As we’ve been posting for Spina Bifida Awareness Week Stephen and I thought we should repost my very first blog from two years ago which was about my journey with Hannah’s diagnoses. In March 2003 we discovered I was pregnant. We were really excited we had already a son Adam who was 8 months old. We wereContinue reading “The Butterfly”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
I Hear Voices In My Head
I hear voices in my head. They wish me dead. I thought they’d fled. They’d bled me dry and left the scene; my life in tatters but never matter. You knew the score and we abhor the peace you crave. We’ll hunt you to the grave and never stop until you drop this holier thanContinue reading “I Hear Voices In My Head”
Repackage Your Heart
First World Problems have once more raised their ugly head at chez Black this last week or so. Having struggled through various sicknesses and other crises during the month of January we thought we were due a turn of fortunes. A reprieve from the trials and tribulations of modern life. But oh no for much,Continue reading “Repackage Your Heart”
Changes To A Fractured Faith
We have been blown away by all the positive feedback and advice that we have received as a result of Stephen’s last few blogs. We really feel that we are transitioning into a new season in our Christian Journey and a lot of your comments have been confirmation for us. Stephen does 99.9% of theContinue reading “Changes To A Fractured Faith”
I Want To Read Your Blog
A shorter blog today you will all be glad to hear. They say that in order to improve as a writer you should read, read and then read some more. So today I’m going to follow that advice. I want to read your posts. I want to find out more about you and, in doingContinue reading “I Want To Read Your Blog”
I’m Messed Up And Proud. Who’s With Me?
Many moons ago Fionnuala and I got married. One morning shortly before the big day I woke up with a crick in my neck. I thought little of it, assuming I had slept in an awkward position. But it continued to ache and niggle in the coming days despite how much I stretched and manipulatedContinue reading “I’m Messed Up And Proud. Who’s With Me?”
We Dare You To Comment On This
I got asked the other day by a fellow blogger how AFracturedFaith had grown so much in such a comparatively short period of time. The blog was only launched in May 2017 and we have been heartened by its growth since. We don’t define success by the number of followers or likes we receive butContinue reading “We Dare You To Comment On This”
The Grind
Yesterday epitomised Northern Ireland winter time at its finest. It was wet, cold, windy and grey. Come to think of it that fairly accurately epitomises Northern Ireland spring time as well. And summer. And autumn. Anyway it was miserable. I stared forlornly out of the window with a hangdog expression, willing the clouds to clearContinue reading “The Grind”
OCD And Me
You never fully conquer OCD. It is a wily and resourceful enemy. It will choose not to face you on the open battlefield where the massed ranks of your respective armies can clash in combat in an honourable fight to the death. OCD is not interested in such forms of conflict. It will not lookContinue reading “OCD And Me”
Straight Outta Aghalee
I am many things. I am a father, a husband, a son and a brother. I tackle all of these responsibilities with varying degrees of success. I am an exceedingly average distance runner and wannabe blogger and author. I like so see myself as a good friend but all the good and not so goodContinue reading “Straight Outta Aghalee”
I’m An Angry Christian…. I’d be an Angrier Atheist
I get angry with God sometimes. Quite a lot if I’m honest. I sometimes try and convince myself that there is no God. Because then life would be a whole less complicated. And I would be a whole less angry. Which would declutter my mind and leave space for other emotions to take root. MoreContinue reading “I’m An Angry Christian…. I’d be an Angrier Atheist”
There Are People I Avoid On The Train
There are people I avoid on the train. I always see them before they see me. I turn the other way. I pull my cap down over my face. I hurry along and hold my breath dreading my name being called out or a hand on my shoulder. Pulling me back to a place IContinue reading “There Are People I Avoid On The Train”
Winter Is Coming
A couple of inches of snow fell across Northern Ireland yesterday evening. Despite having had in excess of 24 hours prior notice the country responded in time honoured fashion….by grinding to a standstill. The lightest sprinkling of the white stuff on our fair land and chaos reigns. In scenes reminiscent of ‘The Day After Tomorrow’Continue reading “Winter Is Coming”
2018 – The Year Of Death
I got a phrase in my head the other day. This happens from time to time. It’s hard to explain but it’s as if the phrase was not of me. I didn’t think it into existence, it came from elsewhere, as if someone or something else planted it in my mind. I’m not sure ifContinue reading “2018 – The Year Of Death”
I’m Hangry
I am permanently hungry. I wake up hungry, I go to work hungry, I come home hungry, I go to bed hungry. I am the Hunger Games. Although I haven’t had to resort to using a bow & arrow or killing any teenagers. Yet. Catniss Everdeen watch out. If it comes down to it IContinue reading “I’m Hangry”
Stay At Home Christian
I’m heading out on a loooooong run tomorrow morning instead of going to church. Does that make me a bad Christian? I hope not. It’s just I’m not feeling the whole church experience once more. It has been a year now since we left the small church we had been attending for over four years.Continue reading “Stay At Home Christian”
CSI: You
Crime scenes can be fascinating but grisly locations. My work occasionally involves me attending them and experiencing the other side of the cordon. I’ve even had to wear those silly forensic oversuits, masks and gloves on occasion. It wasn’t my best fashion moment let me tell you. I resembled a giant, white Teletubby. My TinkyContinue reading “CSI: You”
January 150 Mile Challenge Update
After three days on the sidelines due to illness I started running again yesterday. 8.1 miles yesterday and 7.2 miles today bring me up to 60 miles in total for the month so far. Which has me back on schedule to attain my target of 150 miles in January. Running to me is mentally beneficialContinue reading “January 150 Mile Challenge Update”
The Ugly Truth
I used to lie all the time. In fact I became rather good at it. I lied to my wife. I lied to my kids. I lied to my mother and sister. I lied to my friends and work colleagues. I lied to anyone who I was engaged in conversation with for any length ofContinue reading “The Ugly Truth”
Sick Of Being Sick
Chez Black has been struck with all kinds of sickness and illness over the last few weeks. Fionnuala has been particularly unfortunate and has been struggling with all sorts of ailments. Once she overcomes one bug another one has appeared over the horizon to blight her. It has been a very exhausting and debilitating periodContinue reading “Sick Of Being Sick”
The Day I Laughed
The other evening my brother-in-law sent me the link to a very silly song that he had written. I have a very juvenile sense of humour. My favourite comedy shows are the likes of The Fast Show, Alan Partridge and Larry David. The sillier the better as far as I’m concerned. I tend to takeContinue reading “The Day I Laughed”
How Good Is Your Memory?
