Climbing Bidean

Saturday returned absolutely exhausted after 'bagging' my 3rd munro. Bidean is the 23rd highest of all the 284 munroes and the highest in the glencoe range. I joined two more experienced climbers in Grant and Matthew, and as always the descent was more painful than the ascent. But all in all a fastanstic experience and one my poor knees are still recovering from, 2 days later!

Walking for Charity

Friends, I'll be walking the West Highland Way at the end of May with a colleague officer Captain Tim Wills of Kirkcaldy Corps. We are walking 48 miles of the total 95 miles from Inverarnan to Fort William. I've decided to walk this year for Cancer Research UK, as like many of you, I've lost many good friends to this terrible disease and the sooner we can eradicate it from blighting our lives, the better.

A Saved Life

An unusual thing happened to me yesterday. During my time in prison (as a Chaplain) I was asked to be seen by one of the remand prisoners. After 10 minutes of discussion he confessed to having swallowed his entire weekly prescription of drugs. I told him I would have to alert the prison officers, he agreed. They whisked him away to suicide watch, an ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital, presumably to have his stomach pumped.

The actual event wasn't remarkable except that the timing was perfect. I happened to be late into prison yesterday and so my calls in the halls were delayed by ½ hour. Had I been on time, I would have missed the chap who asked to see me. As it was I believe he was saved from the drugs taking effect and causing him to kill himself.

God's leading and timing is perfect.

This chap was talking of taking his own life. His mind was full of 'voices', his life had been one of physical abuse, and he was "tired". He was certainly talking from the perspective of darkness.

I tried to minister, pray, listen to him. He couldn't see ahead. Life was so difficult for him.

I read last week that its such times the Lord wants us to be silent before him. 'in quietness and confidence shall be your strength' (Isaiah 30: 15) Not an easy thing to do in a crowed hall of prisoners. Not an easy thing to do for a Salvation Army Officer who is in demand from so many people, who request diverse questions.

"Speak to me Lord even through the dark circumstances of life."

Fire Comes to Gorgie

We'll it happened and I'm still here to tell the tale. I did my Fire Walk along with Kevin and 22 others. Jan and Ed Donaldson took part from Glenrothes corps. The motivational talk by Vaughan the trainer from "Blaze", left us all without voices, with all the shouting we were doing. We walked over hot coals of the standard temperature of 1200 C with our bare feet. Thanks to Sheonagh Alison and my kids for supporting from the corps. There were a few pictures taken and Kevin's video diary should be interesting to watch. I'll try to post a link when I find it on You Tube. None of the participants were injured and apart from getting dirty feet from the ash, the 7 steps were the shortest sponsor walk I've completed! Thanks to sponsorship from corps and family we've managed to raise around £450 for the children’s and youth retreat later in the year.

All fired up!

In a weak moment I agreed to take part in a fire walk later this month.

This will involve me walking barefoot over hot burning coals without getting burnt. I'm doing this with my children's development work to raise funds for our children's and youth retreat they will be holding later on in the year. Hopefully we'll be joined by at least 2 equally lunatic salvationists from Glenrothes.

Some may think me mad for attempting this. But it will be facilitated by a professional fire walking company "Blaze Firewalking".

It will take place on Saturday 23rd Feb at 5pm on the patch of grass alongside our hall. If you're in Edinburgh, why not support in person.

Piano talk

We're due to take delivery of a new piano at our corps on Friday 8th Feb. It's been purchased in memory of a dear old lady whose daughter is a member of our corps and who believes her mother's money should be put to good use, seeing that our current main hall piano has seen better days (in its 30 year existence)

The piano that is arriving is a factory refurbished model that looks and plays as new and yet its cost is ½ the price of buying it new.

I've been thinking about this salvationists attitude - using 'mum's money' and putting it to such a good use. What a commendable attitude to have. Possessions, including money, can never satify the deepest longings of our heart.

Talking of pianos, just recently 24 pianists from the corps embarked on a 24 hour marathon piano play. It provided great fellowship, a good amount of sponsorship for our forthcoming childrens and youth retreat and an opportunity to see this unique corps' talent. How many corps in the UK can boast such a wealth of pianists?

I went along to 'test' the piano. It was housed in a room full of various sizes and makes of piano. Being the nosey type, I went around looking and playing each variety and came to one that outwardly was no different from the others but when played made no sound. It was in the process of being rebuilt. The hammers inside were not there.

Oh that I may always be in progress of being rebuilt and refashioned by God. Mindful of the potter and the clay in Jeremiah.
Peter reminds me "Let not your adornment by the outward thing of braided hair and gold ornaments, but let your adornment be that of the inward personality of the heart. Let it be the unfading loveliness of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."

No Room

Been reflecting over the past month and have to be honest, in all the carolling and community programme at Gorgie SA that I've been involved with, there has been no room for family stuff. Thankfully we are now off for a few days and I plan to totally relax and chill.

Had a lovely time yesterday with a corps community lunch which followed the Christmas Day Meeting. Good to see a great crowd that gathered for that. This was followed by time with corps family where we enjoyed a 4 course meal (thank you Alan and Jean) and then some crazy games (OK Sharon the second one made up for the first!) Arrived home totally blessed but tired.

Interested to hear the Quuen's Christmas Day Message followed along the lines of my thought this year. Making room for the Christ Child in all the hustle and bustle. The preacher here needs to listen to his own message.