We were surrounded by a sea of blue, sky of blue, deck of blue and Sarah’s new “Hokusai” dress …of blue. 😎
⬆ Sarah wearing her new “Hokusai” dress! ⬆
view our full cruise from Croatia
iReminisce: Palma By Plane
October 24, 2021 
0 Comments
Yay, the plane…
I was excited to be travelling on an airplane again, and was totally surprised i managed to capture a piece of Palma upon take off! 😲
iReminisce: Warrior Princess
October 23, 2021 0 Comments
This has to be one of my favorite photos!! I’m glad to see Sarah(The Greatest Warrior” parting some of her knowledge and instruction to an inferior ranked warrior on how to correctly throw a spear! 💪🏼
View our full day in Alicante
😨 Ouch!!
October 22, 2021 2 Comments
Hi Readers. After a night of strong winds and even stronger rain, i decided to go out for 1 lap of the marathon course (over 3 miles including getting to the track from my house) as it was my day off so i only need a little bit of exercise to keep me going! 🤣
It was going so well until…PPhhhwwaacckk, then Ouch! First my shin cracked against the lower branch, just as my finger crunched against the upper branch..This made me jump quite a bit, lol. First i didn’t see it coming, second i was just starting the half mile uphill section of my trail so i had a little momentum going…And third i just thought what has just happened?? 🤔
At first i thought it was a tough mudder obstacle that’d suddenly appeared…Or it was a secret gate that had popped up from the ground, all i knew…
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iReminisce: The Coffee Port
October 22, 2021 1 Comment
My fave place “The Coffee Port” on the Thomson Dream cruise ship (now Marella Dream) for a birthday Cappuccino with a stunning view! 😲
⇧ My fave seat in the Coffee Port ⇧
iReminisce: The Unimog
October 21, 2021 0 Comments
The 1961 Yellow Unimog…
Awww friends….Let me introduce you to this Yellow, 1961 Unimog…..have you seen the tires, lol! It threw us around like crazy and i still can’t believe that he didn’t slow down for anything. There is no way a vehicle can hit rocks, huge pot holes, climb cracked hills and go around tight bends whilst travelling at break neck speed, it would have destroyed anything else and left them in a pile of spare parts, lol. I’m not sure they issued these with brake pedals! 😎
View our full day (Sarah’s Birthday) at Bonaire
Sharp truth
October 20, 2021 0 Comments
Amen.
Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool. Proverbs 10:18 NLT
Is there any who can not see themselves in these words, at one time or another?
God’s Word cuts through our excuses for ungodly behavior and reveals the truth of what these attitudes are:
lies and foolishness.
Rather, we must be on guard against allowing such things in our lives and be quick to repent when they are discovered among us.
For our tongues are to be under submission to the Lord Jesus.
When they are not we bring ridicule to our Savior.
James 3:9-10 NKJV — With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
If we are followers of Christ Jesus…
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iReminisce: Surf & Smile
October 20, 2021 0 Comments
Back at the dock…🛳
After a short boat ride back to the ship, we had enough time to get changed, leave our bags and have a well needed iced-coffee before heading out to explore as much as we can without getting lost before the ship leaves.
We walked up one street and turned right before Sarah stopped and said “Wow, she’s having her photo taken in front of that cool wall art/sign. Quick get one of me” “Ok my lovely, you’re wearing your new yellow Michael Kors t-shirt too, i hope i get everything in”. Sarah had bought this t-shirt for our holidays and couldn’t wait to put on the lovely bright colours and flowers.
This is one of my fave photos as it shows Sarah’s smile is as bright as her t-shirt.
View our full day at Aruba
iReminisce: The Coconut Cake
October 19, 2021 0 Comments
Speightstown, Barbados…
And speaking of lovely architecture and colonial towns, your first stop is at Speightstown. Here you’ll enjoy seeing historic buildings and beautiful tropical beaches.
The tour guide kept talking about the PRC Bakery at our first stop, and said she was going in to get something for the trip. “OOohhhh maybe we could get a small cake for your birthday” “Yes let’s follow her and see what goodies they have?” As we walked in to the little bakery the guide said “Oh yes a lead pipe” as she picked one up and went to pay for it. “What’s a lead pipe?” i said to the guide “It’s a local cake but it can be used as a weapon too as it’s very heavy”. Sarah then passed me a bag with a cake in and said hold this “Wow this weighs about the same as a 16lb bowling ball” “everything is so heavy in here, nothing has fluffy cream like in England as it would melt instantly, lol”.