I have a great memory. I have a terrible memory. Confused? Let me explain. Ask me to name the Manchester United Premiership winning team of 1992-1993. No problem. Schmeichel, Irwin, Pallister…..Ok Ok you’re not interested, I get it. Back to the main message. Ask me however what I did yesterday and I struggle. This drivesContinue reading “How Good Is Your Memory?”
Shatter The Silence
Silence is golden they say. In today’s hectic world it is almost impossible to escape the constant hustle and bustle of everyday life. With technological advances we are rarely totally alone nowadays. We crave anonymity and inaccessibility. We just want five minutes of peace and quiet. We need a break, a time out, a littleContinue reading “Shatter The Silence”
Excess All Areas – Part One
I am a creature of excess. When I get involved in an activity that I am passionate about I have to take it to the nth degree. If there is a nth post graduate qualification, or possibly a masters option, then sign me up. I always take it to the limit, to the extreme, toContinue reading “Excess All Areas – Part One”
Who Do You Trust?
Last year I made an unusual New Years Resolution. I decided to give up having friends. That’s right. I was going solo. All I needed were Fionnuala and the kids. The reason? Well largely it was forced upon me. I had self destructed in such spectacular fashion that some people no longer wanted anything toContinue reading “Who Do You Trust?”
The Blame Game
How many times this year already have you grumbled to yourself about a situation you have found yourself in? Bemoaned your circumstances and muttered ‘why me?’ under your breath? Shook your fist at the heavens and cursed your bad luck? When it comes to feeling sorry for yourself I have it down to a fineContinue reading “The Blame Game”
Beardy McBeardFace – Part Two
Due to unprecedented popular demand (well, three of you) I’ve decided to post a photo of my attempts to grow a beard. This was taken earlier today. It’s been twelve days now since my chin last saw a razor blade and what a journey it has been. I’ve pouted, I’ve preened and I’ve scratched butContinue reading “Beardy McBeardFace – Part Two”
We Need You
I read a lot of blogs on here and try as much as I can to interact with, and encourage, you the good people of WordPress. Some posts are penned from places of hope and restoration by writers who have been through horrendous experiences but have emerged (battered yet triumphant) from the other side. OthersContinue reading “We Need You”
Make Today Count
I was in the shop today when I was forced to do an actual Scooby-Doo double take. Yikes! Shaaaaaagy! There before my very eyes was an Easter Egg display. On 2nd January. I don’t think the shop in question had even taken down its Christmas decorations yet. I’ve eaten enough chocolate this last week toContinue reading “Make Today Count”
Detox Day
Fionnuala suggested the other evening that I undertake an endurance challenge for January 2018. It involves running 150 miles during the month and logging them on my Garmin watch. At the end of the month I e-mail the challenge organisers a screen shot of my mileage and, in return, I get a medal and compressionContinue reading “Detox Day”
Unhappy New Year
I hate New Year! There I’ve said it. No, hang on, hate is too strong a word. But I really don’t like it. For all sorts of reasons. The overpriced taxi fares, the fake bonhomie, the soul withering hangover the following morning. All these memories from my past cause me to break out into aContinue reading “Unhappy New Year”
Beardy McBeardFace – Part One
I don’t have a bucket list but if I ever compiled one I reckon that growing a beard would have been on it. I’ve never had a beard, stubble yes, but never a full one. I’ve always wondered what it would look and feel like. Would I resemble a mighty warrior from Lord of theContinue reading “Beardy McBeardFace – Part One”
Stinking Thinking – Part Two
Follow me He said. So I did and it led me to them. I was hungry and needed fed, my starving soul craved sustenance like an addict craves the needle and the relief of release. I gorged on their manna but the more I think back, it wasn’t from heaven. This desire to please wasContinue reading “Stinking Thinking – Part Two”
Sanity Scissors
On Christmas Eve I said enough was enough and decided to get a haircut. I was starting to resemble a cross between Boris Johnson and Wurzel Gummidge (I suggest a quick Google search if you don’t know who either of them are). When I woke up in the mornings I looked like I had beenContinue reading “Sanity Scissors”
I Haven’t Been Through Hell
You hear it all the time. On public transport, in your workplace, on the television news your social media timelines. You may even have uttered the immortal words yourself. I’ve been through hell…. Hell. The Underworld. Hades. Sheol. Whatever people call it, for those who believe in it, it is a place of unimaginable, unremittingContinue reading “I Haven’t Been Through Hell”
The Outsiders
I’ve felt an outsider for most of my life. At school I was bullied, mostly by fellow pupils but also some teachers, because I was chubby, quiet and shy. I was no good at sport, despite trying hard, which meant I was never part of the ‘in crowd.’ I didn’t go to our school formalContinue reading “The Outsiders”
