SPIN LIKE THE WIND-the blog of Nigel James.

MY KIND OF TOWN...CHICAGO IS.

I'm in Chicago for a few days with Gill and Bethan, having been on the road with Third Day for the start of the MUSIC BUILDS TOUR. I'll be joining the band again in 2 days time, but this short holiday firstly just with Gill, then joined by Bethan and James, and now with Gill and Bethan, has been excellent.

Highlights have been:

The Tommy Gunn Speakeasy dinner and show- with Gill and I in the front row for a 1920's Chicago gangster experience!

The Chicago Architectural Boat tour-sounds dull but actually a fascinating river trip exploring the stories behind all of Chicago's great skyscrapers and massive buildings.

The Music Builds concert-with Third Day, Switchfoot, Robert Randolph, and Jars of Clay. Mac Powell, bless his heart, gave our family a big shout-out and thanks from the stage. For me it was very special to have Gill, Bethan and James next to me, all enjoying the concert- the first time they've seen Third Day in the USA.

Chicago Cubs v. Washington Nationals Baseball at Wrigley Field- a win for the Cubs, and peanuts, pretzels, hot dogs, nachos for us, with Baskin Robbins ice cream on the way home.

Lazing on 12th Street beach for the afternoon- I briefly swam around in Lake Michigan, whilst Bethan and Gill caught the sun.

Magnificent Mile shopping-enjoyed by Bethan especially, whilst I was out of town with Third Day in Detroit and Indianapolis.

Catching up with James- and hearing how much he enjoys life in Dallas and living in America in general.

Working up a sweat in the gym- a nice facility in our hotel, the Essex Inn.

FINISHING THE RACE.

Watching all the Olympic action on TV these last few days has reminded me of my favourite Olympic story.

 John Stephens Akwhari was a marathon runner from the African nation of Tanzania who, in 1968, dehydrated, bleeding from three falls and suffering from oxygen deprivation, staggered into the Mexico City Olympic Stadium.  Akwhari finished half an hour behind the second-last runner and ignored pleas to quit from medical workers, Olympic officials and even his coach. The medals already had been awarded and preparations for the closing ceremony had to be delayed as Akwhari shuffled the final kilometres on blistered and bleeding feet.  Eventually, Akwhari crossed the finish line and fell into the waiting arms of Red Cross workers. 
Akwhari, when interviewed afterwards, and asked why he didn't simply give up, said;
 "I believed I was a soldier. My country had sent me there to do honour. You do honour not by starting a race, but by finishing it."

Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. 

Par Three.

Our back garden is on two levels, with the lower level featuring a piece of grass outside the basement. Numerous attemptsto grow a decent patch of grass have proved unsuccessful, so the triumph of the summer had been to put down an AstroTurf putting green! Here's Gary and his son Ben having a go. Gill and I are in our caravan on the Gower peninsular this week, whilst Bethan has flown to Fort Wayne, Indiana to stay with Andy and Trish Booth. Next week, Gill and I fly to Chicago to meet up with Bethan and our son James before I hit the road with Third Day.I'm squeezing in a preach at City Temple on Sunday-continuing our summer series on doing the things Jesus did. My theme is "Lifting Burdens."

The Furnace.

Matt Collins leading worship in the Furnace venue backed by the band Superhero.

New wine Cymru

Gill,Bethan and I are at new wine cymru for a few days. On Saturday we went to Mark and Kayi's wedding along with loads of Hong Kong Chinese folk. As well as speaking in the Ignite venues, I've just led a workshop on Outrageous Prayer with five young teenagers. Their passion for prayer and knowledge of the Bible was inspiring! I'm sending this blog from my new iPhone-very cool!