Sarah told the baker that we loved coconut and did e have anything with coconut in them? We only got 1 coconut slice as we didn’t know how sweet it was or even if we liked it?! 😋
I never (ever) stop talking about this coconut slice as it’s the nicest cake i’ve ever tasted! The bell on the ‘Blind Sightseers Gastronomic Leaderboard’ was destroyed as this flew to the top of the cakes list! If i’d have known i would’ve stayed in the bakery and continued to eat every single last one of them! But we only had that one and we’ve never been able to go back since this monumental occasion. Oh yes…This monumental occasion is my lovely wife Sarah’s birthday! 🤣
View our full day (Sarah’s Birthday) in Barbados
iReminisce: Are You Looking At Me?
October 18, 2021 0 Comments
A beautiful tiger taken from a day trip to Chessington world of adventures.
The cool thing is I had no idea this tiger was looking at me until I got home and zoomed right into the image! 🤣
Camera Used ~ SONY Alpha a100
Cut it off!
October 18, 2021 0 Comments
Cut it off!
(J.R. Miller, “Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ” 1890)
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(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)
“If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled–than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire!” Matthew 18:8
Our life is so full of temptation and peril, that even its best things may become stumbling-blocks. Our very qualities of strength, may become fatal forces driving us to eternal ruin.
Human beauty is a blessing from God–and yet beauty has proved a snare to many a woman, drawing her away from God.
Ability to make money is a perilous gift, which has led many a man to spiritual ruin. It is better to altogether throw away the money-making ability, and go poor through life with the talent wasted and shriveled, and reach Heaven–than to exercise the ability and grow rich, and be lost forever! These are illustrations of our Lord’s meaning when He speaks of ‘cutting off’ the hand or the foot which causes us to sin.
The appetites, desires, and affections–are part of the glory of humanity; and yet, when they are unbridled, they have whirled many a noble life to eternal destruction!
A steam-boat came into port which had long been out on the sea. An accident had happened which caused delay. The coal gave out; then all that would burn–cargo, stores, furniture–had to be burned up, in order to bring the vessel home. At last she gained the shore, but stripped of everything of value. Yet it was better to burn up all her cargo and stores, than perish at sea.
Just so, some men can get to Heaven, only by sacrificing every earthly pleasure and crucifying every sinful desire; but who will say that the prize is not worth the sacrifice?
The hand would be better chopped off, than steal or strike down another.
The foot would be better cut off, than carry one into crime or sin.
The eye would be better plucked-out, than by its lustful gazing set the soul on fire.
A man on a wrecked vessel had better throw his bags of gold into the sea and have his life saved–than hold on to the gold and sink into the waves!
iReminisce: The St Maarten Necklace
October 17, 2021 0 Comments
The smell of the locals cooking on the market was amazing, but Sarah had found a sweet little craft stall. The lady created items from the coral found off the shores St Maarten. “Oooooh, i could have a necklace made from St Maarten”. I knew that to mean “i’m getting one, i just don’t know which one yet?!” 🤣
⇧ Sarah’s St Maartens Coral Necklace ⇧
Sarah really was starting to feel at home here, but we had to get back to the bus! We enjoyed our stop in Marigot, and we said we’d love to spend a week here to investigate more! ☀️ 😀
View our full day in St Maarten
iReminisce: The Blind Sightseers 1st Cruise
October 16, 2021 0 Comments
⇧ Me & Sarah at St Kitts ⇧
From stunning, breathtaking views, horse riding in paradise, dancing with dolphins, River paddle boat trip, various island bus tours, 4×4 volcano ride, cable cars, OH…. and Sarah’s medical emergency in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, it’s been an unbelievable few weeks on our cruise holiday to the Caribbean, Azores & Spain (2015). 😲
Please join us (The Blind Sightseers) on this incredible journey:
iReminisce: Vintage
October 15, 2021 0 Comments
⇧ My Father in law Steve playing my 1960 Gibson J45 ⇧
You shall love him!
October 14, 2021 1 Comment
You shall love him!
(J. R. Miller, “Loving Your Neighbor”)
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(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31
What is it to love our neighbor? It is the loving that is hard. We could do almost anything else, short of loving unpleasant neighbors.
