I'm about to leave for New Wine - I'll be there for the next 2 weeks. If you need to get hold of me try 07906 503 995.

Otherwise, have fun!!
And don't forget to see Fahrenheit 9/11.

Update: my cousin, Sarah has a new blog.

I'm enjoying my new Flickr account. It's a great tool for photo-blogging (see right -->)

The last week seems to have been something of a mad rush. Yesterday I had to go shopping and get essentials for moving to Bristol. We survived by taking well-earned rests every so often for coffee or lunch.

Today I visited Chris and we went walking in Cefn Onn Park. We almost got lost and managed to find an amazing view over Cardiff on the one side and Caerphilly on the other while talking philosophy. Good times.

Does anyone who reads this blog have any experience of using one of these:

I've been using a tape-dictaphone to record any inspiration for songs over the last few months. The problem is that the in-built mic is real poor quality. I have a minidisc recorder and was thinking of getting an external mic for it.

On Friday I go to New Wine to work on the ICC recording team for Week A and B, so will be gone for 2 weeks. Then I return for one week before moving to Bristol!

I've just finished what was probably my final shift at the M-Store. This week has been really interesting. It started off a little on the low side - I was feeling pretty down, unfocussed and frustrated.

But on Thursday night at our housegroup God really showed up and brought His refreshing (click here for more).

Last night Mark came around. We went on a long walk with the dog, taking in the fine weather and enjoying the space. We were able to chat some more, sharing thoughts and dreams. A great end to a varied week!

My buddy Mark has a new blog.

Since the Worship Leaders' Retreat, back in June and a conversation I had with Matt I've been reflecting on the call to be practitioners first and "thinkers" second. This might sound a little strange to some of you, especially coming from someone who loves to learn, but I'm really trying to figure out where that fits in with walking with Jesus.

The truth is that a gospel that is purely theoretical, however accurate, is unappealing in equal measure for those not currently following Jesus and those who are. We can theorise about the Kingdom all we like, but until we become "word-workers," those with good "ortho-praxis" to match our good orthodoxy, our faith is questionable. As James says "what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone."

I want to be a practitioner, I want to be someone who doesn't shirk his responsibility to usher in the kingdom. It seems that Jesus didn't worry about his disciples' theoretical understanding but instead immersed them in the work of the kingdom and let the understanding follow. He kept experience one step ahead of information. Is it just me or does that sound like more of an adventure?

Why haven't I blogged recently? It's actually because a combination of blogger and the settings on our network has prevented some of my posts appearing...

Last night we returned from Re:fresh, an experience of camping, teaching, frisbee and eating in the Bradfield countryside (just outside Reading). It was good to hang out with some of the extended family that is the Vineyard.

Lack of sleep, cold and too much talking seems to have taken its toll on my system and I spent most of today sleeping and trying to shake off a sore throat.

I'm off to Re:fresh (Vineyard weekend) in a few minutes, but just have time to post about the crazy week that has just been...

As already blogged, Stefan arrived last weekend and has since educated us on the fact that the Swiss are the best at everything (hmmm). On Tuesday Becky and Rachael, our two cousins came to visit. It was great to spend some time with them, catching up on everything that's been going on in each others' lives.

Last night our housegroup went to see Verra Cruz, a great band from St Albans who are also part of this family we call the Vineyard. If you like your hard rock, they're definately one to watch.

Time really seems to be flying and before long I'll be getting used to life across the bridge.

I've just finished Invisible Monsters, a non-linear escapade from Chuck Palahniuk, author of  Fight Club.  On first glimpse the book is a study of the life of a model after having her face blown off.  Only later do you discover a far more sinister plot with twists that keep you guessing right until the end.  The tale is one of self-destruction with the aim of attaining freedom from the constraints of society.

 

Now for a quote from Brandy Alexander:
"I want out of labels.  I don't want my life crammed into a single word.  A story.  I want to find something else, unknowable, some place that's not on the map.  A real adventure..." (p261)

 

It's a story of decadence and is at times very dark.  This is the first book I've read by Palahniuk and I found his writing style is unique and refreshing.  However I did have concerns that in time it may seem clichéd.

I know I'm a bit late with this one, but we've just watched Lost in Translation on DVD. I've heard people say you either love it or hate it, no in-between (the Marmite effect). Anyhow I loved it: from the photography to the music, to the adventure that the movie takes you on. For me it really captured what it's like to be somewhere, surrounded by people and yet disengaged from everything around you.****

9.25am Friday morning, phone rings...
I pick up after a few rings..."hello?"
At first all I hear is background noise, people making people noises.
Then an accented voice "heilo can I speak to Zoë?"
And for some reason I assume it's a phonecall from her bank, from an Indian callcentre.

Accent recognition was obviously not functioning at that time of the morning. Turns out it was Zoë's Swiss friend Stefan from the discipleship course she did in Thailand last summer.

So if anyone (in Cardiff) has any space in their house and would like a Swiss visitor, please let us know! Stefan is currently at the Backpacker hostel.