On Saturday Chris and I went for a local ride. Well, I rode and she fell off lot. She's very brave - didn't learn to ride until she was in her 30s, and wasn't brought up to develop a sense of balance. And I took my crappy camera along too.
There will be some more shortly, from when Boy-Wonder and I did our local loop (a fast-ish 18 miles) on Sunday afternoon. It gave me a chance to try a recently updated Sharon (single speed saracen) and the results were quite pleasing. Mind you, riding a mountain bike of road with only one gear is still hard, whatever kit you hang on the frame. I didn't have time to upload last night, so I'll try to post them this evening after I've been to the final meeting in Oxford and gone shopping afterward.
Monday, 15 September 2003
Saturday, 13 September 2003
A little snippet
from Bryn Franklin.
He was sharing insights God had given him recently. God showed him the passage where Jesus has been to visit Jerusalem aged 12, and remained there after his parents left. They were a day in the train before realising.
The insight was that "presumption is doing what worked before".
He was sharing insights God had given him recently. God showed him the passage where Jesus has been to visit Jerusalem aged 12, and remained there after his parents left. They were a day in the train before realising.
The insight was that "presumption is doing what worked before".
The heart of worship? Two cultures collide.
I’ve been reading in blogs by those I respect recently about different people’s versions of worship, making it a lifestyle thing etc. and some of these have caused conflict for me. For this reason, rather than comment, I’ve tried to hold back until thoughts had distilled. That now seems to have happened, so here goes.
I struggle with the idea of acts of service being an act of worship. Through everything that I’ve read in the bible (filtered through my understanding, granted) and in my experience, worship involves closeness, intimacy, waiting on God. And it’s in this area that I see the main conflict – specifically, external activity needs to be excluded.
God seems to have copied many of the things from heaven for our use on Earth. Symbolically worship has been linked to acts of human physical intimacy. The bible uses VERY unambiguous language about those that worship other Gods. At the same time the church is repeatedly called ‘the bride of Christ’. For me there is a clear symbolic link between worship and physical love. When we are with our partners in this way then nothing else should intrude: we are there for the time between us, and externals that draw from that are an intrusion and distraction. To combine acts of service with worship would be like saying “would you mind if we made love in the car, because I have to get the kids to school”.
So where does the issue of collision come in? I believe that human religious culture and practice still plays a major role in modern thinking. It replaces the awe of God with ‘reverence for the sanctuary, the mystery of God moving us with a spiritual sounding liturgy and a suggestion that we are unable to see God at work because he’s too mysterious. This religious culture sanctifies things, using the concept of “this activity is so good/holy/sacrificial/whatever that it must be valid”.
Now please don’t misunderstand me. I am very much in favour of the body serving people both within and without. I can see that by giving ourselves “first to God, then to each other” we are honouring God in our bodies. I also firmly believe that worship is a 24/7 attitude and not something restricted to a Sunday morning. I DO have a major problem with the idea that acts of service can be substituted for corporate worship, and time of drawing close to God.
Finally, bringing up a point from a recent blog by Randall, I’d just like to comment on the role of songs and music in worship. I have a place where I know I’m in God’s presence – a place where I feel I’m prostrate before him, laying there in awe, yet at the same time being held with loving arms. Very often songs and music can help me reach that place. Sometimes God just calls me there alone. But by singing the songs and getting involved in the music I can often find that place more easily, however they’re just tools to help get me there. That’s my place of worship.
I struggle with the idea of acts of service being an act of worship. Through everything that I’ve read in the bible (filtered through my understanding, granted) and in my experience, worship involves closeness, intimacy, waiting on God. And it’s in this area that I see the main conflict – specifically, external activity needs to be excluded.
God seems to have copied many of the things from heaven for our use on Earth. Symbolically worship has been linked to acts of human physical intimacy. The bible uses VERY unambiguous language about those that worship other Gods. At the same time the church is repeatedly called ‘the bride of Christ’. For me there is a clear symbolic link between worship and physical love. When we are with our partners in this way then nothing else should intrude: we are there for the time between us, and externals that draw from that are an intrusion and distraction. To combine acts of service with worship would be like saying “would you mind if we made love in the car, because I have to get the kids to school”.