Slam
Happy Christmas Eve everyone! I hope you are all looking forward to spending the holiday period with family and friends. AFracturedFaithBlog will be taking Christmas Day off as there is much present unwrapping and food consumption ahead of us. I’m particularly excited about that little pest Elfie the Elf returning to the North Pole. I’llContinue reading “Slam”
Spin Class Stories
I’m a runner. I like to run. Preferably in a straight line at around 8:30 minute mile pace. I don’t like sprinting or being pressurised into running faster than I have to. I like long, steady paced runs. My favourite distance is the marathon. I don’t particularly enjoy hills but put one in front ofContinue reading “Spin Class Stories”
Death By Cupcake
The Black Family hit Belfast’s Christmas Market yesterday afternoon. As you can see this involved food, food and more food. I took some pictures but, ever since, have barely been able to move given the ginormous burger and cupcake I consumed. I am currently lying in a darkened room and normal blogging duties will beContinue reading “Death By Cupcake”
All I Want For Christmas….
Fionnuala and I celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary today. We have decided this year not to buy each other presents but instead are going later this afternoon as a family to the Christmas Market in Belfast. I’ll be blogging about that adventure later so stay tuned for photos of the Black family there. Probably eating.Continue reading “All I Want For Christmas….”
Wake Up Dead
As I get older I find it harder to leap out of bed in the morning, full of the joys of spring. Or summer. Or autumn or winter for that matter. Especially winter. It’s cold and dark. And invariably wet. Why on earth would anyone throw back the duvet to embrace that? All I wantContinue reading “Wake Up Dead”
Writer of the Month Award
You may remember a few weeks ago Rebecca posted a blog on an Autobiography about C.S. Lewis which she had to do for her school homework. She put so much work into it and today she was given an award in school for her efforts – Writer of the Month. To say we are veryContinue reading “Writer of the Month Award”
Poker Face
I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This is a mental illness whereby distressing, intrusive thoughts enter my head and refuse to leave. These are known as obsessions. The only temporary reprieve is to perform a physical or mental routine, the compulsion, in an attempt to force the intrusive thought from my mind. It invariably returns,Continue reading “Poker Face”
Uncommon Sense
You haven’t the sense you were born with! This critique of my decision making and problem solving skills has dogged me throughout most of my adult life. I am told that I am intelligent and I hold down a reasonably important job where I (shock horror) manage other adults and ‘do the grown up stuff’Continue reading “Uncommon Sense”
Steps Lead To Shelter
Last night I woke up at 04:00 am and the following words hit me like a bolt between the eyes. Steps lead to shelter…. We are all on a journey. And every journey requires forward motion. Change is daunting and many of us fear and avoid it. But it is necessary in order for usContinue reading “Steps Lead To Shelter”
Burn The Masks
Somebody said something today about me which I felt was unfair and uncalled for. I won’t go into the details and it wasn’t a massive issue but for an instance I was tempted to give said person a piece of my mind. But only a small piece as I don’t have much to go roundContinue reading “Burn The Masks”
Little Sacks of Joy
As I mentioned yesterday this Christmas I’m trying to do more homemade gifts, decorations and scents and after the success of my Christmas Pot Pourri, which by the way, you can get a second day out of it just keep filling it up with water, today it was the gifts for teachers, class room assistantsContinue reading “Little Sacks of Joy”
Homemade Christmas with Love
It is no secret that Christmas is hands down my favourite time of year. I could watch Christmas films from 1st January to 31st December. I love the smells that fill the house – cinnamon, ginger, fresh pine and the turkey and stuffing cooking in the oven. I love the cold weather bonus if itContinue reading “Homemade Christmas with Love”
Have You Been Naughty Or Nice This Year?
At this time of the year children all around the world unite and traditionally engage in the damage limitation exercise known as ‘The Naughty Or Nice List’. Wherein they attempt to rectify eleven months of misbehaviour and disobedience by falling over themselves to perform household chores, which they had blissfully ignored for the rest ofContinue reading “Have You Been Naughty Or Nice This Year?”
Love Is….Hard Work
Everybody wants to fall in love right? We all crave that ‘high as a kite’ feeling where our heart performs somersaults every time we see the object of our desire and they occupy our every waking thought. For many it is the single most important objective in their lives and they devote an inordinate amountContinue reading “Love Is….Hard Work”
How Is Your Writing Coming Along?
