the new logo

Those of you who have an attention span longer than a goldfish will probably have noticed that there is now a picture at the top of the screen. If not, look up now. No, not that high, at the top of the screen. Got it?

Okay.

There are two reasons for this. One is that when I look at other peoples’ blogs they always have lovely fancy graphics and I felt that my page looked a little, well, plain. So, yes that’s envy / coveting / wanting more and better, which is what I was preaching about last Sunday. Oops.

The second reason is that I like the picture. I don’t know what you thought about when you saw it, or if you contemplated it at all, but it says several things to me. It speaks of my uniqueness (and yours – you are unique, just like everyone else). God broke the mould and threw away the blueprints after he had made me. There’s no-one else with the same genetics, experiences, ideas and personality as me. (Insert your own jokes and humorous comments here, I can’t be bothered to list them all!). That makes me feel a bit special. Not in a big-headed way (I think) but just a sense that I am not a prototype. I am it as far as Nick Lears go, and God is pleased with me. Same goes for you!

The picture also speaks to me about how God has called me to go and be a messenger of his. The same is true of all followers of Jesus, not just the clergy and missionaries. Whoever you are and wherever you are, God is calling you to use your gifts, time, talents, resources, personality and everything else you have to make a difference to other people: to help his Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. That is why I have expanded my subtitle (did you notice, if not, look up, no not that far… you know the routine) to include me trying to be a free sample of Jesus. I think that is a phrase that originates with me – I certainly don’t remember seeing or hearing it anywhere else – and it resonates with me.

Whatever I say, wherever I go, whomever I meet, whenever I am awake I can be a free sample of Jesus. I can’t do it well in my own strength (which is why we have the Spirit of God within us) and I can’t always do it well even then, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if people reflected after an encounter with us at home, at work, in the street, in the gym, at the football, or wherever, that they felt blessed (and perhaps realised it’s because they got a tiny and indistinct glimpse of what Jesus is like)?

Hmmmm.


I couldn’t find any jokes about free samples, so here are some free samples of practical jokes you could play (but remember I know about them). It’s all right, Jesus had a sense of humour!

Before a party, set up a video camera in the bathroom and take about fifteen minutes of just the empty bathroom (toilet in plain view). When it’s time for the appropriate guest to relieve themselves, gather the rest of the guests and sit them down in front of the television with the video tape playing. When the guest leaves the bathroom and finds everyone sitting around laughing at the television showing the room that the guest was just occupying, horror and hilarity will ensue.

Phone somebody, and when they answer ask for Max. Repeat this four or five times (using different people each time heightens the effect). Finally ring and when the person answers say, “Hi, this is Max have there been any calls for me?”

When the money comes out of the ATM, scream “I Won! I Won! That’s the third time this week!!!”

Have one of your passengers get out of the car and direct you through the fast-food drive-up window as if parking an airplane at a gate. A torch in each hand heightens the effect at night, or use two table tennis bats in the day.

All the above are from http://www.practicaljokebook.com/