dream today

What follows is quite likely my favourite poem. I think I'd like it (or the shortened version of it) on my tombstone. Ode By Arthur William Edgar O'Shaughnessy (1844–1881) This poem comes from the collection Music and Moonlight (1874). It is often quoted, but rarely provided in its entirety: often even where it is assumed to be complete, only the first three stanzas are actually given. We are the music makers, And we are the dreamers of dreams, Wandering by lone sea-breakers, And sitting by desolate streams;— World-losers and world-forsakers, On whom the pale moon gleams: Yet we are the movers and shakers Of the world for ever, it seems. With wonderful deathless ditties We build up the world's great cities, And out of a fabulous story We fashion an empire's glory: One man with a dream, at pleasure, Shall go forth and conquer a crown; And three with a new song's measure Can trample a kingdom down. We, in the ages lying In

It's a strange occurrence - hitting one of those legendary mile markers in life. I turned 30 yesterday. This 'entree into my fourth decade of living on planet earth has afforded me an opportunity to reflect deeply (or at least more than usual) on my life. Specifically: where I'm headed; if I'm pleased about that direction; how it affects those who love me most and what choices I need to make now to correct any directional discrepancies. There's a lot there but it's all good stuff. I guess it can be simplified to a personal inventory of what makes Shane, Shane and if that's consistent with the Shane that God says I'm becoming. Overall, I am grateful for the run of thirty years God has developed me through, I'm content with where He's brought my family and I now and I'm very excited about the adventure that He's laying out ahead of us. God is so very, very good! So here's to what's left of my time on earth (before thi

POD released their new album yesterday - on my birthday (thanks guys!) - called ' Testify '. These guys are highly rated in my book: second for quality music, first for integrity and passion !

This past year and a half in my job with the Church of Ireland Youth Department has been wonderful on so many levels. Not least, the historic elements of the island that I face daily, which, being a lover of history is no small thing. Even our offices are steeped in history and are tied to none other than the man, the legend . . C.S. Lewis himself. Lewis' grandfather was the rector of St. Marks Parish in Dundela , East Belfast, Co. Down, Northern Ireland when Lewis was a child in the first part of the 20th century. The Rectory ( where a Rector lives ) is located next to St. Marks and is now office space for organisations born out of the Church of Ireland. Our Youth Department had been located there for over twenty years. Lewis was baptised in that church and he stayed in the Rectory when he'd visit his grandparents as a child. Some even say he slept in the attic space ( servants' quarters ) in which our offices were located until three weeks ago. It is quit

In November I was asked to write an article for a website in the UK called emergingchurch.info on the philosophy and praxis of Dreamers of the Day . The article is called Bona Fide Fire . I'm very excited ( it's my second article that has been published online ) because I'm beginning to move into something I believe God has been nudging me about for some time. Writing is becoming a whole new world . . and one with exciting horizons. Please feel free to comment and tell me if it makes sense or is complete crap.

This year I'm going to start something new. I want to give props and pay tribute to people I believe are standing above the crowd - who are involved in something wonderful and are making a difference in this blip called life. This month my Hero is none other than my wonderful wife Christy. For nearly three years now Christy has devoted herself to being the loving mother of our first child Neve and now our son Aidan. I want to publicly say 'thank you' Christy for who you are and all you do for our kids. You're a true 'kick-ass' mom! I love you. So if you do pints . . raise a glass to a wonderful woman - my Hero of the Month - my wife! If you'd like to express your congrats in an e-card or message, you can contact her at christinatucker@hotmail.com

Hey to you all . . I didn't realise at the time, but one of my poems - Lighted Lithos - had been published online at Next Wave in December. If you're interested you can read it here and comment if you'd like. Peace to you!