tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61459712012-01-28T16:39:54.431ZMy journey - a collection of urban missio dei musings, mullings and ponderingGordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.comBlogger12681100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-79383902887958182722012-01-23T13:15:00.002Z2012-01-23T13:15:57.221Z

Found this from Nouwen both challenging and helpful. "The word community has many connotations, some positive, some negative. Community can make us think of a safe togetherness, shared meals, common goals, and joyful celebrations. It also can call forth images of sectarian exclusivity, in-group language, self-satisfied isolation, and romantic naiveté. However, community is first of all a quality

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-3280585710004133232012-01-01T11:59:00.001Z2012-01-01T11:59:00.301Z

Bussell, D., & Mackrell, J. (1998). Life in dance. London: Century. Runcorn, D. (2003)Choice, Desire and the will of God.SPCK Hauerwas, S (1983) The Peaceable Kingdom: A Primer in Christian Ethics. MacLaren, B. (2011) Naked spirituality : a life with God in 12 simple words Ellul, J. (1986). The subversion of Christianity . Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans. Holmes, U. T. (2002). A history of

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-39155434861030252312011-11-17T18:23:00.001Z2011-11-17T18:56:50.462Z

Interesting conversation sent me looking for this article - thanks Malcolm! Towards a definition of "Open Evangelical" "Open evangelical" is a term that has emerged in the context of evangelical Anglicanism in the UK. Broadly speaking it is those who see themselves as heirs of the Keele Congress of 1967, when evangelical Anglicans committed themselves to work in the mainstream of the Church of

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-19592686396785979372011-10-19T18:25:00.000Z2011-10-19T18:25:10.211Z

Good couple of days meeting up with friends and colleagues. Felt thoroughly affirmed by John Reads session on mission and came home with a great Catherine Booth quote definin mission which I now need to source: "Mission is Jesus Christ come in the flesh again in his people. Living out before the the world his principles acting upon his precepts living for the same objects for which he lived." (

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-34492785509243827692011-10-16T20:46:00.000Z2011-10-16T20:46:53.486Z

There is an immature petition that renders God my personal assistant or fixer or genii, the omnipotent enforcer of my will on earth pp 128 or The best way to pray is: stop. Let prayer pray within you, whether you know it or not. This means a deep awareness of our true inner identity. It implies a life of faith, but also doubt. You can't have faith without doubt. Give up the business of

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-43364324865256782572011-10-13T20:42:00.000Z2011-10-16T20:47:41.126Z

General Linda Bond launched her mission vision for TSA, love the emphasis on integrated mission and marginalised! ONE ARMY: We see a God-raised, Spirit-filled Army for the 21st century - convinced of our calling, moving forward together We will... deepen our spiritual life unite in prayer identify and develop leaders increase self-support and self-denial ONE MISSION: Into the world of

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-8153696014715384892011-09-26T08:52:00.001Z2011-09-26T08:52:00.184Z

Just found this rant on my ipod! "We know what's gone wrong: the question is, do we have the determination to put it right? Do we have the determination to confront the slow-motion moral collapse that has taken place in parts of our country these past few generations." David Cameron Summer 2011 This all said while pointing at communities that have systematically been striped of hope with

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-70942760351970558552011-09-22T07:42:00.000Z2011-09-22T07:42:16.144Z

A friend sent me this today:- Read: John 5:35-47 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. —John 5:40 Dr. Jack Mezirow, professor emeritus at Columbia Teachers College, believes that an essential element in adult learning is to challenge our own ingrained perceptions and examine our insights critically. Dr. Mezirow says that adults learn best when faced with what he calls a

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-83911258433080204832011-09-18T18:17:00.000Z2011-09-18T18:17:42.158Z

Not the easiest of reads as Ellul hits hard illustrating the means and way Christianity has been subverted and fabricated. He points to the many contradictions between the bible and the practice of the church as scripture has been reinterpreted by culture and times in their own nature. Lots of quotes noted down - here's one... Our God is a God of beginnings. There is in him no redundancy or

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-7680660663157776472011-09-16T07:30:00.001Z2011-09-16T07:30:29.105Z

visited 27 states (12%)Create your own visited map of The World or Like this? try: Triposo Travelhacks

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-88398523505099148802011-09-09T14:36:00.001Z2011-09-09T14:36:00.539Z

Summary 6 - Life of Love - 6 - Transcends us The final stage that Hagberg identifies is that of a faith that reflects God. The sense of journeying out continues in selfless Christlike living that is defined by total obediece to God and compassionate loving for others. The needs of self are abandoned in complete hospitatlity for others and the consequent disregard for self sees a detachment from

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-14721936840496139712011-09-06T22:24:00.002Z2011-09-06T22:24:00.019Z

