Archive for July, 2009

Some of you who know me will know that I am among other things the co-founder of a cult. This cult is called “Number 80″, which derrives its name from the house number at which I live.

“Number 80″ is a house of infamy, described by some as ‘home’, others ‘a hell hole’, and still others are resigned to say ‘It’s Livable!’ It was originally made famous as a church batchelor pad, this remains true to this day, but it has in recent times risen to promience as a “valued customer” of many a fast food establishment, namely Dominos and Eddys, and of course the home of the cult (not clique) of “Number 80″. When asked for comment, Cult Leader, and object of general worship Mark Davey said “doit”, and then proceeded to do a laughing dog impression.

One of the defining features of this cult is its rank and hieracy structure:

Nobody – We don’t know you or don’t care

Dog – a term of contempt, used most commonly to describe those closest to the cult

Champ – the first rung on the ladder, we like you, you’re a decent chap, with some common sense

Hero – the second rung, supportive of the cult, exhibits cult traits with straight talking, no nonsense attitude

Legend – the top of the pile, will have exhibitted the marks of a hero, and a champ, loyal to the cult, and a good record of service, an occasional streak of BA (bad attitude) is a common side affect of this status

Geezer – there are two types of ‘champ, hero, legends’, geezer, or just normal. To be in the geezer category you will enjoy fast food, coke, and DVDs such as Taken.

If you’d like to become part of this cult, clique, social experiment, then please write to Mark Sidney Davey, c/o Mill View Hospital, Hove.

Rarely does one climb the heights of the ‘Number 80 Cult’ without ever having been into ‘Number 80′, but this man was a true Hero, Champ and Legend!

It was with both joy and sadness that I was able to be at the Thanksgiving Service for the life of James Clark a few weeks ago. James died at the age of 95. John Piper speaks much about how not to waste your retirement. James had at least 30 years of retirement, and boy did he use it for the glory of God!

James would come to the two main services at church, he’d come to the prayer gatherings, he ran the tape ministry, he helped at the Stroke club, at the Games club, he did sponsored swims for a local charity, he was on the welcome team, he served as a treasurer on a number of different organisations.

His biggest commitment was to the work of the Gideons and Global Cafe. He would every Friday come and talk with International Students, play Scrabble with them, ask them about their cultures, offer them a New Testament and share Christ with them.

I his work for the Gideons James would give out New Testaments to people, it was his aim to give out one a day. It is reckoned that he gave out over 10,000 NTs over his life – I think he gave out around 40 during his time in hospital – testimony to how God can use you, even when bound to a hospital bed!

In his address Phil Moon said… “when I’m 95 I want to be like James Clark”… he paused, corrected himself, “I want to be like James Clark now!” – passionate about the gospel, eager to serve, to wake up each day excited by how the Lord will use you!

Last week I had the joy of attending the wedding of my good Pal Karen and her well rounded husband Gav (who is affectionately known as ‘The Favourite’). I love these guys, not least for the fact that they have such common names ‘Smith and Jones’… I love Gav because I stand next to him and he makes me feel slim and athletic, I love Karen because she tells me when I’m being an idiot.

The best moments have to be when both the best man and the groom started blubbing in their speeches – you big girls! Also the photos were fun, possibly the quickest wedding photos I’ve ever been to! Food was good, and the cake was awesome – no fruit cake in sight! I had the honour to be Master of Ceremonies (introduce the speeches) which was fun – I wasn’t allowed to tell any jokes, so just slipped in a few in jokes… I’ve decided that all my ‘jokes’ are ‘in-jokes’, but internal within myself, that’s why I’m the only person who thinks I’m funny!

A side note on weddings… why are they all the same? I enjoy tradition but they get a bit samey after a while, I feel more variety is needed… consider the example of some friends of friends who dressed up like Tudors to get married – seriously weird, but a little bit different!

A new feature to my blog… the daily nude. Haha, not really…

I was watching a bit of PMQs over lunch, and flicked through the channels… Bargain Hunt, Loose Women, and then Channel 4, ‘Life Class: Today’s Nude’… What’s this about?! It’s just gone noon, I’m sitting down to eat a spot of lunch (bacon sandwich.. mmm) and I’m greeted by a rather attractive young lady posing naked… sitting perfectly still, no sound, no nothing… just her sitting showing off her assets!

Some people call this “art”, or “life drawing”… all I know is it’s not good for a young man at lunchtime!!