Blast from the past, glimpse of the future.

This song always reminded me of how wonderful God in all his Majesty is, I wonder if the song writer realized what he was penning?


Magna Carta - Lord of the Ages - Chris Simpson - 1973
Lord of the Ages rode one night
Out through the gateways of time
Astride a great charger
In a cloak of white samite
He flew on the air
Like a storm
Dark was the night
For he gathered the stars in his hand
To light a path through the sky
While the hoofs of his charger
Made comets of fire
Bewitching all eyes
That beheld them

Lord of the Ages, nobody knows
Whether he goes, nobody knows

Below a dark forest in caves of black granite
The children of darkness dwelt in oblivion
Betraying one another in endless confusion
But the Lord of the Dark
Had bewitched them
From time's first creation
The wise men and prophets
And all workers of magic
Had warned of the reckoning
The wind and the fire
And the plague of destruction that follows the path
Of evil

Lord of the Ages, nobody knows
Whether he goes, nobody knows

Far above the wide ocean and thundering rivers
Through the sun and the rain
The turn of the seasons
Rode the God of all knowing
While all around him celestial companions
Friends from the void before time was woven
Honour his crown with words of white fire
And carry his robes with light

Whether he goes, nobody knows

But in the peace of a valley
A young child was born
Filling the night with his crying
And an old man gave thanks to the lord of the ages
Who's battle is not with innocence
But the birds of the air were silent
Knowing that time had come when time was forgotten
The waters were stilled
The mountains stood empty
And the cities were deaf
Long, long ago

Enough
Cried a voice
And the earth was awakend
Poor and the rich fell to ring of the fire
Death and destruction rode out together
Turning the world to a funeral pyre

It was the Lord of the Ages - Gathering in the harvest
I thank the Lord of the Ages - Gathering in the harvest
Oh, Lord - Gathering in the harvest

Gathering in the harvest, gathering in the harvest . . .

And from the blood and the thunder of men in their dying
His eyes dark with sorrow
The Lord of the Ages
Gathered in his harvest

Gathering in the harvest, gathering in the harvest . . .

But to the old and helpless
The weak and the humble
To the children of light
His words of compassion breezed on them gently
Dissolving the darkness across the great valley that rumbled with fire
And from the death and destruction
The Lord of the Ages
Carried the fruit to the harvest
To freedom

Lord of the Ages, nobody knows
Whether he goes, nobody knows

Stirring words with a message of hope that always had an effect on me when I listened to the song, goosebumps and awe. The choice of words is amazing as well, so many of the words allude to the message we know in the Bible.

Chris Simpson and Nick Hall (Magna Carta) will tour South Africa in September and October and they will be performing in Bloemfontein on the 20th at the Vulture Club together with Lucas Maree. I hope to be there, maybe even to chat to Chris about this song. If I manage too I will report back.
UPDATE: The ways of mice and men prevented me to attend... maybe next time?
"If I had words like a hammer
If I had powers unreal
Then I would tear down Megiddo
And I would bring you songs of love
And every child of tomorrow
Safely in his bed could lie
And hate would die of starvation." Wish It Was - Chris Simpson.

The end of the world as we know it

Photo - By Marco Fulle on April 16th, 2010.
Sounds bad I know but looking at the grounding of flights in the EU due to Eyjafjallajokull volcano on Iceland makes one realize that humanity has become dependent on technology for survival. Imagine what would happen if another few volcanoes decide to go active? This serves to remind us how powerless we are against nature. It also serves to remind me that no matter what, God is always in control and that no powers or principalities can come against him.
Maybe we need to re-evaluate both our techno-dependency and our relationship with God, the creator of the splendors of nature we are now witnessing in Iceland?
While getting some of the links for this I came across this funny poem about the recent travails at BoingBoing... By Jeff Skoll... E-Bay's first president... Sums it up thus...

This is an ode to the volcano
That sent our travel plans into the draino
I'm not really one to complaino
But this all hurts my little braino
Madrid, Casablanca, Amsterdam, Rejkavik on cruiseships
The trains will fail
All the escape routes that we planned
Are blocked by nature or by man
We heard the French trains may soon be striking
At this rate we'll all be biking
With our luck we'll all be struck by lightning!
This is all rather frightening
So better we all meet at TED
That is what I should have said
So thank you June and thank you all
Damn the volcano, let's have a ball

"[Poetry] is the lava of the imagination whose eruption prevents an earthquake." Lord Byron (1788 - 1824)

Welcome to the Iron Butt club...

