainly read Biblical principles are being discarded and replaced with
man’s understanding and values. Of course this is a reflection of ‘the will of
the people’, and I believe the Lord sets leaders over us that we deserve. But
ignoring the revealed will of God will always have consequences.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Isaiah 53:6 <b><sup>‘</sup></b>All
of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our
own’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-86316870721248773912012-11-07T18:27:00.000+00:002012-11-07T18:28:46.351+00:00A Matter Of The Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OgKOt5ACNnYOdNPF63lbFYJ2FrSvQFohbDC_YC862NFQY_rR4rzsg58D8qRcgHO_lBSQPWrJ9kRLVY4W4HlG8ojuxapAXtt-5Bv6DDVySqMHFIlpR5q6SHM0qJ96ql1glbCfYo28qKdG/s1600/10.12+kedleston+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OgKOt5ACNnYOdNPF63lbFYJ2FrSvQFohbDC_YC862NFQY_rR4rzsg58D8qRcgHO_lBSQPWrJ9kRLVY4W4HlG8ojuxapAXtt-5Bv6DDVySqMHFIlpR5q6SHM0qJ96ql1glbCfYo28qKdG/s320/10.12+kedleston+(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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On a cloudy day we rarely see
a rainbow; yet when troubles overshadow, true Godliness may be revealed. Some
days are very ordinary, nothing special happens, and yet within, a heartfelt cry
longs to see God at work. I love to see a rainbow on a rainy day and oftentimes associate a double arch with extra special blessing; yet this most visible of
God’s promises is actually quite rarely seen by me. Yeah, I suspect I'm usually
indoors or looking the other way when they appear! I love the sunshine and
being outdoors, it makes me feel so much healthier… and happier, but in the UK
many days are actually very similar to my photo, and just a little dull.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So where is the Lord in all
this? I believe He lives in the hearts of men, at least when invited to do so. So
when the often present challenges of life seek to overwhelm, the infinitely
caring power of God is right there, as close as the next heartbeat. And that is
where the Christian journey must begin; a heartfelt recognition that the
natural desires of the heart are inclined towards independence, completely self-centred
and in rebellion against God. The Bible calls that sin. Yet within every man,
woman and child lives a measure of goodness, yes Godliness, that if nurtured
recognises the claims of Christ as perfect truth. This then is the battle
within… do we work things out our own way; pursuing earthly pleasure, dreams
and understanding with no real regard for God’s will. Or do we seek the Lord
for his purpose and his pleasure for our lives. Yes, I believe that all who
genuinely seek the Lord will find him and that hearts will be ‘strangely
warmed’ by his presence. His goodness can truly fill us with a peace that
conquers every fear, and overcomes every doubt. And it begins with the smallest
seed of enquiry… ‘seek and you will find me’ says the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ezekiel 36:26 <b><sup>‘</sup></b>And
I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take
out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-1539597022216028402012-11-05T17:22:00.000+00:002012-11-05T17:22:13.232+00:00Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAqYbqBOgdE56oKk96_DtHVYCHwvolRs0vaVgMN6TFOxS7ap3AxTOEcaaq6yQ1ovHh1izEiqZH-h6nRoai4ZCPNDenHEkYp0uXCIyEWkD623ze-KzQycChAVsgowHLlNp5iOcND3NAP2r/s1600/flag+of+hope.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAqYbqBOgdE56oKk96_DtHVYCHwvolRs0vaVgMN6TFOxS7ap3AxTOEcaaq6yQ1ovHh1izEiqZH-h6nRoai4ZCPNDenHEkYp0uXCIyEWkD623ze-KzQycChAVsgowHLlNp5iOcND3NAP2r/s320/flag+of+hope.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sometimes all you have left is
hope, ‘cause all around is a shipwreck. So today I need to hoist that
particular flag as high as high can be. Ok, you caught me, it’s an excuse for
yet one more of my Deal holiday snaps as well! But having spent the better part
of a couple of months living there this year, that should be no surprise. Travelling
that couple of hundred miles on a number of occasions was far more important
than a simple holiday though. Yes, my health, both mental and physical, are at
the forefront of my shipwreck concerns at the moment. And that little seaside
town on the south coast works wonders in both departments.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve been ill for too long.
