Quote of the day

"While women weep, as they do now, I'll fight; while little children go hungry, as they do now, I'll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I'll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll fight-I'll fight to the very end!"

Willam Booth 1912

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*Came across this via Sunday's sermon from Pastor G McDade

Quote of the week

"Let this be thy whole endeavor, this thy prayer, this thy desire, that thou mayest be stripped of all selfishness, and with entire simplicity follow Jesus only." (Thomas A. Kempis 1379 - 1471)

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"A Confession of sorts…" (Part 2)
As a result of being ill (read "Being Released" click on link) I have had a lot of down time and hanging around the house. Boredom has set in more than a few times and I have found myself watching some weird and wonderful television. One of the things that got me thinking was an episode I watched of “Katie & Peter: the next chapter”. For those who aren’t in the know it’s a reality program that follows the day to day lives of Katie Price (aka Jordan) and Peter Andre. If I’m being honest I was probably watching it to have a laugh at their stupidity. Instead of laughing but I found myself wanting to throw something at the TV and shout "ITS NOT ALL ABOUT YOU, YOU PAIR OF SELF OBSESSED IDIOTS".
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However, a few hours later I got to wondering what a TV show about my day to day life would show up. Would I be any less self obsessed? Certainly I may be a little more subtle about it but would it show me in any better a light? I’m not sure. There is an old saying that goes something like “Character is who you are when no-one is looking” To be honest it’s an expression I would like to forget but can’t afford to. Who are you when no-one is looking?

*Part one is on "Being released"

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New single from The Duke (with a special appearance from Wiggy)

I came across the new video and single from Duke Special a few days ago as I was eating my breakfast. I was impressed with yet another great tune from the man. Everything was going well to I noted my good mate in the video snogging his wife. Down went the wheaten bread and eating was finished for the day. Still great song!!

Ps Updates on "Being Released" have been posted should one be interested...

Weight plates...

If anyone has old weight plates lying about their home for barbells or dumbbells and they would like to long term loan them to me or sell them on let me know – I’m on the hunt!

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*Updates on "Being released" are posted should you be up for it.

Welcome!

All of us here at petemartin.org would like to welcome Drew Steele to the land of blog!

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Secret Millionaire
For a few weeks now I have been watching the Channel 4 show "Secret Millionaire" with great interest. As I watch it my internal dashboard lights up and I feel inspired and moved. I’ve often wept as I’ve watched the moment were people’s lives change and dreams come true. I’m in the process of understanding what my response means but the intensity is to such a point that I can truly say that I’ve experienced it on only a few occasions in my life.

It’s not the fact that I’m watching a millionaire throw cash about nor is it about dreaming that I’m the millionaire although that would be a very privileged and exciting position to be in. It’s about making a difference, relieving poverty and hardship and improving the quality of life for people in the present. Not next year if that grant comes in or next month if we raise the fianance but today, now and right this minute.

As I watch it I get an intense sense of God moving in me and I want to respond to that. How is yet to be discerned but I know this, its part of a pattern. A friend of mine from a few moons ago once shared with me his vision to earn more so that he could give more. The inspiration of his vision has never left me and since that point I’ve had an increased focus on how I use my finances. What the future holds who knows but this I do know I want to ensure that I'm ready to receive instruction.

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Ps. Whilst I wouldn't resist it don't think I'm announcing that God is about to make me a millionaire...

Keli & Stu
I came across this blog belonging to an old friend Stu Mullan and his wife Keli. They have recently sold all their belongings, resigned from their jobs and went on a journey of adventure on a yacht. All pretty cool stuff if ya ask me…

I’ve put a link up to the left so if ya know them or are just interested in following their adventure you can click on the link.

Its good to have the internet back!

*Updates on "Being Released" should ya be interested….

Services suspended or at least a little intermittent...
Unfortunately the modem here at petemartin.org is giving us serious bother. Normal services will resume shortly.

Before and after...

