Don't just take my word do it.

I'm writing this on my iPhone blogger app so hoping the spell check works ok.

I thought I'd share with you something I found out by chatting to someone the other day. Once again I could be wrong but all I can say is what I was told by my informer.

The Roman catholic church was the only church that existed in the early years of this country. It was brought over by the Romans when the start invading here.

They brought many things with them and religion was one of them. And the roman catholic church was the founder of what we know here today.

But the Romans would use the new found church goers to raise money for themselves and much was sent back to help support the growing Roman empire.

Now the king of England saw this and decided that another church would be the way of keeping money here and feeding our poor so the Anglo catholic church was born. This "church of England" was soon to grow more popular than the Roman Catholic church and soon became a big part in the making of England it's self.

Yours time went by people started to want a different type of worship. And a more relax style of church was formed which became the Anglican Church.

Other churches followed as people found different ways to worship God and more personal preference and choice started to spread.

We now see many types of denominations are part of the Christian faith. Not believing in different stuff but maybe just doing things differently.

Now I can't verify this information but I can only assume it correct until I am told different.

Why is Christianity so hard to believe to so many people. Why do people not want to believe in an eternal life and hope.

I can only assume people are happy thinking that life is just one big fast and it all comes to an end once your buried

Does the feelings of happiness, sadness, pride and guilt not come for within? How can thoughts and feelings come from what is essentially a body of bones and skin.

We can't find out things unless we explore them for ourselves. Would we not get on a plane because someone tells us that it's all a waste of time visiting places and it's all horrible everywhere? No, we would want to explore it for ourselves.

If some one tells us that it's great in Africa we would want to go and visit to experience it first hand.

Don't discount Christianity just because some people think its all just in some strange brain washed people's heads, go experience it go check it out.

You have nothing to lose, and I guess can't knock it till you have truely explored it.

Remember the Dr Pepper song... What's the worst that could happen?

Flame.

Ive been looking back at 2012 and seeing it has been the worst year of my life so far. This morning I had to rely force myself to get out of bed and get into work because I just couldn't face the world. This happens alot to me and I then have to spend the next few days to a week trying to get back on track.

As I write this blog I feel numb and so low, there doesn't seem to be a way to make everything good, and the future just seems to be swallowed up as I try to understand the hurt and pain I have and am suffering.

Ever feel like this? I'm sure we have all felt like this from time to time (although mines more often than not) and just don't ever seem to hear or see any point in anything.

Every been in a dark room, pitch black that you cant see you hand in front of your face? Try and imagine that and then realise that you cant see anything and it almost seems your in a big empty space with nothing around you. Alone and not knowing which way to go. Petty scary right?

Light a match in that darkness, and what you'll see is things around you, you'll get a better idea of direction your facing and you'll maybe feel calmer as things seem to appear more clear.

That Match Give of light. The thing about light is it takes away darkness. And darkness can not possibly over come light. Every time it tries to over come what we see it cant because light is the key to what we see.

We are told that Jesus is the Light of the world, he is the light unto our path. So many ''light'' examples are mentioned in the bible because light is so powerful in every way, we even use it to make electricity these days.

The light in my darkest times has become Jesus. It doesn't stop the feelings of depression or take away the fear of the future he shines a light of them.

Ever heard the expression the Candle of the lord? Well to me this expression means that God is the flame, We can take a part of the flame and go and share the light with others. we can be a light in others darkness and pass on apart of our flame, which is a part of Gods flame.

We can be be a blind fold and shut all the darkness away keeping the light for ourselves. Or we could be a candle that carries a flame to light up the dark and share it with others.

I find a light in my darkness, I hope I can share that light with others.

Invitation.

Yesterday was my Nana Littles funeral, I did feel sadness and although some found it hard at the cemetery it mainly felt relaxed and in a strange way nice.

Having lost my mum 9 years ago and my grandad over 20 years ago I could only think of the reunion taking place in heaven. My Grandad and Mum also had a strong christian faith and knew where they where going before they died.

Even more so my Nana knew 100% that she would be of to heaven and she would often make remarks about it  even when we where children. Death to her wasn't the end and she had in someways a relaxed view of it. I remember a few years after my Grandad died (Norman Little) a friend of mine was going away and needed someone to look after the hamster. I new my Nana would love this so we took the rodent round to her. My Nana couldn't help but laugh so much when we realised the hamsters name was Norman and said ''oh no, he's back again''.

during the funeral the officer that lead it pointed out something that stuck in my mind. The fact that Nana was a christian and knew Jesus died on the cross for her, she was now in a new life for eternity. She was with her mum and dad, and with her husband and family and her daughter and many of her friends that had gone before her. Then the Question was asked, ''Are you going to join them?''

