by neil.morgan on February 18, 2010
I came across this image as I was hunting for suitable images for a newsletter article that I’m working on. I’ve grown up around Bibles of all shapes, sizes, colours and translations. Having served as a local church minister for many years, I’ve made quite a collection of Bibles for study purposes. I love the Bible. I particularly love the contents of the Bible. But that would be only part of what I’m trying to say.
My grandpa and my dad both had well read Bibles with well worn leather covers. Someone once accused my dad of carrying the ‘News of the World’ in his Bible because there were so many sermon notes tucked between it’s pages. I know that for many years, both men only had one Bible – unlike me. However, there are a couple that I really cherish.
I have a very well worn New American Standard Bible that took me through Bible College and the early years of my ministry. I even made the leather slip-on cover myself with my initials embossed upon it. It’s my favourite for study as it’s a good translation.
My pocket Bible comes encased in the form of a Palm Tungsten T3; the software is supplied by Laridian. It includes the Today’s New International Version and The Message. It’s useful when your on the move, but I miss the handling of a leather and paper Bible.
The Message is greatly underestimated for general reading. Many make the mistake of calling it a paraphrase because its in north American streetwise language. They forget it was translated by a well renown theologian and retired pastor. Eugene Peterson, I for one love it for everyday reading!
However, if I was given the choice, I’d like to use a leather bound New Living Translation Bible.
How do you read yours?
by neil.morgan on February 15, 2010
While in conversation with my family yesterday, the subject of needing time alone to refuel came up. We’re currently a ‘full-house’, which gives very little space for aloneness.
Over the past 24 hours, I’ve been reflecting about how this affects me. I’ve discovered a few things about myself – some good, some bad, but also a mix of the two. One of my responses to a lack of aloneness over the years has been to cultivate the ability to ‘zone-out’. This has been very useful, especially when I’ve been doing something mundane, walking, cycling or on public transport. However, it’s sometimes gotten me into trouble.
The most recent occassion was when I’d zoned out in a boreing staff briefing at work. At the end of the briefing I was asked to conclude with prayer. It was quite embarrassing to suddenly become aware of fifteen people looking in my direction in what must have been an uncomfortably long pause.
While ‘zoneing-out’ is a useful tool when used appropriately and during short periods of excessive busyness, it’s not a great long term strategy. I know I need to get back to a regular habit of drawing aside to replenish myself and my relationship with God. Experience teaches me that I have to take command of my life to make it happen. For me it means that I’ll have to break my dependancy on hustle and bustle, technology and entertainment. Again, experience tells me it’s worth it.
by neil.morgan on December 8, 2009
These words have been immortalised by Arnie Schwarzenegger in his film ‘The Terminator’. However, this is the plan for these pages. It’s been a busy year and keeping this blog updated became a luxury that I couldn’t afford. But that’s going to change.
It’s also another time of returning. My son Jonathan and his wife Sofia have returned to the UK. It’s great for us to have them back, but we know that our gain is for others, loss.
Being the season of advent, I’m reminded of another who said he’d be back. The first time he chose to come it was as a baby. He lived among us showing us a better way to live, brought healing into many lives, and was subjected to cruel torture and an inhumane death. Why? Because he loves us and decided we were worth saving from ourselves, the world and the devil.
And he’s coming back – whether you believe it or not. This time he’s coming as the King of all – whether you believe it or not. We’re told that every knee will bow to him and every tongue will confess him as Lord – whether you want to or not. Will you do it because you want to? Or, will you do it because you find yourself compelled to?
by neil.morgan on June 16, 2009
by neil.morgan on March 26, 2009
I’ve just started to use Spotify – what a great online music resource.
Folk music is one of my favourite genres. I’ve just come across one Swedish folk singer that I’m really enjoying – Sofia Karlsson (http://www.sallywiola.com/sofia_karlsson/). If you like folk, she’s really worth listening to.
by neil.morgan on February 15, 2009
Two toasted hearts
Saturday (14th) was Valentine’s Day in the UK.
Carla and I have often been a little ambivalent about how to celebrate this day. We’ve also been a little suspicious about it’s origin. Anyway, we’ve decided to keep it away from the commercialism that surrounds it – the innocuous cards, over inflated costs for flowers and meals out – and inject some personal touches to the day.
I decided I’d cook Carla a romantic dinner, but before that we started the day with me making breakfast for us both. Thanks to a pastry cutter in the shape of a heart – given to us last Christmas by our soon-to-be-daughter-in-law – I used it to shape the hot buttered toast that I put on Carla’s plate. From the oohs and aahs, I think it was a hit.
In the afternoon we went out for coffee and when we got back, Carla watched the rugby match Wales vs. England – Wales won 23-15, yeh! – and I cooked dinner. We enjoyed an Italian pasta dish, with a very special ciabatta bread, and ate a delicious lemon meringue pie for dessert.
The most important thing for me was to hear Carla say that she really enjoyed the day!
by neil.morgan on February 1, 2009
After months of inactivity, you may be more than a little surprised at this new development. Not only a new format, but it also contains a combined site for Neil and Carla.
We got a little bored with the old version and it didn’t do all the things we wanted it to. So here we are trying something new.
Please be patient. It’s going to take a little time to get it up and running as we want it, but we hope that, with time, you’ll come to like it.
by neil.morgan on January 25, 2009
Hi, this is my new blog page. Posts coming soon…
by neil.morgan on September 20, 2008
We are very happy to announce the engagement of our son Jonathan to Sofia Carlbert. Jonathan popped the question today, 20th September 2008, while out for a walk on Lion’s Head, Cape Town, South Africa.
Congratulations to you both from Dad, Mum and Zoe…
by neil.morgan on September 8, 2008