Once again we did over 2000 kilos in a week... to say our bums are numb is an understatement... that being said we had an amazing seven days break and had a good time getting in touch with family again.
Rain gear in Smithfield... and all the way to Sheppie.

The bridge over the Orange River at night...

Umdlodi... at last a decent Java.

Full Moon...

Waning Moon the next evening...

Cormorant drying it's wings on the rocks...

Ballito and more coffee...

Argyle Arms... do not let the cover of a book fool you... a warm bed and good food for the weary travelers.
The Berg...

The Tree... reminds me of two other trees... One being the Easter Tree... the other was one I wrote a poem about. Putting it up down below...

Lichens pass from the other end...

Red mountains... and mountainous clouds... Moondancer taking in the view from the edge...

Almost home...
Here is the poem, not meant to be pretty but fitting with what we as Christians believe;
The Tattered Tree

The smell of Semtex frightens even the vultures.
The horror of shreds of bone and sinew hang in the tattered trees.
Inglorious, unjust, incomprehensible inhumanity.
How can one justify gaining freedom by making victims
out of the very people you claim to be standing for?

Time is supposed to fade the memory,
but today it seared my mind again just like that day!
Today another tribe is claiming to be a savior,
more evil than before they slaughter kith and kin.
They claim to be of divine ordination.

When will those blinded by worldly rights become aware...
that the condescending stance is but a weakness in the eyes of
those that contemplate the downfall of the very freedom that these rights ensconce?
That these rights are used as weapons to tear themselves asunder.

How many more of these tattered trees must humanity endure?
What must be done for peace to endure?
Then I remember another tattered Tree with it's unbearable load.
That's when I sink to my knees and pray...
This Easter once more I realized how much we have to strive to live up to the example that was show to us on that Tree... Love one another as I love you...
Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Lunchtime scribble

When there is faith - Robert Le Noury
When one door closes another opens,
when you finish one page there is another,
when one shooting star fades you see the moon.

There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
There is always a silver lining around that cloud.
There is a reason for each season.

When you ask it shall be given,
when cry you will be comforted,
when you rejoice the Angels sing.

There are more answers than questions.
There are more smiles than frowns.
There is a reason for living.

Faith teaches us these truths.
Faith holds fast when others dispair.
Faith is true when all else is vain.
I have had rather a long day so the above will have to do for today, it came to me while munching lunch today...
"Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith."
Saint Francis of Assisi (1181 - 1226)

Moment of peace

During my hectic day today, getting all the equipment in the office re-installed on the new desks I was able to sit down and relax a moment... a moment of peace... and then I typed up this... it is in Afrikaans and I don't think it is translatable so if anyone out there wants to, go for it... I am too pooped!
Tone in die water - Robert Le Noury
Treetjie vir treetjie, tentatief en huiwerend
soos 'n skilpad sy kop uitsteek om die wereld te verken
soekend, met kloppende hart
maar ook met vreugde op my lippe
betree ek U heiligdom
sien ek die eenvoud
weet ek die offer
Wat U op die Kruis geneem het
het my lewe gekoop
het my toekoms verseker
Dan jubel ek dat U my geken het voordat ek gevorm was
Dat U my altyd by U wou he.
Met selfversekering gaan ek die Poorte binne.

So... here is Moment of peace... again, this time with video... and the Angelic voice of Sarah Brightman, enjoy.

[via FoxyTunes / Gregorian - Moment of peace]

Mm Mm Mm Mm Mm
Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah

In a moment of peace

Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah
Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah

(Chorus)

Come now, come by our side,
Into a place where you can hide,
We are the sunshine,
Rest your Soul here,
And you'll find,
We are the energy,
We give the world to thee,
Hold up your heart now,
We will ease pain from your brow.

(Sarah Brightman)
When the world is in tatters,
And destruction is near,
You can come with us here.

When the people are strangers,
We will rest here and be,
In a moment of peace.

When the world is in tatters,
And destruction is near,
You can come with us here.

When the people are strangers,
We will rest here and be,
In a moment of peace.

(Chorus)

Light up the dark below,
See through the stars,
Reach to the earth's flow
Drift into the joy of our hearts,
Unleash the energy,
Taste of the wine,
Drink as a Soul,
That knows now, power divine.