Jesus said ''No one comes to the father except through me''. what does this mean? OK it could sounds a little harsh but only those that believe that Jesus was killed on a cross and then came back to life a few days later and knew that Jesus died on that cross for them would have entry into heaven.

This doesn't mean a selected few, it doesn't mean just people that go to church or ''do gooders'' it means everyone that believes and has faith in and trusts in God. and amazingly it includes me (which I know to many can be hard to believe). But it also means You could too.

Because we believe in heaven then we must also believe in hell. The bible tells us about both places and although it seems extreme it is also very real. And I guess soem of the reason I do these blogs is to hope that many of my friends and family will be joining me in Heaven for ever. 

Do you know where your going when you die? Death does not have to mean the End.

Invictus

Just brought Invictus... a great film worth watching about how Rugby Union helped change a nation.

Boys will be Boys.

Once upon a time.... not so far away lived a small group of young lads.They where your average group of church going chaps who families had know each other for years and in some case's generations.

Now being good church children and growing up in the christian families they where obviously good boys and never missed a Sunday school or a church service. They also know how to make church interesting for themselves and for other church parishioners. In fact they cared about the enjoyment of church so much they would do stuff to make sure people would not get into a dull every week situation.

Once they where so excited to be able to cheer everyone up that they deposited a whole bottle of fairy liquid into all the toilet systems (after all this would make for a pleasant change to the building but will also help clean and freshen the church loo) and pour out all the pots of salt to make an attractive mountain on the Kitchen table. Not happy with that they also built a wall of Bibles in the community hall as a sign of symbol of it being Gods Building.

Being from the Salvation Army they would not attend Friday Bible study but instead studied and had learnt the Friday night War Cry rout so to stay one step ahead of the people selling the papers round the pubs.This was an essential part of a Friday night on the town so not to get caught by anyone that would tell they re parents.

OK, OK, these lads where a little rebellious and enjoyed having a good time while maybe rebelling against some Christian values. Weeks away with a beer filled fridge, Sunday evening Fellowship with a homemade Punch drink. You could say they where experimenting life.

This group of lads did find how to enjoy life while maybe appearing like little cherubs in they're Salvation Army uniforms on Sundays. And if the truth where knows, the parents of these boys know most of all what went on while they thought they where getting away with it.

These Boys now do a variety of things.... a couple went to be bandsman in the military, one became a policeman, one gained and is still gaining promotion in a large electrical company, one became a missionary and travelled the world and one is a Salvation Army Officer (there is another but don't worry about him).

I think we can safely say that all (bar one) of these lads followed a good path and what ever went on in the past became a learning experience and ''charictor building''. There could have been many paths in front of them and sometime they must have take a few wrong turns but by having faith and trusting in God and learning from Families around them they got to a good place and I would say will come across more paths as they continue.

You know there is a path or two for everyone to take. And we can make those choices and sometimes get it so wrong. but the good thing is that we can be assured that other paths will appear and we can change direction.

Boys will be boys, girls will be girls and kids will always be kids. But sometimes its a learning journey and if we didn't go through bad times, if we didn't make wrong decisions then we wouldn't learn. Know that God gives opportunities, he has a good plan for everyone and he already knows our mistakes and our sorrows, but that also means he know our strenghs and will use them if we allow.

Cant Beat an Olden

The Church of England (I think) are due to decide on the next Arch Bishop of Canterbury, By all accounts a group of guys sit round a table and vote who they want it to be. In a statement made by one of the voting group said that the the new Arch Bishop should be in touch with todays society and find a way to bring Christianity up to date.

When I heard this I wondered what ''up to date'' was a reference to. The High Church with in the C of E is full of tradition and to me not out dated but old fashioned. It made me wonder how up to date a church would have to get to become ''in touch'' with the people, and how much would be lost in the updating.

As a young lad, I would sit listening to the same dull old songs in church, and as I got older the songs just become more and more dull. The most famous of all dull songs was ''The Old Rugged Cross'' which unfortunately got requested most weeks by some old person who sang it in Sunday school or during the war.

I heard it a few weeks back and the tune does drag a bit but for some reason the words seemed to have meaning and weren't just a mumbling set of nonsense like i used to hear when I was younger.

