Bøger af Philip Watson

Ever wondered what it's like to train for a half-marathon when you haven't done any running for over twenty years, or have never run before? Well, this training diary/blog is for you.'Suckered' into entering the Great North Run (just over 13 miles from Newcastle to South Shields - all uphill) in 2008, at the age of 54, I wrote this training diary as an excuse to email work colleagues with the updates, so that I could repeatedly remind them to sponsor me.I received a lot of positive feedback - mainly about how much they were enjoying my suffering. But it seemed to work and I raised over £1100 for WaterAid.Then, for some reason, I did it all over again in 2009, and reported on my training once again.Both years' training are included in an effort to inspire, inform, and entertain you.

There can be few military stories which have been written about in such great detail. The story of Dunkirk has found its way into the British consciousness, to such a degree it has come to epitomize the very essence of Britishness at times of national hardship.The phrase 'Dunkirk Spirit' has been used to define the British character. Cartoons of the day re-defined the abbreviation of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) to mean Bravery, Endurance, and Fortitude! This has been the prevailing national narrative of May 1940. A story of small boats that came to the rescue of a stranded Army on the beaches of Dunkirk: brave soldiers who would have died, or been captured had it not been for the flotilla that came to their rescue. This is supported by strong images of stoic British soldiers waiting patiently on the beaches for deliverance.Historians have subsequently identified other factors which contributed to the success of Operation DYNAMO. These include the mild weather and calm sea, as well as the use of the East Mole for the large ships. The smoke which hung in the air as a result of the German shelling and bombardments helped mask the BEF's activities, and Hitler's earlier somewhat unexpected Halt Befehl gave the BEF time to consolidate its bridgehead at Dunkirk. However, if Gort's statement as quoted by Shand is true, that 'without the Twelfth Lancers only a small part of the Army would have reached Dunkirk, ' then it would appear there is another element of the story which is still to be told. It was to account for the five Battle Honors the Regiment would win in just 21 days.

Th Incarnation is part of the 'Jesus series' which cover five different aspects of Jesus' life, and looks at the incredible significance of God's Son being as a baby to an ordinary couple - instead of coming as a glorious king or as, say the son of the High Priest. This book demonstrates how, Jesus being born in a manger in Bethlehem, was all part of God's perfect plan. The author makes the point that the incarnation of Jesus is of such significance to the Christian faith, that if someone does not understand the incarnation, they do not understand the faith.

If subjects were rated for popularity, subjects like self discipline, fasting and humility would be near the bottom of the list, and subjects like 'success' and 'fulfilling our God given potential', near the top. The latter, are the ones many Christians desire the most, while the former, the ones we need the most. This is a very practical book, dispelling myths about what humility is and is not. There are two chapters about pride, and the destructive consequences of a pride on relationships, if allowed to creep in. Other subjects covered in this book include, false humility and healthy pride. A recurring theme in this book, is this. Humility is the oil that leads to success in every significant relationship. Our relationship with the Father/Son and Holy Spirit and our relationships with every person we meet and know - and who does not want successful relationships?

He Changed our World gives readers an insight into the life changing impact of Jesus' birth on may his mother, his step-father Joseph; Peter, Zaachaeus, Bartimaeus and John the Baptist. Drawing mostly on what we read in the Gospels, but also historical research and his knowledge of the geography of Israel, Philip brings to life these people and the major change for good that occurred, when Jesus came into their lives.

This book The Son is primarily about the 3 years of Jesus' ministry, asking "What was Jesus like as a person?", in order that we can walk in his footsteps. The book begins with three, very different images of Jesus. (1) Relationship, relationship, relationship. (2) How Jesus loved children. (3) How Jesus was very, goal orientated and focussed. Chapter two looks at Jesus personal qualities, such as, courage and partiality, followed by chapters about Jesus' love' and 'faith' and a chapter titled "The road to Calvary." The final chapter illustrates with examples, how Jesus walked his talk.

Nick Howard is a Private Detective - but only just. He's only in his office on a Saturday morning to close it down. His dream has failed. The only "crime" he's had to investigate has been adultery. His time as a Private Detective, Private Investigator, Private Eye - whatever you want to call it - has come to an end. Then who should turn up to interrupt his sulking? Only his ex-wife! And she has a job for him- as a Private Detective. She's the last person he'd expect to be offering him some work. The catch is that it's to find her current lover, John Anderson! Will Nick take the job? Of course he will - he needs the money. Who knows? The case could even save his career as a detective. The job leads him back to his last place of work - the local water company - RWS. It turns out the Managing Director also requires Nick's services as a Private Eye. She wants to find Anderson as well, but not only has he gone missing, so has Maxine Hudson, the HR director. Have they disappeared together, or is it just a coincidence? Why is the MD interested in their disappearance? Anderson had been auditing company practices without his boss's knowledge. What was he looking for? Nick starts work following Anderson's footsteps through the company's business practices. He's soon making waves, (or is he drowning?), in the murky waters of the Company's investment programme. Is what he finds illegal? Is it a real crime? As he investigates, Nick uncovers two suspicious deaths and finds himself two lovers into the bargain. As he says, clients and lovers are like buses: you wait ages for one and then.... well you know the rest.He's going to need all his experience as a hard-nosed Private Detective to uncover the truth - if only he had some. If only he could emulate his childhood heroes - Nick Charles, Philip Marlowe and Sam Spade - "real" Private Eyes.There's a mystery to be solved. Questions need to be answered: Has a crime been committed? Are the two deaths anything more than suspicious? Has there been a third? Are his two lovers anymore than ships that pass in the proverbial? Where are John Anderson and Maxine Hudson? What were they up to? Why have they disappeared? Should he being going the toilet quite so often?And most important of all: will he get paid?If you've ever wondered how your "water rates" are worked out and how they decide where to spend the money, then this book may not answer all of your questions. But if you want an old-fashioned detective story with a few swipes at "office life", and a dose of humour then this has got to be worth a go. About the AuthorPhilip Watson spent 16 years working for United Utilities - in his opinion, the best Water and Sewerage Company in the North West of England.

