Heart of a Warrior - Greg Bourgond

Checking in...

Well folks I have been back for almost 2 weeks now.  It was good to get home--lots of chores to do.  It has been fun though to get the house back in order.  I hope many of you have had the chance to vist the Oxford England Journal.  If not it is not too late.  You might want to start at the begining - Day 1.  Lots of pictures in the photo albums for each day.  I am getting so used to my sabbatical I am tempting not to go back to work--but I will.

Next up is Geneva Switzerland.  I have been asked to make a presentation to people gathered for the Four World Forum on Social Innovation.  A tough gig--I will be forced to stay in a chateau in the Alps.  I'm looking forward to it.  Before that, however, I will be teaching a doctoral course on systems theory.  At the end of August i will be in Romania for heart of a Warrior.  In September (26-28) Advance III will be conducted at Big Sandy.  It is our third Advance sponsored by Heart of a Warrior.  Check out the flyer...click on the link below.

Advance III September 26-28 Big Sandy Camp

It is a PDF file so you will have to view it on Adobe Reader.  It takes a few seconds to download--be patient.  If you don't have the reader it can be downlowed for free at this site... just click on this link Adobe Reader.

I hope you all make it.  Plan on it now.  I will be speaking at the event.  Johnny Turnipseed will be there as well.  Amazing story--after leading an entire family in crime garnering the nickname Murderapolis he came to Christ.  He has an amazing story to tell.  A movie is being made of his life.  Also John Gotti's (Mafia) former bodyguard will also be speaking.  You don't want to miss this Advance. 

I challenge you to pray for 5 guys that need to be at the Advance.  Let me know if you want flyers for your church.  We'll get them to you.  I will be personally challenging the 19 men that are currently in my Heart of a Warrior group.  This is an opportunity to accelerate your spiritual development.  Don't miss it!!!!

Oxford England Journal - Day 23 - End of the Journey

By the time you read this journal entry Debby and I will be back home.  I hope you have enjoyed being with us on this amazing adventure.  Some acknowledgments are in order.

First, none of this would have been possible without the direct intervention of my provost, Dr. Leland Eliason.  It we he who made room for my sabbatical, advocated for me, and protected my time away.  He showed grace, care, and beneficence.  He knew I needed the rest and put my responsibilities on hold.  It is to him I owe many thanks and deep gratitude.  It wouldn't have happened otherwise.

Secondly, the team I left back home.  Thank you Sue and Gail for keeping things running smoothly in my absence.  You made the trip so much more enjoyable not having to worry.  Your competence and watchcare for me is appreciated more than you  know.

Thirdly, to my extended family, Chad and Monique and the grandkids--thank you for praying for us and taking care of things in our absence.  We have missed you so much but know that this trip was refreshing and rewarding.  I feel so much more rested.

To John, Lollie, and Teresa--thank you for watching our home.  It is a great relief to have friends like you. 

To the men I left behind--thank you for your prayers and staying on track with your spiritual journey.  I look forward to meeting with you when I return.

I can only imagine how impoverished my life would be without you folks in my life.

We leave this beautiful cottage and new friends we have made with a full heart eager to return home and pick up where we left off but with a much better mindset, spirit, and physical rest.  We are grateful to God for His many gifts.

God bless you all.

Oxford England Journal - Day 22 - Magdalen College

Must have walked 10 miles today.  Debby decided to stay back at the cottage.  Good thing--she wouldn't have made it.  She was gracious enough to let me go on a solo adventure.  I first visited The University of Oxford Harcourt Arboetum (see separate photo album for the gardens).  Then I visited Magdelan College where C.S. Lewis taught for so many years (see separate photo album for the college).  One other album is posted called "To and From" - it is a random collection of pots I also shot going to and coming from the college.

The Colege of St. Mary Magdalen in the Iniversity of Oxford was founded in 1458 by William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor of England.  There are 600 students, 400 undergraduates reading for wa wide variety of dwgrees and over 200 graduate students.  There are 70 Fellows, of whom over 12 are resident covering a range of subjects in the sciences and humanities.  The college has 5 libraries with collections dating back to a gift of 800 manuscript books, presented by the Founder in 1481.

The college grounds consist of St. John's Quadrangle, Chaplain's Quadrangle, The Great Tower, Chapel, the Cloisters and Hall, and the New Building (built in 1733).  Our 'New Cottage' was built in the 16th century--gives a whole new meaning to 'new'.  There is a slow winding river alonside the college where several 'punts' (boats) can be seen meandering along it.  Through the blue iron gates is Addison's Walk, a favorite stroll of C.S. Lewis.  He apparently never drove a car in spite of what we saw in the movie "Shadowlands."  Another intersting fact is that Joy Gresham had two sons, not just one as depicted in the movie.  Anyway, I walked Addison's Walk (~ 1.5 miles) around the grounds.  It was so pleasant and relaxing.  I was on storied ground.