When the world is in tatters,
And destruction is near,
You can come with us here.

When the people are strangers,
We will rest here and be,
In a moment of peace.

When the world is in tatters,
And destruction is near,
You can come with us here.

When the people are strangers,
We will rest here and be,
In a moment of peace.

In a moment of peace.

Oh... I got the plumbing done as well... that was a moment of satisfaction, watching the water fill up and no leaks...
"Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such." Henry Miller (1891 - 1980)

Sound familiar?

Please meet Jean at Pondering... the force is strong with this one. She writes some stunning poetry that touches my heart and reflects many of my moods and experiences. I hope she does not mind me taking this excerpt from her blog...
Write your life...

Whether it be like this or in letters to yourself,
as in a journal, or a diary.
Write everything about you so that others
may know. How you lived.
What you thought. When you cried.
Loved and laughed. Did you dream?
It may be found some day, and those who
knew you. Might cry. Might laugh.
Might gasp, "That's why!"
"That's when!" "That's where!"
Then again, a stranger might find you
in your words. And know you better than
all those others. Take you home.
Live with you another life.
See in you another way. Love their life again.
Find the path. Forgive their pain.
See the stars.
You are a book. A poem. A song.
Write your life.

Another person that believes in being a witness to others lives, I am linking to her blog to do so... May she prosper and grow strong. (Jedi theme today)
"History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity." Cicero (106 BC - 43 BC), Pro Publio Sestio

Trees, tantrums and Cupid

You Are A Hornbeam Tree

You are a reserved person, looking in from the outside. Naturally attractive, you take good care of your looks. You are not egoistic, and you make life as comfortable as possible. You look for kindness in others - though you are seldom happy with yourself. A bit mistrusting and unsure, you dream of being swept away by someone unusual.

Ok, some of my friends may disagree... Found this over on Scully's Skywritings. It makes me feel less foolish when someone of her talent also has fun with Blog Quizzes. Sometimes we all need a diversion.

I came close to tossing my toys out of the window today, our network was having a diarhetic fit and it took me ages to update my data on the network, get some work done as well as trying to maintain a chat in G-mail that kept falling through the ports. I'm having a typical Monday. Not a happy chappy... The only good thing is I am sitting at home and not in the office. Enough moaning...

My daughter likes Chris Daughtry's music and after listening to his song "It's not over" I see why... so I found the video and lyrics, once again thanks to FoxyTunes... enjoy. One of the better performers to have come out of the Idols mill as far as I am concerned.

[via FoxyTunes / DAUGHTRY]- It's not over.

I was blown away What could I say It all seemed to make sense. You've taken away everything That I can't do without. I try to see the good in life. But good things in life are hard to find. I'll blow it away, blow it away Can we make this something good? (well I'll try to do it right this time around) let's start over, I'll try to do it right this time around It's not over Cause a part of me is dead and in the ground. This love is killing me But you're the only one It's not over. I've taken all I can take And I cannot wait We've wasted too much time Being strong and holding on Can't let it bring us down My life with you means everything So I won't give up that easily I'll blow it away, blow it away Can we make this something good? Cause it's all misunderstood (Well I'll try to do it right this time around) Let's start over, I'll try to do it right this time around It's not over Cause a part of me is dead and in the ground. This love is killing me But you're the only one It's not over. We can't let this get away Let it out, let it out Don't get caught up in yourself Let it out. Let's start over We'll try to do to it right this time around Its not over Cause a part of me is dead and in the ground. This love is killing me But you're the only one It's not over. Lets start over Its not over Yeah yeah This love is killing me But you're the only one It's not over
Great music and lyrics with a very competent voice. I like! So as I sat listening I was run over by my poet muse, whom I swear bears a striking resemblance to that winged archer... once again I feel the scorching of the sun on my exposed heart... this was the result. Yeah... I know... I'm a hopeless romantic and a vrot poet...

Tell me - Robert Le Noury
How do you stop a runaway boulder?
How do you stop loving eyes so blue?
Please tell me how?

How do you stop the wind from blowing?
How do you stop loving a heart so good?
Please tell me how?

How do you stop the rain from falling?
How do you stop loving a mind so keen?
Please tell me how?

How do you stop a heart from racing
Every time you hear her voice?
please tell me how?

How do you stop the sun from shining
like it shines when I see her face?
please tell me how?