Here is the face of a man whose body told him to feel euphoric after a 4 mile run. His body of course knowing full well the dirty trick it was going to pull on him the next day. Yup young Jamie Greer here took the head staggers and decided to hit the roads round our way for a jog. The following day but was the funniest thing I’ve seen ages as he was behaving exactly the same way as the people in this video do. I felt sorry for him briefly but that soon passed. You see he has been doing a little weight lifting with me recently and reported that he has felt no stiffness whatsoever. Unfortunately I can’t say the same…

Summer Colds
Why oh why must my body insist in getting a summer cold every year! I thought that I had got away with it this year but no last night I kept waking up to realise that my my nose was running down my face… Dis-double-gusting!!! This morning my sinuses feel like they have been sealed and my head feels ready to explode. The bad news is that neither decongestants nor pain killers are touching it. If previous years are anything to go by this will last for three flaming weeks!!

On the bright side Linfield’s young genius Billy Joe Burns scored a screamer last night and here it is caught on camera! I’m very excited about this 18 year olds future…

Food for thought...

Seven times a day, as I work upon this hungry farm, I say to thee, “Lord, why am I here? What is there here to stir my gifts to growth? What great thing can I do for others – I who am captive to this dreary toil?”

And seven times a day Thou answerest “I cannot do without thee. Once did my Son live thy life, and by His faithfulness did show My mind, My kindness, and My truth to men. But now He is come to My side, and thou must take His place”

From Hedbridean Altars

Ps. There has been a few updates on "Being Released" should you be interested... ;-)

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A memorable moment with Jackie…
I came across this wee gem involving Jackie Full-o-Himself (Sorry Fullerton – an old joke I couldn’t resist) and Giant Haystacks the other day and it made me laugh. I actually remember watching it as a kid live and being shocked that Haystacks actually did it! I then wanted him to go on and finish the job. Note the lack of a landing mat and the anxious silence as Jackie tries to gather himself. It's the "Thanks very much Mr Haystacks" makes me laugh everytime - TV gold if ever I've seen it!

Good luck!!

Monday 18 August WEATHER WATCH (Taken from the BBC) Northern Ireland is set to receive more rain today, with outbreaks of heavy rain possible during the afternoon and evening. Around 10-15mm is expected but up to 20mm is possible in some spots. There is a moderate risk of further disruption after the recent flooding Further updates will appear here.

Ballynahinch Baptist yesterday morning!

The new Westlink underpass yesterday at 11.30am with 45 million litres of water approx in it

What a week of weather…
Could some one confirm for me that this is indeed August! Not only has it felt like we are in the middle of the rainy season within a tropical rain forest but with the winds what they have been, it has also felt a bit like autumn. Yesterday Linfield’s match turned into a complete farce and had to be abandoned due to the torrential rain after 35 minutes of play. I was raging as we were 1-0 up. On the way home as I walked down off the Railway Bridge to the side of Windsor Park I was greeted with 5 – 6 inches of water in the street below. My new Timberland boots did not appreciate it one bit I can assure you!

They say every cloud has a silver lining and after a hard struggle I’ve found one! In early July we decided to replace the ornate but useless fireplace within our house with a Scandinavian wood burning stove. We got our chimney breast cut, out a new hearth fitted and the stove took pride of place within that! Since then but we haven’t had the right conditions to light it. We had to wait for the new plaster work to dry out and once it had done that it felt like the weather was too warm and humid to consider lighting it. This week however, all that changed and the inaugural fire was lit. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it as there has always been a fire bug within me dying to get out and I love the therapeutic experience of just sitting watch a real fire.

Now just to return the skirting board and paint the chamber and the room.

That said even greater satisfaction can be found in the fact the heat seemed to travel through the hall and into the kitchen. With the price of oil as it is and with all that’s going on in that market (see this post below) we may save ourselves a fortune this winter. Happy days!!

Ps Click on the title for some amazing BBC footage of just how bad the floods got - I hope there is not worse to come?

My Old Man...