But love is the word–and no revised version changes it. No matter how disagreeable, unlovely, unworthy, our neighbors may be–still the commandment persistently and relentlessly says to us, “You shall love him!“
Our neighbors are around us all the time, needing our love. Indeed, they touch our lives so continually, that we must guard our every look, word, and act–lest we hurt some sensitive spirit.
Some people seem to forget that other people have feelings. They are constantly saying words and doing things which give pain. True love is thoughtful. We ought to train our hearts to the most delicate sense of kindness, that we may never, even jokingly, give pain to any other human being.
Our neighbors have hearts, and we owe to every one of them–the beggar we meet on the street, thedegraded wretch we find crawling in the mire of sin’s debasement, the enemy who flings his insults in our face–to every one, we owe the love that is thoughtful, gentle, and gives no hurt.
Our love ought also to be patient. Our neighbor will have his faults. But we are taught to bear with one another’s infirmities.
If we knew the story of men’s lives, the hidden burdens they are often carrying, the unhealed woundsin their heart–we would have most gentle patience with them. Life is hard for most people, certainly hard enough without our adding to its burdens–by our criticisms, our jeering and contempt, and our lack of love.
iReminisce: Ilfracombe, Devon
October 14, 2021 0 Comments
A photo taken from our new years eve (Dec 2011) holiday with friends (Rob, Shelley, Tom, Abbie & Ella) in Ilfracombe, Devon, England, UK. It was very windy and very wet! We had a fantastic time as the holiday home was overlooking this bay so we enjoyed lots of coastal walks and enjoyed local restaurants.
Camera used – iPhone 4s (as it was raining i was too scared to take out my DSLR’s) 😨
#5 Trail Marathon Training – Another 4 Laps, Coffee & New Records! 🙌
October 13, 2021 0 Comments
Hi readers…As it’s “Walking Wednesday” it’s time to go for another lifetime personal best…It’s my quest to get a little stronger each week and prepare myself for the monumental challenge! 😲
Motivational Quote…💪🏼
“Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated”
This is written on the back of my INOV8 T-Shirt! i wear to motivate me!🤣
Yay i managed another 4 (and a bit) laps today in the freezing cold and the blinding sun, and i’ve also smashed my lifelong personal best record from last week! I walked non stop for 11.28 miles which is better than last weeks 10.79 miles!! 💪🏼
My lovaly wife Sarah made me one of her strong coffees before my walk, and i had a couple of slices of “Elwood Blues” toast (although i have 7 seed wholemeal and not white, lol). During my walk i didn’t stand still once and i even ate…
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iReminisce: V8
October 13, 2021 0 Comments
While on holiday last year in Hunstanton, Norfolk I kept hearing a fat american V8 driving around the town, and one day it was parked up so I could snap it with my camera! 😲
My friends dad always had american cars and vans and I’ve enjoyed them for most of my life, so I was excited when I could finally put a picture to that beautiful sound. 😀
Camera Used ~ iPhone 4s
iReminisce: The View From Southern Palms, Barbados ☀️ 😲
October 12, 2021 0 Comments
Walking into the room was simply breathtaking and we couldn’t believe the view…And even better from the balcony…😲
Wow we have a week of this view, i think i’m going to have a hard time leaving the room, lol! 😀
From The Archives: Draftin’
October 12, 2021 0 Comments
My Thoughts 💭
is your heart causing a ‘draft’ over people?
Are you the ice cold draft that puts a chill into people even before you meet? If someone were to say your name does it make them sigh and say “Oh no I haven’t got the energy.” Or does your name bring a smile to their face as they can’t wait to meet up again.
Or…Are you a draft project?
Not quite finished or ready to be published yet, a broken toy forgotten on a shelf complaining because you feel your days are over. Are you sat waiting to bury your dead? waiting for your inheritance which you think will heal you. Then, and only then you decide to let Jesus walk alongside you…But NEVER in front!
Or…Do you create a backdraft?
Are you opening doors you know you shouldn’t be opening? Are you letting the flames consume you and pollute your mind??
Or…are you draftin’?
