tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111707522024-03-23T18:19:20.955+00:00insidejourneythoughts, faith and travelsNeil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-72022726818280548002009-08-11T11:40:00.005+01:002009-08-11T12:21:25.203+01:00Reflection with the monks...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdFGZIUABeM0PA3bUbOPWsF82Cx6HkEN_M2Xdpu2XeKiZJwi7NBcw8A2kdL_qDLkBBfTvWM7J4TbTCeVXOIMyCbpHp-6v2VwlSFNehrmNZQQpahq3f2-3A8wnTQE-Kzea9hmVqg/s1600-h/DSC00208.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdFGZIUABeM0PA3bUbOPWsF82Cx6HkEN_M2Xdpu2XeKiZJwi7NBcw8A2kdL_qDLkBBfTvWM7J4TbTCeVXOIMyCbpHp-6v2VwlSFNehrmNZQQpahq3f2-3A8wnTQE-Kzea9hmVqg/s320/DSC00208.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368662524329412402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Last week myself and our </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">2 interns travelled to Rostrevor for an overnight retreat with the Benedictine Monks in <a href="http://www.benedictinemonks.co.uk/">Holy Cross Monastery</a>. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> The purpose of this retreat was us to reflect back on the year that has passed and acknowledg</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">e all that we have learnt through this experience. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xhPV5Bbq8-LTet9c676Hqo1-OGQTgOV4K7dv5S6FjvOnkdDJLQi3YIYg2DXUV8vqnsINGxLVKHIovypQ6TQ6Iv94Rj56Z875Bzo46_ocKZVDMx7HRdTDdqDJ09lGpFhHFSfOZg/s1600-h/DSC00210.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xhPV5Bbq8-LTet9c676Hqo1-OGQTgOV4K7dv5S6FjvOnkdDJLQi3YIYg2DXUV8vqnsINGxLVKHIovypQ6TQ6Iv94Rj56Z875Bzo46_ocKZVDMx7HRdTDdqDJ09lGpFhHFSfOZg/s320/DSC00210.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368662540973078754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I had heard much about this place from friends but had never been myself and did not really know what to expect! It was a fascinating experience and very beneficial. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Silence plays a major role for the Benedictine</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">s but as Brother Thierry informed us it is always for the purpose of listening to God. Silence simply for the </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">sake of s</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">ilence is not healthy.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In silence the Ben</span></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">edictines believe we expose ourselves to 3 truths:</span> </span><ol style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><li>The truth about who God is.</li><li>The truth about others.</li><li>The truth about ourselves.</li></ol><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7JNfSlTJhY5WCEzKeppuw1r7IRLSob5JuVYdH1Vbusjr2jrVrpbfB7l64J_pBp1IJFi68yvXrFmT72p2F0rRTRuaXD2YDN7RWZTQ1Oc4TBP2fvlmmtV7ont5cL9B0byjUiVdaw/s1600-h/DSC00207.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7JNfSlTJhY5WCEzKeppuw1r7IRLSob5JuVYdH1Vbusjr2jrVrpbfB7l64J_pBp1IJFi68yvXrFmT72p2F0rRTRuaXD2YDN7RWZTQ1Oc4TBP2fvlmmtV7ont5cL9B0byjUiVdaw/s320/DSC00207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368662533941266146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The reason we constantly avoid silence in our daily lives and indeed often find it uncomfortable is because we fear these 3 truths in our lives.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It was 24 hours in arguably one of the most beautiful (as you can see from the pictures) and peaceful places in N. Ireland. I would highly recommend it for anyone who wants to make some space to listen to God.</span>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-56017285859697066342009-07-31T09:51:00.001+01:002009-07-31T09:51:39.546+01:00Romania Part 5...<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0C431KQRd9IK_mK9esDze1DWbA-cuZ9ssJOIjrm8y1NzstOWduprC9gTTjUQWYDR4-GIEh9GN0C8sOVygL19Jp98Fs8sZ0TB84PWd0wakMlnzWB90EWomIXhSuYLlMsUqO_2CQ/s1600-h/image-upload-101-798617.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0C431KQRd9IK_mK9esDze1DWbA-cuZ9ssJOIjrm8y1NzstOWduprC9gTTjUQWYDR4-GIEh9GN0C8sOVygL19Jp98Fs8sZ0TB84PWd0wakMlnzWB90EWomIXhSuYLlMsUqO_2CQ/s320/image-upload-101-798617.jpg"/></a><br /><span>Yesterday we spent the morning running a programme with the younger children in the orphanage. There were about 25 children there aged between 3 and 12. It was fantastic to see the smiles on their faces as they sang, listened to a story, made bracelets and played games. We found the children to be very affectionate- they would just throw their arms around you! I suppose this is understandable given that the staff there would never be able to give 50+ children the attention and affection they need. There were orphans there who are now young adults but still live there as they continue studying. It saddens me to think that some of the young children will probably still be living there in 15 years time. This experience was a tremendous challenge for the team as I had challenged everyone to try to enter into their suffering and imagine what it would be like to walk a mile in the shoes of an orphan in Romania. It was clear that none of us wanted to leave that place knowing the empty lives the children live. So today we are back on the bumpy road for 7 hours back to Budapest to fly back home tonight. This has been a remarkable journey shared with an incredible team of young people. This morning I have been reminded of the words of Eph 3:20 'to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.' </span><br /></div>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-61526351231378825832009-07-29T19:21:00.001+01:002009-07-29T19:21:07.011+01:00Romania Part 4...<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFvV10oITjngSirZohWY5NOj6rR11EOalzzJUuNsEUb83gR-_UQyqLAhXJONg0SHQhZJLkFVArxuM-f1PyJ_O7XJCehjHqYSZLwBGFzd7UOBLK_HOI-gOROW6NFWQY8wWjWLa3w/s1600-h/image-upload-30-765765.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFvV10oITjngSirZohWY5NOj6rR11EOalzzJUuNsEUb83gR-_UQyqLAhXJONg0SHQhZJLkFVArxuM-f1PyJ_O7XJCehjHqYSZLwBGFzd7UOBLK_HOI-gOROW6NFWQY8wWjWLa3w/s320/image-upload-30-765765.jpg"/></a><br /><span>The last couple of days have been fantastic. The team have loved the kids club each morning and the children have had a fantastic time! This afternoon we were able to visit the orphanage again but communication problems meant that the younger children were in bed. All was not lost though as we were able to go to the river and play games with the older children. Tomorrow is our last full day and was scheduled to be a day off but the team have chosen to run a kids programme at the orphanage in the morning! This team continues to amaze me! One thing i will never forget is our evening team times and the power of people's stories of their journey with God. I am in no doubt that we have all been drawn closer to God in this place.