Today I feel real grotty, though I’d rather not talk about it. Indeed I suspect
most folk I come across have no idea that I do have a health problem. ME/CFS is
like that, hidden from sight unless severely afflicted, which I’m not. It normally
just slows me down, though today I’m completely stationary. So do I have a plan
for recovery? Not really, but I do have hope! And a few indicators that promise
more, like walking. Yes the Lord has placed within my heart the strongest love
of the big outdoors. More than that, I actually feel more alive with mud under
my feet and a bright blue sky overhead than in any other environment. And
something within my heart says that one day I’ll be able to take up running
again…<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am bereaved, but no longer totally
bereft. I’m in recovery, my broken heart is mending, which is really rather
exciting! So, on the face of it, though my life is as empty as empty can be in
that department, I still have hope. All right, that hope has no clear
definition as I have no idea whether the Lord or a second wife will fill that
particular gap; but I am confident that it will be filled. Loneliness is still a
major issue and such as last night, ongoing high emotions left me more than a
little weepy. I rarely watch TV, and last night was Downton Abbey, the type of
programme my wife would have thoroughly enjoyed; so without giving the plot away,
there was a steady trickle of acts of kindness, changes of heart and all the
rest of it; all designed to stir the emotions. Which it did of course, as I sat
watching, all alone, in the middle of my settee with no-one to cuddle. Apart
from Jane’s still grieving cat that is. He continues to howl day and night,
whenever he’s not getting any attention… yeah, he does like my almost empty
yoghurt pots!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now here’s an interesting
thought... a person I know, who suffered ME/CFS for years, made a more than
full recovery around the same time as they met their current spouse!<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ‘And
now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the
believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no
hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again,
we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the
believers who have died.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We tell you this directly from
the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead
of those who have died.<b><sup> </sup></b>For the Lord himself will come
down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and
with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will
rise from their graves.<b><sup> </sup></b>Then, together with them, we who
are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet
the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.<b><sup> </sup></b>So
encourage each other with these words.’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-79579542881597926502012-11-03T21:33:00.000+00:002012-11-03T21:33:56.076+00:00Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDbFXuxB79xUkKLBp3xsXS_CzUTVZou7Qd07yFLMnudZ5mE3lyuraZ_oRFL4KhsVq8VvRYjfirZOJPmqfb2DvTMNdxhocpf7arcdbxtkpo8vYpewI3HO9BwxCAZ-c0YMawUxQko0vse5V/s1600/bonfire+night+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDbFXuxB79xUkKLBp3xsXS_CzUTVZou7Qd07yFLMnudZ5mE3lyuraZ_oRFL4KhsVq8VvRYjfirZOJPmqfb2DvTMNdxhocpf7arcdbxtkpo8vYpewI3HO9BwxCAZ-c0YMawUxQko0vse5V/s320/bonfire+night+2012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Family is the primary building
block of a healthy society. And I like to think I've done my bit in that
regard. But what exactly do we mean by family? Well yeah, obviously most of us have
some combination of spouse, kids, parents, cousins and all the rest of it,
though not all. And I find that I more
easily connect with some than others. Like my kids and grandkids, they’re
always easy to get on with as we spend a lot of time together. The call ‘party
time’ goes out most months, and the 12 of us gather at a moment’s notice. So we
make an effort to see each other and get on really well. What about my own
sisters or parents? For sure we see much less of one another, as life got busy and we all
moved on. But nonetheless when family tragedy struck they were incredibly
supportive and sympathetic. So whilst relatively distant, still very much
family, and I consider myself privileged to have had so many caring folk around
me when needed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not so with everyone I guess
as it’s not at all unusual to see relationships break down. But I do feel
saddened when stubbornness over a comparatively minor issue destroys a lifelong
connection. At times I’ve certainly put my foot in it with loved ones, but
refuse to allow pride to cause damage. So I try and avoid being judgemental and
if things were to go sour I’d willingly take the blame, and try and change my
ways. I’d do just about anything to stay close to my family! Yes loyalty, more
than just within the context of family, is an admirable trait we all should
aspire to. But so many lack the measure of natural family that I am so very
blessed with. Maybe it’s understandable when work colleagues share so much time
together that they consider one another to be family. That’s got to be good,
though it’s only when trouble strikes that a real test comes along. So often,
business activity is prioritised, sweeping aside all pretence of care.