How do you stop from falling again
when she touches your hand?
Please tell me how?

How do you stop the rushing waves
when her lips kiss yours?
Please tell me how?

Tell me how
Tell me why
Tell me where
Tell me when
Then I'll tell you I will never stop loving her.
I suppose having Winamp play blues all day and being home alone this evening does effect my mood... One good thing about being alone is that I do not need to close the bathroom door, the door and crutches make it a pain... tonight it was a wizz... Excuse the pun. Tuesday will be better! I am glad to hear that my good friend KatieB is starting to reap the benefit of her fitness/diet programme, I cannot wait to be on two legs myself to start walking again, I want to trim some tummy myself... it is always a good thing. I hope she puts up some of those beautiful church pictures she took on her last trip to her parents.
You can't buy love, but you can pay heavily for it.

Ps... blogger is being a bad boy too, it keeps losing my text formatting!

Duct Tape for the Soul

I still have a score to settle with that Cherub, he and Murphy are on my hit list... but I know the crush is over and I have a friend for life. As Dr Phil says "What were you thinking", must have been all that wind in my ears the last two weeks! They say the wind whispers and puts ideas in our heads...
As I sat pondering our last conversation this played over the headphones:

All I Really Want - Alanis Morrisette

Do I stress you out
My sweater is on backwards and inside out
And you say how appropriate
I don't dissect everything today
I don't mean to pick you apart you see
But I can't help it
There I go jumping before the gunshot has gone off
Slap me with a splintered ruler
And it would knock me to the floor if I wasn't there already
If only I could hunt the hunter

And all I really want is some patience
A way to calm the angry voice
And all I really want is deliverance
Do I wear you out
You must wonder why I'm so relentless and all strung out
I'm consumed by the chill of solitary
I'm like Estella
I like to reel it in and then spit it out
I'm frustrated by your apathy
And I am frightened by the corrupted ways of this land
If only I could meet the Maker

And I am fascinated by the spiritual man
I am humbled by his humble nature
What I wouldn't give to find a soulmate
Someone else to catch this drift
And what I wouldn't give to meet a kindred
Enough about me, let's talk about you for a minute
Enough about you, let's talk about life for a while
The conflicts, the craziness and the sound of pretenses
Falling all around...all around
Why are you so petrified of silence
Here can you handle this?

Did you think about your bills, your ex, your deadlines
Or when you think you're gonna die
Or did you long for the next distraction
And all I need know is intellectual intercourse
A soul to dig the hole much deeper
And I have no concept of time other than it is flying
If only I could kill the killer

All I really want is some peace man
a place to find a common ground
And all I really want is a wavelength
All I really want is some comfort
A way to get my hands untied
And all I really want is some justice...

The song sort of put in perspective all the chaotic amazing things I have experienced these last few weeks, well sort of... the "apathy" line is pure bull... but the one about dropping pretenses is true... This got me realising that more than once my music collection has pulled me from the brink of some chasm or another and helped me resolve this thing we call life, duct tape for the soul of sorts. That and my three manuals, The Book and two sets of lists for life...
It is true that music soothes the troubled soul. Whoever discovered that was a genius... I think that person lives on as Winamp!
The following poem from the website link sums up my thoughts up perfectly.

Musical Healing
by Kate Clifford

I grasp upon musical notes to save my tortured soul.
Tortured by the anguish I have allowed into this lifetime.
Notes bring pain from inside, humming through my lips.
I feel it leaving like a prayer with words I cannot say.
Releasing a sorrow of pent up dreams forever broken.

Ripping guts, unspoken pain screams to the universe.
Fears are leaping as the music continues to play on.
A prayer forms in energy that I do not understand.
Lips quiver as I feel the answer without thoughts.
Musical notes break chains I have not yet named.

Hearing the flute begging me to dance with life energy,
I can’t help but snap my fingers to the irresistible beat.
Inside vibrations lift me to a new feeling of exultation.
Not one word spoken as the humming continues on.
Pain releasing a new healing with these musical notes.
Now I understand why we enjoy multifaceted music, it blends with us multifaceted humans in such a wonderful way, another Gift we should be grateful for, just like friends...
"Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, and a dark side, and it holds the universe together." (Just like friendship.)
Carl Zwanzig (This is the first time I am adding to a quote... makes that truism seem more like wisdom!)