</span><br /></div>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-61936987683503539742009-07-27T19:45:00.001+01:002009-07-27T19:45:29.775+01:00Romania part 3!<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmRSqMJW3BELeQbUHK-I0reTrTFUqq6AFL1jvCs1rYLMo3NFMT4lciPZI1JJZCPS6H7iwA5-kr017T_Pag7p8Dh31AbmkKaWe_TXmrcBevxroYQjm5CPOL4CnQsVHmOmL7OqtUQ/s1600-h/image-upload-191-728966.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmRSqMJW3BELeQbUHK-I0reTrTFUqq6AFL1jvCs1rYLMo3NFMT4lciPZI1JJZCPS6H7iwA5-kr017T_Pag7p8Dh31AbmkKaWe_TXmrcBevxroYQjm5CPOL4CnQsVHmOmL7OqtUQ/s320/image-upload-191-728966.jpg"/></a><br /><span>On Saturday we were helping to paint a church centre in Jibou. The team worked very hard and made great progress. In the afternoon we visited a local orphanage. This was tough for the whole team to see children as young as 3 without a home. We were told that most of the 57 children in the orphanage have families but they either dont want them or cant afford them. We hope to go back and spend more time with the children this week but have encountered some unexpected red tape today that means we may not be able to. Please pray this will be overcome as the team really want to go back there. On Sunday we went to church for 2 hours and 15 minutes! It included 3 sermons and was an endurance test for us all i think! We sang a couple of songs and some of the team were interviewed and shared a testimony. They were great! Today we did a childrens programme in a small village which was great fun. The team loved playing with the kids who all seemed to have a great time. It was incredible to see the lads in our team playing with the children without any of the inhibitions they might have at home! We will be back there again tomorrow! Sadly this afternoon, Tyrrell tripped and broke his toe and is now in plaster cast and on crutches. This has been a devastating for us all but Tyrrell has been in high spirits since and is determined not to let it effect the team mood! Please pray for him and us all! Cant believe both interns have broken legs in the last fortnight!</span><br /></div>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-39056156541866675002009-07-25T22:58:00.001+01:002009-07-25T22:58:24.082+01:00Romania Part 2...<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eg-4PNbgd-neg9edQ4fhSdT45TBkllvMo7BebgQyD_CUlaaOJI5KYoOTG8LTpwhNkKmEh3gUsWVG8C3B9ozY3d-3QQRswq7XF7SuVLa7zRsMXF7gQygaJKIQVv2A-zUsrbZTyg/s1600-h/image-upload-155-702016.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eg-4PNbgd-neg9edQ4fhSdT45TBkllvMo7BebgQyD_CUlaaOJI5KYoOTG8LTpwhNkKmEh3gUsWVG8C3B9ozY3d-3QQRswq7XF7SuVLa7zRsMXF7gQygaJKIQVv2A-zUsrbZTyg/s320/image-upload-155-702016.jpg"/></a><br /><span>Bush Camp was a great experience. The camp was located in a grass area surrounded by forest in the hills of Transylvania. It was beautiful! It was not meant to be a comfortable experience but a taste of real life for many Romanians. In 40degree heat with limited water, cooking over a fire and a pit latrine, Bush Camp definitely achieved its objective! One commodity we have definitely come to appreciate is a water. With the intense heat there is a shortage of water in rural areas as we have experienced in both Szelag Seg and Bush Camp.</span><br /></div>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-16012684074115961892009-07-24T17:22:00.001+01:002009-07-24T17:22:19.427+01:00Romania update 1...<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvfGZdoz_TWwVachD8mdJAGLwuso-tMBsoOMbXGgu_k8l0zwW1a3IxdE3kc-fyra_7VGQNpyio3rUIQ_sj8gluzMuix0FZawXdvPWzMChKkrwIqz48mvAglQy0VHFCqqUheoX8Q/s1600-h/image-upload-86-737937.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvfGZdoz_TWwVachD8mdJAGLwuso-tMBsoOMbXGgu_k8l0zwW1a3IxdE3kc-fyra_7VGQNpyio3rUIQ_sj8gluzMuix0FZawXdvPWzMChKkrwIqz48mvAglQy0VHFCqqUheoX8Q/s320/image-upload-86-737937.jpg"/></a><br /><span>This building is set to be a retreat centre for recovering alcoholics when finished. At home it would be built in less than 1 yeah and yet it was started 11 years ago. The sad thing is that i can see virtually no progress since last year. The building work is funded entirely by donations which are few and far between. This must be so frustrating and yet God has reminded me as he did last year of the importance of patience, perseverance and faithfulness. I have also been reminded that slow is not necessarily bad as it has meant that hundreds more people have been a part of this project and their lives impacted as a result! This team have blown me away by how hard they have worked and embraced every challenge that has come their way! </span><br /></div>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-53017923437496174182009-07-20T11:46:00.001+01:002009-07-20T11:46:58.150+01:00Off to Romania!<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi9Mql0h4evz36llc_zcXVQpVlB3TQdvuZ581C5moPc16MvSkkuV5DtB66H3k6SJ2YMPMjEFwT7ElrJ4EZnMvvz9-NAlJwgR4p9gohyphenhyphenhnf8sESBFYSggv-VimlYc2BcXd4VOXgg/s1600-h/image-upload-278-717363.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi9Mql0h4evz36llc_zcXVQpVlB3TQdvuZ581C5moPc16MvSkkuV5DtB66H3k6SJ2YMPMjEFwT7ElrJ4EZnMvvz9-NAlJwgR4p9gohyphenhyphenhnf8sESBFYSggv-VimlYc2BcXd4VOXgg/s320/image-upload-278-717363.jpg"/></a><br /><span>So Im off to Romania this morning with this wonderful group of young people! During our time away we will be involved in children's work and practical work. We will also engage in a 2 day bush camp experience! Please pray that this experience will be life changing for us all! I'll try to update this blog whilst away!</span><br /></div>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-73508754198367647062009-04-27T19:02:00.001+01:002009-04-27T19:02:56.106+01:00Time for retreat...<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHbD2L7wBlkAdsuhZJ06BtHIczI7slMJirm21AEaS5zpDKmTaTug5jNwFYFwlDhWy4JV7EA1SLA12YPilqWiu9HiG7JX_lPnrpVTvccxKm5ku0DgKRapWPCHB7gUCYEltM6B1rQ/s1600-h/image-upload-397-775530.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHbD2L7wBlkAdsuhZJ06BtHIczI7slMJirm21AEaS5zpDKmTaTug5jNwFYFwlDhWy4JV7EA1SLA12YPilqWiu9HiG7JX_lPnrpVTvccxKm5ku0DgKRapWPCHB7gUCYEltM6B1rQ/s320/image-upload-397-775530.jpg"/></a><br /><span>Im on PCI youth workers retreat for a few days at the beautiful location of white park bay. Could there be a more beautiful place to go to reflect and re-charge with the one who created it? Mark Yaconnelli is facilitating the retreat which is very exciting!</span><br /></div>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-58682016015590922982009-03-19T21:53:00.001+00:002009-03-19T21:53:31.110+00:00Take back the city...<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjBlY12q8Hjjmo2pJVgORSuVhL4DDdrMMBPIGgdRTR2NE6NOOoDYM8wdMh8sjFO6unXeLmeS_IArfX59ccNP320Y0Wg-HIcp0-ZKyAmY3s65rNC-NdBKjTMHIB3wdLdmx8hWZHw/s1600-h/image-upload-5-709298.