Unfortunately I’ve seen that all too often, even in the church, which is really
sad. And really bad. Plainly wrong; and treating folk as cogs in a machine is
just not right, no matter the operational needs. But that is exactly why we
need family, whether it be in the home, the workplace, in church or even an
internet group… we need folk around us who support and care and understand and
all the rest of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Families have fun together…
yes bonfire time, that’s what today is. Though this evening we skipped on Guy Fawkes
and fireworks, so just had a bonfire. Alright, bonfire toffee came along as
well. Of course my eldest daughter phoned this lunchtime asking to ‘borrow’ my
untended garden to do the deed. My son immediately got the lawn mower out to
tidy up the rather wild lawn. First time this year at the bottom of my
overlarge garden! Then said family appeared asking for tools, and did a wonderful
job of clearing all manner of problem tree branches, before emptying my unused
greenhouse of sundry scrap wood. So for a happy couple of hours we enjoyed
bonfire night once again. That’s what family is all about! Pity Jane wasn’t
here with her baked potatoes and spicy chilli though… she would have got me
buying fireworks as well. I wonder what sort of parties she gets to organise in
heaven?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Psalm 68:6 <b><sup>‘</sup></b>God
places the lonely in families’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-3095386127866449192012-11-01T18:31:00.000+00:002012-11-01T18:31:43.984+00:00The Vanishing Vacuum Cleaner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TeRx9N3zXfq2VdoXg2odfnoUTWNn-KLVSexK8NL5hyphenhyphenwXlohUXav599_jBWxMab2Bm2KSXeqKlQlSRfMVTxI2gIDH7wuJqqmdnoupY8wxdvrl5ES4WVXkh-JoWFVXBbYS6_wRao1mhSne/s1600/vacuum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TeRx9N3zXfq2VdoXg2odfnoUTWNn-KLVSexK8NL5hyphenhyphenwXlohUXav599_jBWxMab2Bm2KSXeqKlQlSRfMVTxI2gIDH7wuJqqmdnoupY8wxdvrl5ES4WVXkh-JoWFVXBbYS6_wRao1mhSne/s320/vacuum.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sometimes you just have to laugh, ‘cause crying about life’s little
problems is pretty pointless. My day began around 12.30pm as I sat down for
breakfast. Yes, that’s what needs to happen after a big day out, and ongoing ill
health threatens to take it’s life destroying grip! If I rest, I recover. So
stay in bed awhile. Quite simple, though more than a little frustrating as I’m
not particularly tired. Just ill. But then, no way can I relax to start eating,
as the cat needs sorting out. Ok, I’ll open a window and tidy things up first;
yeh, let’s have a quick run around with the vacuum… strange, it’s not in the normal
cupboard. So where can it be? I don’t recall using it since yesterday; maybe my
son has borrowed it to clean his bedroom. But it’s not a leap year so that can’t
be the answer. Oops, did I really write that out loud? Silly old Dave, it is a
leap year so maybe he does have it. A quick search all around my home and still
no cleaner in sight. So I try the original cupboard again and it’s still not
there. I'm going crazy, how can a fairly large machine simply disappear? First
thought is, it must have been stolen… but how, and why a cheap vacuum when my
house is filled with all manner of expensive electricals? And how did they get
in as doors are still locked and no sign of forced entry? Weird, that’s what it
is, just weird. Aliens, yes that must be it! Beam me up Scotty technology is
the answer, only then I remember Star Trek is just a movie; it’s not real. Or
is it? Right, let’s start again with a more thorough search in every room,
under the beds, behind furniture and all the rest of it. Still no vacuum! Then
for some reason I opened the small door fitted under my staircase, where I used
to store the cleaner over 15 years ago. So what on earth caused me to put the
thing back there after all this time?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ugh, just a bad day living with M.E. so let’s get on with my
breakfast. I reach into my cupboard for a packet of cereal only to take out a
jar of coffee, and puzzle over the overlarge spoon in my hand about to measure it
into my cereal bowl. Daft, that’s what. But success and a sit down at last,
until it really is time for coffee. I reach into my cupboard feeling well
pleased as I remember it is actually coffee I'm after this time… then
unthinkingly I take a cereal bowl out of the drawer and come within a whisker
of spooning coffee into it again. Ok, I know I overdid it the other day, no problem;
it’ll pass if I rest long enough. The migraine is annoying, but no big deal, likewise
fatigue and dizziness. Plenty of folk are far worse off though, aren't they?<o:p></o:p></div>
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But I am disappointed because I know I really can't continue my 3 mile
prayer walk thing... after a successful 10 walks interrupted only by a day visit
to London with the grandkids. And I've been praying for family, and my son has
just seen off the competition to get his first permanent job. I'm happy... but
ill, and frustrated. So I now sit feeling sorry for myself and not too
spiritual at all. And the presence of the Lord falls upon me in the most
wonderful way! Within minutes I'm laughing and filled with the Spirit of God. Life
really couldn't be better! Isn't the Lord so wonderful and patient even when we
take our eyes off him?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I almost never watch TV. BBC News 24, Formula 1 and Downton Abbey are
really about it. So why did I turn to Revelation TV just and watch part of a
repeat of Howard Condor interviewing Pat Robertson? And Pat said that
"there is no such thing as a bad day for a Christian!" Of course he
contextualised this with the verse about God working for good in all things,
and explained a better translation is that God shakes things up to work for
good. Mmmm... yes I often feel quite shaky. But then he starts talking about
the major Christian Revival that is certainly coming to the UK and I'm
beginning to feel enthused with life all of a sudden. Oh I do love Jesus...
