dream today

Since starting my job with the Church of Ireland Youth Department just over a year ago, I have made a most rewarding discovery - Erdinger beer. I have never been overly excited about beer itself ( it is an acquired taste ), but since I've happened upon Erdinger I now have a preferred beer. It's brilliant! If you have the occasional drink ( and are of age and responsible! ) . . try it. If you are a non-drinker, you may avoid it altogether or they now brew Erdinger non-alcoholic (most things are worth trying once!).

I had it on my mind for months. I wanted to fully take advantage of the summer months here in Ireland and do something the local young people would enjoy . . a make shift drive-in theatre. I had to wait until the timing was right for weather, holidays ( vacations ), work schedule and family schedule before I could proceed. I thought I had planned it on a good night ( although Christy says otherwise! ). The weather had been perfect - sunny, very warm and no gale-force winds. So in my back garden ( yard ), I used a bed sheet, some dynamic hiking cord, my laptop, projector and a borrowed portable stereo - it was amazing. The night was clear and starry, the wind was minimal and more importantly - it was dry. I had so much fun! From the printing of the invitations to the set-up . . how great! We showed The Incredibles ( for free of course! ) and it was well worth it. I'll defintely do it again, although next time it'll have to be in County Tipperary .

For the last two years I have had the privilege of getting to know a man called Michael Guido. 'Guido' as he's better known, has been a friend to those in the Arts & Entertainment industry for over 20+ years. He's a pastor of sorts and a spiritual companion. Guido is a pioneer in the 'road pastor' tradition - supporting groups like Jars of Clay , dc Talk , POD , Michael W. Smith , Switchfoot and others. He, his wife Celeste and indeed his entire family have given so much for the calling on their lives to support, challenge and encourage artists and their families in their relationship with Christ. Please pray for the Guidos if you're the praying type. Pray for protection, financial support, joy and an overriding sense of God's clear calling on their ministry - PR Ministries . The PR stands for 'Persuing Relationships'. Every time we speak, Guido challenges me with his intense love for God and his knowledge of the Scriptures. H

Hello to anyone who may be reading this! I thought it might be 'schwing' to put Ireland up on the blog show you where my travels take me. Here's the key: Green house - where we currently live in N. Ireland / Red house - where we hope to move to in Co. Tipperary in January '06 / Yellow asterix - places I'll be making stops for work or play / Red line - my route on the way (note: houses not shown to scale). This weekend (in fact, in 30 minutes!) I'm heading to the town of Portlaoise in Co. Laois ( 1st asterix ) for a get-together with the area Youth Council tonight. Tomorrow morning CIYD is hosting a training session for all those who wish to attend Anois as a youth leader. Later tomorrow night I'll be delivering a training session in Fermoy, Co. Cork ( 2nd asterix) for a group of leaders who are planning on running the Quest course to reach teens in the diocese. I'll leave the Cork area on Sunday morning and make my way home to my