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjBlY12q8Hjjmo2pJVgORSuVhL4DDdrMMBPIGgdRTR2NE6NOOoDYM8wdMh8sjFO6unXeLmeS_IArfX59ccNP320Y0Wg-HIcp0-ZKyAmY3s65rNC-NdBKjTMHIB3wdLdmx8hWZHw/s320/image-upload-5-709298.jpg"/></a><br /><span>Im at the Snow patrol gig as we speak! Its amazing!</span><br /></div>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-80148127534840603862009-03-09T11:07:00.004+00:002009-03-09T11:44:51.677+00:00Roll on Cham '10!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2617/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6253212_7804242.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 437px; height: 583px;" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2617/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6253212_7804242.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Chamonix '09 finished well! The snowfall started on Wednesday evening and didn't stop until Friday! Fresh powder for 2 days and although visibility was poor at times we still had an amazing time in superb off piste conditions!<br /><br />One of the absolute highlights of this trip has to be new friendships! No one on the trip knew everyone! Out of the 10 people on the Cham '09 adventure there were 6 i did not know! The great thing was that everyone got on well and had such a laugh together! So much so that i think everyone has secured their place for Cham '10 - bring it on!<br /></span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs032.snc1/2591_59721397162_536942162_2025051_4856722_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 439px; height: 328px;" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs032.snc1/2591_59721397162_536942162_2025051_4856722_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs025.snc1/2650_54786978313_532528313_1557427_2602531_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 434px; height: 325px;" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs025.snc1/2650_54786978313_532528313_1557427_2602531_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2617/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6253198_196875.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 433px; height: 324px;" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2617/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6253198_196875.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2617/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6253195_5752677.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 431px; height: 323px;" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2617/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6253195_5752677.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-51611734412715551742009-03-04T14:45:00.001+00:002009-03-09T11:45:04.193+00:00Lookin for some powder...<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjD_1armx_4noBEqjRU0TFCqzOZUdX-XNN16fQOM5R5zi_qn8_CnDm0JH50mPKN28xpt5fqblRpkUZ00g6e5nTCIJDaDQCwAgBVTupLlrZctD7Mj0SLvlqnXk5E8qVhhUYvFIKQ/s1600-h/image-upload-68-707461.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjD_1armx_4noBEqjRU0TFCqzOZUdX-XNN16fQOM5R5zi_qn8_CnDm0JH50mPKN28xpt5fqblRpkUZ00g6e5nTCIJDaDQCwAgBVTupLlrZctD7Mj0SLvlqnXk5E8qVhhUYvFIKQ/s320/image-upload-68-707461.jpg"/></a><br /><span>Chamonix '09 has been a great week so far! The snow boarding has been amazing! It really is one of my favourite things to do which makes it sad that it has to be concentrated into 6 consecutive days a year! Sadly, despite the prevalence of cloud there has been no fresh snow this week and Im really hoping for some to make the last 2days an off piste paradise! Ah well, i really shouldn't complain- i am on my holidays after all!</span><br /></div>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-32690648758390312092009-03-01T17:48:00.002+00:002009-03-09T11:45:04.193+00:00Day 1 on the piste...<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_6qdcJ3NYOpGgLG69IY4uhSdP3ucpi-zJkWEDu4yooRfFvVtAVT2P71TQv2dyCyrvl-_ciwQVzcHJWp_N7QbxmgKbqdE6Np-3ewMTfUiheC5fAphX9GBBNO1FC2epoIbDae__Q/s1600-h/image-upload-69-726028.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_6qdcJ3NYOpGgLG69IY4uhSdP3ucpi-zJkWEDu4yooRfFvVtAVT2P71TQv2dyCyrvl-_ciwQVzcHJWp_N7QbxmgKbqdE6Np-3ewMTfUiheC5fAphX9GBBNO1FC2epoIbDae__Q/s320/image-upload-69-726028.jpg" /></a><br /><span>So we arrived safely yesterday with our boards which was a bonus! First day on the slopes was fantastic! Snow is good and there are more than enough runs 2keep us busy! No sun 2day but hopefully that will come 2mor! Muscles are sore but feeling contented!</span><br /></div>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-29177383656330975232009-02-28T10:18:00.002+00:002009-03-09T11:45:04.194+00:00Chamonix '09 begins...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2340/2502649150_d766179503.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 443px; height: 332px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2340/2502649150_d766179503.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.step-on.co.uk/images/travel_images/chamonix_flegere.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 449px; height: 299px;" src="http://www.step-on.co.uk/images/travel_images/chamonix_flegere.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Im off to Chamonix today for a week of fun in the snow! <a href="http://neilharrison.blogspot.com/2006/05/cham-06-movie.html">I was there in 2006</a> and so i know the resort is amazing! I've never been anywhere else that has had so many pistes to keep you entertained! The sno conditions all across Europe this year are fantastic which makes me very excited!<br /><br />We only booked this trip last week as we wanted to get a good price. The trade off has been that we are unsure if there will be room for our snowboards on the plane! Sadly they didn't tell us this when we booked which has made this week a littel more stressful but thankfully we have managed to negotiate a plan B should the boards not make it to France!<br /><br />So really i can't complain, life is good and i have a week ahead of me where all i have to worry about is getting from the top to the bottom of the mountain without breaking anything!<br /><br />I'll try to post some pics during the week!<br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-41559582159960070992009-02-25T23:18:00.003+00:002009-03-09T11:45:46.418+00:00Lent, take-aways & the Wing...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So after a day of pancakes yesterday, Lent begins today! That period of 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday where we remember the time that Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights and was tempted by the Devil.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> We often choose to deny ourselves something during Lent as a way to realise our own weaknesses and grasp the intense significance of the crucifixion. It also gives us a deep and powerful longing for the resurrection and a joy on Easter Sunday.