The Grove and Deer Park complete the grounds.  The first record of the deer in the Grove is dated 1705.  The fawns are born in late may or June and the herd numbers around 60.  The Cloisters ins essentially the surrounding portico of the quadrangle.  All and all it was a wonderful day.

Make sure you look at the 3 photo albums I have posted for today.

Oxford England Journal - Day 21 - The Kilns

Debby and I had the privilege of a private tour of the home of C.S. Lewis today.  It bears the name of The Kilns.  The home is kept by the C.S. Lewis Foundation out of Redlands California.

Most of Lewis' prominent writings were completed in this home in his study.  For those of you new to C.S. Lewis he is the author of The Narnia Chronicles, Mere Christianity (originally radio presentations), and the Screwtape Letters among many other works. It was also the refuge of orphans brought home by him during the WWII bombings.

After the death of Warnie (1973), Lewis' brother, 10 years after Lewis' death in 1963, the house was sold and later bought back by the foundation.  Scholars from around the world apply for residency to complete a book, or study living in the home.  In the summer for 2 weeks, seminars are held there.

The following information is from a brochure sponsored by the Oxford C.S. Lewis Society.

He was born in Belfast in 1898, and came to Oxford in 1917.  His undergraduate education was interupted by war service in France where he was wounded.  When he resumed his education he graduate with distinction in 1922/23.  After a brief spell as a philosophy lecturer he was elected Fellow of Magdelen College Oxford University in 1925 as tutor in English Language and Literature.  He held this post until 1954 when he was elected Professor of Mediaeval and renaissance Literature at Magdalene College Cambridge.

For nearly 30 years, he occupied rooms in the New Buildings (built in 1740), overlooking both the deer park and the much loved Addisonis Walk around Magdalen Meadow.  He frequently dined at High Table in Hall.  After his conversion to Christianity in 1931, he regularly attended weekday services in the college chapel.  He also went often to St. Mary Magdalen Church, and on Sundays, worshipped at his parich church, Holy Trinity at headington Quarry.

On Thursday evenings, the Inklings (J.R.R. Tolkien included) would meet in Lewis' rooms to read and talk.  At first they would read their own work in progress for criticism and discussion, and the books that passed the scrutiny of the Inklings as they were called included Lewis' trilogy, 'Out of the Silent Planet', Perelandra' and 'That Hiddeous Strength', Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' and Charles Williams's 'All Hallows Eve'.  This aspect of the meetings declined after William's death in 1945, and they gradually ceased after 1950, but the meetings in the Eagle and Child or the Lamb and Flag continued until Lewis' death in November 1963 though the day was changed to Monday after his move to Cambridge.

The 'Eagle and Child' (or the 'Bird and Baby') was a regular Tuesday meeting place of C.S. Lewis and his circle of literary friends, the loosely defined group known as the 'Inklings', from the mid-1930s intil 1962, when they moved across the road to the 'Lamb and Flag'.  Other favorite haunts included the Eastgate Hotel, opposite Magdalen, where at one time Lewis and Tolkien would meet in the bar, the King's Arms, handy for the Bodleian Library where Lewis often worked; in the many inns in the countryside around Oxford, notably the 'Trout' at Wolvercote, across Port Meadow from the city.  Lewis was fond of walking, and would go on extended walking tours with his brother, Major Warren Lewis, or his friend Owen Barfield.

The Bodleian Library is the central Oxford University library and one of the two main repositories of Lewis' letters (he averaged writing 7 letters a day) and manuscripts.  The other is the Wade Collection at Wheaton College, Illinois.

If you have not had an opportunity to read his writings I would highly recommend Mere Chrstianity, the Screwtape Letters, the Abolition of Man, and of course, the Narnia Chronicles.  When I come bac to England September 2009 I may apply for a short 3-4 week residency at the Kilns--a very restful place as you will see when you view the pictures in the photo album for today on the righthand side of the blog.

Stay tuned.  I plan to vist Lewis' College Magdelan tommorow.

Oxford England Journal - Day 20 - Ancient Roman Villa

We visted the Chedworth Roman Villa today after a quick revisit of the Blenheim Palace.  The brochure describes the site this way. 

The villa lies in a little wooded combe in the Cotswold hills, looking down on to the beautiful green valley of the River Coln, which eventually flows into the Thames.  A spring rises in one corner of the site and was probably the main reason for settling on the spot.

The house itself was begun about 120 AD staring as at least three separate buildings.  The villa evolved into the grand 4th century mansion of 50 rooms, including two bath-houses, dining rooms, heated living rooms, a water-shrine, a garden courtyard and aeven a bathroom with running water.  The rooms were arranged in long wings on three sides of a rectangle with a pillared portico running all around the inside edge of the structure.  Above the portico rose a tall pitched roof covered with limestone tiles.

The villa was discovered and excavated in 1864 and has been on display since.  Archeologists generaly agree the the big vilas of the 4th century were the homes of powerful British families who had grown rich under the Roman system of local self-government.  Britain was a province of the Roman Empire for 350 years beginning with the invasion of Emperor Cladius in 43 AD.  Then Britain was a land divided into many small tribal kingdoms, with a culture recognizable as part of the widespread Celtic people of Europe.