isn't he so very wonderful?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hebrews 12:28 <b><sup>‘</sup></b>Since
we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please
God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-66158374173432065112012-10-30T19:59:00.000+00:002012-10-30T19:59:30.620+00:00A Special Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwxcCHQc-SkSf7F9LSXgUZE_LHDLckK7jNtgxxNMYeaek4HQZSrCoRrMVU7Eq4SQTaoyTLQg5KNLjW9hW4IRaJXLQBELUv7Rxsl3pNvO6Rj4iTbbswvuW9YSobmzzLvWs2tiIKmXgywT8/s1600/london+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwxcCHQc-SkSf7F9LSXgUZE_LHDLckK7jNtgxxNMYeaek4HQZSrCoRrMVU7Eq4SQTaoyTLQg5KNLjW9hW4IRaJXLQBELUv7Rxsl3pNvO6Rj4iTbbswvuW9YSobmzzLvWs2tiIKmXgywT8/s320/london+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Overcoming long term health
problems is never easy, but the rewards can be great. And me/cfs is a rather
mysterious illness with no definitive research, so understanding how best to
live with it is oftentimes pure guesswork. When I first became ill, 13 years
ago, I persevered in going to work, doing my best to meet performance targets. After
only a week my boss told me to go home and recover, as I just couldn't do the job
properly at all. I never did regain normal health even for a single minute;
indeed I became even more ill. And then found partial relief. And then
relapsed! Yes the condition is cyclical, but there always remains an underlying
debilitation similar to the flu. You get used to feeling pretty grotty all the
time, totally exhausted, suffering brain fog, poor concentration and short term
memory loss. Headaches lasting weeks at a time are a nuisance, as is muscle pain
that can occur almost anywhere. A common experience is that the initial onset
occurs as a post viral complaint; others suffer shock, maybe an emotional fright
or for some, chemical exposure. I seem to have a consistently moderate
condition, so though unable to work I can manage to live a partially normal
life. I know of others who become bed-bound without strength to move at all. And
if I completely overdo things I end up housebound with complete exhaustion
myself. Stress is a major ingredient affecting things for me, so I chill out,
and have determined that no problem I face compares with the challenge Jane
faced with terminal cancer. So I refuse to worry about anything. When I
remember not to that is…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, yesterday was my
attempt at living a normal life and I took my eldest daughter and her two children
to London. To visit the Queen? Nah, I don’t think she was at home. But my photo
was taken in front of Buckingham Palace, where we played the game of wondering
who was behind open windows. But we certainly walked quite a way doing a mini
tour on foot, and maybe my day out was reckless, inviting a serious relapse, but
I don’t think so. So despite a long journey on a very familiar motorway, I had
great fun initiating my family into the rock and rolling delights of the Tube
where almost everyone had phones or even Kindles in their hands. Weird how
life has changed over the past year or two isn't it? So first we visit the
Science Museum, and they were all totally disorientated trying to engage with
the vast collection of exhibits and activities, sufficient to occupy for a
week, let alone a few hours. Eventually we left to begin our walk and
immediately puzzled at the rather unfortunate clothing chosen for school kids playing
rugby on Hyde Park. So glad we live in sensible Derby I'm sure. Then we took
photos of Big Ben on the way to a rather damp and drab Downing Street. A Chinook
helicopter clattered past at very low level as we watched armed police ushering
a crowd of youngsters through the massive gates guarding our Prime Minister’s
home. Theatre land looked splendid as the sun went down and eyes lit up as I mentioned
Leicester Square and it’s red carpet for film premières Of course the whole
walk had really been spent on a search for One Direction, just in case they