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Easter can often sneak up on us but by observing Lent we take a chance to remember the dark before the dawn, the sin that sent Jesus to the cross.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Lent helps us experience our part in the Passion (or suffering) of Jesus. We face our humanity during Lent: we learn that sin still dwells in us, that we still carry darkness. We learn that we, like his disciples, would likely have fallen asleep as Jesus prayed for deliverance in the garden, and, also, that we would likely have denied knowing him as he silently accepted his death sentence.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This Lent I have been challenged (and so have challenged teh young people under my care) to consider denying myself some pleasure as a means to remind me of Christ’s sacrifice and prepare for the celebration of that at Easter.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> H</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">owever, as well as NOT doing something, I also feel motivated by the challenge of Christ to DO something or GO someplace this Lent and stretch myself in my SERVICE to Him.<br /><br />So for Lent i have chosen to give up 2 things i love very much - take-aways & the West Wing! The former will be a challenge to my weekly lazy eating habits and the latter will be incredibly difficult as i have just acquired the entire DVD collection and am currently in the midst of season 2! It was never meant to be easy! I'm just wondering has anyone else out there given up anything for Lent this year?</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1025/1015757591_1791d9cc7d.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 169px; height: 204px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1025/1015757591_1791d9cc7d.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pubdef.net/uploaded_images/The-West-Wing-cast-708368.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 202px;" src="http://www.pubdef.net/uploaded_images/The-West-Wing-cast-708368.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-1344653685265277612009-02-23T16:20:00.003+00:002009-03-09T11:48:00.970+00:00I got soul but im not a soldier...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">What a great weekend! It was the 1st birthday of my niece and nephew, James & Anna and so we marked the occasion with a party in Malahide. Hope you enjoy the couple of photos here!</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2431/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6094638_5365.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2431/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6094638_5365.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-c.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2431/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6094642_7113.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 477px; height: 357px;" src="http://photos-c.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2431/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6094642_7113.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2431/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6094639_5708.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 476px; height: 357px;" src="http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2431/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6094639_5708.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />Then, lo and behold i got offered a last minute ticket to see The Killers at the Odyssey. Being a big fan of the band i couldn't say no and so made haste up the road from Dublin to Belfast! I think i missed the first 25mins of the gig but it was still AMAZING! 'All these things that I've done' was definitely a highlight as was 'Human' and 'Mr Brightside'!</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2431/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6094942_2237.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 476px; height: 357px;" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2431/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6094942_2237.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2431/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6094940_1699.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 471px; height: 353px;" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2431/30/63/708950474/n708950474_6094940_1699.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-87017945486138790372009-02-13T00:21:00.002+00:002009-03-09T11:46:15.622+00:00So the gauntlet was thrown down...<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Given that we had begun a theme of music videos for the weekend we decided to challenge the young people in their teams to make their own on the weekend. So they were each given a popular song and about 45minutes to film! Some of the leaders and young people then edited the videos for the next day! Three of the videos are shown below. Can i just state that my team won with an excellent rendition of 'Spice up your life' by the Spice Girls! Enjoy!</span><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vd0IhwOLi5g&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vd0IhwOLi5g&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J2VZ74hzILo&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J2VZ74hzILo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ssFS_IMjbR8&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ssFS_IMjbR8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-43504301918085720952009-02-10T20:30:00.002+00:002009-03-09T11:46:24.289+00:00Winter Retreat 2009...<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I've just recovered from our annual Winter Retreat at the weekend - spent the whole of yesterday in bed with a thumping headache - could this be a symptom that i can no longer stick the pace of staying up to 4am (a rhetorical question so please don't feel the need to answer it below!)?!?! We had a fantastic weekend at Castlewellan Castle. My hope for the weekend was that everyone would leave with the knowledge that God had spoken to them personally. As such, 2 of the 3 sessions were centred on reflection & experiential learning to allow the young people space to listen to God. This seemed to be received very well by the them and the addition of small groups allowed the young people to discuss their experiences of what God was saying to them.<br /><br />On top of all that we had the best banter ever with music videos forming the theme for the year. The leaders produced 3 music videos in advance of the weekend which you can enjoy below! </span><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/h5fPvab-Tvg&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/h5fPvab-Tvg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ERDt9LFhU70&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ERDt9LFhU70&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/12ZPONIZXiw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/12ZPONIZXiw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-87153589691459822162009-02-01T10:18:00.004+00:002009-03-09T11:46:46.060+00:00Exploring the Jewish World...