The end of Roman Britain has traditionally been put at 410AD, when the defense of Britannia was abandoned by the government of Rome.  The economy suffered major collapse about that time.  The days of the great villas were over and they fell into disrepair.

A villa to the Roman world was a farm.  The key to wealth and social standing in the ancient world was ownership of land.  The Roman gentleman would have a country house surrounded by farmland, where his slaves and servants worked to fill the house with the fruits of the earth. He would participate in civic life.  There are approximately 1000 known villa sites in Britain, ranging from small, plain houses with a feww roooms to grand and complex sites with dozens of rooms, many mosaics and multiple courtyards.

Make sure you check out the photo album on the right hand side of this blog.

Oxford England Journal - Day 19 - Blenheim Palace

Today we visited Blenheim Palace, the ancestral home of Winston Churchill--war hero, statesman, orator, writer, and painter.  We learned alot about this great man we didn't know before.

He wasn't a particularly good student and was a mischievous boy early on needing a firm hand it is told.  His best subject was history.  He took an early interest in the Battle of Blenheim in which his ancestor, John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlburough, was successful.  His ambition early on was the military.  He excelled in military school.  He found action with the Spanish army in Cuba, with the Malakand Field Force on the northwest frontier of India and, in the Sudan.

In Omdurman, with the 21st Lancers, he famously took part in the last regimented cavalry charge of the British Army, "narrowly escaping death himself.  In 1899, during the Boer War, he was captured, only to escape--a reward of 25 Pounds Sterling was offered, dead or alive. 

His political career is storied, the apex of which was his tenure as Prime Minister during the second world war.  Anyone hearing his self-written speeches would be stirred even today.  Sadly, as is the case of so many valiant war heroes he was consigned to obscurity at the end of the war but later, once again, served as Prime Minister from 1951-55.  He died in 1965.  I visited his grave situated in the cemetery of a little church a few miles from Blenheim Palace.  Men, if you want a model fro hero you couldn't pick one more suitable than Winston Churchill.

Some other interesting facts...

He was given a state funeral by the queen and he lay in state for 3 days; the first such honor for a non-royal family member since 1914--and not since.  He was given a 19-gun salute usually only given to a head of government.  Thousands stood in silence to pay their respects.  At Churchill's request he was buried in a family plot at St. Martin's Church in Bladen not far from Blenheim Palace.

Churchill was also an accomplished artist and found solace in painting to overcome his life-long battle with depression.  He painted many beautiful landscapes (Debby and I saw many of them).  Some of his artwork appeared on Hallmark cards having become close friends with the founder of the card company.

He was also an accomplished writer, writing over 25 stories, biographies and histories.  He received the Nobel prize for a six-volume history entitled The Second World War.  He received many honors in his lifetime including being declared (with passport) the first honorary citizen of the United States.  Make sure you view the Churchill photo album on the right of the blog.

We toured the interior of the palace.  Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures or make a recording.  I found some pictures of the interior of the palace online and have put them in a second album.  I took a 2-mile walk around the grounds by the lake.  It was so beautiful and restive.

You will have 3 photo albums to enjoy:  Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace (exterior), and Blenheim Palace Interior.  Enjoy and stay tuned.

Tomorrow, we hope to visit the Chedworth Roman Villa.  We are also entertaining friends we met 3 years ago when we were in England with Leighton Ford.

 

 

Oxford England Journal - Day 18 - Christ Church

 Today we visited Christ Church, one of the 39 colleges of Oxford University.  Within Christ Church is Christ Church Cathedral.  Debby and I booked a private tour.  We were taken to gardens and other locations few people get to see.  Make sure you look at the photo album--there are more pictures in it than any of the others.  Christ Church Cathedral is in back of the large quad in the picture.

Christ Church and its grounds inspired many books (Alice in Wonderland) and movies (Harry Potter).  You'll especially enjoy the Great Hall featured in the first two Harry Potter movies.  Students still eat dinner in the hall. 

Our guide, James, regaled us with stories about Lewis Carroll, the pen name of Charles Dodgson, a mathematics tutor at Christ Church from 1855-98.  He befriended the daughters of the Dean of Christ Church, Henry Liddell--especially Alice.  Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and Through the Looking Glass, grew from tales which the shy tutor made up to entertain the sisters.  Many of the characters, accoding to the brochure, in the books were inspired by Christ Church people and objects.  In the photo album, notice the long necked fireplace implement and the green door in the garden--both featured in his book.  The White Rabbit was based on Alice's father, the Dean--he usually came late to dinner proclaiming, "I'm late, I'm late (sound familiar).  He left dinner every night down a narrow spiral stair behind the raised table--hence the rabbit hole in the book.