Are you letting Jesus lead? Are you following really close behind as he pulls you along, while leaving you with the energy to help others and become your own draft? 🙏 😀
Motivational Monday: Coffee & Cake By The Lake 😋
October 11, 2021 5 Comments
Please don’t forget to come over to my FitBlitz blog and say hi! 😀
Hi readers! I hope you’ve smashed your health and fitness goals for last week?…And i hope you’re ready to take them to new heights this week?! 😀
Yay it’s “Motivational Monday”, and i’ve managed to earned some more badges for smashing my health and fitness goals! 💪🏼 😀
Motivational Quote…💪🏼
“Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated” – This is written on the back of my INOV8 T-Shirt! 🤣
After a hard week of doing at least 1 lap each day, i managed to hit my health and fitness goals for last week. I try to hit a personal best once a week, and on the other days i try an do at least 1 lap to hit my 10,000 steps for a normal day. 😀
I love weekends as i get to walk around the trail lap with my lovely wife Sarah…
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iReminisce: Twinkling lights 😲
October 11, 2021 0 Comments
The twinkling lights on this department store in Florence, Italy were simply amazing to just stand and look at, but it soon became dark and we didn’t want to get lost on our first day! All of the streets were decorated beautifully with illuminated stars, borbals & bells so we quickly headed back to the hotel. What an amazing, exciting and tiring first day. 😀
View our full Tuscany Tour
A great and noble army of holy women
October 11, 2021 0 Comments
A great and noble army of holy women
(J.R. Miller, “Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ” 1890)
LISTEN to audio! Download audio
(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)
“And many women were there beholding from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto Him” Matthew 27:55
These were the earliest of a great and noble army of holy women–attached to Christ by deep, personal love, following and ministering unto Him.
In all the ages since, Christian women have shown similar devotion and constancy to Christ–and similar heroic love in serving Him. The record of women’s ministry to Christ, is one of the brightest in all the world’s history!
Women owe an incalculable debt to Christ. He has lifted them up from base thraldom and from degradation. Women have always been grateful too, and have served Christ with great devotion.
Women are found in every sickroom, bending over the sufferer with unwearying solicitude, with matchless tenderness ministering to bodily comfort, and pouring the warmth of affection upon feverish spirits. They are found in the wards of hospitals, and upon battlefields, moving like God’s angels in blessed, loving ministry.
Faithful Christian mothers are following the Master and doing work which will shine forever in glorious luster!
Faithful Christian Sunday school teachers are doing quiet service in lowly paths–which in God’s sight, is nobler than that of many of earth’s famous ones!
Everywhere, too, there is an open field for woman’s ministry. Christ is no longer here in person to be served, as He was served by these women who followed Him from Galilee; but in His needy and suffering followers, He is ever present; and whoever will, may minister unto Him! For He said that in doing acts of kindness to the least of His people, we do them unto Him.
Much practical teaching is in this picture, which is here held up before every woman, inspiring her to wholeheartedly follow Christ.
Why do so many young Christian girls choose a life . . .
of idleness,
of love of pleasure,
of aimless, purposeless existence,
of mere dressing, promenading, and trifling–
when such a life of glorious service is open to them?
iReminisce: Sarah’s Favourite Seat
October 9, 2021 0 Comments
This photo of Sarah sat in the window of the Old Hunstanton Lighthouse is a lovely memory for us. We rented the lighthouse for our honeymoon (2007) and then for the next 5 wedding anniversaries, and this is Sarah’s favourite seat! 😀
Sarah works in London where it is very fast paced, crowded, built up and very grey, she always looks forward to escaping the stress and relaxing by the sea. 💪🏼 ❤️
iReminisce: The Old Lighthouse
October 8, 2021 3 Comments
As you may already know from my previous photos of “The Old Lighthouse” this is our favourite place to hire for a holiday in Norfolk. 😀
“The Old Lighthouse is a holiday home with a difference! Built in 1666 on the cliffs of North Beach in Hunstanton, The Old Lighthouse was fully restored and converted to holiday accommodation in 1997.”
Camera used – Samsung WB550
The goal of living in this world
October 8, 2021 2 Comments
The goal of living in this world
(J.R. Miller, “Things That Endure”)
LISTEN to audio! Download audio
(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)
The goal of living in this world, is ever to grow into more and more radiant and lovely Christ-like character–whatever our conditions or experiences may be.
We cannot escape temptations–but we are so to meet them and pass through them, as not to be hurt by them; to come out of them with new strength and new radiancy of soul.
We cannot escape trials and difficulties–but we are to live victoriously, never defeated, always overcoming.
We cannot find a path in which no sorrow shall come into our lives–but we are to live through the experience of sorrow, without being hurt by it.