The basis of a successful relationship with God, with Jesus and the Holy Spirit; is humility. The basis of successful relationships with every other person on this planet; is humility. Humility and it's opposite - pride, feature in this book. To a lesser extent, false humility and good pride are explained. What humility is and is not; is also explained. The content of this book can be explained by three words. Me, we and thee. The humble person acknowledges they are a unique individual, loved by Jesus and with training and experiences to offer others, and the kingdom of God. But the humble person, their world does not end at the borders of 'me'. They also acknowledge 'we'. That is, others gifts and training and experiences and insights. And the humble person also acknowledges 'Thee' - an old fashioned word for God. Meaning, the humble person acknowledges that their life, their gifts, their possessions, their love, their faith, their salvation, the gifts of the Spirit and so many other factors - come from God. This world view, frames the life of the humble person - and is the key to a successful life.

This book demonstrates that what Christians believe, and what they do, are one and the same! That the faith we believe in and belong to, is a unitary whole, in the same way that a wheel is a combination of rim, spokes and hub. This book clearly shows that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; share exactly the same nature and values as - represented symbolically by the arms of a cross with God at the centre, and the Son and Holy Spirit, at opposite ends. However, the nature and values which the Father, Son and Holy Spirit collectively share; do not stop at the borders of heaven. Those same values which they collectively share, flow down to us human beings, creating the first side of the triangle. Then, the second or lower arm of the triangle is created when Christians share those same values with the people they meet in their daily lives. Finally, the triangle is completed when Christians return to the Father, the same values which began in his heart and nature.

This book is a collection of spiritual principles the Holy Spirit has revealed to the author over many years. It is important to understand spiritual principles, because we are spiritual beings who have been given a spirit by God. See Romans 8:16 The spiritual principles in this book are there in the Bible but like gold nuggets in a river bed - they are waiting to be discovered. When we know these principles, they help us live successful Christian lives - joined to the vine, walking with God and being led by the Holy Spirit.

After the incident with next door's cat, Ben's dad, who happens to be a vet, has to rebuild Ben's hamster Harold. Fortunately, Ben's dad 'has the technology'.Discover how high the new, improved, Harold can jump, how fast he can run, how strong he is, and how he can FLY!Back to your cave, Batman!Hang up your cape, Superman!There's a new crime-busting, freedom-fighting hero in town: Harold the BIONIC hamster!For children from 8 to 108

It's Christmas Eve and the elves cannot wake up Santa! Even the Elves' brass band can't wake him. What is Edward the 'ead Elf going to do? How will all the boys and girls get their presents if Father Christmas won't wake up? Only one person can wake Santa up. Can the elves get her there in time? A story for young children and adults to enjoy.

For children of all ages.When ten-year-old James puts his tongue out at his mum and the wind blows, his face gets stuck with his tongue sticking out and his eyes bulging out like gobstoppers!How would you feel if that happened to you? What would your mum and dad do? What would your friends think? Would they laugh? Of course they would. Would they help? Of course they would, but how?What would you do if you had to play in the school band in front of the whole school and the MAYOR? What would the Mayor do if you made his wife's cat jump on to his head and knock off his wig?Could a nutty professor, called Professor Nonabit, be any help at all?Find out what happens when poor young James has to deal with all of these problems and more (such as how do you eat?).

The nativity story with a difference: The arrival of Mary and Joseph, the birth of the baby Jesus, and the visits of the shepherds and the three "posh" Kings from the East - seen through the eyes of the animals in the stable. The maternal cow, who wants to offer the new born baby her milk; the tired and grumpy donkey, who just wants to sleep after his long journey, and the lamb from t'North with a story to tell. A fresh look at the world's most well-known story: perfect to engage young children in the true meaning of Christmas.

Whilst out for a stroll on Sunday morning, DI 'Dick' Barton notices two police cars parked outside the church, in his village just outside Scarborough. When he goes to investigate, he finds a dead vicar - the victim of a tragic accident. But nothing is ever that simple. Barton's investigations soon reveal that two witnesses, along with £20,000, have gone missing, and that the vicar was not all that he seemed. All thoughts of a quiet day with his family are banished. But that's soon the least of his worries as a 'big city' arrives looking for the missing money.Soon Barton has a murder and a kidnapping to deal with.