Yesterday lunchtime I had a walk around areas of Belfast city centre where scenes of my first novel are to be set. The plan was to capture details that have evaded my memory to date so that when I am writing I can refer to them there and then. Ideally I would like to writeContinue reading “How Is Your Writing Coming Along?”
Stinking Thinking -Part 1
Look at me and what do you see? A husband, a father, a runner, a blogger. I hope that I am all these things and more. But not so long ago I saw myself differently. I saw a failure, a fraud, I worshipped false gods who gnawed at my flaws. Fixated on the din ofContinue reading “Stinking Thinking -Part 1”
Decrease The Creases
We live near the shores of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. It is home to a rich variety of wildlife including elegant geese who regularly fly over our house in a perfect arrowhead formation. It’s a wondrous sight but not quite as jaw dropping as the herd of pigs whichContinue reading “Decrease The Creases”
A Biography of C.S. Lewis by Rebecca Black age 11
Over the last few weeks Rebecca has had to write a biography about a famous person from Ireland/Northern Ireland for her homework and after much questioning of myself and Stephen she decided to go with C.S. Lewis. She has just completed her project two days ahead of schedule and as promised by her daddy she isContinue reading “A Biography of C.S. Lewis by Rebecca Black age 11”
A Special Day For A Special Girl
Today is a very special day in the Black household. Our eldest daughter, Hannah, is celebrating her 14th birthday. This makes Fionnuala and myself feel very old but it also fills us with wonder as to where all the years have gone. It seems no time since that exciting, frightening day when Hannah was born.Continue reading “A Special Day For A Special Girl”
What Do You Love Most About WordPress?
Fionnuala and the kids have been trying in recent weeks to drag me kicking and screaming into the 21st Century by adding me to the family’s Snapchat group. This appears to involve sending each other photos and/or videos of yourself with animal ears or speaking in squeaky voice. Or both! At the same time!! It’sContinue reading “What Do You Love Most About WordPress?”
Human Remains
As I walked through the city centre this morning I gingerly sidestep the discarded debris from the night before. The greasy pizza boxes frozen to the pavement and broken beer bottles glistening in the half light. Empty like the drunken revellers who had gorged upon them. Signs of lives that sparkled, then spluttered, across theContinue reading “Human Remains”
Bad Head Day
Today was a Bad Hair Day. A very Bad Hair Day. I would post a photo but I don’t want to scare any of you good, good people. You all deserve better than that. I’m not sure if it was my now infamous cap, the windy conditions or that I’m in desperate need of aContinue reading “Bad Head Day”
Elf Hath No Fury
I appreciate that some of my subject matter can be quite dark and depressing at times but today’s post marks a new low. I apologise in advance to the more fainted hearted of you but this story has to be told. We have a thief in our midst. When Rebecca told me she wanted toContinue reading “Elf Hath No Fury”
If The Cap Fits….
Last summer we holidayed as a family in County Kerry which is right down at the very bottom of the island of Ireland. And while there we did the whole tourist thang, battling through coach loads of American pensioners to visit various gift shops. These had all kinds of traditional ‘Oirish’ gifts including Star WarsContinue reading “If The Cap Fits….”
Words (Part 2)
Yesterday I wrote about the damage that words can cause and the care we have to take every time we open our mouths or start typing at our keyboards. I was going to say put pen to paper but does anyone even do that anymore? Pens? Pencils? Paper anyone? Today I’m going to flip theContinue reading “Words (Part 2)”
Words
What’s in a word? All my life I’ve enjoyed playing with words. Juggling them, rearranging them, making them dance to my tune. I guess I’m a wordsmith. They have been with me in soaring to unimaginable heights and plummeting to indescribable depths. They have been my most loyal ally and my most bitter enemy. What’sContinue reading “Words”
30K
We hit 30,000 views over the weekend and this is just a quick thank you to everyone from the WordPress community who has supported us since we started six months ago. We have been moved by your kindness and touched by an online harmony that we have never experienced on any other social media platforms.Continue reading “30K”
Why Do We Have Scars?
Why do we have scars? I mean really? If God is this all powerful being why does he allow them to exist? To blemish and defile the pinnacle of his creative powers. Mankind. Broken bones heal. Why don’t all wounds? The answer? Bones heal but scars reveal. They reveal where he have come from andContinue reading “Why Do We Have Scars?”
The Devil Wears Grey
Are you one of those people who sees the world only in black and white? Or do you know someone like that? A person who knows right from wrong, has their life totally sorted and knows exactly where they are headed? Who is 100% happy with their life? If you are one of those peopleContinue reading “The Devil Wears Grey”
Why Do You Blog?
My social media profile used to be entirely self centred. All I was interested in was getting more likes, more followers and more retweets. I used to have almost 10,000 followers on Twitter. But that was never enough, I always wanted more. I portrayed myself as the wittiest, cleverest person on the internet. I cravedContinue reading “Why Do You Blog?”
Are You Okay?
Two little words that mask a multitude of emotions and experiences. Two little words that paper over bottomless chasms of hurt and disappointment. Two little words that cement the thickest, highest walls of denial and regret. Two little words. I’m okay. How many times have you answered a heartfelt, caring question with these words. TheContinue reading “Are You Okay?”