Tomorrow see’s the start of the football season with Linfield playing at home against Cliftonville. It promises to be a very exciting season with the Belfast Blues arguably down in power having sold a few key players and other teams looking arguably stronger and more promising. The new format to league also holds some intrigue for me and the fact that lesser teams such as Portadown are no longer in the league is always a good thing.

So it’s back to the stands for me on a Saturday afternoon and not a moment to soon. Just to get you all in the mood here’s a wee snippet of the cup final last season! In this clip we not only hear an infamous song which brought controversy to Linfield’s door last season but we also hear the dulcet tones of another blogger singing… He shall remain anonymous but you know who it is!

One of Emma's favourite quotes...
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

I read this a while back and it struck a chord! My good friend Emma Duncan uses it on her blog and facebook page and so it keeps whacking me up the face everytime I check the sites out. I don't know about you but life for me can often get stuck somewhere safe and comfortable but arguably stale and at times regressive.

A friend of mine recently made a decision about his career that was truly massive. It affected everything from his life to his family, from his home to his friends, and from his community to his place of worship. One of the things he said that influenced his thinking was this question. Would he rather be in a new job, out of his depth and scared witless or in a safe job and regretful that he didn’t make the change.

I was struck by the courage of his decision. Be encouraged and inspired to live life to the max as opportunity presents itself. We only pass this way once and so make sure you don't miss a moment of it!

Ps. There has been a few updates on "Being Released" should you be interested... ;-)

Drumkeeragh Forest – a thin place?
I’ve recently started visiting a forest not far from my home called Drumkerragh for walks and solitude. I first heard of it from Charlie who is very fond of taking his dog for walks there. Then of course it’s also infamous for the murder that happened within its boundaries in the autumn of 1991 were a woman stabbed to death her lovers wife. It is also linked to the £22 million Northern Bank robbery as a hostage was held captive within the forest. Leaving that aside but I wanted somewhere to stretch my legs and were I could be alone to hear God’s voice.

It’s a lot to do with a post (placed 8 below this one) I wrote a few weeks ago questioning why I found communication with God easier whilst on holiday than at home. In it I alluded to finding a place near home which could be described as “a thin place” as the Celts called it – a place were communication with God comes easier.

If I’m honest that post was written on the 27th July and I’ve done very little to find a place like this since. The lesson is yet again that I need to live with intent. It’s all good and well having all these thoughts which I record on my blog but if they don’t amount to behavioural and spiritual change then they don’t amount to a hill of beans. It’s time to move up a gear and ensure that my thought process moves into behavioural change and spiritual growth.

A sad experience and prediction!
A few weeks ago we got a letter from our oil supplier stating that they want all customers to pay their out standing balances within 4 months and that all monthly direct debits would be going up to £100. For us that meant that we had to find £600 pronto and experience a 66% rise in our direct debit without having budgeted for it.

(Ironically if you think about it for a moment it’s easy to see how a local oil company could easily go bust as a result of an acute cash flow problem. All of a sudden they could find that all their capital is wrapped up in customer’s unpaid debts and so have no funds to buy the oil needed to continue supplying customers.)

Having scrapped together the money needed to pay my bill I made my way down to the company to handover the cheque. As I stood in the reception area I overheard a sales executive explain to a customer that she couldn’t have anymore oil. She was £300 in debt, hadn’t paid her direct debit in 2 months and so could not receive any more oil. On asking what the minimum amount she would have to pay would be she was told that the full balance would need to be paid.

I don’t want to be a profit of doom folks but my advice would be to start living frugally now. Clear any outstanding debts and put away any savings you can. It would appear that there are many rainy days so to speak ahead of us.

Time for a rant!
Over the last couple of weeks something has been getting on my nerves. In fact so much so I think if it continues to build I may start suffering from road rage. I live in a little hamlet as most of you will know 40 fields right of civilisation and so driving round wee roads which aren’t the safest is a daily occurrence. Lately on the roads around our hamlet we seem to have fallen victim to a dose of idiots with only slightly more intelligence than a crash test dummy.