As the brochure states, Thomas Wolsey was a butcher's son, educated at Magdalen College (also home to C.S. Lewis).  Woolsey became the most powerful man in England--apart from the King.  He was Archbishop of York, a papal legate, and Lord Chancellor.  But when King Henry VIII wanted a divorce from Catherine of Aragon, Woolsey was caught between his patron and his church.  The angry King stripped Woolsey of all his property--including his pet project, Cardinal College.  Henry refounded the college as Christ Church, in 1546.  He also made the priory church of St. Frudeswide into the Cathedral.

You'll notice a raised tomb in the Cathedral overlooked by a beautiful wooden viewing stand.  In legend, Frideswide fled to the woods round Oxford to escape a Prince who wanted to marry her.  When the Prince was blinded, Frideswide saved his sight in return for her freedom, and founded a religious house.  In the 11th century her supposed remains were placed in a shrine in the new priory church on this site.

One last note, John Wesley was educated at Christ Church before taking a fellowship at Lincoln College of Oxford University.  While in Oxford he started a religious group which was nicknamed by enemies 'Methodists'.  In 1738 he had an intense religious experience at a non-conformist meeting.  From 1739 onwards, Wesley travelled over 250,000 miles preaching 40,000 sermons--often in the open air, usually to working classes.

Oxford England Journal - Day 17 - Post 3

Our second village of the day was Burford.  What follows comes from the webpage about the village...

"The town of Burford is a mediaeval ribbon development and is regarded as the true 'Gateway to the Cotswolds'. Situated approximately 20 miles west of Oxford, it's the ideal place to visit, stay or to use as a base to explore the beautiful Cotswolds region.

Burh-ford (meaning a defended settlement by a ford,) was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, with a population of about 200. The crossing of the river Windrush later progressed from a mere ford to a bridge and Burford's ancient packhorse bridge is still doing duty at the bottom of the hill today!

Burford was the first Cotswold town to be granted a charter, (some time before 1107) and a Merchant Guild was formed. The Guild was given the right to hold a market and collect tolls from anyone wishing to trade in the town. These were paid at the Tolsey, which still stands at the corner of Sheep Street.

Burford flourished as a market town; the Cotswolds were renowned throughout Europe in the Middle Ages for sheep and wool and Burford was strategically placed for the transport of merchandise to all points of the compass. Many imposing buildings bear witness to the importance of Burford at the height of the wool trade; particularly the magnificent church of St. John the Baptist, which is of almost cathedral-like proportions. Building of the church began in about 1175.

Although the wool trade has long since vanished, much of Burford remains unchanged in appearance, with picturesque old houses, both great and small, to be seen in the High Street and side streets. Nearly all are built of the local stone, which lends a pleasing unity to the scene. The River Windrush, flanked by willow trees, winds through meadows towards Burford, passes beneath the Packhorse Bridge, round the Church and away through more meadows; fantastic for walks! However, Burford is no stranger to the present day and is flourishing today with plenty to offer its visitors, including unique buildings, shops and places to see.

To approach Burford from the south is to be confronted with one of the finest views of any ancient market town in the country. We'd highly recommend that you take your time to explore all that Burford has to offer, including its fabulous antique shops, inns and amazing buildings. Burford is also an excellent area for walking, cycling or horse riding."

For many visitors, the best part of being in the Cotswolds is simply driving along the secluded lanes and leaving the car to explore footpaths and bridleways, discovering as you go the charm of some of the most attractive countryside and villages in England.

Burford, and in particular the church, is also famous for the Levellers movement. In May 1649 at the end of the English Civil War, 340 Levellers were rounded up and imprisoned in the church by Cromwell and his men. Carvings from the incarcerated soldiers and the bullet holes of the three executed ring leaders can still be seen to this day."

Check out the pictures in the Burford photo album on the right side of the blog.

Oxford England Journal - Day 17 - Post 2

The first village we visited today is called Stow-on-the-Wold.  From its own webpage...

Stow-on-the-Wold is an ancient Cotswold Wool Town of about 2000 people situated beside the Roman Fosse Way in north-east Gloucestershire, and in the heart of the Cotswold Hills. Set on a rounded hill at a height of about 800' above sea level, this elevated position and the effects of the elements have encouraged the creation of the enclosed town square.

Where the ancient Jurassic Way (Cotswold Ridgeway) and the Salt Way met, an Iron Age fort was built (c. 700 BC) that extended from the cottages in Camp Gardens to the eastern edge of the Square and northern edge of Digbeth Street. There is evidence of earlier settlements in this part of the Cotswolds. Stone Age and Bronze Age burial mounds are common throughout the area.

Originally a small settlement within the lands of Maugersbury Manor, which was controlled by Evesham Abbey from 708 AD until its dissolution in 1537 AD, Stow was intended by the Abbots to be a centre for trade, leaving Maugersbury to its agriculture. Consequently Stow expanded and became a parish in its own right, with the boundary between them being moved several times to accommodate Stow as it grew.