were in town! Yeh, all very different from my grandkids’ wonderfully sheltered
upbringing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m pleased to report that
today I feel fine. A few aches from the long walk maybe, but actually my
biggest problem has come from peeling garlic and chopping onions… yes I've been
cooking again, and for sure my fingers are going nowhere near my eyes for a day
or two! So all rather mundane in Dave’s world. And that’s exactly what I want
at the moment. Just a normal life without illness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Psalm 91:14-16 <b><sup>‘</sup></b>The Lord says,
“I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When
they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue
and honour them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”’
(NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-15920240161575520682012-10-28T20:18:00.000+00:002012-10-28T20:18:36.670+00:00Broken Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivK4eKcAlbe8RJDoHDbF5rTS1q-3dv-V-Epv4n5Rf0HCS29Mmf4b69Qty6ti2OXynG-HTX-tT9znQ4UYrFiHVrKwhb8kA3lRBU5ZQQECsaoXVOmpJtV_ELvXCenfv-JGEr9CU-a_oLZ2jN/s1600/Derby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivK4eKcAlbe8RJDoHDbF5rTS1q-3dv-V-Epv4n5Rf0HCS29Mmf4b69Qty6ti2OXynG-HTX-tT9znQ4UYrFiHVrKwhb8kA3lRBU5ZQQECsaoXVOmpJtV_ELvXCenfv-JGEr9CU-a_oLZ2jN/s320/Derby.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It’s hard to live with broken
dreams, but far worse not to have them in the first place. And I've pretty much made
my home, for almost my whole life, within the boundaries of this photo. Ok,
maybe it needs widening a bit, but this is the City of Derby as seen from a
hill on my regular walk around Kedleston. England’s green and pleasant land! And
somewhere here is every school I ever attended, every place I ever worked and
every house I can remember living in. Yeh, I was born in Singapore but too
young to have any memories. My parents, four sisters and three of my four kids
have their home here as well. Seems we don’t move around much do we? But there’s
nothing special about the place at all, not for me anyway. Except that this is
where most everyone I particularly care about lives. There’s one special very person
who’s gone to live with Jesus in heaven of course. And I also have a daughter
in nearby Loughborough. But they’re rather more accessible aren’t they? So I
see her and her family quite a bit! But not Jane; not until I get my own one
way ticket. It would make life much easier if the Lord would issue say a day
pass now and again wouldn’t it! Well I can dream can’t I?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bereavement messes everything
up. Jane and I were making all sorts of plans until her final few months. So if
the Lord had chosen to miraculously heal her she would have hit the ground
running with one or two business projects for sure. And over the years we had
many conversations about relocating to any number of different locations. Like the
Lake District, just briefly in our early years, though I even spoke to my boss
about a transfer to that region. Then when we were young we idly talked of
emigrating to Canada or New Zealand for a real new start. And when we became Christians
we adopted a whole new approach as we recognised that it is the Lord who
directs our paths. Yes he chooses the very place that we should live. So we
reached out for guidance and at every opportune moment explored vision. I guess
there’s something inside that keeps stirring towards moving on. Then our visit to
New York and Jane’s engagement with Art Therapy got us to look at the possibility
of working there for a season. Her master’s degree was based on work in that
city. Some very English friends once obtained a temporary work
permit, as housekeepers, somewhere near Chicago, so why not us? But time and time
again over the past few years we talked of living in Deal, Kent. So we began to
push at that door, expecting it to open, until ill health demanded constraint.