After hearing it for years they have eventually got the message not to drive while on their mobile phone so now instead they stop dead in the middle of the road without warning to take a call. You would think that this in itself is the height of ridiculousness but it's not quite. Hard to believe for any right thinking person but making matters worse is the fact that they don’t care where they do this. It would be bad enough if they did this on a straight open road but more often than not they don't prefering instead to stop dead somewhere a lot more dangerous. I’ve seen people stop before, during, or after a bend, on a hill and yes even on a crossroads. It’s got to stop NOW before someone ploughs into the back of someone or has a head on collision trying to get past them!!


I thought that this rant would have helped but it hasn’t - that’s it the next time it happens I won’t be responsible for my angry gestures!!! ;-)

Promo for the new album from Oasis "Dig out your soul"
I came across this the other day and thought some of you may be interested. Whilst I’m not a massive fan of Oasis fan I do have a few of their albums and have been known to enjoy their music. This is a promo for their new album in which they have used lots of images and tunes from their past. If ya like them enjoy, if ya don’t ya won’t!

Ps Happy birthday to my wee sis today who's sweet 26 !

The return of the fennel...

Yes indeed!! I hate most herbal teas but the few that I do like I love. Peppermint, Lemon and Fennel would be in my top 3 so about 6 months ago when a certain brand changed their mix and their fennel tasted more like pond water instead of its usual refreshing taste you can imagine my disappointment. Well last week when I was out and about I discovered this wee brand. I wasn't sure if the fact that it is produced by the Prince of Wales was a good thing or a bad thing but I bought it anyway, and boy was I glad. It's delicious!

Now to find a decent lemon tea. The brand I've used for a few years now have ditched there traditional mix and blended it with a few other new age detox ingredients such as limeflowers, milk thistle and lemon verbena. It's ok but I wish they hadn't bothered.

Pistol Pete update...
I'm delighted to note that the lad is getting good reviews at his new club and scored his first goal for them on Saturday whilst playing against Man City. Way to go lad!

Babies & Dads...

This is the funniest thing I've seen in ages! Probably because I've been there bought the t-shirt and know how each one of them feels - enjoy.

Discipline & Practice
Staying with the theme of returning to basics which I discussed two posts ago today’s "Word for today" talks about the importance of discipline and practice. Discipline and practice are like dirty words in today’s instant society and I found this a timely reminder of their place and value.

Branson unveils space tourism jet
18 months and counting to the first Virgin trip into space.



Tickets are estimated to cost around £100,000 and one fancy it? It's vergin on the rediculous if you ask me... (See what I did there, Baaaa haaahahahahahahah)

Our " thin place " - as the Celts called it...
It’s hard to believe it but nine years ago Jane and I went to Donegal for the first time to check out her brother’s new caravan. Since then each year we have returned at some stage whether it’s been deepest winter or "warmest" summer. It’s our magic place were we seem to be able to leave the real world behind and enter a kingdom of mountains, castles and beaches. Not to mention the very enjoyable fishing, golf courses, coffee shops and long walks.

More than this we have always had rich times with God whilst there. The Celts called a place were it seemed easier to meet and communicate with God "a thin place" and for us Donegal is certainly this. His presence seems so much more tangible in Donegal especially whilst walking a beach in the early morning sunshine or reading his word in the car whilst the evening drizzle throws a rainbow over the bay. Time and time again we’ve come home feeling spiritually renewed and with a clearer picture of what God's being saying to us as we travel through the current season of our lives. Last week was no different!

My question is how come I don’t let myself have more of these experiences at home? Why do I need to travel 2½ hours up the road to experience this. I know God does not leave me nor does he live solely in Donegal so why is it so much harder to connect with him in South Down?

My conclusion is that I need to stop letting every day life drown out God presence from my consciousness. I need to make time to walk mountains and shore lines when I’m at home and solitude is an old friend I need to get reacquainted with.

This lesson is far from new to me. I’m 35 now and my guess is that I’ve revisited this lesson on average twice a year as I’ve travelled through my adult life. I get frustrated with this but I take encouragement from the fact that the re-visitation of the lesson happens.