Summary of Stage 5 The Journey outward -transforms us After the unsettlement and disorientation of what Hagberg calls the wall, she suggests that we are turned inside out and unmasked in order that an unconditional love can emerge. Faith is surrendering to God in a new way that brings with it a renewed sense of God's acceptance characterised by a deep calm or stillness. While there is a

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-52965011645794963672011-09-02T07:49:00.000Z2011-09-02T07:49:45.231Z

"There are certain things which The Salvation Army can spare and still be The Salvation Army -- citadels and other meeting places, for instance. Money, too, can be done without. The advantages of organization are not entirely essential. One thing, however, The Salvation Army cannot spare. The Army, which William Booth gathered together out of the most impossible material, to the astonishment

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-12011548232135945792011-08-26T05:15:00.001Z2011-08-26T07:03:39.543Z

Wow - so even philanthropy is to be privatised! Check out this article: Social bond pilot schemes to run in 2012 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/social-bond-pilot-schemes-to-run-in-2012-2344100.html Sent from my iPod

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-56938482243598523642011-08-17T07:46:00.000Z2011-08-17T07:51:25.218Z

Tent hitched ready to head off to a favoured campsite on the IoW. International Drought Breakers are go....Sent from my iPod

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-90528903551064373512011-08-15T07:59:00.000Z2011-08-15T07:59:14.086Z

"... I got the barbecue out" Wasn't really the answer I was expecting. Conversations after church over a cup of tea are pretty always good. I like them! You get to connect, to share and to know each other. I had been doing well with Ron, his week hadn't been good workwise, carwise or in fact catwise. Suzy family pet for many years had died and I was being talked through the decision to cremate

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-37356659117540716652011-08-10T07:55:00.002Z2011-08-10T07:52:36.974Z

What is it, exactly, that he, the incarnate Lord, does? What, if you wish, is he "good at"? The answer is found in the gospels: he lives out the kingdom of God, and he applies that kingdom for the good of others and even makes it possible for them to enter it themselves. Willard How to be a Disciple 1998 Christian Century April 430 ff Sent from my iPod

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-64924464116449698282011-08-04T09:35:00.000Z2011-08-04T09:35:55.957Z

Open Yale Courses provides free and open access to a selection of introductory courses taught by distinguished teachers and scholars at Yale University. The aim of the project is to expand access to educational materials for all who wish to learn. Looks a good resource to me! More here

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-72721250633897041962011-08-02T07:45:00.000Z2011-08-02T07:45:06.754Z

The group that stays for discussion after Monday Drop in at Faith house is developing really well with Rob Bell's Nooma a good starter. I love the way Malcolm takes it all so literal and after a great discussion about anger and irritation he starts to make a point about RB's story involving him chasing a man who tried to break into his car. "The thing that I don't get is this...." We wait

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-75465883095565459752011-07-04T08:41:00.000Z2011-07-04T08:41:36.584Z

Every year we have a retreat day for teh session aboput to be commissioned, so it was the Ambassadors of Holiness' turn to spend a day in the urban oasis that is The Royal Foundation of St. Katharine, at Limehouse in East London. One of the reflective exercises was to spend time in the Beatitudes and to paraphrase it. With a bit of inspiration from Pungente, J. J., & Williams, G. B. (2004).

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-52662982588181524872011-06-29T06:55:00.000Z2011-06-29T06:55:50.000Z

Never really noticed these words by James Montgomery (1771-1854) before. Hail to the Lord's Anointed, great David's greater Son! Hail, in the time appointed, his reign on earth begun! He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free, to take away transgression, and rule in equity. He comes, with succour speedy, to those who suffer wrong; to help the poor and needy, and bid the weak be

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-14390156614802967192011-06-13T07:54:00.000Z2011-06-13T07:54:13.523Z

A brief look at this on-line Journal makes me think I'll be back for a deeper and longer look. The Bible and Critical Theory "The Bible and Critical Theory is an exploratory and innovative online scholarly journal for biblical studies, published by the Bible and Critical Theory Seminar. The journal explores the intersections between critical theory, understood in the broad sense, and biblical

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-81948453036215159632011-06-06T14:09:00.000Z2011-06-06T14:09:16.141Z

William Booth College is pleased to invite you to an open day with Dr. Luke Bretherton to be held on Tuesday 21 June 2011 in the Assembly Hall.  Luke is a Senior Lecturer in Theology & Politics and Convenor of the Faith and Public Policy Forum at King's College London. Prior to King’s he was Director of Studies of an ordination training course for Anglican, Methodist and United Reform clergy and

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-89596950073569163312011-06-02T09:29:00.000Z2011-06-02T09:29:07.625Z

Discovered Ministry Today This article particularly was useful regarding personal development

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-25313340700477201872011-05-22T22:36:00.000Z2011-05-22T22:29:59.076Z

I saw this article from The Independent and thought it might be of interest to youTricky reality for preacher after world fails to end It's fair to surmise that today did not go entirely according to plan for Mr Harold Camping. For starters, he woke up. © 2009 Independent News and MediaSent from my iPod

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-87384311564764680912011-05-16T14:17:00.002Z2011-05-16T14:17:37.204Z

Lyfe has had an overhaul and is worth investigating.

