Taiwan Brit

As Caleb approaches the 2-month mark, I thought it was a good time to write a little about him. Caleb Hao-en Peter Jackson ( 陳昊恩 ) was born at 7.31am on Wednesday 1st February 2012, weighing 3.8kg (8 pounds 4 ounces). I had half-joked that it would be great for Samuel to go to bed one night and wake up with a brother the next day; as it happens, that's exactly how it worked out! Just like his big brother, Caleb has two middle names - a nod to his Taiwanese and British sides. We chose Caleb because of how the Biblical character is described. He had a 'different spirit' and followed God 'wholeheartedly' (Numbers 14:24); he also entered the promised land! Hao-en (昊恩) is not massively different from Samuel's Chi-en ( 奇恩 = amazing grace), and means vast & limitless grace. We're big on grace in the Jackson family! Peter is a tribute to my uncle who died in 2001 and was a wonderfully kind, imaginative, funny and talented man. So, the name might seem like a b...

(Notes taken from Vintage Jesus series, preached by Mark Driscoll) Who did JESUS say he was? How did JESUS describe himself? 1. He came down from heaven (John 6:38) "I have come down from heaven not to do my will, but to do the will of him who sent me" Christianity is not about us ascending to God through good works; it's about Jesus descending to earth and living a man's life. 2. He's more than just a good man (Mark 10:17-18) " Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good - except God alone" If you think He's God, then call him good. Only God is truly good. 3. He's the Son of Man (David 7:13-14) "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an...

After having my eyes tested the other day, I just longed for totally restored eyesight. My 800 (+200 for an astigmatism) left eye seemed like a good metaphor for the Earth - in gradual decline with no hope of change. Then I thought, ' why not pray for healing? Why not ask God for totally restored eyesight?' What an amazing testimony that would be!! I found some notes from a Terry Virgo healing talk at CCK Brighton that I listened to a few years back. I think I'll be returning to them quite often in the years to come! MAIN PRINCIPLE: we must put aside experience (we've never seen that before) and look at what the Word says. "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues... They will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well" (Mark 16:17,18) 'Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you have heard?...

In stark contrast to his elder brother, whose birth was induced 3 weeks early, our second son seems to be in no hurry to enter the world. Whether that's down to the colder weather, the comfort of his 'bedwomb', or the fact that he keeps on hearing the words 'Samuel' and 'no!' spoken in ever-exasperated tones, he seems determined not to be punctual! Well, with his grandma and Auntie Stacy here to say, at least we can say we're ready!