The houses of Stow are built with the mellow Cotswold stone from local quarries. Some have massive internal oak beams from the days when Gloucestershire was covered mainly in forest. Kings passed through here most notably Edward VI, son of Henry VIII.  A 14th century cross stands in the large Market Square, where you can still see the stocks wher 'offenders' in the past were jeered at and punished by the townspeople who threw eggs at them.  The final battle between the Roundheads and the Royalists took place outside the village.  Oliver Cromwell incarceraed 1500 Royalist troops in St. Edward's Market Square."

As you will see in the photo album, the square now is full of pubs, shops, and cafes.  Debby and I had a great day and probably the best meal we've had since arriving in England.  We had a pork roast dinner to die for at a local pub.

Check out the pictures on the right hand side of the blog.

Oxford England Journal - Day 17 - Post 1

 

One of the villages we visited today was Burford, a few miles west of Oxford.  As I was wandering around I came upon this storied St. John the Baptist Church tucked away.  In their own words...(You won't want to miss the photo album of this magnificent structure).

"Dating back to around 1175AD, our beautiful church took more than 300 years to build. As it now stands, nestled in the heart of the Cotswold Countryside, it is a truly magnificent piece of English heritage.

The church itself is steeped in history and fascinating artefacts from times gone by. The mysteriously carved 'Epona Stone' can be found high on the south wall. It is thought to date back as far as the 12th Century and is probably the oldest artefact in the church. The old turret clock dates back to 1685; it actually houses the original mechanism and is still working today!

In 1649, the church was used as a prison for The Levellers - a group of radicals rebelling against Cromwell, who at that time, was intending to fight in Ireland. Of the 340 prisoners incarcerated there, three considered to be the ringleaders were shot in the churchyard. Those who survived were forced to join Cromwell in Ireland. During their imprisonment, one of the captives carved his name in the rim of the Font - something which can still be seen to this day!

Because of the political aspect of the Levellers rebellion, Mr Anthony Wedgewood Benn had a memorial plaque placed on the wall, and each year there is a day of celebration - the Saturday nearest the 17th of May.

The 'Priory Murder' is recorded on a smooth, black ledger stone in the south transept and tells of a gruesome incident of deceit and murder in the grounds of the Priory."

Don't for get to check out the photo album of the church on the right hand side of this blog. 

Oxford England Journal - Day 16

We had a exciting day today.  Finding our way to the grocery store and other places took it out of Debby as you can see.  She was on pins and needles while I drove the narrow roads of England. We were glad to make it back to the cottage where we relaxed and planned for adventures beginning tomorrow.

Tomorrow Debby and l venture to Stow-on-the-Wold.  Monday we are going to Christ's Church and Cathedral where much of Harry Potter movies were filmed.  We are getting a private 1.5 hour tour.  Tuesday we will be going to Blenheim Palace, the ancestral home of Winston Churchill.  The remaining days will go to Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare.  We'll also go the an ancient Roman Villa in Chedworth.  Each of these places in this post are hyper-linked to a website whch will tell you about them.  Just click on these links above and it will transport you to the website.

So, there will be alot of pictures in the albums to come.  Todays picturesare primarily of Stanton St. John village, our cottage, and the gardens surroung our cottage.

Stay tuned for our upcoming adventures.

Oxford England Journal - Day 15

On my last day in Induction School I had lunch with two friends, Drs. Sam Rima and Ronnie Lessum at C.S. Lewis' favorite watering hole, the Eagle and Child.  We met to discuss my upcoming trip to Geneva Switzerland in August to briefly address social innovations in education in a forum of leaders.

Sam is an accomplished author of several books including the Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership.  I call him Darth Vader.  The book is a must on any leader's shelf.  The personal assessment is worth the cost of the book itself.  I highly recommend it if you want to lead effectively.  Sam and I work together at Bethel.  He is completing his second doctorate at the University of Buckingham.  Sam is also the director of our Doctor of Ministry programs and is responsible for the resurgence of the degree by creating innovative models with focused interests for our students.  One of the smartest things I have did was recruit Sam to Bethel.  His doctoral adviser, Ronnie is co-founder of TRANS4M, an Afro-European and a graduate of Harvard Business School and the London School of Economics, is the Dean of G-Salt Global School for African Leadership and Transformation at CIDA City Campus, Johannesburg, and a Director of the Trans-cultural Centre at the University of Buckingham in the UK.

For many years he has run the doctoral and masters program in Social and Economic Transformation both in the UK, and also in the Middle East and South Africa. He has co-ordinated projects on African, European and Islamic Management, and has written some twenty books on self, organizational and societal transformation. He has also been a consultant to international companies on organizational learning and knowledge creation, and on managing across cultures, and has been an Adjunct Professor at IMD in Switzerland, Wits Business School and CIDA University in South Africa.

The lunch was stimulating.  It was decided that I would begin my presentation by posing a question...Why is Barak Obama so popular in the states and abroad?  Does that intrigue you?  Ronnie hopes to energize leaders to make a difference in the world--to operate from a virtue-centered perspective that sees their profession as a vehicle for world good.  How can we encourage men and women who are successful in their chosen fields to embrace a responsibility to give back to others who are less fortunate?  How can we instill in these successful people a sense of passion to help the marginalized, the weak, the under represented?  He realizes that leadership competencies may be the 'tools' of effective leadership but informed character is the 'power' of effective leadership.