Ps. 3 or 4 photo's have been added to "The Photo Album"

It’s the end of an era…
For the last four or so years I’ve had the pleasure of watching Pistol Pete Thompson score goal after goal at Windsor Park and took great joy in singing his song after each one of them. Every now and then Pete and I had a yarn and he’s a real gent! His tremendous skill has been noticed by more than one club from across the water and the time has come for him to move up a level. Stockport was the successful club to get their hands on him and on Wednesday night Pete put on the blue shirt for the last time. The word legend is used far too often around Windsor Park but for us it’s an appropriate word to use when talking about Pistol Pete.

All of us here at petemartin.org would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the very best and look forward to seeing him go from strength to strength across the water!!

The startling fact is but that this leaves Linfield with one striker and he is a veteran of 39 - true he is a man of enormous stature and capability but how long can Glenn Ferguson go on for and just who will repace Pete?

Secret filming of Portadown's new first team...

Noting that young Dave Wiggins is enjoying publishing old footage of Portadown FC we thought that he along with our general readership may enjoy this secret filming of Portadown’s new first team. This is them (in red) playing a friendly in preparation for the new season that’s nearly upon us. Enjoy…

Quote of the day...
"Next to its love for the chief of sinners, the most touching thing about the religion of Christ is its amazing trust in the least of saints."

Taken from Celtic Daily Prayer Book - Northumbria Community

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From ugly to beautiful...

I came across this thread on bonfires on a local football forum I’m a member of and it struck me how in Northern Ireland we can often make ugly things beautiful. Graffiti became murals with historical relevance and meaning and in the case of bonfires some have become super structures with architectural merit. Here is a few pics from that thread. While some demonstrate bitterness, insecurity or just plain stupidity others it can be argued show creativity and flair.

It's interesting that with the last bonfire they plan to burn the Ulster and union jack flag. A community turning inwards on itself or just fed up with the whole lot of it?

Also interesting to note is that each one of those blue pallets cost around £15 each...

Why I thought it better not to try!

New Aussie game for the summer...

Try this at your next BBQ and I promise you it will never be forgotten - first one out loses!!

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Greer!!

It seemed a long time coming as we listened to Mr Greer on many an occasion air his thoughts and plans for getting married but now its arrived all of us here at petemartin.org would like to wish you both every blessing!!

A big dose of the truth!!

"A Father's Love Letter"
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Dear Child
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32
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Love,
Your Dad.
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This was read out in Church a few weeks ago and it truly blew me away. Soak in it, digest it, own it and let it own you!

Explains a lot really...

Reacquainted
Last night I was reacquainted with an old friend… "Sauna"! Absolutely class! We first became friends when I got my first professional job and stress hit me like a tidal wave. I used to love the sensation of hiding away for an hour or two in a place were people couldn’t contact you, phones wouldn’t ring and problems couldn’t present themselves. I loved the stimulation of the senses as I moved from extreme heat to extreme cold. One minute jumping from a roasting sauna to freezing plunge pool and the next from a hot steam room to a cold shower.

In my time I’ve used them for various purposes including a venue for having a business meeting to general socialising. Last night Jamie and I went for our last outing ever as he gets married next week and will fall of the face of the earth thereafter ;-) It was a quality night and I’ll tell you what, me and my old friend "sauna" will be spending a lot more time together in the future.

Are you ready?

A quick word...
"Being Released" has been reopened and I'm now continuing with my journal recording my journey towards losing some pounds and hitting my target weight. (If your interested click on the link.)

Colorado catches 'thong bandits'
Have you ever in your life... (Check out link above)
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What was Britain thinking???

These boys rock and should have won if you ask me!!! (Britain's got talent)

Moments you can’t buy nor plan…
My dad is a go getter! He retired 13 years ago when he was 49 (lucky brut) and I thought that he was a busy man before that point but since then life has just not stopped. In many ways I’m quite jealous of his love of activity and wish I was the same but unfortunately that gene missed a generation in me.