The lyrics that used to sound like a good chance to switch off in church now seem to be



On a hill far away, stood an old rugged CrossThe emblem of suffering and shameAnd I love that old Cross where the dearest and bestFor a world of lost sinners was slain

And I'll cherish the old rugged CrossUntil my trophies at last I lay downI will cling to the old rugged CrossAnd exchange it some day for a crown

To the old rugged Cross, I will ever be trueIts shame and reproach gladly bearAnd they'll call me some day to my home far awayWhere His glory forever I'll share

And I'll cherish the old rugged CrossUntil my trophies at last I lay downI will cling to the old rugged CrossAnd exchange it some day for a crownI will cling to the old rugged CrossAnd exchange it some day for a crown


If we try and take the cross (the old rugged one) and replace it with a new shiny version (maybe with a added bit to put the TV remote) would we get the same vision of what Jesus was really like and what he really went through on that day.
Or maybe instead of a donkey to ride into Jerusalem on Jesus could turn up in a BMW. OK I'm going a bit OTT now, but I do think churches have to move forward and try and use technology to enhance worship and to help spread the message. But when it comes to the Bible I think it is relevant today.
I'm struggling to take a parable and modernise it like I said in another blog. Is it because they cant be improved? is it because they cant be made simpler? The Lords Prayer is what Jesus tough when ask by someone how to pray. it doesn't need changing just more understanding. There is no harm in questioning and it is good to ask and good to be a little sceptic, as that's how we learn and that's how we keep up dated.

Be Inspired

I was reading  yesterday about a church that was reaching out by way of Sport and social events. What a great way to get people involved in church. But reading on I started to wonder if this was being done in a way that promoted true christian believes.

I read that the church were finding the bank balance had looked healthier because of all the people that where giving through these event, and of course this is good as the money can be used to help others. But then I wondered if what the church was doing was right?

It says in the bible that no one will come to the father except through Jesus... I other words no one will get into heaven without truely knowing Jesus and believing in him. So then should we be doing more than sports and social events to promote church.

These kind of events are great to use as an introduction to church but they also be used to promote church beliefs. Its no good offering the people a game of football or a meal if we don't Let them know about Jesus.

Lets look at it a different way. A sports man can join the local church sports team because he loves to play sport. he turns up every week for a year and becomes an important part of the group. He loves the sport and loves being part of the group and has made many good friends there.

The Christians in the group play each week with this guy and all is good. but hang on, while its great that this guy is spending time with church people and making friends with Christians is he aware of this?

Church groups of this kind should try and bring prayer and discussion into all situations. I find it easy to find ways of bringing  my faith into situations and know that god will keep providing those situations.

So  if your church has a group or sports team as a way of an outreach is there more that can be done to bring God into it? is there a way it can be more about telling people about Jesus rather than just a social Event.

Maybe a Special Church Service. Or maybe a House group... Look for ways to encourage this as God does and will provide a situation for you to speak for him.

This doesnt just have to work in a Church Group, The same can be done at work, in school and in any group or one to one situation. Dont push it but wait for it to happen.

Mr Bean

I'm sure we've all sat and watch an episode of Mr Bean. The Character thought up and brought to life by Rowan Atkinson.

Much of the time I sit there just cringing at the stupid things Mr Bean does, but also in fits of laughter at the way it comes across. Even my two Boys Ben (7) and Edward (3) don't stop laughing at the silly antics and madness of Mr Bean.

Like a modern day clown Rowan Atkinson knows how to keep an audience captivated and trying to guess what he's going to do next. When he does something stupid or wrong we all just want to tell him to stop, when we see whats coming we want to jump into the TV and stop it. But when it happens we cant help but smile.

Mr Bean is one of those characters that we all love. A bit mad maybe a bit dull maybe but look at Mr Bean you ll see that under the madness and things that make us laugh we see a lonely man with a teddy as his best friend, and the people he meets don't often seem to want to be near him for long.

Its easy to for us to turn to people in a time of crisis, but not so easy to be there for them when they need a helping hand or a listening ear. These skills are sometimes the best skills to learn and to help someone through the tuff times is not only a massive task but can also be a pleasure.

Jesus never look down on anybody and he never looked and said that anybody was a no Hopper. In Fact he look at everybody as a person and a weapon to be used for the good of God.

We may know people that we think are bad people (some are) but we should also try and see the good in them. We may know someone like Mr Bean and really don't want to be near them for as long as we have to, but how about trying to see people through Jesus eyes and look for the good in everyone.

Cornish Pasties

 Did you know that Cornish Pasties where first made so that the miners could take a good meal with them to work? The crust was never made to be eaten, just the meat. The idea was that because the miners got so dirty at work and things like arsenic would be on their hands, they could eat the pasty met without touching it and then throw away the crust.