So where does the issue of collision come in? I believe that human religious culture and practice still plays a major role in modern thinking. It replaces the awe of God with ‘reverence for the sanctuary, the mystery of God moving us with a spiritual sounding liturgy and a suggestion that we are unable to see God at work because he’s too mysterious. This religious culture sanctifies things, using the concept of “this activity is so good/holy/sacrificial/whatever that it must be valid”.
Now please don’t misunderstand me. I am very much in favour of the body serving people both within and without. I can see that by giving ourselves “first to God, then to each other” we are honouring God in our bodies. I also firmly believe that worship is a 24/7 attitude and not something restricted to a Sunday morning. I DO have a major problem with the idea that acts of service can be substituted for corporate worship, and time of drawing close to God.
Finally, bringing up a point from a recent blog by Randall, I’d just like to comment on the role of songs and music in worship. I have a place where I know I’m in God’s presence – a place where I feel I’m prostrate before him, laying there in awe, yet at the same time being held with loving arms. Very often songs and music can help me reach that place. Sometimes God just calls me there alone. But by singing the songs and getting involved in the music I can often find that place more easily, however they’re just tools to help get me there. That’s my place of worship.
We went to a variety show tonight.
It was the first part of the opening 'celebrations' for the king's centre. Steve Thomas spoke for some time about where Oxfordshire community churches had come from, detailing some of the groups, churches and churches they'd been thrown out of. After a time of worship designed to be 'dignitary-friendly' we were addressed by a variety of people. Highlights:
Charlie Cleverly, Rector of st. Aldates mentioned that when he was in Oxford to take up his post he visited a Vineyard meeting. In conversation with the leaders after the meeting (who didn't know who he was) he expressed that he'd hoped for a more conventional meeting (it was the summer and they were in small groups). They suggested he might prefer St. Aldates!
Gerald Coates mentioned a number of things but recommended everyone watch BBC2 at 8.50 on Wednesday. Apparently they're covering a major evangelistic event organised by Mike Pilavachi in Manchester. He said it was interesting how the major evangelistic works seemed to be originating in the anglican church at the present.
Franscois van Niekerk from Hatfield Christian Church in Pretoria said all sorts of pertinent things, none of which have stuck in my mind. Good man though. We'll hear more of him tomorrow at the leaders day.
Barney Coombes spoke about the sanctity of the person as a building block in the church, and how buildings were nothing more than a tool. He related a line from a hymn about how the author loved a particular place where God was honoured. He observed that he had never once found anywhere of any significance in that fashion, and how God was far better represented in his creation that in any of man's works. He also fitted in a straight gospel message, complete with explanations about how to pray for salvation.
Final funny bit was a clipping from Todays (Fridays) paper talking about the area centre. It quoted Reverend Steve Thomas and Reverend Mike Beaumont. We know these guys, and they're friends. It's really funny to see them quotes like this - they're usually Mike and Steve. Weird, the things that people that don't understand try to hang on people.
Charlie Cleverly, Rector of st. Aldates mentioned that when he was in Oxford to take up his post he visited a Vineyard meeting. In conversation with the leaders after the meeting (who didn't know who he was) he expressed that he'd hoped for a more conventional meeting (it was the summer and they were in small groups). They suggested he might prefer St. Aldates!
Gerald Coates mentioned a number of things but recommended everyone watch BBC2 at 8.50 on Wednesday. Apparently they're covering a major evangelistic event organised by Mike Pilavachi in Manchester. He said it was interesting how the major evangelistic works seemed to be originating in the anglican church at the present.
Franscois van Niekerk from Hatfield Christian Church in Pretoria said all sorts of pertinent things, none of which have stuck in my mind. Good man though. We'll hear more of him tomorrow at the leaders day.
Barney Coombes spoke about the sanctity of the person as a building block in the church, and how buildings were nothing more than a tool. He related a line from a hymn about how the author loved a particular place where God was honoured. He observed that he had never once found anywhere of any significance in that fashion, and how God was far better represented in his creation that in any of man's works. He also fitted in a straight gospel message, complete with explanations about how to pray for salvation.