It’s hard to live with broken dreams, but far worse not to have them in the
first place…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Colossians 3:2 ‘Think about
the things of heaven, not the things of earth.’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-78542015781199874652012-10-26T21:08:00.000+01:002012-10-26T21:08:52.662+01:00Facing A Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtTd3dbbzjgtUdLClaLIFLS6RK1Nw5H-b4Ha1GeVepyQILAUfcttLyX5_24pzyLcKSnhgbjCqkVGnWV3e2YKJduT5pf13hovOUsJ3SnrtMsqC9_mCLkTB9mucuzeqaznSY9N0ON1BEpuQ/s1600/10.12+kedleston+(17).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtTd3dbbzjgtUdLClaLIFLS6RK1Nw5H-b4Ha1GeVepyQILAUfcttLyX5_24pzyLcKSnhgbjCqkVGnWV3e2YKJduT5pf13hovOUsJ3SnrtMsqC9_mCLkTB9mucuzeqaznSY9N0ON1BEpuQ/s320/10.12+kedleston+(17).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today’s problem should be
viewed as tomorrow’s success story. Unless you’re a young swan of course,
though I have no idea if these are simply preening or ferreting out unwanted
guests. Whatever, it’s seems to be a permanent way of life as they continually
reach into every nook and cranny with their wonderfully flexible necks. So this
past 17 months I gave myself permission to grieve the loss of my wonderful
wife. More than that, I chose to prioritise my season of mourning over and
above everything else. At times the pain was unbearable and the intensity such
that I couldn't imagine ever being free again, but I knew that was exactly what
I needed to do to recover. And I have. Not completely but substantially for sure.
So engagement rather than avoiding reality is paying off. Indeed I've felt
quite good just recently which is well encouraging, though not without
suffering the occasional setback for a day or two. So one day this week I woke
up feeling really quite happy and ready to face whatever the day brought my
way. Except I wasn't, as a small reminder that I'm still on a journey came
crashing into my life. A letter from the hospice that I took an offering for at
Jane’s funeral arrived in the post. Should not have been a problem as I owe
them big time for what they gave me… a palliative care specialist nurse able to
guide and provide for Jane’s massive medication needs on the night she died.
She sat with us for an 8 hour shift in my home, for most of Jane’s final hours, and was
wonderful in making her as comfortable as humanly possible. And she was,
comfortable and totally at peace, though because of the drugs she was actually
unconscious. Until she so slowly passed away into the loving and eternal
presence of God, leaving myself and our four kids alone at the bedside. But what
an awakening!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Anyway Jane is doing real good
today and in general so am I. It’s just I can’t exactly cope very well with
re-visiting the memories of that final night. I’m crying now. So, really sorry
Treetops Hospice but any support I give will have to be in the future, as right
now I have a total breakdown just thinking of that time. It’ll have to wait
until I'm stronger. And I will be, for sure. Just not today, that’s all, ‘cause
I need to do a bit more preening or ferreting to sort myself out first.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Luke 23:43<b> </b>‘And Jesus
replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-31806489305841662992012-10-24T16:22:00.000+01:002012-10-24T16:22:24.604+01:00Swan Dive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxFPcMsZ4hd8eseyg_x-B1rHL2n0U6OWg9VS_pOrE8WyspXk78wBO9roAohqPkpIkjT9tDiTApm4jrEwk_PH4jQkX34t1RfbA9pnhJNI3HOTEIPNyeVZDkZTdSI9A8FsozMRrN2FmLuE1/s1600/swan+dive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxFPcMsZ4hd8eseyg_x-B1rHL2n0U6OWg9VS_pOrE8WyspXk78wBO9roAohqPkpIkjT9tDiTApm4jrEwk_PH4jQkX34t1RfbA9pnhJNI3HOTEIPNyeVZDkZTdSI9A8FsozMRrN2FmLuE1/s320/swan+dive.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Success invariably follows
failure, though perseverance and determination must be in the mix somewhere. I
remember talking recently of trying to capture a photo of birds in flight, and
since then I've remained particularly aware of that small ambition. On rare
occasions over the past few years I've had varying success, and my proudest
shot is a massively blurred, rather distant, photo of a barn owl taken a minute
after it swooped right by my motorhome at only head height. Yes I was busy
drinking coffee and it took too long to get my camera out! Anyway, I faithfully
carried my camera around up until yesterday when low cloud and drizzle had me
more focussed upon keeping dry. My camera free walk began with one of nature’s
most extraordinary sights, an adult swan in full flight over Kedleston Lake,
impressive it was. Honestly! A short distance on, maybe 50 geese swept overhead
at fairly low altitude and then simultaneously ‘crash-landed’ in the lake. Love
it! Keep walking David. Ok, not in flight but next I happened upon a swan
