andy flan

Just wanted to blog to say i love this mans music. I heard him for the first time at summer madness in 2001 and immediately I was affected by his worship leading. He writes quiet humble songs as well as joyful melodic ones. Some of the ones that I really like are (i hope I don't break copyright infringement here!): -

My soul praises the Lord - A joyful song taken from Mary's Song written in early Luke. It's all about being praiseful for the things God has done for us and the day of salvation to come

He has filled the hungry with good things
Sent the rich empty away
He has helped to servant Israel
and He still does it today

All I Am - A song that talks about our purpose is to give God glory but we try to hold on to our lives (he who gives up his life will gain eternal life)

Each perfect gift has come from you
Yet I cling tightly
I pray oh Lord, release my grip
So I give gladly
All I am, I offer to you..

Arms - This song is all about trade justice (something I am extremely passionate about), corrupt governments and arms dealings. The candid sheer truthful nature of this song really hit me the first time I heard it and still does

We'll give you the food we're the generous ones
But only if you buy our rockets and guns
A bullet tastes better than bread, or so they say
...
When the arms that you use
The arms that you use
Are the ones that are holding the children you lose
...
So take me away from these facts that I've heard
The back of my head is the place they deserve
Take them away so my conscience remains undisturbed

Fragile - This is one that has affected me more recently. It was written in the aftermath of the tsunami. This was a particularly gut wrenching time for Andy as he was a missionary on one of the islands that got washed up just 2 months before the wave hit. This song can empathise with anyone who has gone through such suffering.

The same waves that brought you crashing in in with joy
Are the same waves that leave your universe destroyed
And the same sand that once warmed this white man’s toes
Makes graves for your silent flesh and bone.
...
The same man that the winds and waves obeyed,
Is the same man who was the first one to know pain
same man could keep control of everything
same man knows more than me about suffering
So calm this overwhelming force
As earth and heaven seem divorced.

But why does life have to be this fragile?
Why is there a death so close to birth?
Why does life have to be this fragile?
Here on earth.

He has released two albums called 'Advertising the invisible' and 'Son' as well as being on a few Summer Madness live CD's. There is more as well and some good new stuff on his website http://www.andyflan.com (where you can also learn his mums cooking recipes!). You can also download most of his songs off itunes. It's amazing to think this 'wee' man came from portadown, but I am also surprised his songs aren't more well heard of!

Role Models

I was reflecting the other day on some of the things I've become and the people who have influenced my life in so many amazing ways and I would just like to honour some of them here (there are others of course so don't feel left out!).

David McMullen -
This man is the epitomy of humility. His unquenchable thirst for only the things of God, and desire to do everything he can for the people around him, has really taught me alot. Thanks for all the lifts and encouragement mate.

Mark Russell -
When he was my youth pastor his passion and zeal for God used to stir up my heart. He was the man who convinced me to take God seriously. He has taught me so much about scripture and stepping out in faith as well as just being a good mate. He is an inspiration with the way God blesses his ministry because of his obedience to his calling.

Peter Fryer -
As good a friend as anyone can ask for. We have had so many class chats ranging from tennis geekiness to life and scripture. Despite being in different worlds most of the time he always makes time for me. He is an awesomely talented man in so many areas, and has given me example in how to get things done in life.

Melanie Baird -
My loving girlfriend. One of the few I can take constructive criticism from. Makes me wanna do better and be better. Doesn't let me away with anything short of my best. She has taught me how to love (in a totally non-cheesy way!)

and of course Jesus but that goes without saying...

The Fathers Love Letter

I came across this a few years ago and it really moved me. Each line is based on scripture and it helps reveal the heart of God for us. Check it out and really allow the scriptures sink right in to your heart

No frequent flyer miles for me thanks!

I was flying home from London the other day and my flight experienced some bad turbulance. It had been snowing earlier (which is strange enough for London) but it wasn't until we were out of the clouds and into clear air that the turbulance occurred. I reckon it may have been something to do with a shift in air pressure.

Anyway, I am a nervous flyer as it is, so my heart skipped quite a few beats while I was up there. Melanie was making the man beside her terrified! It's not the worst turbulance I've experienced though; that was when i came home from Majorca and took off into a tropical storm - where the plane's backside swung like a pendulum and when the air hostesses began to panic, we knew we were in trouble!

That day on the plane (simlarly with my recent flight), people were faced with the inevitable fact of their mortality, and it is amazing to see how many people all of a sudden turn to faith in such a time as that. People offering up prayers of help and repentance on the top of their voices, whether they believed before or not. I imagine a lot of people if faced with imminent doom like that would wonder what comes next and would turn to God. It's sad however that it would take something like that to do it.

I'm not so sure if it's even natural that men should fly. I think I think I'll take a boat more often. At least if a boat is in trouble, you have a chance of survival, but if a plane goes down - you have absolutely no chance! I suppose millions of planes fly every year, and very rarely do you hear of a horror crash, but speaking as a Maths student, I still don't like the numbers!

nutters in covent garden

There is a class group of musicians who jazz up classical pieces of music and busk in covent garden. For those who see it often i'm sure the novelty would wear off but i think it's a great way to keep this genre of music alive amongst today's generation. Whilst they are playing the music they chase people around and play to them as well as just generally messing about, it's brilliant. Check out the video i took with my phone below.

laid on Him

This is a moving song by lance someone. It reminds us of how wicked we are and how amazing God's salvation is.

All my sin me every kind
All the thoughts that stain the mind
All the evil i designed... laid on Him

All the ways my feet have strayed
All the idols i have made
All the times i have not prayed... laid on Him

All the told and acted lies
All the success and all the tries
Sins that i legitimize... laid on Him

All that sinks me in the mire
All the times of base desire
All that offer a cleansing fire... laid on Him

All my misdirected powers
All my many wasted hours
All my dreams of ivory towers... laid on Him

All that makes my spirit cold
All that keeps me from the fold
All that dims my Father's gold... laid on Him

All the times i've grieved the Spirit
All the nature i inherit
All the punishment i merit... laid on Him

Laid on Him, God's own dear son
Laid on Him, the Holy One
Blotting out the noonday sun... when laid on Him!