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-22397032300725768822011-05-15T20:20:00.001Z2011-05-15T20:34:41.106Z

Certain words to me seem to have been hijacked and diluted and 'pure heart'seems to fit that category. Calon Lân is a Welsh hymn, the words of which were written in the 19th century by Daniel James, sung before Welsh rugby union test matches an anthem. I found it interesting that this Welsh word used for pure heart equally means to be complete. I don't ask for a luxurious life, the world's gold

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-37152161364065767182011-05-12T10:49:00.000Z2011-05-13T20:31:23.889Z

Song number 521 seems to be quite a mission anthem Saviour, I long to be Nearer to thee; In word and deed and thought Holy to be. O take this heart of mine And seal me ever thine, Fill me with love divine, For service, Lord! Make me a blazing fire Where'er I go, That to a dying world Thee I may show: How thou hast bled and died That none may be denied, But in thy bleeding side A refuge find.

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-76273430938111515282011-05-11T05:57:00.000Z2011-05-11T05:58:23.394Z

I saw this article from The Independent and thought it might be of interest to youThe first year of coalition government A is for Arts, which the Liberal Democrats mostly like but the Tories don't, because they see them as being devised by, and for the enjoyment of, a predominantly left-wing, anti-government bunch of "agitprop" merchants, gays, chatterers and subversives who shouldn't be

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-31246413472494163322011-05-09T06:55:00.000Z2011-05-09T06:55:05.625Z

There is perhaps no better proof for the existence of God than the way year after year he survives the way his professional friends promote him. Buechner, F. (1988:5-6). Whistling in the dark: an ABC theologized. San Francisco: Harper & Row.

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-30532654273604358972011-05-05T16:01:00.000Z2011-05-05T16:01:37.131Z

JR Woodward clearly loves Mission and has put together an amazing resource here Thanks Wayne!

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-30988429027559701282011-05-05T09:42:00.000Z2011-05-05T09:42:33.794Z

Just a bit of fun. Here's my cabinet based on the short questionnaire. You took the Political Animal quiz on www.susa.info, and your personalised cabinet of political characters was: William Wilberforce You basically accept that Christian political action will be necessary on all fronts if we are going to have a fair and righteous society. The law should reflect both Godly moral foundations

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-66725004562146061582011-05-02T21:04:00.001Z2011-05-03T21:36:05.228Z

I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. "Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that" — Martin Luther King Jr. Here's the quote in its fuller

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-39276876524908857662011-04-22T19:20:00.000Z2011-04-22T19:22:15.838Z

I saw this article from The Independent and thought it might be of interest to youJohn Sentamu: Is the Big Society big enough to offer shelter to refugees? The events of the first Easter were told against a social backdrop of violence, injustice, migration, and the desperate search for safety. Jesus and his disciples celebrated the Passover that week, a festival that recalled their forebears'

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-27609383109332612682011-04-21T22:22:00.001Z2011-04-21T22:22:00.527Z

Summary of Stage 4 - The Journey Inward - unsettles us The fact that faith development becomes more about rediscovering God is unsettling. The process of unlearning and relearning comes through the emergence of a life of faith crisis. The certainities of life and faith are lost and once daely held answers no longer provide direction. The pursuit of personal integrity in relation to God causes

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-36822526127733557132011-04-19T20:22:00.000Z2011-04-19T20:22:43.472Z

Sang these words by Francis Bottome as part of Holy Week this morning and the themes of fullness, kenosis, mystical union, mission hit me between the eyes. Precious Jesus, O to love thee! O to know that thou art mine! Jesus, all my heart I give thee If thou wilt but make it thine. Chorus Glory, glory, Jesus saves me, Glory, glory to the Lamb! O the cleansing blood has reached me, Glory, glory

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-65089548109856952252011-04-18T07:09:00.001Z2011-04-18T07:09:12.529Z

I saw this article from The Independent and thought it might be of interest to youLosing our religion: The Church of England in decline As the faithful look forward to Easter and the Archbishop of Canterbury prepares to officiate at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, it may seem inappropriate to be discussing the future of his Church. But this Easter week, I can't help feeling –

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-54162130662323671002011-04-08T09:38:00.000Z2011-04-08T09:38:01.858Z