Don't forget to browse the Day 15 photo album.

Oxford England Journal - Day 14

It is good to be back at our cottage after a whirlwind excursion to London.  I fully expected to take alot of pictures but we went directly to City University.  At the end of the day we had to hurry to catch the train back to Paddington Station and then another back to Oxford.  We must have stopped at every village and hamlet back.  We didn't arrive until approximately 8:30 PM.

Anyway, it was still a trip worth taking.  City University was established in ~ 1860 as an institute.  It received its validation (accreditation) in 1960 as a University.  Currently 6 schools comprise the university serving 22,000 students.  Their nursing school alone serves 4,000 students.  City University (institute at the time) built the first jet engine. 

We had many questions answered in terms of the journey we are on and what the expectations are of us.  It is a very rigorous program - no sliding and gliding on this one.  I look forward to the challenge.  I have including some pictures for you in the album for today (day 14).  The large train station is Paddington.  One thing I noticed--graffiti is not unique to the states.

The British are rather reserved with a sarcastic wit.  No belly laughers here that I can tell.  This is the last day of classes with many questions yet unanswered.  We do know our research questions will morph over time.  I am really looking forward to getting into the literature regarding virtue ethics.  I see a world (as Alistair MacIntyre suggests) slowly descinding into a new dark age.  Many of us are doing what is right in our own eyes.  Whatever time the Lord has left for me I want to be helping men and women live virtue-centered lives.  I firmly believe in the days ahead, even now, no one cares what you have to say until they observe how you live.  If you live a life of integrity and honor (under God's authority) people will eventually be interested in what you have to say.  It's a James 2 (verses 14-26) life that will make a difference.

Debby and I have wonderful plans for our time remaining here in England.  The photo albums I will be posting should be rich with the beauty of the countryside.  We hope to visit Christ Church this Sunday in Oxford, and take day excursions into the countryside during the rest of the week to places like Stratford upon Avon, a Roman Villa, Blenheim palace, Heneley, and other beautiful settings.

So, stayed tuned--you will be glad you did.

Oxford England Journal - Day 13

 

After further consideration and discussions with others I have come to the place where I have more clarity about what I want to pursue regarding my research.  I don't know why I didn't see it before. There are elements of this theme in just about every question I posed early on. 

I realize that what gets my jets going, what compels me to itch is character transformation.  I deal with it in my avocational ministry, I deal with it in my work at the seminary, and I deal with it in my counseling and mentoring of men and women. 

The dilemma is that some 'cross the mystical river' and enjoy transformed living while others bog down and can't make the crossing. They get to the edge but can't seem to muster the will to cross over or are held back by fetters they believe still hold them to the past.  They realize that Christ broke them at the cross but somehow, the Enemy has convinced them they are still bound.  So they live defeated lives full of aspirations but never experiencing the reality of a transformed life (or as Plato and Aristotle propose--a good life, a life worth living, a moral life). 

So, thus far, this is my research question...there are other questions (secondary questions) that come into play and arise out of the primary question.  I have included them as well. The reader should keep in mind that the language is general and generic because the dissertation is primarily for secular eyes.  The reader will also note that the topic is a very familiar one if you have been through Phase I:  Heart of a Warrior.  My goal is to go deeper into the topic of transformation.  Even in HOAW groups, some guys make it over the goal line and begin living the ‘abundant life’ while others seem to wallow in the past and live defeated (or stagnated at the very best).

So, here is the question followed by many secondary but related questions.

Regarding character transformation, what issues are associated with transformational change in behavior so that an individual lives in accordance with what they say they believe and value.  To what extent can it be operationalized in the lives of others? 

• What is meant by ‘character?’
• What is meant by ‘transformation?’
• What is the relationship between transformation and transaction?
• Why is character transformation worthy of consideration?
• What influences character transformation?
• Why do people seek or avoid personal change?
• To what ends is personal transformation directed?
• What claims have been made about personal transformation?
• What issues are associated with personal transformational change?
• In what ways is personal transformation achieved?
• To what extent is transformation possible?
• What factors contribute to or hinder personal transformation?
• What are the factors leading to a decision to change one’s behavior?
• What role does belief have in transformational change?
• What is the relationship between beliefs and values?
• What does it mean to live ‘in accordance with’ one’s beliefs and values?
• Why do some people achieve transformation and others fail?
• What are the benefits of transformational change?
• To what extent can personal transformational change be operationalized?
• What agents or agencies facilitate or hinder transformational change?

 

Do you have any questions you would like me to address in my research?  Please feel free to suggest them to me by making you comments on this blog.

By the way, there is no photo album associated with today’s blog.  There will be tomorrow because we are going to London.  Stay tuned.  You might want to recommend the blog to your friends.

Oxford England Journal - Day 12

Dr. Farr (on the right) is my academic adviser for the Ph.D.  His background is impressive. 