Final funny bit was a clipping from Todays (Fridays) paper talking about the area centre. It quoted Reverend Steve Thomas and Reverend Mike Beaumont. We know these guys, and they're friends. It's really funny to see them quotes like this - they're usually Mike and Steve. Weird, the things that people that don't understand try to hang on people.
Friday, 12 September 2003
Are virtual words virtually meaningless?
Leighton posted about the assumption that 'virtual words' are in some subtle way different from other communications.
In my opinion the 'virtual' tag is escapism. People (well some, anyway) want a fantasy world, just like they see in films, where they can throw off all restraint. Do what ever they like; the net appears to offer that. Remember how everyone was saying about 3 or 4 years ago how the net couldn't be regulated? Suddenly it turns out that 'meatspace' laws apply where ever you happen to be sat typing.
There's another aspect too. People like to assume that whatever is 'said' in 'cyberspace' isn't real. We were all told we can be 'whoever we want'. As he pointed out, it's almost all text, and text is writing. And writing is just words in visual form. The medium actually makes zip difference. They are still the words that have been 'spoken', albeit through a keyboard.
The bible makes a big deal of words. Words aren't simply noises: they carry both meaning and power. David prayed that God "won't let my words fall to the ground". There's even a suggestion that we may be judged by every word that we've spoken. People are expressing themselves this way as never before. Wonder where all their words are going?
In my opinion the 'virtual' tag is escapism. People (well some, anyway) want a fantasy world, just like they see in films, where they can throw off all restraint. Do what ever they like; the net appears to offer that. Remember how everyone was saying about 3 or 4 years ago how the net couldn't be regulated? Suddenly it turns out that 'meatspace' laws apply where ever you happen to be sat typing.
There's another aspect too. People like to assume that whatever is 'said' in 'cyberspace' isn't real. We were all told we can be 'whoever we want'. As he pointed out, it's almost all text, and text is writing. And writing is just words in visual form. The medium actually makes zip difference. They are still the words that have been 'spoken', albeit through a keyboard.
The bible makes a big deal of words. Words aren't simply noises: they carry both meaning and power. David prayed that God "won't let my words fall to the ground". There's even a suggestion that we may be judged by every word that we've spoken. People are expressing themselves this way as never before. Wonder where all their words are going?
Thursday, 11 September 2003
On a cheerier note.
We were impressed with Ben recently.
He's got some fairly 'interesting' friends in the village, one of whom he often has deep and philosophical conversations with. This boy came up with the idea that a perfect life would be one where you never had to do anything you didn't like. Ben's reply was that a perfect life would be one where you could find pleasure in everything that you did.
Not bad for a 15 year old, really.
Contentment with Godliness is great gain.
He's got some fairly 'interesting' friends in the village, one of whom he often has deep and philosophical conversations with. This boy came up with the idea that a perfect life would be one where you never had to do anything you didn't like. Ben's reply was that a perfect life would be one where you could find pleasure in everything that you did.
Not bad for a 15 year old, really.
Contentment with Godliness is great gain.
Another day deeper
And older in debt. I've just about completed the beastly tax return. Can't imagine why I need to do one, since I'm taxed through 'Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and it comes directly from the employer.
Ours is not to reason why.......
I'm afraid blogging may be a bit sparse for a while. I've got a very packed W/E - we're opening the new facility in Oxford, and it's a chance to get local dignitaries in to hear the word of God. Significant because the city council etc are vehmently opposed to anything that might bring a Christian influence to bear on the city. Things may be a little different if you wish to open a mosque of course (or even convert a church to one) but they would prefer it if we'd just become atheists.
Alternatively if we were mearly an ineffective bunch of traditional church goers then I suspect that would be fine too.
Sorry. Rant over.
Ours is not to reason why.......
I'm afraid blogging may be a bit sparse for a while. I've got a very packed W/E - we're opening the new facility in Oxford, and it's a chance to get local dignitaries in to hear the word of God. Significant because the city council etc are vehmently opposed to anything that might bring a Christian influence to bear on the city. Things may be a little different if you wish to open a mosque of course (or even convert a church to one) but they would prefer it if we'd just become atheists.
Alternatively if we were mearly an ineffective bunch of traditional church goers then I suspect that would be fine too.
Sorry. Rant over.