Perhaps more a case of found lyrics rather than lost - but these words by H. Ernest Nichol caught my eye. We've a story to tell to the nations, That shall turn their hearts to the right. A story of truth and mercy, A story of peace and light, A story of peace and light. Refrain For the darkness shall turn to dawning, And the dawning to noonday bright; And Christ's great kingdom shall come on

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-47050959920948903812011-04-02T08:28:00.001Z2011-04-02T08:28:42.843Z

I saw this article from The Independent and thought it might be of interest to youJohann Hari: The plan to save Ed Miliband I am worried about Ed Miliband. I backed him to be leader of the Labour Party. I badly want him to beat David Cameron at the next general election. But here's my problem. He has been leader of the Labour Party for six months now, and my mother, my father, my

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-14711957218488288262011-03-30T16:01:00.000Z2011-03-30T16:01:09.460Z

"...a library is as holy a place as any temple..." "How like a winter hath my absence been from thee.." Doestoevsky - Words have power writes Buechner. "Words written fifty years ago, a hundred years ago, a thousand years ago, can have as much of this power today as ever they had it then to come alive for us an in us and make us more alive within ourselves... even across great distances of time

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-52506119706770844822011-03-15T20:22:00.000Z2011-03-15T20:22:18.240Z

"So would that only be for what you consider to be heaven or are you saved for here and now?" It's been a while since I have been evangelised and I have to admit it left me feeling a little annoyed but I am trying to work out exactly why? Two well meaning young men tooled up with no doubt the latest in hip communicating tracts accosted me on the street and just came right out with it. "So are

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-62419646755192694392011-03-01T09:44:00.001Z2011-03-01T09:44:38.860Z

Frank Viola makes a plea to learn our history here. Why? Beacause in missional and discipleship terms he considers that we are "peppered with many converts to Christianity who possessed fire-insurance policies, but few of them were actually following Jesus as this world’s true Lord." Good article thanks Simon ;o)

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-30418898032888627722011-02-28T08:06:00.000Z2011-02-28T08:06:26.432Z

Bono: My understanding of the Scriptures has been made simple by the person of Christ. Christ teaches that God is love. What does that mean? What it means for me: a study of the life of Christ. Love here describes itself as a child born in straw poverty, the most vulnerable situation of all, without honor. I don't let my religious world get too complicated. I just kind of go: Well, I think I

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-1581277601192674642011-02-14T22:25:00.000Z2011-02-14T22:25:23.759Z

Great article in the Leadership Journal. Here are some edited highlights. "Biblical justice involves making individuals, communities, and the cosmos whole, by upholding both goodness and impartiality. It stands at the centre of true religion, according to James, who says that the kind of "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-42313210368116575292011-02-04T17:08:00.000Z2011-02-04T17:08:04.886Z

Lausanne 2010 - A Confession of Faith and a Call to Action The Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization (Cape Town, 16-25 October 2010) brought together 4,200 evangelical leaders from 198 countries, and extended to hundreds of thousands more, participating in meetings around the world, and online. Its goal? To bring a fresh challenge to the global Church to bear witness to Jesus Christ

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-53122887995983718172011-01-31T15:31:00.002Z2011-01-31T15:31:50.420Z

If you understand it is not God you understand...! - Augustine

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-54919305288887884422011-01-27T21:52:00.000Z2011-01-27T21:52:11.895Z

I've just had Mark Lawrence's art recommended. They look stunning. See them here

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-29985753060466298612011-01-24T08:33:00.000Z2011-01-24T08:33:48.329Z

"....it is our business (not like so many peddlers of God's word but as men and women of sincerity) to speak with our hearts (which is what sincerity means) and to bear witness to, and live out of, and live toward, and live by, the true word of his holy story as it seeks to stammer itself forth through the holy stories of us all." Buechner, F. (1984). A room called Remember: uncollected pieces.

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-15550097441853230672011-01-23T20:55:00.001Z2011-01-23T22:29:42.554Z

Summary of stage 3 - The Productive Life - rewards and exalts us The life of discipleship develops into a practical outworking of that discipleship, in other words faith is working for God. This stage is characterised by a striving for uniqueness in the faith community and a seeking for responsibility. Great value is placed upon symbols or form with a need to achive perceived spiritual goals.