BD (London), PhD (Birmingham), ALBC (Honours) Director of Academic Affairs/Academic Dean; Director of International Programmes, Chair of the Research Degrees Programme, Research Tutor; Formerly: Member of the College Executive, Director of Research and Academic Programmes and Head of the School of Theology and Head of the School of Contemporary Studies, Westminster College, Oxford Areas: Theological Education; Philosophical, Sociological nd Contextual Theology; Professional Education with an especial interest in Reflective Practice and Practitioner/Action Research; Research: Application of e-technologies in academic contexts with especial reference to post-graduate research

My meeting with him today was very informative and constructive (not at all meant in the political jargon sort of way).  I hope to do research on, in, and with virtuous character.  What follows is some of the research questions I am contemplating.

What is the relationship between decision-making and virtuous character?

To what extent could the moral framework and committed practice of virtue (virtuous character) (ethics) inform decision making and problem resolution of issues and concerns arising in a graduate theological institution? 

What are the benefits of a virtue-centered life in terms of making governance and strategic decisions for ministry organizations?

Why do ministry leaders make bad moral decisions that destroy their credibility and effectiveness?  (Why do smart people do stupid things?)

What is the relationship between virtuous character and effective leadership?

In what ways will the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-24) help us become better leaders?

What is the relationship between the fruit of the Spirit and godly (effective) leadership (in a ministry organization, in graduate theological education)?

Why are so many ministry leaders in the United States succumbing to immorality and bankrupting their ministry.

Given the Biblical guidelines for spiritual leadership, why are so many leaders failing in ministry?

Check out the pictures in the album for today.

 

 

Oxford England Journal - Day 11

While visiting Lewis' church yesterday I was mesmerized by the cut glass window near his pew.  I was given a brochure that described its origins.

"The window, dedicated on July 2, 1991, was paid for by the Howe bequest.  George and Kathleen Howe worshiped regularly at Holy Trinity church for many years amd lost their two children at a young age.  Their son William sang in the choir.  The Howe estate was divided between Holy Trinity church and Lord William's school in Thame, where William Howe was a pupil when he died.  Holy Trinity was asked to install a stained glass window in the church, with a free choice as to its subject."

"As the window was to be a memorial to the children it was clear that Narnia would be a very appropriate theme, since the Narnia books deal in a symbolic and allegorical way with the themes of life and death.  The window is placed claose to the pew where C.S. Lewis habitualy sat and, since Lewis lived in this parish and attended the church of the Holy Trinity for over thirty years, it is very appropriate that his contribution to clasic children's literature should also be commemorated in this place."

"The window was designed and made by Sally Scott.  The design, in engraved glass, gives a delicate effect and changes as the light shines through it.  Aslan the lion is shown as a sun, this also emphasizes his role in the story as a Christ-like figure, radiating light and life.  The word Narnia appears amongst the rays of light coming from his mane, which emphasizes his role as life-giver to Narnia."

"The waterfall spanning the two main panes descends from his paw to show how he brings about the creation of Narnia.  Also depicted are the castle Cair Paravel, Fledge, the flying horse, the majic apple tree (left panel) and the talking tree (right panel), with many of the other animals who feature in the stories."

"The gifts given to the children in Narnia are placed on a ledge at the bottom of the window:  bottle, sword and shield, bow and arrow with the horn above, as we look past them into the land of Narnia."

"Three children from the parish, Margaret Cooper, Rachel Wheeler, and Richard Holden, were used as models for the children in the window."

Thought you might like to here the real story.

Oxford England Journal - Day 10

You are looking at the home of one of my heroes, C. S. Lewis, called the Kilns not far from our cottage.  Lewis was a teacher at Magdalen College in Oxford and later at Cambridge, author of Mere Christianity and The Chronicles of Narnia, and a Christian apologist. 

Other pictures in the photo album will show you the preserve, his study, the Parish Church of Holy Trinity where he, his brother, and Joy attended, and the pub he and his brother frequented after each Sunday service.  His grave is in the courtyard of the church where not only he but his brother (who died 10 years later) is buried.  Lewis died of prostrate cancer on the same day JFK was assassinated (22 November 1963). 

The gentlemen standing next to me outside the church (in the photo album) has been a member of the same church for 54 years and knew C. S. Lewis personally.  He showed us the location of the grave.  In the church itself is a cut glass window depicting characters and scenes from Narnia.  It is located near the seat Lewis occupied.  The brass plaque marks the spot.  The wealth that Lewis' books and speaking brought him was mostly given away to worthy causes and people in need.  He lived a rather austere existence until his death at which time he was welcomed into the arms of his Lord.  It was quite a moving experience for us to be in this setting.

We also attended a flea market with our new friends Spider and Ann, our landlady.  Too bad the Austin Martin in the album wasn't for sale.  We stopped at an antique museum and toured a picturesque village.  We also visited a nearby farm where I picked my favorite fruit--rasberries.  After a long day Debby and I made it home.  By the way, my GPS system is working again or we would never have ventured out on our own.  Debby picked up a few trinkets or as she calls them her treasures.  I am so glad she is with me to enjoy God's provision. 