Tuesday, 9 September 2003
Well that was the day, that was.
We had a visit from The man that owns the company I work for today. He's an incredibly interesting person; I've never known anyone radiate 'fatherhood' the way Gopal does.
The company is based in Houston, with branches in Germany, India, France and the UK. Despite being so diverse, it runs very much like a family business, with all the advantages and disadvantages of that model. Whenever I meet him there is an atmosphere of organised chaos, and it seems to follow him where ever he goes. In some ways it was really great to get together, because he's got loads of interesting ideas for areas of research and new work that we can do, yet at the same time it effectively wrote the entire day off for other work.
It now seems that I'm going to Houston in November, and will be spending the better part of the next 2 working weeks in Scotland (although that was thanks to the guys in sales). And we need to upgrade our ISO accreditation, get registered for radioactive work, kit out a new lab and a pile of other things too.
Anyone ever feel inadequate?
I KNOW God put me in this job (I'd never aspire to this much responibility) but I feel so inadequate most of the time. Yet somehow He always seems to make my mistakes get worked out OK in the end. I don't know how He does it, and I know I'm not always faithful to keep up my side of things, yet He still does.
The company is based in Houston, with branches in Germany, India, France and the UK. Despite being so diverse, it runs very much like a family business, with all the advantages and disadvantages of that model. Whenever I meet him there is an atmosphere of organised chaos, and it seems to follow him where ever he goes. In some ways it was really great to get together, because he's got loads of interesting ideas for areas of research and new work that we can do, yet at the same time it effectively wrote the entire day off for other work.
It now seems that I'm going to Houston in November, and will be spending the better part of the next 2 working weeks in Scotland (although that was thanks to the guys in sales). And we need to upgrade our ISO accreditation, get registered for radioactive work, kit out a new lab and a pile of other things too.
Anyone ever feel inadequate?
I KNOW God put me in this job (I'd never aspire to this much responibility) but I feel so inadequate most of the time. Yet somehow He always seems to make my mistakes get worked out OK in the end. I don't know how He does it, and I know I'm not always faithful to keep up my side of things, yet He still does.
Monday, 8 September 2003
It's not what you do......
it's the why that you do it.
I was talking with my mother last night. She's 71 and suffering the slings and arrows of a body that's rushing ahead, age wise, of her mind. The church she's part of has a long tradition of loud and exuberant worship, and while there's nothing wrong with that, she can no longer cope with the volume level in the way she could when she was younger. A few months back she took it to God, and he basically said "it's OK - you can move on". So the search began.
What she wanted was a church where things were a little quieter, but where there was the same waiting on God, the same taking time in the worship, the same openess to God's moving. Having visited a number of churches in the area, she found an anglican church (rather to her dismay) that nearly fitted the bill. Her problem was..... the worship. While talking to one of the members, she summarised it as moving from a church where they worshipped like Mary to one where they worshipped like Martha. They would 'do' a couple of songs, then someone would bob up with a clevely designed prayer, or read something they had been allocated earlier.
Now, for those of a more 'US' background, this isn't a carefully stage managed meeting. This is, after all, just a little anglican church in a London suburb (you'd need to have seen this type of church to know what I mean). It's much more a place where people want to do all the "right things" but just by adding what's perceived as 'lively' to an existing structure. The result is that the focus is on 'doing worship' rather than the object of the worship.
Why, and indeed what, do we worship?
I was talking with my mother last night. She's 71 and suffering the slings and arrows of a body that's rushing ahead, age wise, of her mind. The church she's part of has a long tradition of loud and exuberant worship, and while there's nothing wrong with that, she can no longer cope with the volume level in the way she could when she was younger. A few months back she took it to God, and he basically said "it's OK - you can move on". So the search began.
What she wanted was a church where things were a little quieter, but where there was the same waiting on God, the same taking time in the worship, the same openess to God's moving. Having visited a number of churches in the area, she found an anglican church (rather to her dismay) that nearly fitted the bill. Her problem was..... the worship. While talking to one of the members, she summarised it as moving from a church where they worshipped like Mary to one where they worshipped like Martha. They would 'do' a couple of songs, then someone would bob up with a clevely designed prayer, or read something they had been allocated earlier.