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-28322560833187710892011-01-10T16:31:00.001Z2011-01-10T16:31:42.693Z

Commissioning last year was conducted by The General, as part of his sermon he highlighted what Luther saw as the characteristics of a minister of religion. Study - mind Prayer - heart Affliction - empathy completed only then with action I wish I could find the reference as it resonates with Catherine Booth's thoughts of officers who should be people of head, hearts and hands. The strength of

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-56983148074751991592011-01-08T08:46:00.000Z2011-01-08T08:43:52.700Z

Thanks Simon for this link. A great summary of Richard Horsley and application to the birth narrative. http://thepangeablog.com/2010/12/20/when-a-poor-baby-in-a-manger-overthrows-the-empire/Sent from my iPod

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-84253095982310872002011-01-03T10:05:00.000Z2011-01-03T10:03:20.276Z

I saw this article from The Independent and thought it might be of interest to youThe little red book that swept France Take a book of just 13 pages, written by a relatively obscure 93-year-old man, which contains no sex, no jokes, no fine writing and no startlingly original message. A publishing disaster? No, a publishing phenomenon. © 2009 Independent News and MediaSent from my iPod

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-42337849599206987352011-01-02T21:40:00.000Z2011-01-02T21:40:22.459Z

Books of 2010 Moltmann, J. (2010). Sun of righteousness, arise!: God's future for humanity and the earth. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press. Morisy, A. (2009). Bothered and bewildered enacting hope in troubled times. London: Continuum. Rowling, J. K., & GrandPré, M. (2007). Harry Potter and the deathly hallows . New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine Books Ackerman, J. (2001). Listening to God

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-60793830129611220392010-12-29T10:00:00.001Z2010-12-29T10:02:10.375Z

Nice feeling after 24 years. The last time we had the ashes in Australia I had hair!

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-89155312866627727272010-12-24T10:46:00.003Z2010-12-28T20:47:47.179Z

Having experienced the restricted view of Cinderella it was great to see it without half the stage missing or behind a post! The problem then was distance from the stage. Bringing my binoculars may have stirred some family mirth, but it was amazing how difficult it was getting them back once the ballet started! Here's Claire Calvert as the Winter Fairy supported if you look very carefully in the

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-74793849766702491232010-12-24T08:15:00.000Z2010-12-24T08:12:34.497Z

I saw this article from The Independent and thought it might be of interest to youThe Year in Review: Austerity The year 2010 began with David Cameron looking into a TV camera and pledging to the British people: "If any cabinet minister comes to me and says 'Here are my plans' and they involve frontline reductions, they'll be sent straight back to their department to go away and think

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-57948517608752379932010-12-20T09:32:00.002Z2010-12-20T09:32:00.353Z

"You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing." Isaiah 42:20 " I'd forgotten this until looking through my ipod, but I doubt the person I performed the Heimlich manoeuvre on will. If WBC allows people who are 'without thinking theologically' to be commissioned 'without thinking theologically', TSA in the UK has more than a few problems. There are

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-7367210523158314842010-12-19T21:47:00.000Z2010-12-19T21:47:23.992Z

I have a place of random and incomplete thinking. Generally as thoughts occur I jot them down with the idea of revisiting them. They often represent those off piste moments when listening to the thoughts of others as they preach. Sometimes the result of a good conversation. Sometimes something seen on TV or on the radio or thoughts that are inspired by reading. They end up on the evidence of

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-3321821014870182132010-12-16T20:02:00.000Z2010-12-16T20:02:53.654Z

I'm not sure I'll get used to seeing Eryn on the stage of the royal opera house. Actually seeing her is probably an exaggeration. If you pay £10 to stand with a restricted view you pay £10 to stand with a restricted view! I wait in expectation as the RoH fills, others come and stand beside me dressed for the ballet. A hopeful man thinking his tickets for the ballet were cheap doesn't impress.

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-59322039404667443782010-12-15T20:38:00.001Z2011-01-23T22:28:56.702Z

Summary of Stage 2 - The life of discipleship - grounds us From awe and wonder the desire in faith becomes everything about absorption. Like a sponge the books, DVD's, CD's are soaked up in an insatiable desire to learn. A Christian Marketing dream! Faith at this stage is all about learning about God. Being part of a group is essential and meaning is taken from belonging and agreeing within

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-27843664312077445182010-12-13T16:44:00.003Z2011-01-23T22:28:11.184Z

Janet Hagberg's Hagberg, J. O. (2004). The Critical Journey, Stages in the Life of Faith, Second Edition (2nd ed.). Salem, WI: Sheffield Publishing Company is an unknown classic. I came across it by accident but haven't seen her referenced too much, it might have something to do with the price of the book in comparison with other similar books. Her approach to faith development is refreshing

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-35283279353979415162010-12-11T16:46:00.001Z2010-12-11T16:51:59.705Z

Some good resources and thoughts here. Looking at the inventory resource in particular.

