Beautiful Lurgan

Was down at the shores of the Lough with my camera the other day. It's the outskirts of Lurgan yet it is still beautiful!















More at my flickr site.

The End

My pastor's words are the conclusion to the discussion that has been going round in circles for days. Thankyou to all the people with differing views who wrote with humilty and grace. To those who seek to divide, it will never happen because love conquers all.

I will be moderating all comments from now on because I don't want it all kicking off again.

The verse Philip quoted is my prayer.

"Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action" (1 John 3:18)

The Self-righteous

I don't know if it is past experience or just a hobby horse but if there is one thing that riles me it is self-righteousness...people who think they have it all sorted...who love to cast the first stone.

My Acrobat and Summer's End posts have both gone in a direction I hadn't intended. I have no problem entering into a conversation with people whose views differ from mine provided there is an open mind on both sides. I appreciate the comments that were written in this tone. I have to say though that it amazes me how describing a Radiohead concert as I saw it can provoke personal attacks from people who don't know me.

I don't like navel gazing so I'll get it all out now...
-I don't pretend to have it all (or any of it) figured out.
-I get it wrong all the time.
-I try to understand God but realise I'm not even close.
-I am a sinner who is constantly screwing up.
-I wish I was a better.
-I try to be like Jesus.
-I owe a huge debt to grace.

Acrobat

My mates always slag me about this but I sometimes wonder if my life would have drifted in a different direction were it not for the music of U2. I really believe God has used their influence to bring me closer to Him in a way that feels real.

I remember when I was in my mid-teens and was totally disillusioned with church, other Christians, and the fire in my belly was having water thrown over it. For the first of many times I gained strength from a U2 song. Not because they contained answers but because they reflected my own questions. This was a greater comfort. From the song 'Acrobat':

I'd join the movement,

If there was one I could believe in,

I'd break bread and wine,

If there was a church I could receive in,

Cos I need it now,

To take the cup,

To fill it up,

To drink it slow,

I can't let you go.

I've had so many of these moments I could write a book on U2. Unfortunately Steve Stockman got there first! By the way, I'm grateful to God that in Emmanuel I now have found a church that I can believe, receive and give in.

P.S. There is an interesting conversation developing below in the comments section of my Summers End post. Feel free to add your voice!