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.xplorations.co.uk/images/titlebar.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 453px; height: 74px;" src="http://www.xplorations.co.uk/images/titlebar.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Been quiet on here for the last couple of weeks because I've been stu</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">dying! I decided after Christmas to sign up for a short course being run at <a href="http://www.belfastbiblecollege.com/">Belfast Bible College</a> by <a href="http://www.xplorations.co.uk/default.aspx">Desi Maxwell<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></a><a href="http://www.xplorations.co.uk/default.aspx"> (Xplorations)</a> titled 'Exploring the Jewish World'. The 2 week course of mornings finished on Friday by which stage i was mentally exhausted! I haven't really engaged in any third level study since i finished my MA in 2004 so my brain was feeling the pain of exercise. The course, was fascinating and yet very hard to put into a succinct blog what i learnt! Much of the content was looking at the bigger picture of the Hebraic way of thinking, contrasted with the Greek mindset that our Western society is completely influenced by. When you come to look at the Scriptures, both Old and New Testament it is enriching and truthful to be able to apply a Hebraic lens and in some way enter the mindset of the writer and the narrative.<br /><br />I would certainly recommend this course to anyone and Desi Maxwell is a fantastic teacher with an energy and enthusiasm for Hebraic thought that is infectious. Have a look at his <a href="http://www.xplorations.co.uk/default.aspx">Xplorations</a> website to discover other upcoming study opportunities!<br /></span>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-75382227480108854942009-01-17T00:17:00.003+00:002009-03-09T11:47:02.477+00:0037inches of TV...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5GjWkVZRvlpHCfaiFX7J_gkyeKocXlI0_3XGbThBn7M3Ki2UlAvV9T0WvWb9s0tABA-lXkIL5ka9mVAxOAN7zKx9i7f9K2S3XnVpqtL8hBsIkUrg6UFr7Fps7kQFc7y41R_1uw/s1600-h/DSC00086.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5GjWkVZRvlpHCfaiFX7J_gkyeKocXlI0_3XGbThBn7M3Ki2UlAvV9T0WvWb9s0tABA-lXkIL5ka9mVAxOAN7zKx9i7f9K2S3XnVpqtL8hBsIkUrg6UFr7Fps7kQFc7y41R_1uw/s320/DSC00086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292053510671606546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >I had been looking to buy a new TV since Christmas and had been looking around at lots of good deals out there but could never really pluck up the courage to just go and buy one! I</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> had spotted one at a good price in a local electrical retailer and had been in to look at it on 3 separate occasions this week! They only had one left, so this morning i just decided to put it off no longer and if it was still in the shop i would buy it - it was and i did! Im delighted with the results and reckon it will definitely help with </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://neilharrison.blogspot.com/2009/01/apathetic-new-year.html">New Year's Resolution</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> number 12 although probably not with number 14!</span>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-45290820701223786062009-01-06T07:55:00.007+00:002009-03-09T11:47:28.926+00:00Apathetic new year...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I hardly slept a wink last night as i start back to work today after the Christmas break. It's a nervousness that always comes over me before resuming work after a significant break. Ive done a fairly good job of not thinking about work at all for the last 2 weeks and now i have to re-engage into work mode and panic sets in as i think of the many things that need to get done!<br /><br />I hadn't set any New Year's Resolutions as i was somewhat apathetic about the whole thing but as i lay awake last night i resolved to do a variety of things in 2009. Here goes:<br /></span><ol><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I want to know Jesus better, to love him more and to be changed as a result this year.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41gfilygIsL._SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 162px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41gfilygIsL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I want to read the Bible more and establish a more regular discipline. As such, i was recommended a new book to aid me on this journey called 'Search the Scriptures'.</li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I want to re-develop my regular discipline of prayer and reflection on a Wednesday morning. This had lapsed over the last term and i missed it.</li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I want to feel fitter and stronger and so will continue to go to the gym and spinning.</li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I want to read more and will aim for 15 books this year.</li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I want to say 'yes' more often. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://seat42f.com/site/images/stories/Movies/Posters/yes-man-movie-poster.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 107px; height: 158px;" src="http://seat42f.com/site/images/stories/Movies/Posters/yes-man-movie-poster.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Inspired by <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yes-Man-Amazing-Happens-Decide/dp/0091927900/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228951701&sr=8-2">Danny Wallace</a> and Jim Carey!</li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I want to be able to pass myself at golf! I got a set of clubs and a lesson for Christmas so would like to improve so i don't embarrass myself!</li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I would like to have a girlfriend next Christmas & New Year!</li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I would like to blog more (as i have been apathetic about this too) and will aim for 50 blogs this year!</li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I would like to carve up some powder in the French Alps with my snowboard.</li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I want to get out walking more in The Mournes.</li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I want to start watching the West Wing as i think i will like it.</li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I want to go at least 3 music gigs this year!