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-58298624327015659992010-12-10T21:18:00.000Z2010-12-10T21:18:00.508Z

Our Territorial Commander has a powerful resonating preaching voice. Anyone who has heard Commissioner John Matear preach would not have lost the irony of him saying "... and when you've finished doing good you don't need to shout Jesus at them!" Recently I found myself listening to our Territorial Commander as he outlined TSA's essence and calling to punch holes in the dark; I was more than

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-47520846628688947262010-12-09T20:35:00.000Z2010-12-09T20:35:34.012Z

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-27818688110843409672010-11-27T23:27:00.000Z2010-11-27T23:26:14.362Z

I saw this article from The Independent and thought it might be of interest to youHitchens defeats Blair in Canadian religion debate Tony Blair told an audience member at a debate yesterday that his religious beliefs did not play a role in his decision to support the US invasion of Iraq - but the votes went 2-1 the way of his opponent, Christopher Hitchens. © 2009 Independent News and

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-385352463967826842010-11-26T09:28:00.001Z2010-11-26T09:49:47.856Z

This looks an interesting resource from a few years back Urban Plant Life PDFs

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-82170340975718083952010-11-25T17:43:00.001Z2010-11-25T17:43:00.226Z

Continuing Hirsch and Frost's insight to faith development using Søren Kierkegaard they refer to a movement from a 'move from self-love, to love of others, to love of God' which then helps in our relearning to 'love self and others properly by loving God truly'. This third stage is known as The Religious Stage: "At this stage, the individual realizes that the eternal, ultimate good is not a

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-84936813069171602412010-11-18T22:07:00.000Z2010-11-18T22:07:14.695Z

"Ireland stands as a shining example of the art of the possible in long term economic policymaking, and that is why I am in Dublin to listen and to learn..." (George Osborne 2006)

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-22728837061569572712010-11-16T15:43:00.001Z2010-11-16T16:42:15.719Z

I couldn't help but smile and watch this more than once!!

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-69952227469428988182010-11-15T12:07:00.000Z2010-11-15T12:07:10.784Z

Bumped into these principles in Leadership Journal focussed on Justice and Evangelism. 1) Incarnation: We must not only have the same message as Jesus but the same method. You really reach people when you enter their world, their hurt and pain. If you’ve incarnated God’s love into the community of a homosexual, for instance, he’ll realize, Oh, this guy is willing to enter my life. He doesn’t

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-880761367047229602010-11-14T20:15:00.000Z2010-11-14T20:15:11.373Z

It has been sometime since I looked out another lost theme . The irony of reading this was not lost on me the day that we looked at lost themes in mission. Buechner seems to share a similar frustration. There is a danger in mishandling the words that hold the essence of faith. "If the language that clothes Christianity is not dead, it is at least, for many dying ... Take any English word, even

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-65094203544462917882010-11-13T10:18:00.000Z2010-11-13T10:16:33.045Z

I saw this article from The Independent and thought it might be of interest to youJohann Hari: Clegg – the man who betrayed us all Two months before the general election, Nick Clegg warned there would be "riots" on the streets if the Conservatives introduced extreme cuts. Now they have begun – and Clegg himself is the chief cutter. © 2009 Independent News and MediaSent from my iPod

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-64204431604140271222010-11-11T21:18:00.000Z2010-11-11T21:18:32.529Z

I really enjoyed listening to Stanley Hauerwas a few weeks ago introducing the concept behind his latest book 'Hannah's Child'. He describes it as a theological memoir where he hopes to write in such a way as to express the development of his theological thinking; integrating a theological reflection that avoids piousness or as he describes it the hateful language of interiority. I'm sure the

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-45569993526302493032010-11-04T10:19:00.000Z2010-11-04T10:19:42.558Z

It's a bit lazy just regurgitating email meditations but Nouwen's Daily has been something I wanted to remember again. There is a tendency to think about poverty, suffering, and pain as realities that happen primarily or even exclusively at the bottom of our Church. We seldom think of our leaders as poor. Still, there is great poverty, deep loneliness, painful isolation, real depression, and

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-71458521363799416762010-10-27T10:23:00.000Z2010-10-27T10:23:00.057Z

This isn't particularly my story but it is a real issue for others. My daily dose of Nouwen was worth bookmarking here. When we have been wounded by the Church, our temptation is to reject it. But when we reject the Church it becomes very hard for us to keep in touch with the living Christ. When we say, "I love Jesus, but I hate the Church," we end up losing not only the Church but Jesus too.

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-41929388577121794832010-10-20T20:51:00.002Z2010-10-20T20:51:00.202Z

I'm really missing FH at the moment, I haven't been able to go for a few weeks, namely with Kate being away in South Africa. Above all I am missing the impact of Rob Bell who makes an appearance each week at the end of the session courtesy of his Nooma series of video shorts. A few weeks back we watch 003 Trees, I loved it, setting the whole concept of mission in its context of God's dream for

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-58016613648718841182010-10-19T21:00:00.001Z2010-10-19T21:00:40.107Z

I saw a conference advertised at the Royal Ballet when picking up Eryn. The conference was about Ninette de Valois founder of the Royal Ballet and Royal Ballet school it was entitled 'Ninette de Valois - Adventurous Traditionalist'. Adventurous Traditionalism is a concept I like the idea of!

