Intriguing scenario put forth by Pat Robertson

Quoting Isaiah 19:23-25, today on the 700 Club, Pat suggested a possible merger between Syria and Iraq, based on Syria's agreeing to peace with Israel. His reasoning is sound based on clearer ethnic and cultural ties between present day Iraq and Syria as in the ancient Assyria. Pat talks about President Bush fighting Scripture on his "Roadmap to Peace" proposal.
While I'm sure the liberal press will have a field day with this, taking Pat's comments out of context, I believe he has a very good point. When will believers strive to fulfill scripture instead of fighting against it?

Borat and the culture of insensitivity

The leading movie at the box office for the past two weeks has been "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan." starring so-called comedian Sasha Baron Cohen. While I have not seen the movie (it hasn't made it to Grenada's miniscule megaplex!!), it has become apparent that Mr. Cohen managed to create his comedy by demeaning and belittling various people groups. Many of those who have become the unwitting targets of Borat's mock-umentary are now sueing both him and the film distributor who both look to cash in on the strength of multi-millions earned at the box office.
I hope the offended partys win and win big. There is no humor more tasteless than cruelty, and Mr. Cohen should have to reap some of what he has sown.

Donkey Politics

I don't have the privilege of voting but I encourage my students to do so. I am unable to vote because, as of yet, I am not a citizen of the United States...but if I was, I would hope that my ballot would reflect an informed opinion. Alas, I fear we have just seen the exercise of 'donkey' politics. It's a term that originates from Australia, where because voting there is compulsory, some voters have to vote in the manner of 'pinning a tail on the donkey' hence donkey voting, where they vote blind. It is ironic of course that the symbol of the Democratic party just happens to be a donkey!

Sound of Melodies, Compact Disc [CD] - By: Leeland - Christianbook.com

Sound of Melodies, Compact Disc [CD] - By: Leeland - Christianbook.com
click on the title above and order from CBD

The "new" sound of worship!

On my way to an Encounter God weekend, where I was to lead worship, I stopped off at a christian bookstore (two actually!!...) and picked up a new CD by a group called "Leeland". It was on sale for the ridiculous price of $6.99. I didn't immediately put it in because, quite honestly, I was not sure what it would sound like - I only had a vague feeling that my children probably had heard them on one of their favorite screamo-emo christian rock shows. Instead I inserted into the CD player the latest offering from CCM's current darling Jeremy Camp. I think I listened for about three songs and after being suitable un-impressed, I took a chance on "Leeland".
The opening and title track, 'Sound of Melodies' burst like a wave of cool refreshment into my speeding van and I found myself captured by meaning and passion (something strangely lacking in the Jeremy Camp offering). Great opening I thought, then came track two "Reaching"- equally captivating as I found myself singing along and soaring with the lead singer's Keane-like vocals. Then on to track three and four (the wonderful "Tears of the Saints" with a line 'this is an emergency' which ranks as one of the most telling lyric lines in recent memory...) And so on through the rest of the album. Shades of Delirious, the afore mentioned Keane and even the Afters, but ultimately this is a majestic freshman effort by a band fronted by an eighteen year-old with a genuine message delivered in a pure and powerful yet vulnerable voice. Check it out - the new sound of worship from "Leeland"

How do you score a war?

We now have a tenuous but intact cease fire between Hezbollah and Israel. It seems unlikely that it will hold because nothing essentially has changed. Israel bowed to international pressure and stopped short of what was necessary in order to remove the terrorist threat from its northern border. Hezbollah is claiming both a moral and territorial victory. They are still in place. They still have the capability to launch Katusha rockets, and the Lebanese government is retreating from the notion of disarming them.
How do you score a war like this? Maybe you don't...you simply prepare for a 'do-over'.
The western media are almost reluctantly giving the victory on points to Sheik Nasrallah and his cronies. Ehud Olmert looks set to retire from competitive war making in the not too distant future.
Look for Bebe Netanyahu to emerge as the warrior king, just in time for the rematch. And this time expect hell and fury to be unleashed, not only upon Lebanon, but upon Syria and Iran too!

Sobering News

Just a couple of weeks ago, I boarded an American Airlines flight from Heathrow Airport, outside London, bound for New York's JFK airport. Today I awoke to hear the news that Al Qaeda linked terrorists were targeting just such flights with sophisticated liquid bombs, planning to detonate them in mid air causing the maximum loss of innocent life.
Two thoughts come immediately to mind:
(1) I'm glad I'm not travelling at this moment in time and looking back just a couple of weeks, I was somewhat surprised at the lack of intense baggage and personal inspections both in the UK and Stateside.
(2) I'm grateful for vigilant security forces on both sides of the Atlantic and for the skillful investigative capabilities of both nations who are able to interdict such plans in a timely manner and so prevent greater tragedies than have already occured.
It is also apparent that our intelligence and Homeland Security personnel cannot rest for even a moment as this ongoing clash of culture, religion and civilizations continues.
While all eyes are on Lebanon and Israel, the terrorists are eying America and the rest of the western world like a coiled snake ready to strike.
As we approach the fifth anniversary of September 11th, we would do well to remember that our enemy still lurks and we have not yet won this war.