Now, for those of a more 'US' background, this isn't a carefully stage managed meeting. This is, after all, just a little anglican church in a London suburb (you'd need to have seen this type of church to know what I mean). It's much more a place where people want to do all the "right things" but just by adding what's perceived as 'lively' to an existing structure. The result is that the focus is on 'doing worship' rather than the object of the worship.
Why, and indeed what, do we worship?
Sunday, 7 September 2003
Ah, the presence of God again.
Today has been a day for being with family - church family. The family group (like a housegroup, but subtly different) had a barbecue this lunchtime in a home, followed by the church getting together to baptise.
We started off in a school hall that we've never used before, with some of the most 'interesting' acoustics I've ever come across in a building. We only had time to sing 2 songs, and I really struggled to push through into worship, knowing that was all we had. I was playing and leading sans PA and found it really hard to hear what was going on, while trying to guide people through the 'power of mime'. There were also a lot of people from outside the church present, and that added to the tension. God was gracious though, and I could see and feel many people were entering God's presence, despite my struggle.
The girls being baptised then went forward and talked about how God was at work in their lives and what had brought them to that point. Then each was sent to a separate part of the room, and those that had words or prayers for them went with them. God was again gracious to me and gave me words for 2 of them. While delivering the second word, about half way through I just felt the Spirit touch something inside and nearly broke down, having to pause for a minute before continuing.
We then broke up and walked the half mile or so the house of one of our members, who has a small swimming pool in their garden. It was a lovely warm late summer's afternoon, and not at all the wet and windy time that had been forecast. The Girls were baptised in the pool by one of the elders (Steve's just turned 30 ;-) and either a parent or special friend. After emerging from the water, a piece of music that was specially meaningful to them was played (the only one I recognised was 'come, now is the time to worship' chosen by Olivia). Then we all ate together, everyone contributing to the food and drink, and enjoyed each other's company.
My camera deigned to keep it's memory this time, and there's another gallery if you want to see what we all look like. The camera is anything but wonderful, but there is a 'representative likeness' to the images.
We started off in a school hall that we've never used before, with some of the most 'interesting' acoustics I've ever come across in a building. We only had time to sing 2 songs, and I really struggled to push through into worship, knowing that was all we had. I was playing and leading sans PA and found it really hard to hear what was going on, while trying to guide people through the 'power of mime'. There were also a lot of people from outside the church present, and that added to the tension. God was gracious though, and I could see and feel many people were entering God's presence, despite my struggle.
The girls being baptised then went forward and talked about how God was at work in their lives and what had brought them to that point. Then each was sent to a separate part of the room, and those that had words or prayers for them went with them. God was again gracious to me and gave me words for 2 of them. While delivering the second word, about half way through I just felt the Spirit touch something inside and nearly broke down, having to pause for a minute before continuing.
We then broke up and walked the half mile or so the house of one of our members, who has a small swimming pool in their garden. It was a lovely warm late summer's afternoon, and not at all the wet and windy time that had been forecast. The Girls were baptised in the pool by one of the elders (Steve's just turned 30 ;-) and either a parent or special friend. After emerging from the water, a piece of music that was specially meaningful to them was played (the only one I recognised was 'come, now is the time to worship' chosen by Olivia). Then we all ate together, everyone contributing to the food and drink, and enjoyed each other's company.
My camera deigned to keep it's memory this time, and there's another gallery if you want to see what we all look like. The camera is anything but wonderful, but there is a 'representative likeness' to the images.
Bweerg
Tired now. Had a long day: sorting out things in the garden, getting Ben new school shoes, buying a map (in Banbury - 25 mins drive away) starting to fix the shower (wood to be cut and varnished), organising a bike ride AND having to break down the shed door because my wife hid the keys this afternoon.
Had a good ride, although poor Dan got mildly scuffed.
Looking forward to tomorrow. Baptisms in the afternoon - Some teenagers from the youth group, plus a lass with significant 'learning difficulties' who's been part of the fellowship for a fair while.
Had a good ride, although poor Dan got mildly scuffed.
Looking forward to tomorrow. Baptisms in the afternoon - Some teenagers from the youth group, plus a lass with significant 'learning difficulties' who's been part of the fellowship for a fair while.