A book about the way Jesus conducted his ministry. This book makes the point that every Christian is a minister in some way, both lay and clergy - so Jesus example, defines the ministry of all Christians. This book examines the models of ministry of other groups of his time; including the Zealots, Pharisees, Essenes - and explains why Jesus rejected their model, and chose the type of ministry he did. The final chapter offers insights into Christian ministry, so that Christians can be servant ministers who will - run and not be weary. Walk and not faint.

The title The Holy Spirit was selected because this book is part of the 'Trinity Series' about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If this book was on it's own, the preferred title would have been either; Awesome Holy Spirit or Amazing Holy Spirit. For that is what the author attempts to convey, that the Holy Spirit is more amazing, than most understand. The Holy Spirit is significant for Christians because Jesus began his ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit and urged his disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit before beginning to fulfil the great commission. By his teachings, Jesus indicated that the time between his ascent into heaven and return; would be the 'era of the Holy Spirit in the Church'. So understanding and knowing the Holy Spirit is vital for: individual Christians, for groups and Church leaders. This book provides comprehensive teaching about the nature, titles, symbols and roles of the Holy Spirit. There is a chapter that makes the case (and what that means), that the Holy Spirit is a divine personal being. Included is a chapter about, how to be led by the Spirit.

Ellie the shy chick doesn't want to go to the park.There will be too many bigger animals there. But now she has a baby brother, Charlie, who wants to go and play. Find out what happens when Ellie takes Charlie to the park and they meet the other bigger animals."An adorable story!"

The Incarnation of Jesus is the essence of the New Testament. God becoming a human being like us. God's word to us, came in the form of person who was both God and human; at the same time. One who people could love, listen to and touch. Because Jesus came incarnate into our world Jesus could teach, love and touch and heal, real people. This book looks at the different options God had. God could have written Jesus words on the clouds, for example - but God decided that sending Jesus as a baby in a manger, was the most effective way for human beings to understand, who God was and is. The final chapter explores the implication of the incarnation for living a Christian life. Jesus coming incarnate into our world which is a mixture of of love and hate. Honesty and dishonesty. Selfishness and sharing; is the most graphic example of what it means to be Christian. A person, who like Jesus, is prepared to go incarnate into the lives of people in our extended family, the work-place, the community and the world. Because Jesus came from heaven, incarnate into our world, we know so much more about: what heaven is like. What God is like. The angels are like - and what is on God's heart.

This book focusses on the nature of the ministry of Jesus. By doing so, it helps define our ministry as Christians. So many factors defined Jesus ministry. His love for people. His love of God. God's love for him. God's love of all people. The power of the Holy Spirit. A desire to set people free. A desire that people find life. A desire that people understand the truth. Jesus style of ministry was so different to what people expected. The religious leaders of his time avoided sinners, tax collectors, Samaritans, lepers and the majority of the common people. Jesus by contrast, mixed with all these people and loved anyone who listened to his words of life. Even his enemies. The religious teachers of Jesus' time, defined religion as obedience to the law. All 1200 of them. By contrast, what defined the religion of Jesus, was grace and a few simple laws and principles. Who is Jesus, was a question many of that time asked. In this book, there is not one answer, but many images. Lover or children. Lover of people. Lover of God. A teacher. A healer. A prophet. A Priest and a King.

The definitive biography of guitar icon and Grammy Award-winning artist Bill Frisell.FEATURING EXCLUSIVE LISTENING SESSIONS WITH: Paul Simon; Justin Vernon of Bon Iver; Gus Van Sant; Rhiannon Giddens; The Bad Plus; Gavin Bryars; Van Dyke Parks; Sam Amidon; Hal Willner; Jim Woodring; Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill'A beautiful and long overdue portrait of one of America's true living cultural treasures . . . a brilliant book.'JOHN ZORN'Wonderful. It captures exactly the Bill I know.'GAVIN BRYARS'The perfect companion-piece to the music of its subject.'MOJOOver a period of forty-five years, Bill Frisell has established himself as one of the most innovative and influential musicians at work today.Growing up playing clarinet in orchestras and marching bands, Frisell has progressed through a remarkable range of musical personas - from devotee of jazz master Jim Hall to 'house guitarist' of estimable German label ECM, from edgy New York downtown experimentalist to plaintive country and bluegrass picker. He has been a pioneering bandleader and collaborator, a prolific composer and arranger and a celebrated Grammy Award winner.A quietly revolutionary guitar hero who has synthesised many disparate musical elements into one compellingly singular sound, Frisell connects to a diverse range of artists and admirers, including Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, Gus Van Sant, Marianne Faithfull and Justin Vernon, many of whom feature in this book.Through unprecedented access to the guitarist and interviews with his close family, friends and associates, Philip Watson tells Frisell's story for the first time.'A revelatory, roots and branches portrait of one of America's greatest synthesisers of musical ideas.'IAN PATTERSON, ALL ABOUT JAZZ