Not too smart a war being waged by the media.

We are extremely naive when it comes to what we believe from our media. They always seems to have a grandstand view of the war which leads the cynic in me to wonder if it is not being staged for their benefit. The news that the Kana massacre might in fact be an elaborate fraud created by Hezbollah should surprise no-one - http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=109072
but unfortunately it obviously fooled major world leaders, Condoleeza Rice and others.
This is a war and a time when we need to trust our spiritual eyes and not our natural. We are living in an age of manipulation and unfortunately....this is no magic show!!

Back from the U.K. back to work!

I'm now back at work having spent a wonderful two weeks back home in the U.K. just hanging out with Mom and letting her fix me all my favorite food.
Since returning home, we have sold our house, witnessed my in-laws being re-married after being divorced for over 30 years, and celebrated two birthdays.
Also I enjoyed a reunion with another part of my 'family' in Dallas, Texas on my way to and from the U.K.!
School is back in session next week for my kids, with Aidan beginning kindergarten, or as he likes to put it....'zero grade'!
More later.......

New Song and other news

Just got back from a conference on Adult Education in Natchez, MS - a delightful Antebellum town on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi. While I was staying across the river in Vidalia, LA, I wrote a song for my in-laws wedding. (Wonderful story....must tell you sometime!) The new song is entitled "All things beautiful" as in "...He makes all things beautiful in His time." I am pleased with the outcome and may well record that tune and about three others and add them to the new CD for American consumption. Watch this space.
Also we ( actually Allison mainly) have been readying our house for sale and looking at property in the old part of downtown. You get more house for your dollar there....and with our expanding household, it seemed like a needful thing to do!
LAstly...I'm heading across the pond to England on July 4th ( how appropriate...) for almost two weeks of uninterrupted R & R. WOW!!

Recovered Memory finished!

Here's the story behind the tracks:
"Drake's Drum" - The drum itself is housed at Buckland Abbey and whenever England is threatened by danger, if you listen, you will hear the sound of the drum and at that moment Drake will reappear and rout the enemy - or so the story goes.
"Doublewaters" - The title refers to the place where the Rivers Tavy and Walkham meet, before flowing into the River Tamar. It was one of my favorite places to go - it was quite a stroll but always worth the effort.
"Apres Stroll" - An instrumental actually written for another project which has never seen the light of day. This piece was inspired by afternoon strolls designed to walk off the effects of Sunday dinner.
"20 Minutes Older" - Written with tongue in cheek (and sung that way!) and in honor of my twin brother Nigel whom I love dearly and have no spirit of competition with whatsoever. (...Right!)
"Home" - A song that has been around for about 8 years but finally found itself a place to call home! All the details are accurate as far as my memory serves me.
"A Rainy Afternoon" - An instrumental written and improvised in the wee hours and a chance to play some uncharacteristic lead guitar.
"Dewerstone" - A cautionary tale based on an old Devon legend. I sang it in about as low a register as I could so that it might sound unlike any other voice on the project.
"Eternal Father Strong to Save / The Traveller" - The first melody is the tune of my Uncle Jack's favorite hymn while the second song is a re-recording of a song from the 'Proving God' album, inspired by the foghorn sounding at the Needles, off the Isle of Wight.
"Photographs" - This song was recorded back in 1982 and appeared first on the 'Shooting for the Heart' album. I thought about re-doing it for this project and then decided I liked the original just fine....so what would be the point. It fits the theme of memory so I've included it here. The song itself was inspired by a grandfather I never knew but one that left a legacy of images for us to enjoy.
"Paris Jazz" - This instrumental dates from my college years. It was inspired by a trip to that great city and listening to the wonderful street musicians who seem to hang out on every street corner.
"There and Back Again" - A synthesis of two memories - the first is of my Nursery School experience where; when we would walk to the recreation field in Yelverton to play, we had to grasp this thick nautical rope and walk along the lane in single file; the other is one of those priceless phrases my father (the Squire) was famous for - ' We're going there and back again to see how far it is!'