Friday, 5 September 2003
New images up
I've added a few mountain biking shots of Boy Wonder and myself to the gallery. Rowney Warren in the spring is a lovely place, and even better when you can hammer around it on an MTB. I only posted a couple of minutes ago, so they may take an hour or 2 to make it to the server.
Bloomin' heck
I've been busy. Out Wednesday evening, Kids back to school and spent all day in the lab yesterday, doing tax return in the evening. Who's got time for living?
Wednesday, 3 September 2003
Tuesday, 2 September 2003
If we didn't have rough bits.....
we wouldn't appreciate smooth bits.
I'd planned to post here last night, but that 'wonderful' oven that I mentioned needed re-fitting for various reasons (long story). Got halfway through fitting it, cooked dinner (Chris was out doing aerobics) then finished the job. Finally printed the manual (downloaded from the net) at about 11.30ish. Meanwhile, about 10.45 Chris had started looking through the paperwork for the tax return I've got to complete. Now I've not been particularly good about getting with things (I'm like that these days) and we've got 3 weeks to go until it has to be in. Come about 11.40 some fairly 'firm' words were spoken, and then finally a rather chilly bedtime arrived. Not ideal.
On the good side, we did make up this morning (I hate going to bed angry, but you can't say sorry while you're gritting your teeth).
I'm also struggling with the 'war on want'. That is, I want things and have to restrain myself from being a good little consumer and buying them. I have many hobbies, and they are all cash-intensive, meaning that I could spend a couple of incomes quite happily on self gratification. The thing is that by the Grace of God I know this isn't right, and a tussle ensues. There seems to be a point where the desire to buy reaches a crescendo and then falls away. If I can wait out the storm then things are fine, and I can 'take a view' and be rational. I don't wish to be greedy in all this, but the voice of ME shouts quite loudly at times.
I *think* I've just ridden out the storm and the water ahead should be reasonably clear for a few days. Lets just hope there aren't any hidden rocks.
I'd planned to post here last night, but that 'wonderful' oven that I mentioned needed re-fitting for various reasons (long story). Got halfway through fitting it, cooked dinner (Chris was out doing aerobics) then finished the job. Finally printed the manual (downloaded from the net) at about 11.30ish. Meanwhile, about 10.45 Chris had started looking through the paperwork for the tax return I've got to complete. Now I've not been particularly good about getting with things (I'm like that these days) and we've got 3 weeks to go until it has to be in. Come about 11.40 some fairly 'firm' words were spoken, and then finally a rather chilly bedtime arrived. Not ideal.
On the good side, we did make up this morning (I hate going to bed angry, but you can't say sorry while you're gritting your teeth).
I'm also struggling with the 'war on want'. That is, I want things and have to restrain myself from being a good little consumer and buying them. I have many hobbies, and they are all cash-intensive, meaning that I could spend a couple of incomes quite happily on self gratification. The thing is that by the Grace of God I know this isn't right, and a tussle ensues. There seems to be a point where the desire to buy reaches a crescendo and then falls away. If I can wait out the storm then things are fine, and I can 'take a view' and be rational. I don't wish to be greedy in all this, but the voice of ME shouts quite loudly at times.
I *think* I've just ridden out the storm and the water ahead should be reasonably clear for a few days. Lets just hope there aren't any hidden rocks.
Sunday, 31 August 2003
It's good to have Ben back
He's been away at a youth camp.
"Did you enjoy it"?
"Yes".
"what did you do"?
"This and that".
Looks like they had a barrel of laughs then. He did hug us though, once we'd got home and there was no-one else around.
BTW this nearly didn't get posted. Thought I'd do a 'quick' processor upgrade this afternoon. 1 dead mobo and a number of hours later I'm back on line. Doncha love computers.
"Did you enjoy it"?
"Yes".
"what did you do"?
"This and that".
Looks like they had a barrel of laughs then. He did hug us though, once we'd got home and there was no-one else around.
BTW this nearly didn't get posted. Thought I'd do a 'quick' processor upgrade this afternoon. 1 dead mobo and a number of hours later I'm back on line. Doncha love computers.
Saturday, 30 August 2003
Well, that was a funny day.