simply walking around, stretching his amazing neck in front of one of the giant
hearing trumpets by the lake. Could have taken a great photo and dreamt up some
sort of caption for sure. Then a coot and partner repeatedly hopped and skipped
across the lake trying to become airborne. Very nice! My walk finished back at
the lake with a flock of at least 100 pristine white small gulls swooping around
and around the lake. So I guess you could say my photo exploits are a bit of a ‘bummer’
as week old shots of a swan grubbing in lake sediment are ten a penny.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It may well be an urban myth but
the story of Edison’s 1,000 failed light bulb experiments, before eventual success,
has to be an encouragement to persevere. Apparently he is accredited as the 4<sup>th</sup>
most prolific inventor in history so he must have done something right. So if
it stops raining I’ll take my camera and have another go; though if nothing
else the autumn colours are beginning to look quite amazing. So now I've managed my 5<sup>th</sup> 3 mile consecutive walk, which for any normal fit and
healthy person means absolutely nothing. Those with even moderate me/cfs like
myself will understand a little more of that achievement. I’d like to manage
21. Let’s see what happens; so far so good and no swan-dive for Dave just yet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Romans 5:3-5 ‘We can rejoice,
too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us
develop endurance.<b><sup> </sup></b>And endurance develops strength of
character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And
this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us,
because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.’
(NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-555934748682226614.post-32028216503402886132012-10-22T19:10:00.000+01:002012-10-22T19:10:48.409+01:00Foolishness?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtee9n7wKEfOTMKKiitDCLu43jkZuMopOuEwtQQkm8MbIMYAlF0iYlux-jx5yu7D9lNGBZfZ5jAQGkm01ao-n0ntuOkRbIzlj06jGBm2bCYmIbbBoaR-gXPBs9gZLlpDxw_Vy_Ot86_N3b/s1600/10.12+kedleston+(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtee9n7wKEfOTMKKiitDCLu43jkZuMopOuEwtQQkm8MbIMYAlF0iYlux-jx5yu7D9lNGBZfZ5jAQGkm01ao-n0ntuOkRbIzlj06jGBm2bCYmIbbBoaR-gXPBs9gZLlpDxw_Vy_Ot86_N3b/s320/10.12+kedleston+(16).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I'm</span> so glad that God has a
plan for my life, though it’s pretty hard knowing that his way is not my way. I
tend to think of myself as somewhat cautious and rather analytical. I like to
work stuff out in advance then walk through a plan. That’s the way God made me,
so I don’t fight it. But sometimes he speaks and gently suggests a step of
faith that defies logic. So a few days ago I had this thing put across my path
to make a decision on, and without any real thought found myself engaging. That
was no problem as it involved people I am unlikely ever to meet as they live in
internet land. So all around the world, and they suffer a similar health
problem to myself. A 21 day prayer, fasting, Bible study thing is what it is,
with the fasting discipline to be some sort of Daniel fast. Yeah, he’s one of
the guys in the Old Testament who went veggie, giving up ‘choice foods’ in
order to honour the Lord. So my initial challenge was to choose how to fast.
And I immediately struggled with that as I've been living meat-free for a
number of years, after the Lord led me that way. So I sort of see that
as an extended Daniel fast already, though it’s not a challenge anymore. I
enjoy it. Ok, I could go back in time to previous fasts such as no breakfast,
no in between meal snacks, no TV, no alcohol. Yes I've done all those things,
some of them for years at a time! And currently none of them would be at all
sacrificial. Yes the idea is to ‘sacrifice’ something that’s important to show
God you’re serious. What to do then? And this is where God’s way of thinking doesn't fit my way. To be honest, I'm hating writing this as I don’t know if I
can do what I believe he’s asking, though there’s very little at stake if I
fail. He’s asking for my short term health??? Or more precisely he’s asking
that I trust him with a particular exercise… my 3 mile walk around Kedleston,
every day for 21 days. Can I really trust God with control of my health and
commit to such an extended exercise? Always before I've simply stayed home when I've felt ill. That’s what me/cfs demands in order to avoid a more serious
relapse. But it wasn’t half muddy today, not that this swan was bothered. Yes
it’s a great walk, whatever. And today is day 3…<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 Corinthians 3:19 ‘For the
wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.’ (NLT)</div>
David Painehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03791669101259224710noreply@blogger.com2