...the demonstration of the spirits power

Bishop Ricardo was awesome!
He did not come with theology or clever anecdotes but with the experiences of his life which themselves are a demonstration of Gods power.
It is impossible not to be inspired by the man.

But inspired to do what? Surely a fleeting emotional response is not enough. The power of the man's testimony allows me to feel the freshness of the holy spirit. But also his passion challenges my 'middle England' approach to Christianity.

Is it possible to have the passion without the bruises?

Dare I ask God to bring change?


It is heartening to hear the first hand accounts of miraculous healing. Normally it is easier to remain detached when reading reports of miracles from afar. But these accounts left me saying to myself over an' again "God is real!", "God is real!"

WOW!

...a canoe that floats

...refusing to be intimidated by the heavy downpour the foolish pair continued their journey to the elusive 'put-in'. A place near Radyr, seen on Google-maps to possibly offer access to the Taff. The condition of the 'indian' on water was yet to be determined. The many gel-coat chips adorning the watercraft did not diminish the pride with which the pair launched her down the steep, root ridden bank into the, now swollen, waters of Wales famous river.

With not a little trepidation we tested our weight against the draft of the craft and attempted our first sweep with our home fashioned canadian paddles. (two Kayak paddles sawn at the 60 inch mark with a bit of gaffa tape for a handle - neat job Bub!).

The now fast flowing river and the old 'indian' (canadian) canoe tussled for dominance during this 2 hour maiden voyage. But I think it was an even draw. The river clearly longed to swamp us, and made quite a few unsuccessful attempts. With no reference to fairness! But on the other hand we never managed to turn the canoe up river without the aid of a waterside leverage, the current always throwing us back around as it hit the side.

Here I am before the trip. Not a very "Ray Mears" look I know. And I bet he doesn't wear a shorty underneath as I am here.





My Bro Bub is seen here - umbilical still attached - with a bit of a trim problem. Hard to tell he is sporting a broken left shoulder. Then again, maybe that's why we kept circling against the current! Not his rotten J-stroke!

Can't wait for the real trip in a few weeks time. Just a coat of paint and a name required.

Is it right to name a canadian canoe? What do you think?