The Cost of Forgiveness

One of the headline stories in the newspapers today is about the parents of a girl tragically killed in a car crash who have said that they will forgive the driver of the car on three conditions:

1. He makes his life meaningful and “does something great with his hands, head or heart”.
2. Helps kids as a soccer coach, Scout leader or other volunteer.
3. Tells the truth about the crash.

Many people are applauding these sentiments, but the question I ask is this: What is the cost of Unforgiveness for these parents?

A Good Friday?

The God Man takes the bread in both hands.

He gives thanks.

Breaking it in two, He offers it to those gathered around.

“This is my body, given for you, do this in remembrance of me.”

Everyone eats, not really understanding.

The mood changes.

Hymns and songs of praise long forgotten.

He pours out the rich red wine into the cup.

The Smile of the Father

Today has been a really special day – we all had a family day out at Heatherton Park. We packed a picnic and set out in glorious sunshine and headed down to West Wales. When we arrived we tucked into a feast of crusty rolls, donuts, cakes, crisps and squash. Then it was onto the various activities – laser clay pigeon shooting, archery, bumper boats and mini-golf (Seren even had a hole in one, along with her clever old Dad).

A Man Called John

Earlier today I received the sad news that a good friend of mine, John Griffiths had suddenly passed away. A Christian for over 30 years, John first heard the call from Jesus in his forties, where the Saviour worked miraculously in his life as an evangelist. I have no doubt that John is now singing the praises of his Lord and Saviour face to face in the Heavenly realms, most probably singing louder than anyone!

During his time as God’s servant, I occasionally accompanied John as he tirelessly worked in schools throughout the Rhondda Valleys, preaching the Good News in a way that only he could, with great warmth, humour, passion and love, his big voice booming out, filling any size room without the aid of a microphone!

Which reminds me of another John…

The Joy of the Creator

As we go through life, there are lots of things that we have to do and lots of things that we like to do. If we were given the choice, then I think most of us would opt for the latter, concentrating on the things that we like to do, simply because when we do these things, they give us a sense of joy and accomplishment. When it comes to having to do other things, things that we might not like doing so much, we can sometimes become resentful and lose our joy, even though in the act of doing these things, we may be accomplishing a great deal, if not for us, then for those around us.

A Mixed Blessing

Yesterday we had some friends round for Sunday lunch to try out my long promised and fabled speciality Ham in Coke, actually it was Nigella’s recipe, but with my unique variation on it…

Anyway, as we sat down to eat, with all the delicious food set before us, I had decided to forgo ‘saying grace’ for two reasons.

Who wants to be a grown-up?

I very often look at little children and marvel at their simplicity – the fact that they play and laugh so freely, with for the main part, no malice or prejudice towards anyone or anything. Then I start to think: “If only I could have my time again…” to start off as a child, but this time with the knowledge I have now, that would be great…wouldn’t it? As adults find ourselves moving in different circles to kids, circles filled with responsibility, stress, work, and in a lot of cases, financial problems or issues. All of these burdens can lead to an overwhelming sense of helplessness and sometimes mental illness, depression and breakdowns.

Where did it all go wrong?

Accidents – An Act of God?

Last week the snows hit the hills of South Wales and although I managed to get out and drive to a meeting, the snow fell even heavier in the two hours I was there and by the time I came out, things were quite treacherous. So much so, that I had to park up on a small hill just a minute or so from home, and then the unexpected happened…

Is This It?

As an avid golf fan I really enjoyed the Open Championship that reached its thrilling climax yesterday with Padraig Hamilton coming from six shots behind to overcome poor Sergio Garcia (whom my wife refers to him as Andy although this particular Garcia never appeared in Ocean’s 11, 12 or 13), in a four hole Play Off.

As Garcia (Sergio not Andy) reached the 18th, he needed just one putt to win the title – the TV cut to the engraver of the fabled Claret Jug poised to etch his name on the trophy as he was poised to make the final putt, but alas, it was never to be…

For all the excitement and intrigue of the 2007 Open Championship, it all starts

Did Jesus Ever Say Sorry?

Last night my wife and I had one of our rare falling outs – she went to bed and I stayed up even though I was desperately tired, contemplating how wrong she was (otherwise known as sulking). This morning as I reflected on the night before I begrudgingly came to accept that she was right and I was wrong, the only obstacle now was for me to overcome my pride and admit it, which is often far easier said that done! Then I remembered the sermon I gave yesterday morning on John the Baptist where he says: “He [Jesus] must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30, and how we as Christians today must be more like John, becoming less that Christ may shine through in our lives more.

This was one of those key moments – would I become less so that Christ would become more?