The return of an all conquering hero

I was away over the weekend visiting my wonderful girlfriend in Thornbury, Bristol. Unfortunately I had a bad case of cold and due to the crappiness of the weather over there, didn't actually get to do much. However, it was good spending time with Gail. Boy was it hard leaving to come home and I understand why people talk about long-distanced relationships in a negative way. That being said, I find that the distance isn't too much of an issue!

I was thinking last night about my erstwhile career as a rapper! In fact I blogged on my bebo band page about it, but since no one ever reads those blogs on bebo I might as well have tried to write it on the dark side of the moon. However, I realy got to thinking about getting back into writing some hip hop. So, maybe, just maybe, 2008 will see a return to that for me. I just need to find the time and the inspiration!

What else is going on? Well, I have a couple of important weeks coming up in work. These are all tied into the future, particularly what 2008 holds for youth work in our church. These will be an interesting, but challenging few weeks, and I am really looking forward to seeing what God can do. Perhaps closer to the new year I may share some of the plans (once they are made!).

So, my life as a social creature is about to end tomorrow (if Royal Mail can deliver on time!). I am looking forward to getting my copy of an eagerly awaited game; 'Mass Effect'. This game (I will not bore you with the details) will effectively see me lock myself away until I complete it 2 or 3 times. And if it is like any other RPGs (Role Playing Games) I have played that could take anywhere up to 100 hours of gameplay each!!! So, if you don't hear from me, then yes, it is because I have ceased to exist as Stuart Moles and have become absorbed into my Xbox 360!

Peace

God Is An Astronaut

I have really been enjoying listening to this band recently. The album 'All is violent, All is bright' has been a particular favourite (although I haven't really listened to much of their other work yet!). God is an Astronaut are a three piece from Co. Wicklow, Ireland. Their music is often referred to as being part of the post-rock genre (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-rock). So, as a tribute to seagoe, I am going to put up a video of one of their songs. Enjoy

On a more serious note...

Ok, so its been quite a while since I produced a blog that was more serious in tone. But today, for those who wish an injection of seriousness (seriously?!), this one is for you!

I have been grappling a lot recently with the fact that our generation struggles when it comes to being serious about God. I mean, its easy to be serious about the Creator when you are in a hyped up worship atmosphere, or things are going well (in church, in life etc). However, in the boring, tough times, we seem more likely to turn to bebo, our blogs, ipods and games consoles. Why does it seem so hard for us to sit and pray or read our bibles. Now I know some of you who read this are very serious and passionate, so this probably ain't aimed at you. However, any advice/wisdom/tips you can give would be appreciated by the rest of us!

Let me get something straight; I suppose this is aimed more at me than anyone else. As a person, I find it soooo hard to concentrate! I just can't seem to focus on something for long (unless its playing Halo 3!). Is this an inherent fault in my genetic makeup? Do I need more discipline in my life? Maybe it's both! I mean, it is so frustrating-I want to read more, pray more, but it just seems such a struggle at times. Dare I say it-its boring!! I believe that in my life, church has made these things boring, but I totally recognise that I have an opportunity to do something about it. And if you are like me, someone who feels disconnected at times from prayer and bible study I would encourage you too! Lets start being more serious about God. Lets pray for our towns/cities/villages and the people in them. Lets study the bible more and gain some knowledge. This takes committment, and that is probably something our generation, with its consumeristic approach to life may find difficult. But with the power of God (was nearly gonna say Grayskull there!!), we can do anything! Are you up for it?

Handy!

The video below is rather sad, but at the same time very creative.



Like I said...creative. Amazing what people spend their time on; just gimme Halo anyday!!

I've been stuck in a nuclear bunker!

Well, not quite as the title suggests, but I have been out of touch with my old buddy the internet for a couple of weeks! For those who have been reading and eagerly anticipating any posts, I apologise (particularly you Wiggins!). I have been having a few technical difficulties, but hopefully now they are resolved...we shall see!

Anyway, whats been happening? Well Gail has made the move to Bristol three weeks ago, but that seems like ages ago...how will I survive the next year?! Halo 3 has also played a big part of my life the last month...man what a game. I will give a more indepth report on this later!!!

I have been working away in Church and lots of things are happening. I have been involved in a series of leadership development nights, the aim of which are to get together and learn things that we feel are useful to youth work and to life. I have also started a OCN course in youth work in Belfast and it seems like it could be very interesting!

Well, that was a very brief report, but gotta dash. Thanks for reading!

Faith Healing

I'm really just on a rant, so you have been warned [not that I think anyone wastes their time reading my blog]! I was away with a few people over the weekend from churches in the area I work in. We were all leaders in our respective churches trying to seek big G on some things. Anyway, a group decided on saturday to go into town as there was a healing ministry run by one of the churches local to the area. Long story short, one of the guys got healed of a back condition; his leg actually grew longer [which was apparently the reason for his back ache-different length legs]. Now this is an amazing story, and I'm sure many have a similar story or at least know of someone who has. However, what I am taking umbrage at isn't the incident itself [it was clearly a work of God] but the fact we use the phrase 'faith healing'!

Faith healing is such a bad word to use. It suggests that for it to work, one must have faith, and if there are no results, then maybe you didn't have enough faith, or God doesn't like you. And lets face it, there are many out there who have received healing when they didn't have much faith it could happen in the first place, whilst those faithful people who pray day in and day out for healing don't get it! I suppose it is a question that is often asked; why does God heal some and not others. I mean when we look at it, God heals people who have faith, and those who don't. And sometimes those who have enough faith to actually move a mountain don't get healing. Does it all depend on our faith? I'm not sure. Obviously faith can play an important part, but I think why having faith is so important is that it can bring hope to a situation where maybe all earthly means of hope have been exhausted.

Its late at night, I'm rambling and it probably doesn't make any sense at all. But please leave a comment if you feel the need. I think the only conclusion I have come to is that I don't have a conclusion. Other than I am gonna try and maybe, perhaps, possibly not use the word faith before healing. I just dunno...

Future proofing

It's been nearly a month since my last blog, but that doesn't mean nothing has been going on! It's been an interesting month, one full of planning for future and searching; my soul, my room, my dvd collection!! In all this has been a difficult but good process. As I look to the future I ask God where He wants me to be, what He wants me to do, who He wants me to be.

In the middle of all this I managed to get away for a few days with Gail. We just stayed in a caravan for a few days, and it was great to just get away. My mind was still on work, and that is something I need to work on-to really just get away for a while, but it still was a refreshing time nonetheless. Had a great time visiting the Bushmills Distillery (my first time there) and also went to Carrick-a-rede which was great (but nearly gave me a heart attack with the steep steps). Also saw a Eurofighter on my last day which flew right over the caravan sight-what a noise!!

Gail leaves for Bristol in a couple weeks for a year! What more can I say to that one? Other than I will miss her and it will be strange without her (nagging in my ear!!!).

Ok, so this was a very brief update, if you can even call it that! But before I go, let me leave you with this video. It's of Bono at the NAACP Awards about 6 months ago. Bono, as ever, gives a stirring call to action to help the oppressed and to bring justice.