It started out a bit slow, sayong goodbye to friends, then having to wait half an hour for *someone* to get themselves ready to go out. The next bit is a long story, involving shopping for a gate, but returning with an oven, and having to make 2 trips into Oxford because the oven was too big to go in the first car :-/
But such is life that it all turned around this afternoon, and despite every predictable obstacle being put in my way (why do oven sizes get altered every couple of years??) it is now fitted and working.
This evening another good friend (Jez) brought a 'dumped' bike over, which we fixed and made roadworthy. This is particularly good, since he has had to borrow a bike to ride to work. And the new one is actually quite decent too (amazing what some people throw away, it really is). It's rather good, because Jez is a teacher and gave Ben some 'help' with German for his exams this year, so we've been wanting to find a tangible way to say thanks, and it's great that this came up.
But such is life that it all turned around this afternoon, and despite every predictable obstacle being put in my way (why do oven sizes get altered every couple of years??) it is now fitted and working.
This evening another good friend (Jez) brought a 'dumped' bike over, which we fixed and made roadworthy. This is particularly good, since he has had to borrow a bike to ride to work. And the new one is actually quite decent too (amazing what some people throw away, it really is). It's rather good, because Jez is a teacher and gave Ben some 'help' with German for his exams this year, so we've been wanting to find a tangible way to say thanks, and it's great that this came up.
Goodbye for now
To some good friends of ours. A couple we've known for over 20 years now, Trevor and Karin Allen, dropped by yesterday evening, stopping overnight with us. We first met them when we were first married - our wedding was a good point at which to make the break from the dead Baptist church we were in without offending too many people. They were in the new church we joined (and still are) and were one of the more mature 'young couples'. I think Trev was about 30 and Karin 28 then (we were 20 and 18!). But we've always been good friends, and their visit was like rolling away all the time we've been apart.
They're on a whistlestop tour heading north. Hope you 2 have a good time, and enjoy all the renewed acquaintences. Thanks for dropping by.
They're on a whistlestop tour heading north. Hope you 2 have a good time, and enjoy all the renewed acquaintences. Thanks for dropping by.
Friday, 29 August 2003
An early morning prayer.
Lord, I want to be righteous.
You can see my heart, how it desires so many things, but forgets you.
Yet you still call me to come close.
You are faithful, I am weak. How can I stand before you?
Wash me through again.
Let me know your forgiveness and cleansing.
Change my heart within from stone to flesh.
Show me your ways, that I can walk in them.
Thankyou Father.
Sometimes you get to see yourself a little more clearly, and a little less like you'd like to think you are.
You can see my heart, how it desires so many things, but forgets you.
Yet you still call me to come close.
You are faithful, I am weak. How can I stand before you?
Wash me through again.
Let me know your forgiveness and cleansing.
Change my heart within from stone to flesh.
Show me your ways, that I can walk in them.
Thankyou Father.
Sometimes you get to see yourself a little more clearly, and a little less like you'd like to think you are.
Thursday, 28 August 2003
LEAP!
Yet another new photo collection published.
Chris passed the magic '40' milestone back in February, and to celebrate, wanted to do something a little wilder than usual. I guess you could say she's a fallen woman now (",).
Chris passed the magic '40' milestone back in February, and to celebrate, wanted to do something a little wilder than usual. I guess you could say she's a fallen woman now (",).
Wednesday, 27 August 2003
And now, the end is nigh.......
We had our first rain this morning since we came back from holiday. Bye bye summer, bye bye dry trails, it's been nice knowing you.
Tuesday, 26 August 2003
That's better
Got home from work about 6.15, grabbed Sharon (my singlespeed saracen MTB) and headed out. 18 cross country miles and 1hr 25 mins later and virtually all of the stress from yesterday's outing plus todays work have gone.
I may not be very righteous, but I'm grateful for what I can enjoy.
I may not be very righteous, but I'm grateful for what I can enjoy.
The opulent
Having read Randall's blog this morning, this seemed an entirely appropriate title. As promised, you can view the images from yesterday's visit to Hampton Court palace on http://tertl.fotopic.net. I've known Hampton court for a long time, but only from the outside, having fished the river Thames beside it for many years as a kid, so this was a first.