</li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I would like to not waste as much time doing stupid things like watching TV and invest time in these resolutions instead!</li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I would like to establish a pattern of getting up earlier and going to bed earlier so that i don't feel tired as much!</li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I want to develop a small peer group around me that meet on a regular basis for intentional encouragement, prayer and accountability.</li><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">To re-establish a pattern of journaling in my spiritual life.<br /></li></ol><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So there you have it! Plenty for me to work on in 2009! Have a great day!</span>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-11384333536604895922008-11-23T23:16:00.003+00:002009-03-09T11:48:18.949+00:00A new found hero...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We all have our heroes in life - people who inspire us by the things they do or say. Let me introduce you to one of my new found heroes. I have never met this guy before but I heard a lot about him recently so I thought I would have to go and read his book and watch him on the TV to find out a bit more.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://the730.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/bear_grylls_in_jungle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 177px;" src="http://the730.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/bear_grylls_in_jungle.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Edward Michael "Bear" Grylls (born 7 June 1974) is a British adventurer and writer currently best</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> known for his popular television series Born Survivor (Man vs. Wild in the US). He was christened Eddie, that became Teddy, and that became Bear!</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In 1998, Grylls achieved a Guinness World Record as the youngest Briton, at 23, to summit Mount Everest. </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In 2000, Grylls was among the first team to circumnavigate the UK on a jet ski, to raise money for th</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">e Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Three years later, he led a team of five British men on the first unassisted crossing of the north Atlantic Arctic Ocean, in an open rigid inflatable boat. The team battled giant waves, icebergs and storms.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Indeed he has went on to break several other world records including the record for the highest ever open-air dinner party at 25,000 ft in a hot air balloon in full formal clothing!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www3.waterstones.com/wat/images/nbd/m/82/9781905026289.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 110px; height: 144px;" src="http://www3.waterstones.com/wat/images/nbd/m/82/9781905026289.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">For those of you who haven’t seen the Born Survivor or Man vs Wild show it documents survival techniques in som</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">e of the harshest conditions of the world from the Arctic to the jungle to the swamplands. Bear will show how to keep warm, how to make a shelter and how to eat pretty much anything at anytime. If you haven’t seen it then here is a short clip that documents some of his meals. If you are squeamish then don't bother!</span><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qSw7uwx3Mrc&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qSw7uwx3Mrc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It really is a fantastic show (Sunday's 5.45pm CH4) that has become the number one cable show in America.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If you still don't think this guy is amazing then let me share with you some more of his story. After leaving school, Grylls joined the British Army's Special Forces reserve, serving for three years as a Specialist Combat Survival Instructor and Patrol Medic with the 21 SAS regiment. His service ended following a parachuting accident in 1996 during a training exercise in Kenya. His canopy ripped at 16,000 feet (4500 m), partially opening, causing him to fall and land on his parachute pack on his back, which broke three vertebrae, and left him struggling to feel his legs and unsure if he would ever walk again. Grylls spent the next 18 months in rehabilitation and with his military service over, directed his efforts into trying to get well enough to fulfill his childhood dream of climbing Mount Everest.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.manvswild.com/images/Facing-Up-Bear-Grylls.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 123px; height: 191px;" src="http://www.manvswild.com/images/Facing-Up-Bear-Grylls.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This journey from the hospital bed to the top of the world is documented in his book ‘Facing Up’ which went into the UK top 10 best-seller list. The book details the climb, from his first reconnaissance climb on which he fell in a crevasse and was knocked unconscious, regaining consciousness to find himself swinging on the end of a rope, to the gruelling ascent that took him over ninety days of extreme weather, sleep deprivation and almost running out of oxygen inside the death zone.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If you have ever thought of climbing Everest then the book is a sure fire way of putting you off!</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">What an amazing guy to be one of only 2300 people ever to have climbed the tallest mountain in the world! </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />However, what sold it for me and put Bear Grylls into the rank of a hero of mine is his honesty that he does not do these things alone. This is a quote from his book about climbing Everest:</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><blockquote style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">'But I knew that I had to stretch myself further, and reach beyond my grasp. I felt this burning urge to go higher and I longed to witness the summit. The beauty of the places on the way was unquestioned – what I had seen so far had stunned me in its sheer scale and beauty, but I felt there was more. My eyes and heart were for the summit, and my dream was to reach it with the Person who had created it. I wanted this to be my journey.’</span></blockquote><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Can you see in these words that Bear understands there is a God who has created the mountains and even at the top of the highest mountain of the world he knows that God is there with him.