Joy Through Suffering
I ran a marathon on Saturday. Regular readers may already be aware of this 😉 I completed a ridiculously hilly course in 3:54:55 coming in under my target time of 4 hours. I also raised in excess of £100 for SHINE Charity. And I finished 4th. Out of 40 runners. But still 4th! I intendedContinue reading “Joy Through Suffering”
What Do You Dream About?
Did I tell you that I ran a marathon the other day? *collective sigh and eye rolling from my fellow bloggers*. Well the good news is that this post is not about the ‘Loop of the Lough’ Marathon which I ran/endured on Saturday. Well it is a little bit but bear with me. It’s moreContinue reading “What Do You Dream About?”
Well Done Daddy
As my daddy is still in bed resting from yesterday I wanted to blog about how proud I am of him. Yesterday he ran a marathon without stopping and came 4th place and I am very proud of him. Today I am going to do everything for him except for rubbing his feet. I loveContinue reading “Well Done Daddy”
Marathon Finished
I’ll post a proper review tomorrow but just a few lines tonight to say that I completed the ‘Loop of the Lough’ Marathon today in a time of 3:54:55 getting under my target time of 4 hours. I also raised some money for SHINE Charity in the process. Thank you to everyone who has supportedContinue reading “Marathon Finished”
Occam’s Razor v Dr Google
I was awakened this morning with a stabbing pain in my belly button. Want to become a doom mongering hypochondriac? Then sign up for a marathon. With the big race little over a day away every little ache or pain now sends me into a spiral of despair and scrambling for the medical dictionary. OrContinue reading “Occam’s Razor v Dr Google”
The 26.2 Mile Turkey Trot
As I’m not the sharpest tool in the box (just ask Fionnuala) it only struck me this morning that the marathon I have been training for (and boring you about) these last few months falls during the Thankgiving Day weekend. This is not celebrated in Northern Ireland but as most of our followers live inContinue reading “The 26.2 Mile Turkey Trot”
The Angriest Solicitor In Ireland
Back in the bad old days when I spent 97% of my life on Twitter I used to spend my daily commute tweeting about my fellow commuters. This series, imaginatively titled ‘Train Tweets’, used to cause my adoring (or so I thought) army of followers and myself no end of amusement as I by andContinue reading “The Angriest Solicitor In Ireland”
Why Do You Get Out Of Bed In The Morning?
I couldn’t believe it this morning when the alarm went off. ‘Is that 6 o’clock?’ I asked Fionnuala in groggy disbelief. ‘Actually it’s 6:25’ she replied before leaping out of bed. We had slept in a little. Where had the night gone? It seemed only moments ago that I had placed my head on theContinue reading “Why Do You Get Out Of Bed In The Morning?”
Phone Moan
I have the most temperamental of mobile (cell) phones when it comes to charging. It will only charge if I use Fionnuala’s charger (I go through phone chargers like Donald Trump goes through aides) and place it at a certain angle until the charging icon comes on. A millimetre to the left or a millimetreContinue reading “Phone Moan”
The 1% Is A Liar
Yesterday was my last long run before the ‘Loop of the Lough’ Marathon which I am running for SHINE Charity (Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus) around Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, next Saturday. The run went well and now it just a matter of keeping things ticking over and continuing my disciplined taper until the big dayContinue reading “The 1% Is A Liar”
Happy Christmas Even Though It’s Still November
Like General Custer at the Little Big Horn I had fought long and heroically against overwhelming odds but had reached the point where I realised I was hopelessly outnumbered and defeat was inevitable. My only saving grace was that my opponents were slightly less bloodthirsty than Crazy Horse and his war braves. I raised theContinue reading “Happy Christmas Even Though It’s Still November”
The Burnt Pot
We all have that one favourite pot, well those of us that do the cooking that is. My favourite pot is the perfect size for boiling the right amount of potatoes, rice or pasta for all the family and it’s the first pot I go to when I’m about to prepare a culinary delight. LastContinue reading “The Burnt Pot”
My Big Sister Hannah
My sister is called Hannah she is 13 her date of birth is 10th December 2003. My sister’s full name is Hannah Catherine Black. My sister is special because she is my big sister. When my sister was born she had to stay in hospital for two months because she had Spina Bifida and sheContinue reading “My Big Sister Hannah”
Dried Blood
The other day I was walking through the city centre when I saw before me on the footpath what looked like dried blood. There was little mistaking the dark red colouring or the tell tale splatter pattern of the droplets as they had struck the ground marking the grisly path that some unfortunate soul hadContinue reading “Dried Blood”
Fionnuala’s Faith
Today’s blog is a showcase for the true talent at afracturedfaithblog, my wife Fionnuala. Here are some of the faith inspired images that she has created. I think they are amazing but then I’m bias You can see a lot more of Fionnuala’s work on our Instagram account. Just click the relevant link on ourContinue reading “Fionnuala’s Faith”
A Sea Of Words
I hadn’t expected to blog a massive amount this week but I’m wide awake at 05:00 am so thought I would update you all on my first day of serious writing. I had been putting this day off for some time for a multitude of reasons; chief amongst these was a fear that I wouldn’tContinue reading “A Sea Of Words”
Power
The day that we have been waiting for for a very long time has finally arrived and I don’t mean Stephen actually sitting at his desk to start writing his book more importantly Hannah got her new all singing and dancing power chair. The regular readers of our blog will know about all the trialsContinue reading “Power”
You’re Just A Weirdo
After the service today we are going to a Newcomers lunch being hosted by the leadership for families who have only recently started attending the church. They have billed it as an opportunity to get to know other people and learn more about the history of the church, its values and vision for the future.Continue reading “You’re Just A Weirdo”
Stick To The Programme
Race Day is now only two weeks away and today was my last long run before the marathon itself. As I’ve mentioned in recent weeks my times have improved considerably over the last month to the extent that this morning I was running a minute per mile faster than my projected race pace. I amContinue reading “Stick To The Programme”
Meet Mr Skelly
I’m taking next week off work to write. As in work on the novel idea that has been rattling around my head these last few months. It has now got to the stage where I have to get the words out or I think my brain will explode. It is akin to mental birthing painsContinue reading “Meet Mr Skelly “
Thank You
We passed 2000 followers at the weekend and I just wanted to thank everyone again for their support and encouragement. We never expected this when we started back in May. We hope our daily incursion into your lives is of benefit to you. Thank you again.