Also it was said that the Miner would eat the meat and veg of the pasty and throw the crust to the God of the cave for luck. This wasn't proved but I'm sure this was true in some areas.

Another interesting fact about The Cornish Pasty is that a true Cornish one doesn't have Carrots in. In Cornwall around the time the Pasty was introduced, Carrot Fly was a big problem and so they didn't tend to grow carrots hence didn't have them to ass too the pasty mix.

So Why am I blogging about it? Well we find other Food such as Melton Mowbury Pork Pies and Kendal Mint Cake all have story's of how and why it came about in the areas of their name.

Also Rugby (not mention for a while) was believe to have started at Rugby School, where it is said Wiliiam Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran with it. Then later a set of Rules where drawn up by the seniors at Rugby School.

Even where I live a sea plane was designed and first flew in the Sky's around Suffolk, the famous Felixstowe Sea Plane was named after the nearest town it was born.

One thing we can be sure about is that we all have a name, or at least call something by people that know us, my name Gareth David Cook was given to me by my parents no idea why Gareth, but David is my Dads name, and having a family name of Cook I'm known to many as Cooky.

A name is an identity and we may be known as many different names by different people depending on our relationship with those people. There may be be many reasons why places and people get names and are known for different reasons.

There has to be a reason for everything, and there has to be a point to everything or we could only assume that nothing in this world matters. We must also take pride in names and know although there may well be others called the same we are the only unique one that there is.

I know there is other Gareth David Cooks in this world, but I'm the only one hat is me, I'm the only one that has my thoughts and does my actions an have learnt to be proud. Not of all I've done but of all I am.

The Cornish People are so proud of the pasty that every time the Cornish Rugby Team have got to Twickenham the Supporters pass a Giant Pasty over the Posts. Be proud of who you are and what you believe. Because God made you unlike any other person on the earth. Until we realise are true reason for being who we where Named, we cant be Free to be our true selves. 

The Jellyfish Man

Last night I went to see a guy called Ian McCormac. His Story was amazing and one that he wants to share with everyone. He told how he died and went to hell and then heaven and then came back to life in the hospital morgue.

Quite unbelievable you may think, and trust me I do to. But he told the story adding bible passages and it all seemed to fall into place.

I'm still a little sceptical Ill admit but I went with an open mind and am still open minded and truly believe this is possible.

Anyway, here is his story..... Ill let you decided.

Part 1/1

Part 2/4

Part 3/4

Part 4/4

In the Pink.

This week England RFU launched the new England rugby kit. Tongue in cheek Ive been taking the Micky out of it (before the Aussies do). As the alternative colour for England to wear is Pink. Well it not powder pink its more of a damson colour.

I'm trying to imagine the likes of Gareth Chilcock, Jason Leonard and my hero Brian Moore wearing it, and come up with some strange images in my head. If The RFU wanted to be different then maybe bright yellow or green would have been passable, but pink?????

OK OK, its not to bad and to be honest its growing on me slowly. I seem to remember the all black kit England brought out last time round got a bit of a mixed bag of comments as it was like trying to look like New Zealand. So on the up side I guess we can say it takes a Real man to wear Pink.

I'm sure what ever colour the England team wear will not make a difference to them being a world class Rugby team. and I kind of think thousands of Rugby type supporters will make a statement by wearing it proudly, and make an impact on match days as Twickenham turns a pinkish colour.

When Little David turned up to fight against the Giant Goliath he turned up in normal clothes made from animal skin. Goliath stood in front of him in full armour and spear and shield. Everyone looked at David and mocked him as he prepared to face the Giant.

But what happened? David picked up a stone and used his sling to throw the stone at him.... the stone that hit Goliath on the temple and he fell to the ground. David had come to the fight with little more than his everyday self, but most importantly he came to fight with God by his side and trust in his heart.

I go to a church where uniform plays an important role. I turn up in shorts and flip-fops but the fact is Ive come to realise it makes no difference to anything. Its the Faith and belief inside that is most important.

Like David came humbly to the battle ground, then we should also be humble and realise that any uniform warn in church, any robe, any dog collar doesn't make one once of difference to God.

Goliath came with all he needed to look like a fierce warrior, tuff exterior and bad frame of mind. David came as himself and trusted in god 100%.

What ever we wear, what ever sports teams colours we wear and whatever status we are has no reflection on how God See's us. It makes no difference what colour is worn on the rugby pitch. The difference is in side and the difference is how we play the game.