Many people receive harm from the fires which pass over them. Many fall in temptation and lie in dust and defeat, not rising again. Many are soured and embittered by the difficulties, the irritations, the frictions, the cares of life. But the problem of Christian living, is to keep a sweet Christ-like spirit amid all that might embitter us–to pass through the fires, and not have the flames kindle upon us.
We live in the midst of the countless dangers through which we must pass in this world. Danger lurks in every shadow, and hides in every patch of sunshine. There are tempters all around us. Only by committing our lives day by day into the hands of Christ, can we be kept in safety amid the perils of this world. He is able to keep us from falling, to guard us from stumbling, and to set us before His presence without blemish, in exceeding joy!
Unforgiveness
October 8, 2021 1 Comment
‘Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.
‘
😲 Wow…Look What The Blind Sightseers Have Just Found??
October 7, 2021 4 Comments
ablenet
Our Mission…
Our mission is quite simple: we want to get more disabled and visually impaired people enjoying new, fun and exhilarating activities. We want to help people with disabilities feel confident that they can enjoy the same activities and life experiences as someone without a disability.
Hi readers!
Just guess how excited i am right now?? 🤣
I have just stumbled onto the ablenet website and found this…?
⇧ All images supplied by the ablenet facebook page ⇧
Are you ready for the drive of your life for an astonishing 6 miles each per Supercar?
If you love supercars and are visually impaired, our ‘3 Supercar Blind Driving Experience Super Thrill’ is an experience you won’t find anywhere else. It is the best way to get to you in your favourite supercars and experience the peed, and thrill, of a high-performance beast.
Yes, it is true. Whatever your level of visual impairment, you can drive a Supercar with Ablenet. All of the cars are automatic and a super skilled instructor will guide you around the track whilst having access to a footbrake should it be necessary.
So, whether it’s a Lamborghini, Ferrari F430 spider, Aston Martin DB9, Audi R8, Nissan GTR or Porsche 911/997, we put you with the largest fleet of cars in the UK for you to choose from. The hardest part is choosing…
The great benefit to driving on a race circuit is feeling the pure power of an awesome car. You will be with a professional instructor who will teach you the art of driving.
The experience also includes a thrilling hot lap ride when the race driver will show you what a performance car can do around the circuit. Typically in a BMW M3 V8 saloon car or Vauxhall VXV8, both with 3 passengers.
Since going blind at 25 (21 years ago) i’ve been waiting for someone to give the blind a truly accessible experience like the ones ablenet offer! I’ve always said “i can still drive…I just can’t see where i’m going”. 🤣
I’ve always loved cars as when i was fully sighted i worked in a bodyshop as a panel beater and used to customise cars etc…Even my own! My dad, uncles and my cousins have always been mechanics in the motor trade so i’ve grown up with cars too. So when i stumbled onto their website, i just exploded with passion to drive a supercar or 3, lol!
Sorry for sounding like a group b rally car “too much raw power with little containment”…But getting involved and trying out all of the experiences on the ablenet website is like a dream come true for me. 😀
Other experiences for the visually impaired by ablenet…
Flying a plane, diving with sharks, shooting, archery, skiing, indoor sky diving and much more…Wow i think me and Sarah are going to have some fearful fun! 🤣💪🏼 😨
iReminisce: Carousel Horse
October 7, 2021 0 Comments
This is one of the first photos i’d taken since being registered Blind. I only had a compact camera back then as I didn’t know I would be any good at all at taking pictures, I thought it was a silly idea as it is a sighted person’s thing to do! 🤣
This photo was taken in Brighton, Uk, and is of the carousel horse that is right on the beach front.
Camera used – Fuji F10
Harmony
October 7, 2021 0 Comments
“We can’t all play the same part in God’s band of service, but we should all play in harmony!”
#4 Trail Marathon Training – Another 4 Laps & New Records! 🙌
October 6, 2021 0 Comments
Hi readers…As it’s “Walking Wednesday” it’s time to go for another lifetime personal best! 😲
Motivational Quote…💪🏼
“You do not rise to the occasion, you simply fall back to your level of training.”
Yay i managed another 4 laps today in the blinding sun, and i’ve also smashed my previous lifelong personal best! I walked non stop for 10.79 miles!! I didn’t stand still once and i even ate and drank on the move too…To say i’m happy is an understatement!
