Fragile Life

On 15th May 2008, a biking legend stepped up to the practice for Saturdays annual North West 200 road race. Robert Dunlop was a continually rising star in the sport until events in 1994. During a race on the Isle of Man Formula One TT, the back wheel of his 750cc motorbike disintegrated resulting in multiple and devastating injuries. Many people claim that he was lucky to live after the accident.

On Thursday night, the fatal accident happened in the 250cc qualifying as the riders approached the Mathers Cross section of the course. The engine on his motorcycle seized and he was subsequently thrown over the handlebars at approximately 160mph. As he crashed, a following rider - Darren Burns - collided with him suffering a broken leg and concussion in the accident. Dunlop was taken to Causeway Hospital in Coleraine before succumbing to his injuries shortly after 10pm.

Robert Dunlop died at doing what he always loved and done. His brother, Joey Dunlop, also died while racing in Estonia in 2000.

Prayers and thoughts go out to the Dunlop family circle at this time. Especially his wife and sons, Louise, William, Michael and Daniel.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/7403981.stm

Underestimated Beauty?

I've lived in this country all my life. Been to a few countries on holidays, but never felt that I really appreciated this land I call 'Home'. Ive taken a bit of a habit lately of taking photos of places that I visit. The more recent was Ballycastle, not exactly the hip place to be.

I met up with someone and we decided to head to Ballycastle for ice cream (the ice cream is still an out standing order!) We took a stroll on the beach and at the end we spotted a bridge that streched over some rocks. There are photos on my Facebook page (link below).

We perched ourselves on the rocks and decided to stay and watch the sunset. After taking a few photos I realised how the surroundings of Northern Ireland are taken for granted. Anyway, I hope to add more photos to the miniture collection!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=112511&l=6b01d&id=569030474

As Much as Humanely Possible

"Christians that unite and stand together, are strong Christians"

I read this earlier from a 'Daily Bread' booklet on Colin's dinner table this morning.

I can confirm that this weekend has totally rocked any other public holiday weekends that I can remember! Caroline and myself took off on a road trip to Cork to visit her brother, his wife Sunhwa and their son Aidan.

Colin works full time as a missionary on the boats that dock in Cork. Mainly on bulk vessels and container ships. I had met the guy that previously worked as a missionary on the boats. Walter Burrel. As time caught up, Walter could no longer operate his work, and the post was offered to Colin. Colin courageously steps on board (with the appropriate permission) to speak to the ships crew, and spread the Good word. When I heard of this at first, it sounded to me that it was an easy job. Go onto a few ships a week, give a short talk to the crew about God and what he does for us, then leave.

On our trip to Cork, Colin showed us a few of the boats that he had been on before, and asked if we would like to come on board with him. Immediately I am aware how hard this guys work is. Not everyone is so glad to hear about God's word, so they get angry at Colin talking. He told us that its not uncommon for captain and crew members to shout at him until he leaves. The first obvious difficulty is hatred. Are they fearful of what they hear? Do they fear to be ridiculed for having a Bible on board?

The other difficulty would be the language barrier. To help, Colin tries to speak a little language to see how well they can communicate. He carries a child's colouring book with him, to demonstrate that without God in our lives, our books are empty. But with God in our lives, it can become colourful and illustrated.

Luckily the ships that we were on, they were not angry for us to board, but they seemed to have little or no time to listen. The good sign is that we were able to spot a few stickers on board that indicated that there have been other missionaries on board before.

This caused me to take a good look at my own life. These guys spend months on end out at see, they maybe never think or receive the word of God. But yet I have this all around me with friends and family being quite involved in the Church and activities. This trip has really opened my eyes on the lengths that people will go to answer and to deliver God's word. If I have this all around me, why cant I make this step, before its too late? More and more Ive been thinking about how precious and vulnerable life itself is. The things that God has done for us, you don't have to step far from your front door to realise this beauty, its in everything!

There is something I have to do. Tonight. It cant be left any longer. I'm wasting precious life by not.

Crushed Feelings?

No matter who it is, there's a 99% chance that people regret doing things, no matter how large or small. Some people regret getting tattoos, people may regret saying the wrong thing or carrying out wrong actions.

Its a bit personal to be writting onto a blog, but its the only method of 'release'. I cant exactly tell the person I am closest to as we seem to be doing a lot of argueing these days and this may add to the heated debate. Back to the matter on my mind.

Little less than a year ago I encountered a young lady when I was picking my flat mate up from a night out. They invited me in to sit in the restaurant while they finished their drinks. The conversation was flowing between people, though I only spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear when I was asked a question. One lady in particular caught my attention that night. She was beautiful! Needless to say, over the events that happened 1 month or so after that night, I had a chance to make something of this attraction that I felt towards this girl. We went out for the day on our days off. To be quite honest, she could have been one of the best things that happened to me. Through my foolishness, she slipped away. I have methods of contacting her now, but I dont feel that she would ever forgive me for the way I treated her. I ignored her one night in a club and didnt tell her that I was getting back with my then girlfriend.

In my short lived life, this is growing to be a regret that will continue eating away at my conscience. When these things happen, often there is no turning back the time, unless the 'victim' is a forgiving person, but not always the case.

Easter

Really havnt had this much easter fun in years!

Easter totally rocked this year. In previous years it was spent at family gatherings or working. But this Easter I was able to completely enjoy it. Firstly, a small group of us made it to the Dawn service at Slemish. Although we arrived due to a mix up of plans. Parked the car half way up the road to the car park and walked the rest. Graeme decided to run on up ahead, but I felt it was too early for that nonsense!

Monday we went to Benone on the beach for an egg hunt! Big kids, I know, but it was definatley a great activity! We also played a game of rounders. One game was only played due to the weather (which included wind, rain, and lots of it!)

Barrys was visited and of course the waltzer was given a go. Barry's is over estimated but definatley the dodgems, cyclone and the waltzer.

On Tuesday night we went to Indiana Land! We really were exploring our inner child hood! We went ice skating after to cool down from the running. If you want to go to Indiana Land and your 10+ expect to leave the place with lumps bumps and bruises!

Yogurt contest?

Lately things have started to get a little crazy round work. Mainly daring each other to do stupid stuff. The last dare we took part in was shaving our heads, after the initial cut, the person that cuts their hair first after that looses. Winner collects £50.
The most recent event is to do with yogurt. We are contemplating challenging adam to eat 1kilogram of strawberry yogurt in 20 minutes. Money collected would be donated to a charity of some sort (or the local loose change box). Will keep posted on the outcome either way!

Graemes bday!

Ok so it was my friends birthday on thursday. It was organised to take him out for a meal so the countrymans inn was organised.i was not going to get a novelty cake to embarrass him in public. So i went to a supermarket in the town and was amused at what i came across! This was the chosen cake.