A Racing Certainty
I was walking through the city centre yesterday on my way to the office when I saw an old man walk out of a bookmakers (betting office) in front of me. He was bent over, a bit unkempt looking and carrying a couple of shopping bags. He looked no different from any other Belfast pensionerContinue reading “A Racing Certainty”
I’m Walking On The Air
The marathon is now only 18 days away and I had my final long run on Saturday. 21 miles on a dry, sunny and still morning. Ideal running conditions. I can handle rain but the wind is an enemy of the runner. It can wreak havoc with the best laid pacing plans. I set offContinue reading “I’m Walking On The Air”
Riskbands
Have I told you that I’m running a marathon for SHINE Charity in just under three weeks time? Once or twice I suspect. Well last week the charity posted out my charity running vest for the big day. It’s a demure bright yellow which won’t win me any awards in the fashion stakes but willContinue reading “Riskbands”
I Believe In Unicorns
Regular readers of the blog will have known that our youngest daughter, Rebecca, celebrated her 11th birthday a few days ago. The festivities have lasted the best part of a week culminating yesterday in a trip to the ‘Disney On Ice’ show in Belfast. There she was entertained by a flying Peter Pan, Ariel theContinue reading “I Believe In Unicorns “
Long Hair Don’t Care
When I was 20 back in the day I wanted to be Kurt Cobain. Without the heroin habit and suicidal tendencies of course. ‘Nevermind’ still remains my favourite album (does that give away my age?) of all time and I can tell you where I was the first time I heard ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit.’Continue reading “Long Hair Don’t Care”
Attention To Detail
I work in an investigative environment. My job invokes asking lots of questions and finding stuff out. I analyse, assess and dissect. In forensic, minute detail. To miss a tiny piece of information can have serious repercussions. It is fascinating, but painstaking, work. But I’ve been doing it for seventeen years now so I guessContinue reading “Attention To Detail”
💕 Our Big 11 Year Old Baby Unicorn 💕
Never have I ever seen a girl so excited for her birthday before. Today is the day Rebecca has been counting down now for weeks. She wants to thank everyone for their lovely comments on her blog she wrote yesterday and for those that wanted to know what her big brother’s present was it wasContinue reading “💕 Our Big 11 Year Old Baby Unicorn 💕”
BIRTHDAY EVE – 1st November 2017
An extra blog today from our very excited daughter, Rebecca, who turns 11 tomorrow. Hello here my name is Rebecca you may have read my first blog. Well this blog is about the day before my birthday and all the stuff I’m doing to kill time. When I woke up I sat in bed forContinue reading “BIRTHDAY EVE – 1st November 2017”
Back To Groundhog Day….In A Tardis
Hollywood sometimes is not the most creative of artistic environments (Fast and Furious 8 anyone?) and is no exception when it comes to the glut of ‘Groundhog Day’ type movies which flood our screens. We had never heard of the phenomenon in Northern Ireland until the release of the Bill Murray original in 1993, whereContinue reading “Back To Groundhog Day….In A Tardis”
Witches Road
They killed him on the Witches Road. Men with black masks and blacker hearts. Two rapid starbursts of white death lighting up the night sky as the silent, wooden sentinels looked impassively on. The body dumped at the roadside where his blood mixed freely with last nights discarded pizza crusts and tonic wine, the communionContinue reading “Witches Road”
You Decide
I had a creative growth spurt over the weekend (if such a thing exists) which resulted in me coming up with numerous blog ideas. But little old indecisive me hasn’t a clue which one to write first. Which means that they are all currently languishing in the dank dungeon that is my drafts folder. Sooooooo….I’mContinue reading “You Decide “
Swearing In French
I stopped swearing about four years. I can’t remember the exact date but I know that it literally happened overnight. Just like that I went from regularly dropping the ‘F Bomb’ and similar expletive hand grenades to nothing. Nada. Zilch. It was like someone had reprogrammed my brain. I like to think it was GodContinue reading “Swearing In French”
Fuel
Two nights ago I woke up at 2:45 a.m. And that was me wide awake. No matter how much I tossed and turned I could not get back to sleep. Why? I have no idea. There was nothing particular on my mind and everything I tried to return to the land of nod was doomedContinue reading “Fuel “
Funderland
Today is Pay Day which, for a limited time only, makes me the most popular member of the Black household. This will of course not last and normal service will no doubt be resumed before the end of the weekend. It is also the start of the half term holidays and Funderland is opening inContinue reading “Funderland “
For There Lurk Demons
Sometimes you hit a crossroads in life and I think I am there now. It has been an undulating and meandering route but I am there. So where do I go? The crossroads is barren and offers no clues as to the way ahead. There are no signposts or clues as to which road toContinue reading “For There Lurk Demons”