The revised Cover art

courtesy of jnthnmoore

Recording up and going

Dear friends,
The "Recovered Memory" project is under way. Having been writing new songs for the past couple of months, I finally got down to recording the tracks. Two are completed so far:- "Drake's Drum" and "There and Back Again". The results are pretty good (in other words - I can live with them...). I think my mother will appreciate them as well. There are lots of references to my childhood as well as universal themes of pilgrimage and growing up. I am planning two more days of recording this week. and I hope to complete at least two more songs in that time. That will put me well on the way to meeting the July 1 deadline. I leave for Dallas on the 2nd and fly out from there to the UK on the 5th. I am planning a couple of instrumental tracks as well - to help the flow. I have eight songs ready to record.
Pray for me!

Dewerstone

The Dewerstone - a new lyric based on a legend about a rocky outcrop on the Southern part of Dartmoor, famous as a rock climbing center, where the devil and his hounds are supposed to chase poor sinners over the edge.

On a cold and misty evening, while my lord was out-a-riding,
He thought he heard the baying, of some hounds beyond the ridge,
And as his pace-a-quickened, the mist it swirled and thickened,
His horse it went to neighing , as they crossed Cadover Bridge.

On Wigmore Down a-climbing, the wind it was a-whistling,
But still the sound of baying, drew closer through the fog.
The Master spurring on a-pace, as soaking wind drove in his face,
A shadow voice kept saying, “You can't out run the dogs.”

Oh beware, be you rich or poor,
Of the Wisht hounds roaming the southern moor,
The sinner venturing out alone,
Should best avoid the Dewerstone.

Dewer had him in his grip, he knew that with one fatal slip
As both approached the craggy lip, their fate would soon be sealed
They never saw the granite ledge and so they rode hard off the edge,
To meet their maker in a place where every heart’s revealed.

On the morrow early rising, chanced on a grisly sighting,
A horse and rider lying, at the foot of Dewerstone,
And after drawing closer, I saw it was my master,
E're with the sun yet shining my world was overthrown.

Jonathan Patrick Moore C 2006

I'm back!!

Been gone from the blog for about two months......work, family, church.....
It's Easter Weekend and with the surge of Spring has come a renewal of inspiration:

Here is part of what I've been working on: a new project reflective of my beginnings and my country of origin. It's going to be an original "Folk" Cd with songs about my heritage and my memories of growing up in Devon.

Here are two lyrics entitled "Doublewaters" and "The Beating of Drake's drum" for your perusal:

Doublewaters

Down the path to Doublewaters,
Calling wayward dogs to heel,
Dashing sons and dainty daughters,
Gorse and brackened games conceal,
Grazing Dartmoor ponies nodding,
As if recalling Spring's first foal,
Honeysuckled air infusing,
Joy into our weary soul.

On Bodmin moor June’s sun is setting,
Tin mine towers in sharp relief,
Through the mottled woodlands streaming,
Shafts of evening’s golden sheaf,
Sound of pebbled waters rising,
Beckon weary walkers on,
First embracing then refreshing,
Two streams reach for Tamar’s run.

Now in memory returning
To my childhood days of grace,
Ever youthful ever yearning,
To walk again in sacred space.

Every Sunday through the summer,
City dwellers park their cars,
Sipping tea midst idle chatter,
Watching hikers from afar,
Disappear into the distance,
T’ward the valley far below,
Barely noting their existence,
Emerging later face aglow.

Jonathan Patrick Moore C 2006

The Beating of Drake’s Drum

At the Westerly Approaches, Spanish galleons appear,
Their intent to wrest our freedom, men of England have no fear,
Our bold Captain and commander, none can match his heart so true,
He has time to play the game boys, and defeat the Spaniards too.
In a time of mortal danger, Lo the foreign forces come,
We will summon strength of heart boys, at the beating of Drake's drum.

Wellington standing defiant, 'gainst the brash Napoleon,
Sailing out of Plymouth Harbor, with the pride of England’s men,
We will give to him no quarter, till our freedom is assured,
We have muskets at the ready, true of aim and swift of sword,
Where the courage to defend her, when the darkest dangers come,
There's a sound that stirs our hearts boys, 'tis the beating of Drake's drum

Now our finest lie besieged, upon the sand of Dunkirk beach,
Every fisherman of England, rescue is within your reach,
Man the boats and pray for favor, help them fight another day,
In this hour of present danger, God will speed you on your way,
Draw your strength from men of yore, Every hindrance overcome,
Listen now O men of England, hear the beating of Drake's drum.

Anytime these shores are threatened by a diabolic foe,
When dark clouds are gathering and fear consumes the nations soul,
If amid the sounds of bustle coursing through our city streets,
You might hear the whispers of a catalog of past defeats,
Then I pray you listen closer for another sound to come,
Listen for the heart of England, hear the beating of Drake’s drum.

Jonathan Patrick Moore C 2006

The more I hear the more I like...