History Maker - Delirious

Guilt

When I was a young teenager I went down town with to mates. We went in to Woolworths just to have a look around. In the shop they had a pic and mix and as I past it I commented how I liked a curtain sweet. One of my mates dared me to take one. Not being one to turn down a dare, I stole a sweet and suddenly felt this massive gguilty feeling inside of me.

I walked quickly to the door trying not to be seen chewing as I left. I got to the door and ran from the shop till I got to a safe place. With my mate laughing and all of us out of breath I started to calm down and walked back to the shop, not to confess but to buy some more sweets to try and make up for the shops great loss of a cola bottle.

OK, not the crime of the century, but a crime nether the less. I'm sure this confession wont lead me to a prison sentence or a stretch of community service but the guilt was there and I felt the need to try and put it right.

In the bible it says how there are many sins and I must admit after learning about some of them I felt pretty bad...... it turns out even things we think of can be sins.... I found out that looking at girls bottoms (no matter how sutterly I do it) is a sin. Trying to do something good to make yourself look good or for self gain is a sin.

The horrible thing about it all is, is the fact we all sin. And whats worse is that we all will keep sinning. But Jesus has already put those sins right (or has already forgiven us). This doesn't mean we should think that sinning is OK as we are already forgiven, it means that we will sin sometimes with guilt and sometime not even thinking about it.

I find myself these days thinking about things before I do them. I try and put myself into a state of mind where I can be calm and understanding. Ive even found myself asking 'What would Jesus do?''

The thing with Guilt is it adds weight to are journey. It can weigh us down even further than we need or can deal with. It can get in the way of moving forward.

Don't let guilt drive you into the ground. Remember Jesus has taken that 1 Ton weight from us and we can pass it to him and know he will carry it leaving us free to look ahead and move forward.

Tougues

Remember when I said about part of being a christian is being open to learning? well once again I found myself learning something new again yesterday.

Talking in tongues has always seemed a bit creepy to me, and although I get the basic idea that God sends a message to someone to speak in tongues, then give someone the power of interpreting it that's about as far as my knowledge goes.

also I'm sure it's something that cant be translated by the person who is speaking in tongues, it has to be another person (i.e one given the power to speak and one the power to translate).

but Ive had another learning experience about speaking in tongues.....

OK lets agree that all Christians have the Holy Spirit living inside of them. The same spirit as helped Jesus conquered the grave and defeat death. That Spirit is God (Father, Son and Holly Ghost)

Sometimes as Humans we pray for thing we would like to happen. We pray for things that we believe should happen, we pray for others. Sometimes we don't always know what to pray for and that's when the Holy Spirit and God can step in.

So the Holy Spirit can pray for us and that prayer we know will be the perfect prayer. We wont even understand it, we wont have any clue to what is coming out just know that its right

A good mate came to me last night and said he had been shopping and suddenly God told him to come to see me. he had a message for me which was to stay connected to the holy spirit. I'm not 100% sure I know what this means but I have been trying to find answers to certain questions flying around my head.

He prayed for me and then prayed again that I received the gift of tongues. I believe it will be given to me soon and will pray again for it. But if it doesn't then I'm not going to lose faith as I know that ''Gods will'' will be done.

Parables.

Yesterday in church the speaker spoke about how we should be Christians and how its not just about turning up on a Sunday to be seen doing the right thing.

He Spoke about how we lived and how we are seen to people outside the church. the quote that was used in part of the sermon has slipped my mind (most things do), but it was basically to say that what we have and what we hear and learn should be shared to others that do know or need help to understand.

He also sad ''whats the use of a seed if its left in the packet?''. You need to plant a seed. Then feed the seed for it to grow and become strong.

Jesus spoke many times in parables and when asked why he told the parable of the seed. Some fell on the hard path and where eaten by birds. Some fell on rocky ground that grew but roots didn't get a good bed so the plant could not feed and died.

Some seeds fell on weedy ground and grow up strong only to be smothered by weeds and die. but The seeds that where sown in good soil grow and yielded a crop 100 times more than what was planted.

This was basically to help explain that words and teaching can sometimes fall on death ears, sometimes people will listen but not understand. Some will listen, understand but soon forget, and others will listen learn and grow and seek more learning.

Parables where a way Jesus could speak to the people around him to help them understand things. It was a way to make things simple and put in a context that the people of that time could relate to.

It has been suggested that I try and put Parables into today's understanding, so Over the next few weeks I'm gonna try and put some parables into terms we can all relate to.

The bible isn't out of date as some suggest. Parables are still as important today as they where 2000 years ago, but maybe some parables can be brought into today's understanding?