Hotdogs For Breakfast
We have an important appointment to attend this morning. Which means an early start for all. Thankfully Fionnuala is as super organised as ever. As I write this she is making hot dogs for breakfast. What a woman! I am a born worrier and when it comes to appointments I make no exceptions. What ifContinue reading “Hotdogs For Breakfast “
Cloudy With A Chance of Grace
I cannot remember the last day I went for a run when it didn’t rain. Ireland is renowned for its beautiful green countryside but I mean really? Could we have one day when I can go out for a run and not come back looking like a drowned rat? At this rate I will turnContinue reading “Cloudy With A Chance of Grace “
Every Team Needs A Kicker
Greetings from London. My brother in law and I flew in yesterday from Belfast to watch the Los Angeles Rams – Arizona Cardinals NFL game at Twickenham along with 72,000 other fans. I’ve been an NFL fan since I was sixteen when it was first aired in the U.K. Since then I’ve had a love/hateContinue reading “Every Team Needs A Kicker”
Be A Zero
My OCD has flared up a bit this week and I think it’s because I’ve been reading a lot of OCD related books for the novel that I am supposedly researching. So I’ve decided to take a break from all that and am currently reading a fantasy novel about a post apocalyptic world where theContinue reading “Be A Zero”
Real Running
The ‘Loop of the Lough’ Marathon is five weeks today and, this morning, I set out on a 20 mile training run. The next 2-3 weeks are the toughest part of the training plan before I cut back the mileage in the final fortnight before the big day itself. This final period of the trainingContinue reading “Real Running”
Care & Love
A rare theological discussion broke out in the office yesterday. Delighted as I initially was it soon degenerated into the usual nonsense as the youngest member of our team innocently enquired ‘Did they have bicycles in the Bible?’ Amidst howls of derision from my co-workers I wracked my memory banks for all of a miilsecondContinue reading “Care & Love “
All Aboard
I do a lot of my blogging during my daily train commute to and from work. In recent weeks, however, this has been more of a struggle. The schools are back which means I have to battle through legions of orcish hordes (schoolchildren) every morning at my stop in order to board the express trainContinue reading “All Aboard “
Grateful
What with Storm Ophelia, school closures and other daily dramas I haven’t had much of a chance to write these last few days. Hopefully normal service will be resumed again soon. In the meantime I just wanted to drop a line to thank you all as we passed 20,000 views yesterday. Since the blog startedContinue reading “Grateful “
The Morning After
Just a quick line to update you all that we survived Storm Ophelia which has now passed Ireland. Thank you for everyone who sent thoughts and prayers our way. They were most appreciated and we feel much loved by our WordPress community. Please say a prayer for the families of the three people who lostContinue reading “The Morning After “
Storm Warning
Storm Ophelia is about to hit Northern Ireland later today and we are bracing ourselves for 80mph winds, heavy rain and major disruption. I know this might sound like ‘small fry’ to readers in other parts of the world who have experienced much harsher weather conditions in recent months; but this is predicted to beContinue reading “Storm Warning “
The Unlikely Angel
As we have now reached mid-October it makes perfect sense that the Christmas movie channel is now showing at chez Black on a 24 hour loop. Personally I’ve always been a ‘Christmas begins on 1st December’ kind of guy but, as with most matters in our house, I am heavily outnumbered. Yes, Christmas has officiallyContinue reading “The Unlikely Angel”
Pace Yourself
I’m currently training hard for my seventh marathon at the end of November. I’m running it for SHINE Charity (Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus) and my target is to complete the race in under four hours. I’m a bit nervous as it will be my first marathon in eighteen months but training has been going well.Continue reading “Pace Yourself “
Deadline Day
I made a rookie error at work last week. A schoolboy error. A fatal error. I spoke at a management meeting. What’s worse I made a suggestion. And horror of horrors it was a suggestion that the head of our organisation agreed with. He pricked up his ears and I could almost see the imaginaryContinue reading “Deadline Day”
The Wardrobe Malfunction
As a barely functioning adult I rely heavily on my surrounding support network to drag me kicking and screaming through everyday life. And by support network I mean Fionnuala. She is the fuel powering the juggernaut that is Team Black. She is the power behind this (ahem) blogging empire. Without her I shudder to thinkContinue reading “The Wardrobe Malfunction “
Carpe Diem?
‘Carpe Diem’ is a frequently used Latin expression and, translated means ‘seize the day.’ A lot of people adopt it as their maxim for life. It encapsulates a positive attitude, that indefatigable, ‘never say die’ mentality that we attribute to our sporting heroes. Never give up! Up and at them! To the victor the spoils.Continue reading “Carpe Diem?”