It's day two....and I'm listening through to about 10 hours of blues influenced original music. I have been a fan of Chris Rea ever since his first album (What ever happened to Benny Santini?). However , the sheer scope and depth of this work is staggering. I can't think of another musician in the modern era who has published such a strong body of work at one time. For those who are familiar with the more pop oriented Chris Rea will find enough here to keep them entertained. The Blues Ballads (CD7) is particularly satisfying for those who love the languid, smoke filled Rea delivery. There is also enough variety within the blues genre as presented by Rea and his merry cohorts to keep even the most discriminating afficianado smiling. Blues Beginnings (CD1) is like an aural history lesson, whereas the Celtic and Irish Blues (CD9) does for blues what Riverdance did for tapping feet. Louisiana and New Orleans Blues (CD3) takes us along the bayou and gives us a taste of Cajun cookin'. The production of each CD tries to stay faithful to the recording techniques of that time and place and in so doing gives each CD its own unique feel. In fact it becomes eveident when you are changing CD even if they are playing in rotation on my computer. I'm serious....you need to check out this music! At about $55-$60 through Amazon.com this has to be the musical bargain of all bargains.

Blue Guitars has arrived

Blue Guitars - Chris Rea


This arrived today - I've already watched the accompanying DVD which was a fascinating look into the creative process. I'm beginning to savor the 11 cd's worth of music. I feel like someone has just given me the keys to their wine cellar......

Death Row

One of my students has just become the youngest deathrow inmate in the State of Mississippi. At 20 years of age, he is now # 70 waiting in line for a lethal injection. I grieve for a life apparently wasted, his young son who will never see his father again, and a family who are left to wonder "What went wrong?"
The crime for which he was convicted was senseless and part of an increasing trend towards mindless violence that not only grips the inner cities but has migrated into the rural reaches of Mississippi. Fueled by rage and a hip-hop culture countless young men, both black and white are becoming de-sensitized to the consequences of violent actions. As my student wished for just one more chance - another family is left to mourn a 67 year old man who had his life brutally taken from him.
And yet, though for many years I shared a philosophical belief in the deterrent effect and the necessary justice of capital punishment, I now find myself in somewhat of a dilemma. This young man was no mindless monster - he was tender-hearted, friendly, with an easygoing smile and both a desire to learn and to grow. In other words - his was (and is) a life that is redeemable, even if that has to be from behind prison walls.
I am changing my mind about capital punishment - but am I just bowing to the pressure of personal sentiment? What do YOU think?

This was the story that ran in our local paper on November 10th 2004:

"The sheriff's office has clarified the charges against those arrested for the murder of Ruben L. Britt, owner of Crossroads Grocery.
Two teens are being held on capital murder charges and two others on related charges in the shooting death of the Grenada county store owner Sunday morning.
Eric Bullins, 16, and Terry Pitchford, 18, are being held without bond on capital murder charges. Pitchford along with two others are also being held on a charge of conspiracy to commit a crime, according to Justice Clerk Brenda Mullen.
Demarcus Westmoreland, 18, and Quincy Bullins, 19, are also being held on conspiracy charges. Both their bonds have been set at $50,000. According to Mullen, a December 2nd preliminary hearing will be held for the four teenagers with Judge Jimmy Tallant presiding.
Bullins and Pitchford are charged with shooting Ruben L. Britt, 67, multiple times at his Crossroads Grocery at the corner of Highway 7 and Scenic Loop 332.
The cash register was taken. "

This week that story resolved itself with the murder conviction of Terry Pitchford and the sentence of death that was issued. What makes this story compelling is that for the last year I have had the opportunity of teaching Terry both in my GED class and as part of my Bible Study. I have become acquainted with his family, his girlfriend and his young son. In fact Terry inspired me to teach a class on "The Seven Secrets of Effective Fathers." His story is a tragedy, a tragedy being repeated in communities across this nation. Young men are buying into a gang/gangsta culture, fueled by rappers and violence, drugs and alcohol. They are being led into a mindset that short circuits their conscience and leads them down a path to destruction.
If you met Terry, you would like him. He is well mannered and respectful. He has a close family and a mother of strong faith. He made a terrible choice and has to face the consequence of that choice. Terry too professes a faith in Christ. My prayer is that he will be able to hang on to his faith and find some personal redemption while sitting on death row.

p.s. My personal opinion of Terry in no way excuses his terrible crime and the obvious loss and continuing grief of the Britt family.

Check out Chris Rea's latest work!

Chris Rea - Blue Guitars

For my 50th birthday I ordered an 11CD + DVD box set from Chris Rea. It's on its way and I'm really looking forward to listening to this meisterwork by one of the sweetest slide guitarists. ( It may take me another 50 years to listen to all the tracks!! - 137 in all! )