My Chains Are Gone

Freedom, for me, can mean being set free from any kind of enslavement. Thankfully, I’ve never been a slave in the commonly understood sense of the term. But life’s difficulties can enslave us. Problems with physical and mental health, relationships, careers, and finances can enslave us in a sense. And when we solve, or learn … Continue reading My Chains Are Gone

Hymns: 1990 Memories

Hymns published in 1990 include the following: We Are Marching in the Light of God became popular in North America in 1990, but this South African Zulu song goes back much further. 1990 in South Africa saw the official start of the process of ending Apartheid. Nelson Mandela was freed in February 1990. I was more … Continue reading Hymns: 1990 Memories

Paul Weller: Limerick, Ireland

The last significant live performance that I saw was Paul Weller, in an outdoor concert in the grounds of King John’s Castle Limerick in 2024. I went along with some of my family. It was impressive that such an artist would perform in such an intimate venue. Nowadays most concerts in Limerick are tribute acts. … Continue reading Paul Weller: Limerick, Ireland

This Little Light of Mine

It’s an interesting question. It makes me wonder how we define the community. I asked Microsoft Copilot. Here is what it said: At its core, community refers to a group of people who share something in common—whether it’s a place, an interest, a culture, or even a purpose. It could be as broad as the … Continue reading This Little Light of Mine

Tourism

If we’re talking about real jobs rather than dream jobs, I’d like to work in the tourism industry. I often find myself envying people who work in beauty spots, such as Glengarriff County Cork. There’s a little boat that brings people on a small journey to the Garnish Island. I’d like to pilot that boat … Continue reading Tourism

Irish Church History Chronology

Before 5th Century Before 400 AD, contact with Christian communities in Roman Britain might have introduced elements of Christianity to Ireland even before formal missionary efforts. 5th Century Patrick, formerly a slave in Ireland, escaped but returned as a missionary in 432 to spread Christian teachings, converting chieftains and establishing churches. Palladius and Declan belong … Continue reading Irish Church History Chronology

Ultimately, Christ

So, what gives me direction in life? I hope I understand the question, but I think of it in terms of strategies to achieve goals and solve problems. I remember back in my college days, I’d approach the exams in June and think that I’d be the happiest person on earth when I finished the … Continue reading Ultimately, Christ

Hymns: 1989 Memories

So, we’ve come to the end of the 1980s. And that year, I came to the end of my secular work. I started working with Baptist Missions Ireland in Limerick Baptist Church in 1989, alongside our Pastor, who, at the time, was also a Baptist Missions worker. A memorable book published in 1989 was Will … Continue reading Hymns: 1989 Memories

Old Man Trouble

This is my response to the Daily Prompt:Do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often? My title comes from a hit I remember hearing on the radio as a child way back in 1966; Old Man Trouble by Doc Carroll in Ireland, which had been a hit two years … Continue reading Old Man Trouble

Ten Influential Irish Evangelical Christians: Part 1

1. T.C. Hammond (1877-1961) At a personal level, I first heard of Hammond when my father-in-law, Warren Nelson, was writing his biography. But some years before, someone recommended Hammond’s In Understanding Be Men to me. Nowadays, much better introductions to Christian doctrine are available, but even in 1981, it was still well regarded. Looking at … Continue reading Ten Influential Irish Evangelical Christians: Part 1