What a performance

PES6 cup victoryWe did it, we won the PES6 world cup, a feat still not achieved on PES5. A cameo performance from Ben was arguably the catalyst as he banged in a few goals to secure passage through the group stages.

We then unexpectedly trolloped Italy 4-0 in the quarters before Dave and myself sealed a remarkably straightforward 2-0 win over Brazil in the semi-final.

We faced up to France in the final, and they took the lead shorty before half time. We battled hard in the second half though deservedly scoring 2 goals to lift that cup and breathe the sweet smell of PES6 success.

It should also be said that the medals do appear to “hang” better around the players next than on PES5 where they floated rather disconcertingly like coat hangers :P.

I gave in

I did it, I bought Stott.

Me being me, I cottoned on to the idea a shade late, as we’re now 8 weeks into the 10 week study, but at least i’ll have it for the next time I fancy an intellectual work out.

Taking a quick moment to reflect, so far Romans has been amazing. Certain things have really stood out such as the lavishness of God’s grace, just how new we are as “new creations” in Christ, and the extent to which the Spirit now dwelling within us intercedes for us.

I think in summary i’ve found the studies to have brought a much fuller meaning to Jesus’ statement of being the “Way the Truth and the Life”, particularly the “Life” part.

As you’d expect, the studies have raised some tough questions. Predestination got a good bit of air time as we grappled with God’s sovereign choice. I could go off on a rant here but i’ll save it for now :P.

What I will say is praise God because he’s God. Praise him for being a just, holy God who loves me and who has shown me outrageous mercy and grace through his gift of salvation. Were God not far above us in every respect he wouldn’t be God, and boasting elements unfathomable reason and logic must surely be a part of that…

Was so thankful to discover the doxology at the end of chapter 11.

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
“Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Regardless of any questions one might have, it doesn’t leave you much to complain about… :)

A Psalm

Don’t hide your face from me O God for my heart is distressed;
I hold on tightly Lord, for I cannot discern your leading.

My blindness overwhelms me, I cry out in the darkness;
Seeds of doubt are sown in my mind, I feel isolated from your council.

I am attacked from every side, unable to distinguish friend from foe.
If I cannot see my enemy, how can I withstand the onslaught.

Yet I will trust in You, and in the promises laid before me.
Though I stumble I will not fall, for you are faithful, and are sovereign over your creation.

Your love for me will never change, you desire for me is to prosper.
So I will wait on You, for You will speak.

Moment of mare

Played for Scrubbers in the church league yesterday against Chapel and was again given a center-back/sweeper role. I’ve never quite understood why they’re so determined to put me here :P. Anyways, I had a bit of a mare, with a moment of madness so maybe they’ll finally get the message.
We have the ball, the back-4 are sitting 20 yards short of the half-way line, no pressure, nice and comfortable, knocking the ball around. I find myself recieving the ball, with just enough time to execute 1 of 2 options:

  1. Place a measured hoof down the right wing (that would be the correct answer)
  2. Pass it back inside towards my fellow centerback who is in close proximity with an onrunning attacker (nooooo!!!!!)

Yep, I opted for the later and their dude cantered through, 1 nil. Felt like such a spoon. Grrrr.
Finished 1-1 in the end, Michael rescued us with a 40-yard looping louie which made Al lindop (their goalie and good pal o mine) look quite silly. Great strike.

In an attempt to a bit more balanced, other than my moment of mare I think we did pretty well, we protected our keeper really well and he didn’t have to make a save.

Love & Fear

Yesterday I had an interview with Derek leaf and Mitch regarding joining the navs staff. Something Derek said was quite interesting. Picking up on my fear he referred to the following.

1 John 4:16b-18:
“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

He also emphasized that the converse was true, there being no love in fear…

Just something to bear in mind.

Provision of a Job

Well, i’ve finally managed to get myself some work wich will pay my rent which doesn’t involve slave temping agencies. From Tuesday I’ll be working freelance for Inigo Media Ltd for a sum of £200 per week. Its amazing because it leaves me still plenty of time to get on with applying for proper full-time jobs!

What provision God provides. I’m just finishing the last website off (www.21stcenturycelebrations.com) at the moment so starting at inigo next week gives an amazingly smooth transition! I am just so thankful, I just hope that through this I can give glory to Him though my hard work and my conversation whilst in the office.

Useful verses

Grandma and Grandpa gave me some really good verse when I phoned them up to tell them what had happened (as mum etc. were away sailing with the Dolleys around the south coast)

  • Psalm 16 and 139
  • 1 John 1:7-9
  • 2 Thessalonians 3v16
  • Collosians 3:12-14
  • Proverbs 3:5-6
  • 2 Corinthians 4:17
  • Matthew 28v20
  • Phillipians 4:19
  • Ephesians 3:20
  • John 10:10

In my 22nd birthday card from Grandma and Grandpa were verses 20 and 24 of Jude.

Interesting concept…

This blogging thing seems interesting….I should be doing my dissertation. Due on the 26th – Oh the joys! Anyways, maybe explore this further when I shouldn’t be doing something else! :P