A Tradesman can do his job how he feels is the best way of doing it, but its not important. The important thing is that the end result is the same. So maybe its the same with Parables?????

The Green Cross Code.

Who Remembers 'The Green Cross Code'? It was an Advert about Road safety in the 70's / 80's.

The idea was to promote a safe way to cross the road, telling us to STOP, LOOK, LISTEN.

STOP at the side of the Road, LOOK both ways, LISTEN out for any traffic noise that may not be seen. ''and when your sure its safe to cross, do so calmly and safely''.

The man in the superhero like suit guided children across the road and stop people running out between cars. He was the character that made this campaign so cheesy and looking back a bit rubbish, but the fact is that many of us remember it so can only be seen as a great campaign.

Just this weekend someone said to me that maybe I spend to much time praying too and not listening too God. Praying is really important but if we pray and speak to God, then we need to listen too. you wouldn't have a conversation with somebody and not listen to what they had to say would you. Well I guess its the same with praying. We have to be open and listen to God to maybe get answers.

STOP and spend time talking to God. LOOK at what god has promised in the bible and LISTEN to what he says back. God always answers but the key to listening is to not have a plan or idea already printed in your mind.

Changes

Those who know me will know I get a bit hung up on rules, and the fact so many churches have different rules within there structure. And the fact that sometime the rule change to suite the situation we/ they find themselves in or to accommodate different people.

In the last year I have realised that rules of church don't have as much importance as the rules laid out for all of us in the bible.

I always remember hearing the ice cream van coming round just after dinner on Sundays where we lived as kids. Mum would soon say ''Not on a Sunday'' when we asked for one. This wasn't always just a christian value in times gone by, and looking a little further back in the history book we will see that most of the shops and work places would be always shut on ''The Sabeth''.

As People started to work more and different hours and things like international links needed to be kept the need for Sunday opening needed to start creeping into place's and the need for Sunday shifts came into play. The day of Rest for many had become just like any other.

Even the Church Sunday schedule started to be reduced to make Way for changing times. And the need for change hasn't been any different here in Felixstowe as the main employer The Port of Felixstowe has become a 24-7 Industry that goes on throughout the year.

OK. What is a good example of rules changing. Well I'm not sure how true this story is as i was once told different (but that one was dull and boring). But in history (know idea when) it used to be ''LAW'' for a Girl wanting to get married to have to spend the night with the King or another man of high status. and the letters F. U. C. and K would then be hung on the married couples door which stood for FORNICATING UNDER CONSENT of the KING which I'm told was where the slang for sexual intercourse came from.

Soon a King with values came into power and because he realised this rule was out of date and unethical he changed it so that the night of passion with the ruler of the state was whipped off and marriage certificates where given out' not to be displayed above a door but just to be kept as proof of the kings consent.

He hadn't change the Rules, people still needed permission of the King to get wed. But what he did do is change the system, or remove some of it to keep up with the moving and changing times.

The Church Views have changed over generations and things like shopping on a Sunday have become part of everyday life for everyone. After all what makes Christians different to everyone else when it comes to practicalities. What gives us the right to tell others its wrong.

As Churches make changes and put different systems in place or take some away this doesn't mean standards are dropping. And as long as we know that Gods rules set out in the bible can never be changed. The bible tells us to share the good news and feed the hungry and cloth the poor, and to encourage each other to seek Jesus in all we do....... surely then the only way to do this is to move forward with the rest of the world we live in. One things for sure God will never and has never changed.

We are More than Conquerors

My Nana Little sadly past away yesterday, and the News saddened us all greatly. But she was Old and over the past few years had gone down hill fast. She was still our Nana but yesterday we could start to remember the happy friendly strong Nana that we know in the past.

She was a Christian Ladie always playing a part in her Family and her church, with many friends and many story's to tell.

She was in the flood in the 50s and as a Young mother she had to deal with things that night that many could only imagine. She had two small children and sat up all night watching the sea reach almost to the top step while the kids (my Mum and Uncle where sleeping and my grandad was out on a nights Fishing unawarer of the flooding that was taking place.

She told us about the time during the War she was out walking, she watched a barrage balloon past over her head and told how she was so frightened she ran home to find a safe place.

She also had some great sayings like the time I asked her if she was scared of ghosts and she replied ''It the living you need to be scared of not the dead''. Or when she was late for something she would say ''Better Late in this world than early in the next''

I chatted with my sister and we laughed saying that she'll be in heaven now arguing with my mum and moaning at Grandad, and telling mum about all the kids and hoping to watch the Snooker Later on TV (Loudly).