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This reminds me of the words of Psalm 139:</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><blockquote style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">7 Where can I go from your Spirit?</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Where can I flee from your presence?</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">if I settle on the far side of the sea,</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">10 even there your hand will guide me,</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">your right hand will hold me fast.</span></blockquote><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Throughout the book Bear talks very openly about his faith:</span><br /><ul><li style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">‘The more time I stay here the more I believe the only way to survive is to stay close to Jesus.’</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">He carries a shell with him all the way to the summit and back with words of his favourite quote inscribed on the inside from Matthew 28:20<span style="font-style: italic;"> ‘Be sure of this, that I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ </span> Words of great comfort whenever he felt very much at the end of the world.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">At another time when he fell sick and it looked like he wasn’t going to be able to complete the climb he was at his lowest and turned his anger toward God. It was then he remembered the dying words of his great uncle <span style="font-style: italic;">‘Remember this if you remember nothing else. When God goes, everything goes. Never let your faith leave you. Promise me.’ </span> He didn’t lose faith on that mountain and of course he did go on to reach the summit.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bear Grylls did not find God on the mountain. None of us have to climb a mountain to find God. Bear became a Christian when he was a sixteen year old lad struggling with normal stuff. God became his friend and they have been friends ever since!</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bear Grylls when asked the question ‘How is your Christian faith important to you?’ answered as follows:</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">'Faith gives me a strong backbone and when we find that within ourselves we can then live more exciting, effective, kind, passionate and giving lives. Life has a meaning again. It doesn’t though make life easier in any way, and I still battle with my fair share of struggles and doubt and often great self-doubt, but that is just the product of trying to stretch beyond the norm and to live life fully.'</blockquote></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So why is Bear Grylls a hero of mine? Because he is adventurous, he climbs mountains and he can survive in the jungle and kill and eat an alligator AND he is a Christian and acknowledges that he does it all with the help of God. Often, being a Christian for young people can be incredibly difficult because it is often seen as not cool, boring and a bit sissy! That idea is blown out of the water by Bear Grylls who is so cool that any young man would aspire to be like him – and he’s a Christian!</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So if you are a Christian then I hope you are encouraged that a life with Jesus is incredibly exciting and fulfilling in every way when you take time to develop a friendship with the God who will never leave you as we are told in Psalm 139.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Maybe you don’t know who your creator is? The one who in the words of Psalm 139 says <span style="font-style: italic;">‘you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb.’ </span>Maybe you have never known the peace and promise of God in Matthew 28 when he says <span style="font-style: italic;">‘Be sure of this, that I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’</span></span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bear Grylls along with model Kim Johnson and footballer Linvoy Primus produced a promotional video for the popular Christian Alpha course 3 years ago. Check it out below</span>.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/50FS8BzgqWM&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/50FS8BzgqWM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Is there more to life than this? Bear Grylls said <span style="font-style: italic;">‘when I was a kid I never looked before I leaped. Now I know better, but I still leap!’</span> Maybe you are someone who has thought about God for a long time but has never taken that leap of faith.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Is there more to life than this? It is my hope and prayer that you will search for the answer to that question and that you also will find out as Bear Grylls found and many others including myself have found, that life in all its fullness is only found in a leap of faith with Jesus.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">P.S. I prepared this for a BB Enrollment service recently so thought I would share.</span></span>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-4116376192231156272008-11-09T22:21:00.004+00:002009-03-09T11:48:53.706+00:00I can go to London baby...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.smh.com.au/ffxImage/urlpicture_id_1043533958065_2003/01/26/wld_underground,0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 352px; height: 268px;" src="http://www.smh.com.au/ffxImage/urlpicture_id_1043533958065_2003/01/26/wld_underground,0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So I was in London on Wednesday for a wee day trip. We arrived about 9.30am in Liverpool St Station and purchased a day pass on the for the tube. As we waited on the Underground platform for our first tube of the day thoughts cannot fail to enter your mind of the London Bombings in July 2005. With this slightly unnerving thought fresh in our heads we heard our train approaching in the distance and began to shuffle towards the platform edge surrounded by scores of other commuters. It was at this point i noticed an official London Underground staff member running towards the platform which i thought was a little strange but i definitely wasn't prepared for what happened next! With panic and urgency in his voice he yelled 'CAN ALL PASSENGERS LEAVE THE PLATFORM NOW!' Panic immediately entered everyone and we ran to the nearest escalator with thoughts of an imminent terrorist attack. No longer were people leisurely allowing the machine to defy gravity and carry them upwards, on the contrary people were bounding 2 steps at a time as quickly as they could and overtaking anyone who wasn't quite as agile! After quickly ascending 2 levels we slowed down as the panic around us had subsided. This was slightly comforting as it became obvious that staff were not asking travellers to exit all lines. It was a few minutes later that we discovered the reason for the swift evacuation was due to a passenger falling/jumping in front of a train further up the line. It seems the staff had reason to believe that the passenger may be trapped under the train that was approaching the platform we were on and hence the need to clear the public quickly.