Make sure you check out the photo album for Day 10.  Lots of pictures to see.

Oxford England Journal - Day 9

We enjoyed a pleasant fire last night as it was a little chilly in Stanton St. John.  One of the things I have enjoyed the most is no TV - just the quiet and the sounds of nature in this beautiful place.

Just a reminder--each posting is accompanied by a photo album of pictures located on the right hand side of the blog.  Just click on the picture of the photo album and it will take you to a series of thumb nail pictures.  Click on the first picture of the set and the picture will enlarge.  Then click on the word 'next' and it will cycle through the pictures, one at a time, until the album is complete.

This series of pictures shows you more of the church in which the school is located.  The church was built in ~ 1862.  It is considered one of the most beautiful regarding architecture.  It is situated on Woodstock Road leading into the center of Oxford.  In fact, I walked from the church to the center in 15 minutes.  You feel like you are walking back into time.

Back to the church, the altar is very ornate.  I felt like I was an altar boy all over again.  I still remember being caught eating unblessed hosts in the cassock locker by the priest when I was a young boy.  I was put on the 'bench' for several months for that infraction before i was allowed to serve mass again.

I am reminded of the importance of living a centered life versus a balanced life.  Christ calls us to centeredness not balance.  Centeredness means that with live from an internal comapss pointed to true North so we do not lose our way.  Trying to live a balanced life means you're under contant tension trying to maintain balance.  Christ lived a centered life in tune with the heart of the Father.  It provided equilibrium in a topsy turvy world.

Stay tuned.  More to come.

Oxford England Journal - Day 8

The saga continues...we made it to Wheatley Tyre Shop only to find out that the rim was damaged and the new tire wouldn't hold air.  We put the temporary tire back on and headed to National Car Rental for a replacement.  We got lost because my GPS system has failed.  Oh well...!

We finally got to the rental agency and replaced our deomonic car with a sanctified one.  The pictures on the album (Day 8) will show you what was left of the rubber on the tire.  The dragon you see on the blog was a doorway just off the tire shop.  Cool huh!  Our grandkids will love it.

Other pictures on the album for Day 8 include the gardens in our cottage, a friendly cat, and the pub down the street where we go for dinner.

I missed my classes today--a blessed interruption.  Debby and I spent the whole day together--walking for the most part.  Driving around here is dangerous to your health.

We miss our family but are having a very restful time in this quiet hide-away.  God has been so good to us.  We figured we better do it now before we reach an age where we had wished we had done what we are doing. 

I am beginning to catch on to 'action research' but it is still a little too touchy feely for me.  If there is one question I despise is this one, "How do you feel about what you are feeling?"  Give me a break.  I must say however, that I have met several fellow students that could turn out to be life-long friends...Kofi, Sydney, Jacob, and Joseph.

One of the things I enjoy the most is just going to the center of Oxford and browsing.  The other day, during lunch (which begins at 1:00 PM) the streets were full of students.  Each wears a black smock kinda like a small graduation gown.  You can spot students right away.  Well I have more papers to read so I close the blog for tonight.

Stay tuned.

Oxford England Journal - Day 7

Well, I did it again.  Same thing happened in Ireland last November.  I'm telling you the curbs are alive in the U.K.  I swear it jumped out and bit my tire.  I had to drive on it for some distance.  By the time I could pull over this is all that was left.  I changed the tire on the side of the road.  I looked like death warmed over by the time I got back to the cottage.  To make matters worse it was raining.  I wonder what God is trying to teach me.

When you wander over to the album for Day 7 you'll see a couple of pictures of St. Anthony's College where we have been meeting for a couple of days.  Also, you'll see a couple of more pictures of the tire (they spell it 'tyre' over here).

The remaining pictures are of the cottage.  Debby has been helping the owner with her gardens.  You'll see her standing by a rose bush she had been working on today.  She is resting alot which is good for her. 

My classes are going well.  I think I'm finally catching on regarding 'action research.'  Or maybe I have convinced myself I am.

The Lord has been good to us.  What a beautiful restful place.  I will not allow the Enemy to discourage me.  As I write this post I hear the bells of the ancient church down the street.  It's 8:11 PM here, six hour later than Minnesota.  During lunch today I walked down to Broad Street where so many architectural wonders exist.  It is just off Giles street where the Eagle and Child pub (C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien's old haunt) is located not far from the spot where martyrs Granmer, Ridly, and Latimer were burned at the stake.

One more historical note--Oxford university is comprised of approximately 40 seperate colleges.  The oldest college of the bunch (University College) was established in 1249 by William, archdeacon of Durham.  The poet Shelley was expelled from this college for unruly behavior.

The picture above is Radcliffe Camera designed by James Gibbs in the early 18th century.  This round library acts as a reading room for the Bodleian Library.

Stay tuned!