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-3435116423676058682010-10-18T20:04:00.000Z2010-10-18T20:51:42.217Z

The next level for Kierkegaard is called Ethical Stage: Here the individual begins to get some real direction in life, and becomes aware of and personally responsible for good and evil, and begins to form lasting commitment to oneself and others. The realization of enduring values – justice, freedom, peace, love, and respect for the moral law within, propel the ethical self forward into a life

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-4783026477852428162010-10-17T07:19:00.000Z2010-10-17T07:21:02.276Z

I saw this article from The Independent and thought it might be of interest to youThink slavery is a thing of the past? Think again William Wilberforce said future generations of Britons would see slavery as "a disgrace and dishonour to this country", yet, more than 200 years since its abolition, the shaming trade and exploitation of human beings still thrives. © 2009 Independent News and

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-90266192357397879632010-10-14T12:15:00.000Z2010-10-14T12:15:20.811Z

Frederick Buechner is an author that I am introducing myself to. You often see him quoted and I am beginning to understand why! It is out of the whirlwind that Job first hears God say "who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?" job 42:3. It is out of the absence of God that God makes himself present,... God is not an answer that man can give. Buechner, F. (1977:43). Telling

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-69272034339766088382010-09-30T20:49:00.002Z2010-09-30T20:51:08.580Z

I can't help but look forward to seeing Eryn as a Winter Page in Cinderella with The Royal Ballet Company at the Royal Opera house. It'll be a case of blink and you'll miss it but nevertheless well done Eryn!!

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-89289547675596054382010-09-25T07:31:00.000Z2010-09-25T07:32:36.238Z

I read this I think in the leadership journal a couple of months ago and it interested me. "To be saved was more than just an external pardon by God or an intellectual consent to an idea. For CS Lewis, salvation was an inward process involving the transformation of the whole person by the Holy Spirit and leading to nothing less than mystical union with God. In other words Lewis embraced the

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-76511778589871627432010-09-23T20:53:00.000Z2010-09-23T20:53:03.768Z

Alan Hirsch facebooked some interesting information regarding Søren Kierkegaard and faith development from a forthcoming book authored by Hirsch and Frost tentatively called "The Faith of Leap: A Theology of Adventure and Risk and the Implications for Discipleship, Mission, Leadership, and the Church" "One of the ways Søren Kierkegaard articulated how we move to true maturity is what is known as

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-16695891895026140332010-09-16T17:05:00.003Z2010-09-16T17:18:28.004Z

Geoff Ryan is asking for the word to be put out! Here is the word, consider it out!A reminder that the fourth Urban Forum is taking place this coming January. This time it will take place in downtown Toronto, Canada as a partnership project between The Salvation Army and Church Planting Canada (www.churchplantingcanada.ca).The dates are January 26-29, 2011 and the theme is Dependence or

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-80121160356501419722010-09-14T07:15:00.004Z2010-09-14T07:33:54.281Z

You can tell that Jim is a big drinker, one thing you can't tell is how old he is. You can see a glint in his eye, while the street may be a rough place he enjoys life. He brought a book in tonight for a volunteer who he thought would benefit from reading it.Shane Claibourne's 'The Irresistible Revolution', Matthew clearly touched flicked through the pages. With a sigh he turns to us and says "I

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-55417168430776209622010-09-12T15:41:00.002Z2010-10-09T15:40:56.835Z

Jonathan Sacks writing in the Times (3 sept 2010) draws attention to the brilliance of Hawkings and his mind, but points out that while he is an outstanding scientist he is a poor theologian. Apparently, within Hawkings thinking there is a fallacy. Hawkings suggests 'that if we found science's holy grail, a theory of everything, we would know the mind of God and then why we and the universe

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-82192645615580255042010-09-11T13:02:00.002Z2010-09-11T13:02:00.450Z

Looking through my notes I liked what Moltmann had to say about getting the balance right between:Orthodoxy - right beliefOrthopraxy - right actionOrthopasy* - right emotion* (sic) I may have heard the term wrong but the sentiment still fits

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-76194382700484610472010-09-11T13:00:00.001Z2010-09-11T13:00:04.158Z

My notebook has an amazing few pages. Illegible and hastily written scribbles bear testimony to an unbelievable week. Pages entitled Rowan Williams, Jurgen Moltmann, David Ford, Miroslav Volf, Luke Bretherton and Dallas Willard would be a lifetimes worthy listening but within a space of two days I struggled to get as much down on paper as I could.It was Rowan Williams who talking on reclaiming