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> It took a good half hour for my nerves to settle again and to feel relaxed with underground travel given that my life had just flashed before my eyes! A dramatic reminder though that we really don't ever know what lies around the next corner. Every day is a gift from God.</span>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-77729020076376543372008-11-02T23:08:00.002+00:002009-03-09T11:49:09.099+00:00Kenya Info Evening...so how did it go...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So last Thursday night we had our long-awaited Kenya Info Evening.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> The prep for this was hard work as i wasn't sure how much the guys were going to do live on the night and we weren't certain if people would actually turn up! Both fears were unqualified as 4 of the guys agreed to be interviewed live on the night and we had an overwhelming attendance of almost 150 people! My hope for the evening was that people would get a flavour of what the experience involved through hearing stories told by the team. We worked hard to make the evening as relaxed as possible by creating a chat show type feel with interviews taking place on the couch and video footage interwoven throughout. The informality of the evening was topped off with a supper of 'pizza & puddings' which seemed to be well received. All in all, feedback from the night has been very positive so it looks like all the hard work paid off!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I found it quite an emotional evening at times as happy memories were recalled and the thought of this being the final chapter of the Kenya Team experience. I take comfort in the knowledge that the shared experience of the trip can never be taken away from any of us and will continue to form part of our regular conversations with each other. And of course there will be many reunions!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If you couldn't make it along on the night then here are the videos to give you a flavour of the experience!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >First Impressions of Kenya...</span><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/96yt3BeCP44&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/96yt3BeCP44&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >The Building Project...</span><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/90XVjctIir0&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/90XVjctIir0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >The Highlights...</span><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MgpxG92N24c&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MgpxG92N24c&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-41476077264190656102008-10-19T23:29:00.003+01:002009-03-09T11:49:42.538+00:00Harvest Thanksgiving...a challenge for all.<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It was our Harvest Services today in <a href="http://www.waringstownpc.org/">Waringstown Presbyterian</a> which is always one of my favourite services in the year as we are reminded of God's goodness to us. The sermon this morning was given by a South African minister who is currently ministering in a church in Belfast. He set out to challenge us in the reality that whilst we are very blessed, others in the world are not. I have heard many sermons from people who are </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">very passionate </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">about poverty and injustice in the world but i have never been so challenged as i was this morning.<br /><br />He shared first hand experience of living in a country were he was privileged to be 'white' whilst his 'black' neighbours lived in poverty. He shared a story of the stark contrast between two sons born around the same time. One was his own son and the other was the child of the gardener he employed. M&S clothing vs 'hand-me-downs', disposable nappies vs linen nappies, private health care vs NO health care, healthy vs HIV, life vs death. All because of the colour of skin. He explained that African funerals are massive occassions for the whole community. At the funeral, everyone attending will say something. They will start with the youngest and finish with the oldest and therefore wisest person there who will be no older than 40. However the funerals of babies and children are much simpler. At the funeral of the gardener's son there were only a few people present and the occassion was much less tragic. Why is this? Simply because there is a much greater expectation that children will die beacuse it happens so regularly. We live in a society were it is a tragedy when a child dies because we believe it is our right to a long and full life. The poor people of South Africa, and many other countries of the world, have never been conscious of this 'right' and so their reality is very different.<br /><br />With anger in his voice he reminded me that only a few years ago the goverments of the Western world were informed that it would take $300 billion to wipe out world poverty and they concluded that they could not find that amount of money - yet recently, when financial crisis hits the world, the US government seems to have found $700 billion without much difficulty.<br /><br />He concluded with the following powerful video from <a href="http://www.miniature-earth.com/index.html">The Miniature Earth Project</a>. You may have seen it before but if you haven't, you need to watch it as it cleverly breaks the injustice of the world into figures that are easier to get you head around.<br /><br /><br /></span><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fA6MhyK60iI&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fA6MhyK60iI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11170752.post-17629116337125396442008-10-01T21:58:00.003+01:002009-03-09T12:07:53.361+00:00Kenya Info Evening...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Here is a wee video i made with a few highlights of the Kenya Team in July. I am using it as an opportunity to promote an evening where people can come and hear more stories and experiences on</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" > Thursday 23rd October @ 8pm in Waringstown Presbyterian Craig Hall.</span><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JwHNID0i5mg&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JwHNID0i5mg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Neil Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773979045526227258noreply@blogger.com0