It great to look back on family and friends that have Died. in the Salvation Army we say they have been PROMOTED TO GLORY meaning dieing isn't the end but the beginning of eternity.

I believe Ill be there one day and hope many more of my friends and family will be to, a place where there is no hurt no worries and no End.

What ever Nana is Doing now I know she is back to the way she was when she mad us laugh and mad us chips anytime you wanted.

Remember Death is not the End its the beginning of forever, I know my Nana has conquered the Grave just as Jesus did all those many years ago. because the same Holy Spirit that was in Jesus is in Nana Little and amazingly in many of us today that makes us able unbeatable and more then Conquerors

Share the News

Again I been getting comments about why I blog and how I find the courage to blog. I'm not sure courage is the right word. someone said to me that blogging like I do is an amazing thing as they would be to embarrassed to do it. but I'm just not embarrassed and don't get worried about what people say or think.

Ok, lets look at it another way, you go to a great restaurant and have an amazing dinner. You come away feeling good (if not a little full) and you say to someone the next day that its a great place.Why wouldn't you? you had a great diner great atmosphere and great service so you tell people about it.

The people you tell then have a choice to go and try it out themselves or just take your word for it. They may just even think you are maybe mad, as its not the restaurant they would choose to go for a meal. But would you feel embarrassed about telling everyone about something you liked and about the great food you had? No I don't think you would. and I don't think you need courage to tell people either.

The thing is that with all great things you want to tell people about it. Why wouldn't you. and that's the same as me.

I started blogging as a personal thing that only i would read (kind of like a release. But soon realised that why would i keep this great News top myself. Why would I not tell others about stuff I learn and hear, feel and see. Its not courage its truth.

People have a choice to read It or move on, people have a choice to seek it, or run the other way. That's the thing with God, he doesn't force himself on anyone but if you ask him in and seek him wholeheartedly he will be there.

Ok Ok blah blah blah. I'm going on again about this stuff again.... but I am amazed just how many people say to me, '' I wish I had a faith'' or ''I believe in something, just not sure what'' or the classic ''yer I'm sure god does exist, its just not for me''.
Is it that people are scared? well if you seek god and find he isn't there then theres nothing to be scared about. But is you seek god and find he is then again you have found the key that gives you HOPE, FORFILLNESS and ETERNAL LIFE.

''Im Looking to add Testomonies to the blog from people that want to tell it. this could be annonamously or not, and could be on video or just written. email me if you would like to share your story on here Garethdcook@hotmail.co.uk)

Yoke???

How stupid do I feel? It says in the bible ''Share my yoke'' and I had always thought it meant part of an egg (which could be a good thing) but in fact I have just learnt that a yoke (not sure on the spelling) is a bar on a plough or cart that joins two animals together so that they share equal weight distribution of what they are pulling.

Was I the only one to think it meant ''Lets do breakfast''?

Well after thinking that it meant let Jesus share your life, as the yoke in an egg is the life and share it with God I now feel a bit stupid as I have found out what it really means after all these years.

So, it means let Jesus share the burdens, the strains and the worries of life. He promises to make all things good and all things right, he promises to be there at your side to help pull the weight to make it a little easier and help keep you going straight.

You know I'm starting to realise that being a christian isn't about having all the answers or knowing everything about the bible. Its about learning and sharing faith, its about trusting and telling people what you learn.

''Runaround''

Years ago there was a programme on TV called ''RunAround'' Where questions where asked and a load of kids would have to choose one of the 3 options (A, B or C) and run to that option. The they where given a chance to change there Answer.

Now I'm sure I'm not old enough to remember this, so I must have seen the re-runs.

Must of the time you would get most of the kids running to the same Answer with one or two on a different answer, the when Mike Read the host gave them the option to change that when kids would start to wonder if they should move to another option.

I remember one time (on the re- run, honest)3 kids chose option B one chose option A and all the rest went for C. The Mike Read shouted RUN AROUND and 2 from B moved to C, and 6 from C moved to A. One loan girl on B stood knowing she had it write when others where doubting, and moved to where they thought the correct answer was.

The Answer was B, and the Girl that went straight there and that stayed there was the only one that got it right.others didnt5 trust the first choice and some followed the crowd. Some even decided to trust other people thinking they where cleverer than themselves.

So Many things in life can be like a big game of run around as we try to decided whats right.Try to look to others for answers and make choices we find are wrong.

But if we stop and Ask God to be there by our side, and trust he is there listening h is there listening to our prayers then we shouldn't need to worry to much about the results and know that God make all things good and all things work.