New Exercise Record…🙌
New Move Record…🙌
New Walking Workout Record…🙌
I managed this walk in just over 3 hours and i’m very happy with the 17’12”/Mile pace. As long as i stay under 18’18”/Mile i’ll finish under 8 hours which is my goal…Well just finishing the trail marathon would be amazing at this stage, lol! 🤣
Motivational Quote…💪🏼
Do the hard work now so that…
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iReminisce: Ordinary Squirrel Shot
October 6, 2021 0 Comments
This might look like an ordinary Squirrel shot, but i honestly thought i was taking a photo of a Pigeon! lol 🤣
Camera used – SONY Alpha a100
Joy
October 6, 2021 0 Comments
“Joy is a choice. It’s a matter of attitude that stems from one’s confidence in God- that He is at work, that He is in full control, that He is in the midst of whatever has happened, is happening and will happen. Either we fix our minds on that and determine to laugh again, or we wail and whine our way through life. We determine which way we will go.” – Chuck Swindoll
iReminisce: Elephants Foot
October 5, 2021 2 Comments
After being back in my home town of Derby this weekend, i didn’t want to leave without having an ‘Elephants Foot’ from Birds. Other bakers around the country do similar styles of cakes, but never taste anything like one of these beauty’s, they simply can’t be beaten! My sister got me a box of 4 to take back home and Sarah & i can’t thank her enough! 😀
If you visit Derby or Derbyshire then i recommend that you try one!
🙌 Yay…I Think I’ve Solved It! 💪🏼
October 4, 2021 2 Comments
Hi all…It’s time to celebrate as i think i’ve finally (after about a year) solve the problem of THE left hand corner, that i’d kept missing again and again whenever the sun is out!! 💪🏼
This nemesis kept fighting me all the way through the ‘Ultra Step Challenge’ i did during advent 2020…And it has kept fighting me during my training now for my ‘Blindman Trail Marathon’…Until now! 🙌
I’ve finally realised that once i’ve taken the apex of this left hander below…I say taken the apex but i mean, when the bush on the left smashes against my left side…It sounded much too clean before and i don’t want you thinking that this is easy! 🤣
I start counting my steps until i hit 90 then i veer off to the left. I’ve only tried this this morning and it worked (i didn’t…
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iReminisce: When Sarah Smiles
October 4, 2021 0 Comments
This is one of my favourite photos of my lovely Wife Sarah, and it shows what happens when she smiles! ☀️
Will worrying make matters any better?
October 4, 2021 0 Comments
Will worrying make matters any better?
(J.R. Miller, “Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ” 1890)
LISTEN to audio! Download audio
(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)
“Who of you by worrying, can add a single cubit to his height?” Matthew 6:27
So it is useless to worry! A short person cannot, by any amount of anxiety, make himself an inch taller. Why, therefore, should he waste his energy and fret his life away–in wishing he were taller?
One worries because he is too short–another because he is too tall;
one worries because he too lean–another because he is too heavy;
one worries because he has a lame foot–another because he has a mole on his face.
No amount of fretting will change any of these things!
People worry, too, over their circumstances. They are poor, and have to work hard. They have troubles, losses, and disappointments which come through causes entirely beyond their own control. They find difficulties in their environment which they cannot surmount. There are hard conditions in their lot which they cannot change.
Now why should they worry about these things? Will worrying make matters any better? Will discontent . . .
cure the blind eye, or
remove the ugly mole, or
give health to the infirm body?
Will chafing make . . .
the hard work, lighter;
or the burdens, easier;
or the troubles, fewer?
Will anxiety . . .
keep the winter away, or
keep the storm from rising, or
put coal in the cellar, or
put bread in the pantry, or
get clothes for the children?
Even human reason shows the uselessness of worrying, since it helps nothing, and only wastes one’s strength and unfits one for doing one’s best!
The Christian gospel goes farther, and says that even the hard things and the obstacles–are blessings, if we meet them in the right spirit. They are stepping-stones lifting our feet upward–disciplinary experiences in which we grow.
So we learn that we should quietly, and with faith in God’s Providence, accept life as it comes to us–fretting at nothing, yet changing hard conditions to easier ones if we can. And if we cannot, then we must use them as means for growth and advancement.