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-14195265283878599792010-09-09T15:28:00.000Z2010-09-09T15:28:00.097Z

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalam 51:10ffA pure heart emptied of self would seem to correlate to Christ being formed within you. Wilhoit is firm when he suggests that the only place such

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-31931653842423897982010-09-07T20:17:00.001Z2010-09-08T08:05:52.630Z

Wilhoit talks about true formation requiring a deep understanding that the 'sickness of the soul' or sin can not be cured through willpower alone. In other words he suggests that our view of sin has immense implications for our spiritual formation; these views exist at a variety levels. Using two continuum's he helps us to understand our approach to that which takes our sense of fullness.View of

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-55738887555981900772010-09-02T09:40:00.000Z2010-09-02T09:40:00.229Z

As expected with any Cotterill camping experience we attracted a fair bit of rain - can't complain though, only flooded out four times! The Duinrell campsite is amazing on many levels but not ground level where there is 0% drainage. The free theme park attractions and the amazing flume pool more than compensated though.An art highlight was Mesdag's 14metre panorama here. I didn't really know what

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-40291258573659587852010-09-01T06:53:00.000Z2010-09-01T06:55:25.147Z

I saw this article from The Independent and thought it might be of interest to youStory of Jesus to get the Bollywood treatment Cecil B DeMille has been there before, of course. As have Pier Paolo Pasolini, Roberto Rossellini, Mel Gibson, Franco Zeffirelli and Martin Scorsese. So maybe it was only a matter of time before Bollywood not only succumbed to the temptation but went one better by

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-20095823173933429382010-08-29T13:03:00.004Z2010-08-29T13:10:12.087Z

Some places remain special, not so much because of where they are or what they look like, but because of those the place represents.A trip to Holland needed a pilgrimage! Lots of happy memories.

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-58572343943134542442010-08-16T16:40:00.001Z2010-08-16T16:40:00.151Z

"...I looked up to the balcony. The Faith House Posse were there trying to catch my eye. Their waving and thumbs up clearly wouldn't be abated... My commissioning highlight this year was a solemn moment at Commissioning this year. The cadets, now Lieutenants had received their appointments, the General had spoken and an invitation to respond was made. People from all over Westminster Hall were

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-43750203866801915712010-08-13T21:24:00.000Z2010-08-13T21:24:00.555Z

The whole BP Gulf oil spill disaster caused me distress. With each attempt to solve the issue ranging from steel tanks, to golf balls and rubber, to secondary bore holes, I felt more anxious. I knew the secret, I knew what to do and I couldn't think why people had not thought about it before - 'No Nails'. One thing that I have learned is that if No Nails doesn't fix it, it is pretty much

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-21483684910469933202010-08-10T19:42:00.005Z2010-08-10T20:16:35.985Z

The two silhouettes in the door were a give away. I approached knowing on the other side would be two Jehovah Witnesses to talk with.You kind of think that our road would have a big black cross through the JW map of district to cover. All but two houses in our street are Salvation Army owned and we are mostly officers at the William Booth College. No black cross and so with plenty of time I

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-41366479888620992152010-08-09T11:12:00.002Z2010-08-09T11:30:52.951Z

Reading Michael Glerup's article in the Conversations Journal was interesting. Not least his insight to Gregory of Nyssa and what he called change for good. It is the kind of movement described in 2 Corinthians 3:18 as we are transformed 'from glory to glory'. Glerup points to the mistake of imagining perfection as a state of complete immobility in restored innocence. Gregory suggests:"

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-66807128745435734472010-08-03T22:12:00.000Z2010-08-03T22:14:13.044Z

Just read this in www.conversationsjournal.com/dallas"salvation is the life of the son of God In you"Sent from my iPod

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-56940451165356072532010-08-02T20:05:00.001Z2010-08-03T19:12:52.855Z

Listening some time ago to a feature on recruitment for the British army, I found one recruiting officer's comment interesting. 'We're looking for those happy with chaos who can live with confusion but keep a clear head and make good decisions".Then last night in the Leadership Journal I read:"In the face of chaos, connective leaders participate in bringing order, and in the face of order,

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145971.post-86538764628991704362010-07-28T07:55:00.005Z2010-07-28T08:20:53.033Z

Somewhere there is an oxymoron kicking off in my head. For the last few years around about this time I get a random message asking me to enter for a Christian Blog Award. Comparative URBANarmy stats in themselves would suggest that this in itself is an oxymoron!However, out of interest and of course only in the spirit of curiosity I looked at the entry form. Seems to me slightly out of kilter to

Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06923211288631648610noreply@blogger.com3