It says in the bible that God had planned our life's even before we where born and if we trust in him we can know he will use those plans for the better.

Don't follow the crowd don't worry about making the right choice, worry about keeping god at the centre of those choices and trust in him.

Motorway Madness

The other day I drove over the Dartford Bridge, It was a clear day and I could see Canary Wharf as I look out over London.

As I Joined the lines of traffic waiting to pay my £1.50 I notice the people in the cars around me where all in there own little world within the the cars. some where looking almost asleep and some nodding along to the radio and some chatting to passengers.

Its not my most favourite pass time it must be said, sitting in traffic waiting to pay £1.50 for the privilege of crossing the river when I have already paid Road Tax, and through the nose for Petrol, but its something we all choose to do.

In the cue I also found and got annoyed by people jumping in and out of different lanes because they thought another was quicker, but the fact is this type of driving slows everything down further. then you have the drivers that follow closely every move and never leave you bumper in case they let another car in.

Once to the toll gate you get a choice of gates. Correct change or change given, this can bring out a number of situations as I have seen someone throwing the money into the basket and missing, then getting out to search for it holding everyone in that cue up. then you get the driver that realises he hasn't got the correct change and trys to change lanes but the lane he needs is about 5 gates away.

Oh the joys of driving. I guess nothing much can be done about it so the best thing to do is stay cool and just take you time and trust you ll get to where your going at some point.

My Nana used to say... Better Late in this world than early in the next...and I guess she is spot on. As we look at what Life can throw at us and what things can stop us in our tracks or get in our way to slow us down we can be sure that God knows best and that when we trust and have faith, and seek his will in all we do then we cant go wrong.

Drop The Shield.

I know this guy who for many years was trying to be someone that he thought he could be. He hid behind a shield of self belief and when the rear time came and he let the shield down he started to feel weak and put the shield up harder and stronger.

He had many friends that knew him as a Strong character and friend that could see through him and all liked him for who he was even when he was sometimes grumpy and aggressive or when he was fun and joking around.

One day something happened that made this guy unable to hold the shield up and how ever hard he tried the shield was weak and could not be used to defend or hide his true feelings.

Soon the chap realised that actually people like the weakness and he actually found that being him self and not something he thought he should be was a strenth. People began to learn on him and he them. he found a whole new look on life and instead of trying to hold up the shield he was trying to lose it as he felt the weight was holding him back.

He still has many friends and more, and he worked out that friends like the weak version more than the strong, and he know if some didnt then maybe they are not as good friends as he thought. 

Do you carry round a wieghty shield to stop people getting to see the real you? do you feel strong and losing the defence is not an option? Well what this guy realised is that he was made to be someone he wasnt being and that the weaknesses became his true strengh.

We sang a song in church the other week and the words for the first time stood out at me......

''He turns are weaknesses into his opotunities''

So why not ty and be weak as it will make you strong. You never know God may well be there to turn your weaknesses and disasters into his opotunities.

We Are All Normal.

During the Paralympics There is a channel 4 called 'The Last Leg' a chat/ comedy show base around the Games.

I watch this every night and each night it makes me laugh, as they look at the fun parts of the Games and highlight the amazing ability of the athletes.

Hosted by disabled people, they take a laid back look at peoples disadvantages and make light of some athletes mistakes. This is all done in great taste and the fact that many of the athletes themselves watch it in the Olympic village shows that they are not offend by the programme.

One of the features on the programme is where viewers can message in and ask.... is it OK to ask?..... for instance... is it OK to ask how the swimmer with no arms gets out of the pool? or... is it OK to ask if the guy that runs with one leg and one blade gets a discount on trainers?

Making light of the bad things in life is sometimes a great way to over come barriers. one athlete said...

''Ive done more with out my legs than In would have done with then''

This sort of statement is great to hear and can inspire so many. Like the mother and father of a young disabled boy, after not knowing what sort of life their son would or could have they watched the Paralympic swimming and saw a swimmer with the same disability as their son win gold, and now have book him in to swimming classes.

Making light of Christian values and behaviour maybe not quite the same as God set out rules. but in the same respect Christians are all different and can all reach out to different people. they are not stereo typical and can laugh and make fun of each other.

If Christian people do this in a respectful way then they to can become inspiring and change peoples view.

We can all use our situation to inspire and change peoples views. It maybe in your work or school. It maybe in a sports club or local group. I t could also be as a parent at the school gate.

we all have the ability to try and show that Christians are Normal and don't need to preach to do it.