The Loose Screw
Our pastor at Journey Community Church gave a fantastic sermon this morning on the difference between becoming a Christian and consistently being a follower of Jesus. He spoke about how Jesus came to earth to make disciples and not Christians. It is so easy to say you are a Christian but a lot more trickyContinue reading “The Loose Screw “
Quietly Excited
It is 6:37 am in balmy Northern Ireland and I can’t sleep. The reason why? Adam’s big rugby match is less than four hours away and I’m excited about it. I never sleep well the night before one of his matches and tonight has been no exception. I kept wakening up, had weird dreams andContinue reading “Quietly Excited “
Role Models
Adam is playing for his school in a big rugby match tomorrow. He is operating in a new position this season (tight head prop) which has required some mental and physical readjustment on his part. Tonight we are going to watch the Ulster-Connacht match on television and focus for the entire game on the tightContinue reading “Role Models “
Thoughts And Prayers
The news, as ever, has made pretty depressing viewing of late. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks and now the horrific events in Las Vegas. Some days I don’t want to step out of my front door. I just want to stay at home with Fionnuala and the kids close to me. Heartache and despair seem toContinue reading “Thoughts And Prayers “
Modern Life Is Rubbish
It doesn’t take much to annoy me and I got very annoyed at work yesterday. I felt left down and undermined by the actions of a colleague who had taken an issue to our boss rather than first discuss it with me and find a way to resolve the problem. I’m even getting annoyed asContinue reading “Modern Life Is Rubbish”
Invest
The Disciples weren’t the sharpest tools in the box. They chose Peter as their spokesman. The case for the prosecution rests. Which is why Jesus, he of ultimate patience, had to painfully spell out his message to them in parables; simple, everyday messages which they could relate to and, therefore, attempt to understand the deeperContinue reading “Invest “
Be A Painkiller
I rarely get headaches but since my return on Friday from a work trip to England I have had a persistent one just above my right eyebrow. It niggled away at me for most of Saturday before flaring up again in church this morning. Was the sermon that bad? Well it wasn’t great to beContinue reading “Be A Painkiller”
Poo Patrol
This week I’ve been asking God for inspiration and ideas in order to drive the blog forward. And he has, as ever, delivered; sometimes in the most unlikely of ways. Today has been no exception. I got home last night from a three day work trip to England. The flight home was delayed by overContinue reading “Poo Patrol “
The Paper Umbrella
I love books. I have hundreds of them and Fionnuala is constantly encouraging me to have ‘book culls’ in order to free up some space in our already packed to the gills abode. A few years ago she bought me a Kindle which rarely leaves my side. I probably have another hundred or so booksContinue reading “The Paper Umbrella “
A Few Lines
I will write a ‘proper’ post later today but just wanted to write a few lines from sunny Southend (where I am working for a few days) to thank you all for your continued support and encouragement. We hit 1500 followers overnight which is amazing given that the blog only started four months ago. WeContinue reading “A Few Lines”
For The Shire
Today is the second in a series of ramblings about Bible verses which have spoken to me in recent weeks. Don’t worry, it will all be over soon and I will revert to the normal programming schedule of average running reports and griping about life in general. Just humour me. And who knows you mightContinue reading “For The Shire”
Pure
A few Bible verses have been rattling around my head in recent weeks, to the extent where I felt the need to write about them. They will probably provide the source material for my posts over the next three days so for those of you who don’t do the whole Jesus thang….. WARNING – ThisContinue reading “Pure “
The HellHound
Dogs hate me. That’s just a given. Or rather dogs hate me when I’m running. I don’t know if I give off an unpleasant, sweaty odour or it’s my garish collection of ‘hi vis’ running tops. Either way when I go hurtling (plodding) past them they invariably go boogaloo and appear hellbent on having myContinue reading “The HellHound “
Ten Hours Straight
Fionnuala suggested we go to bed at 8 pm last night. And before you all start nudging one another and sniggering we are three and out when it comes to kids thank you very much. No we thought we would make the most of our tidy new bedroom (see previous post) by actually spending someContinue reading “Ten Hours Straight”
Clutter
We have been spending Saturday afternoon having a bedroom clearout. My wife (who has more shoes than Imelda Marcos) has found dresses she forgot she had. Never worn! With the price tag still on them!! Likewise the amount of loose change that we have recovered has been akin to getting paid to tidy up. ThereContinue reading “Clutter “
The Butterfly
Originally posted on Black Thoughts:
This is my first time blogging, normally it’s my husband’s witty blogs that you read and it looks like I’ve caught the blogging bug which?thankfully?doesn’t require medical attention as?I’ve seen enough of doctors, therapists and hospitals this week.? I want to share a bit of testimony with you about a…
Dehydration
Since finishing the Belfast Half Marathon two days ago I have felt lousy. Tired, shivery and a headache that just won’t shift. I’ve self diagnosed (as ever) and concluded that I must be suffering the effects of post race dehydration. I took on board water and energy drinks at regular intervals during the race itselfContinue reading “Dehydration “
Needs
It’s Monday morning. Or at least it is here in Northern Ireland. I’m about to get up. I’m not so sure about seizing the day but I’ll at least try to face it. I’m on call (boo) but all my sports teams won at the weekend (yay). Even the Redskins which proves there must beContinue reading “Needs “