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33
iReminisce: The Cross
October 3, 2021 2 Comments
During our 5th wedding anniversary at the Lighthouse, Hunstanton, Norfolk. (2012) while walking into Hunstanton along the cliff top we spotted this cross that had been put there by surveyors and as it was only a few hundred yards from the lighthouse we thought we would try and get a nice photo whilst the sun was setting. 🤔
If it wasn’t for digital camera’s it wouldn’t be possible for me to enjoy photography and after about 50 photos later and a wait of a few days until i could get home and download the images onto my computer i was shocked to find this waiting for me. 😲
Camera used – Nikon D2Xs
iReminisce: What’s Happening? 😨
October 2, 2021 2 Comments
When i found this photo which Sarah had taken in the Azores, we both started laughing and thought this was probably the best photo of me ever! 🙂 Don’t ask me what i was up to, i can only imagine that i heard a T-Rex or a volcano erupt!! 😲
Please let me know in the comments below if you have any great captions to add to this photo??!! I look forward to hearing what you come up with! 🤣
View our full day in Sao Miguel
From The Archives: The Finish Line
October 1, 2021 2 Comments
Hi all…This is my first post from my ‘From The Archives’ series, i hope you enjoy reading some of the classics, lol?! 😀
The Finish Line…
As a blind gamer, i was excited to be recommended(by my brother) a brand new racing game called “Project Cars” for the PS4. I’m able to attempt to play a few racing games, If they include Grand Prix tracks, i can often remember each corner from my sighted gaming days, playing F1 97 etc.
When i sat down to play for 15 minutes last night, i was surprised to be taught a lesson on being over zealous, while lacking wisdom! 🙂
⇧ Screenshot of my 1980 Capri (Group 5 – Team Zakspeed) ⇧
I chose the rather extreme Capri to drive and chose a familiar track. After leaving the pits i span off on nearly every corner as my tyres were cold and not up to race temperatures. An influx of thoughts filled my mind,….
Over Zealous…
It reminded me of when i first became a Christian and first had revelation of the Truth when reading the Bible. I couldn’t believe what i was reading, and how it described me…yes me! I then did what normally happens, and become over zealous like a screaming twin turbo engine and had to tell everyone, and point out the right and wrongs with everything and everyone around me!
I was making a lot of noise and using a lot of power and energy, but was lacking something vital, i failed to slowly warm up the tyres of Godly Wisdom!
As we mature, and grow in step with the Holy Spirit, we are given all we need to finish the race. And when we get the balance right, we can stay on track until the end, and if our tyres stay hot, even the storms won’t be able to slow us down! 🙂
Making Doughnuts…
⇧ Screenshot of my 1988 Sierra RS500 Cosworth (Group A) ⇧
After selecting “Donington”, my home town track in Derby, i decided to take the Sierra Cosworth for a ride. I stopped to make some doughnuts, and thought “Here we go again, all that power and energy…and i’m just going round in circles”.
🙏 I want to thank God for not leaving us in the pits! But instead He empowers instructs and steers us towards the finish line! 😀
September’s Trail Marathon Training: Full Progress Report! 💪🏼
October 1, 2021 0 Comments
Hi all! This is a super long post but it gives a great summary of my progress through September as i slowly attack the trail and increase my mileage and strength! I hope you enjoy the monthly updates?! 💪🏼 😀 🙌
3rd September 2021…New walking workout record! 😲
Hi all! I really didn’t expect this badge today! 🤔
After a rest day yesterday, i started another 2 laps of my trail through the woods as part of my ‘Trail Marathon’ training, ready for my MS Society Trail Marathon on 24 April 2022.. I’m going to try 3 laps next week to try an increase my endurance! 😨
When i returned tired and hungry, i checked out my lap times, elevation etc…And guess what??? I’d won this badge for burning 1 more calorie than Wednesdays 2 lap walking record badge. I’d say that was pretty consistent and now that’s what i call progress…
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iReminisce: Caribbean Palm Tree 🌴
October 1, 2021 0 Comments
Sarah & i (whilst on holiday in St. Kitts, Caribbean 2015) kept saying “Wow, this is Amazing! How did we get here, it’s like a dream”. The beautiful hot sun shining down, a lovely cool breeze and those stupendous palm trees! ☀️🌴😀
View our full day in Saint Kitts
Memorising My Trail Marathon Track! 😨
September 30, 2021 0 Comments
Hi all! I’m going to ask you to engage your imagination to the max, before you make the link i’m suggesting for the first corner that i’ve named today on my trail marathon track, lol! 🤣
The photo (above) in no way shows the rough incline which pops your hip out if you hit it wrong (done it a few times), but as i walk up it (not down like the race track) i always think about ’The Corkscrew’ at Laguna Seca. 😲
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca – From Wikipedia…
The famous Turn 8 and 8A combination, popularly referred to as ‘the Corkscrew’, is considered one of the motorsport world’s most challenging turns, due to the 18-metre drop in elevation as well as its blind crest and apex on the uphill approach.
