Springsteen in Cardiff 14th June 2008

A long drive down, not aided by some poor navigational skills meant that we struggled to find somewhere to eat.  Cardiff was heaving but some take away fish and chips did the trick.  Amazing gig – 3 hours pretty much non-stop, more of a fan now.

Even longer drive home – took an hour to get out of Cardiff.  Well worth it though.

Set list:

From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come)
Tenth Avenue Freeeze-Out
Radio Nowhere
No Surrender
Lonesome Day
The Promised Land
Blinded by the light
Magic
Atlantic City
The River
Gypsy Biker
Darlington County
Because the Night
She’s the One
Livin’ in the Future
Mary’s Place
Working on the Highway
Devil’s Arcade
The Rising
Last to Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands
-
Jungleland
Thunder Road
Born to Run
Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)
American Land

Would you sponsor me?

On 29th June I’ll be paddling a Dragon Boat on the river Severn in Shrewsbury.  Along with around 20 of my colleagues we are attempting to raise £1000 for the Severn Hospice – all support greatly received!

www.justgiving.com/shrewsburyhigh

you can also donate on my facebook profile page

Thanks!

Do I need a trial separation from my mac?

Disappointment vs. Hope

The first chapter of The Life I’ve Always Wanted is entitled “We Shall Morph Indeed” – The Hope of Transformation.

Ortberg suggests that disappointment with ourselves can come from many sources but the deeper problem is “my failure to be the person God had in mind when he created me.”

“I am in a state of dis-appointment.  I am missing the life that I was appointed by God to live.”

This is where I could happily reside – perpetual disappointment.  Most recently I have been wondering whether I can ever change, I’m not where I want to be but I just can’t seem to find a way out.  No matter how hard I try I just can’t seem to alter the way I am and generate the passion, faith and commitment I would like to possess.  I came to my senses the other day and realised that for me this change is impossible, I simply can’t do it.  But it’s not my job.  God is the only one who can change me in this way and I guess my role in the partnership is to live a life which makes it as easy as possible for God to get on and do the changing stuff.

“The possibility of transformation is the essence of hope”

I need to learn to wrestle more with hope than simply embrace my dis-appointment.  Dis-appointment will not always win the struggle.  Change is possible… I hope.

The Life I’ve Always Wanted

The postman delivered my copy of John Ortberg’s “The Life You’ve Always Wanted” today.  Recently I have read books and found them challenging, uncomfortable, inspiring and motivating.  However, the words of wisdom seem to go in one eye and out the other failing to stop and reside somewhere in between.  So I thought I would try and blog as I work my way through this one.

The book was recommended during last Sunday’s sermon and it has the subtitle “Spiritual disciplines for ordinary people”, I’ve only read the preface so far but it is resonating already.  “If you have ever been frustrated with what you know of spiritual life, ever wondered if real change is possible, ever felt confused or stuck – you’re my kind of person.  I wrote this book for you.”

That’s me, that’s my experience – bring it on.

Croque-monsieur

Dropped in to see my favourite family in Shackleford on the way back from Kent and I was treated to one of Colin’s famous croque-monsieurs. Anna said it was just basically eggy bread with ham and cheese which wasn’t helpful. I thought it was delicious!

Click the photo for more pics (flickr friends and family)

Clever stuff…

Vegas comes to Cardiff Bay

I had my first trip to Cardiff yesterday to see Martyn Joseph play a launch concert for his new recording “Vegas”. Phil and I arrived about 4pm and got a great parking spot right next to the Norwegian Church where the gig was to be held. It was a beautifully warm and sunny afternoon so we wandered around the docks area and then consumed much food at a tapas bar overlooking the bay.

We headed back to the church for a drinks reception at 7 and the gig began at 8pm. The venue was very small and Martyn’s natural intimacy and warmth were enhanced by the fact he was only touching distance away. Martyn was accompanied by Mike Haughton which was a nice surprise as I used to watch them perform together around 20 years ago. Mike’s seemingly effortless and understated contribution added a wonderful richness to some of the songs and they both obviously enjoy performing together.

The new songs are great and you can listen to some of them on the website and at Martyn’s myspace. Weight Of The World and Things That We Have Carried Here are initial favourites and the title track is upbeat, fun and instantly memorable. To top it all off we were treated to the always haunting Cardiff Bay as we sat gazing across the place. Worth the five hour round trip on its own.

I’ve got a brand new combine harvester

Not really, but it was almost in my back garden.  It was quite interesting at the start but after six hours of dust and noise I’d had enough…

Cnicht

Walked up Cnicht today for the first time with Dave, Shirl and Maple. Fantastic weather and wonderful views of Snowdon and the sea. I took some nice photos but I can’t seem to find my camera anywhere…