Memorising race tracks…🤔
Since playing ‘Le Man 24Hr’, ‘Pole Position’, ‘Outrun’ and many more in the arcades…
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iReminisce: Dandelion Clock
September 30, 2021 0 Comments
As we were walking around the gardens of Nonsuch Park (2008) my lovely wife Sarah pointed out a dandelion clock, I quickly drew out my camera and did my best! 😀
Camera used – SONY Alpha a100
These are the idols of the heart!
September 30, 2021 1 Comment
These are the idols of the heart!
(John Angell James, “Spiritual Idolatry“)
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The first commandment of the decalogue says, “You shall have no other gods before Me.” The meaning of this precept, which is the foundation of all religion, is not merely that we shall not acknowledge any other God besides Jehovah–but also that we shall treat Him as God! That is, we . . .
must love Him with all our hearts,
serve Him with all our lives, and
depend upon Him for our supreme felicity.
It is obvious that whatever we love most, and are most anxious to retain and please–whatever it is we depend most upon for happiness and help–whatever has most of our hearts–that is in effect, our God! It does not matter whether it is friends, possessions, desires–or our own selves!
These are the idols of the heart!
SELF is the great idol which is the rival of God, and which divides with Him the worship of the human race. It is surprising and affecting to think how much SELF enters into almost all we do. Besides the grosser form of self-righteousness, which leads many unconverted people actually to depend upon their own doings for acceptance with God; how much of . . .
self-seeking,
self-valuing,
self-admiration,
self-dependence,
there is in many converted ones!
How covertly do some seek their own praise in what they professedly do for God, and their fellow-creatures! How eager are they for the admiration and applause of their fellow-creatures! How much of self, yet how little suspected by themselves–is seen by One who knows them better than they know themselves, at the bottom of their most splendid services, donations, and most costly sacrifices!
In how many ways does self steal away the heart from God! How subtle are its workings, how concealed its movements, yet how extensive is its influence. How SELF . . .
perverts our motives,
lowers our aims,
corrupts our affections, and
taints our best actions!
How much incense is burned–and how many sacrifices are offered on the altar of this idol!
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols!” 1 John 5:21
iReminisce: Heacham Breakers
September 29, 2021 0 Comments
As i was walking along the lovely quiet beach in Heacham, Norfolk (2006) with Sarah & Bruce i stopped to take this photo. As i have very little sight i still think this looks like a snake! lol 🤣
Camera used – SONY Alpha a100
#3 Trail Marathon Training – 4 Laps & New Records! 🙌
September 29, 2021 0 Comments
Hi all…Yay i managed 4 laps today in the blinding sun, and i’ve also smashed my lifelong personal best of walking non stop for 10.22 miles!! I didn’t stand still once and i even ate and drank on the move too…To say i’m happy is an understatement! 😀
New Exercise Record…🙌
New Walking Workout Record…🙌
I managed this walk in just under 3 hours and i’m very happy with the 17’01”/Mile pace. As long as i stay under 18’18”/Mile i’ll finish under 8 hours which is my goal…Well just finishing the trail marathon would be amazing at this stage, lol! 🤣
The Trail Marathon…😲
I know I’ll be stretching myself past my limits for this challenge and so your encouragement and support would really help me to keep my training on track. Any donation you can spare would build my morale and endurance so I can smash…
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iReminisce: Bruce THE Boxer
September 28, 2021 0 Comments
Hi all, here is a photo of my (late) beautiful Boxer dog “Bruce”. If you have read my testimony then this name might already be familiar to you! 😀
Camera used – SONY Alpha a100
Called to Hope
September 28, 2021 0 Comments
🙏 Amen!
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people. – (Ephesians 1:18, NIV)
I pray that God will open your minds to see His truth. Then you will know the hope that He has chosen us to have. You will know that the blessings God has promised His holy people are rich and glorious. – (Ephesians 1:18, ERV)
Open the eyes of their hearts, and let the light of Your truth flood in. Shine Your light on the hope You are calling them to embrace. Reveal to them the glorious riches You are preparing as their inheritance. – (Ephesians 1:18, VOICE)
The reality is that we all could use more hope. When things are good, there is great joy in knowing that what is…
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