I wonder how much you can tell about people from their decor? People were certainly religious in those days, but apparently with very strange beliefs. The paintings (both walls and canvas) and tapestries show a wild mix of Christian, quasi-christian and greek mythology, all seemlessly intertwined. There was also an erotic flavour to it that I've never been aware of before in 'old master' type paintings. It might just be me, but bearing in mind that during certain reigns the court was practically a knocking shop, maybe I shouldn't find that so surprising.
I've also always been pro-monarchy, despite it being very unfashionable here at certain times. Seeing this place has made me wonder. I've tended to overlook the bowing, scraping and general humiliation of subjects that the royal presence demanded, but here it was so 'in your face' that it couldn't be ignored. It was compounded for me by the regency aspects to the building - the regency period was an era where the poor were truly treated as if beneath contempt by the rich. Toward the end I was just sick of the place - the exaggerated wealth, the rules, and especially the whole falsley religious side of things. Enough is known about the private lives of past monarchs to show that, regardless of their status as head of the church of England, many of them lived deliberately non-Christian lives, even by the standards of the day. I have to say however, that the present Queen does not reflect this, and I have much respect for the way in which she has chosen to live her life.
Maybe I'm really just a rebellious anarchist, trying to throw off restraint.
Ignoring the emotions it stimulated, the palace is kind of interesting, and if you like Gardens then they are particularly good. I've also managed to include a number of pictures of people in authentic costumes. They made a very big deal about use of correct fabrics and techniques etc to make these. These probably do appear very much like they would have done originally, except that they are a lot cleaner! Unfortunately it is not permitted to take pictures inside, so there are no interior shots. The most spectacular interior was inside the chapel, with an incredibly intricate and detailed ceiling, gold covered cherubs a go-go and acres of polished wood panelling. Again my cynicism would make me question whether God's ever been near the place, but he's far more gracious than me and it may be that it is a genuine place of worship, rather than a temple to human glory.
Hope you enjoy the pics.
I wonder how much you can tell about people from their decor? People were certainly religious in those days, but apparently with very strange beliefs. The paintings (both walls and canvas) and tapestries show a wild mix of Christian, quasi-christian and greek mythology, all seemlessly intertwined. There was also an erotic flavour to it that I've never been aware of before in 'old master' type paintings. It might just be me, but bearing in mind that during certain reigns the court was practically a knocking shop, maybe I shouldn't find that so surprising.
I've also always been pro-monarchy, despite it being very unfashionable here at certain times. Seeing this place has made me wonder. I've tended to overlook the bowing, scraping and general humiliation of subjects that the royal presence demanded, but here it was so 'in your face' that it couldn't be ignored. It was compounded for me by the regency aspects to the building - the regency period was an era where the poor were truly treated as if beneath contempt by the rich. Toward the end I was just sick of the place - the exaggerated wealth, the rules, and especially the whole falsley religious side of things. Enough is known about the private lives of past monarchs to show that, regardless of their status as head of the church of England, many of them lived deliberately non-Christian lives, even by the standards of the day. I have to say however, that the present Queen does not reflect this, and I have much respect for the way in which she has chosen to live her life.
Maybe I'm really just a rebellious anarchist, trying to throw off restraint.
Ignoring the emotions it stimulated, the palace is kind of interesting, and if you like Gardens then they are particularly good. I've also managed to include a number of pictures of people in authentic costumes. They made a very big deal about use of correct fabrics and techniques etc to make these. These probably do appear very much like they would have done originally, except that they are a lot cleaner! Unfortunately it is not permitted to take pictures inside, so there are no interior shots. The most spectacular interior was inside the chapel, with an incredibly intricate and detailed ceiling, gold covered cherubs a go-go and acres of polished wood panelling. Again my cynicism would make me question whether God's ever been near the place, but he's far more gracious than me and it may be that it is a genuine place of worship, rather than a temple to human glory.
Hope you enjoy the pics.
Monday, 25 August 2003
Yaay! It's a bank holiday today.
So I've got a day off with the family. Now, should we visit Hampton court or Windsor castle?
<10 second pause>
Chris just wandered by and said "Hampton court", so it looks like that's where we're going. I'll try to grab some pics and post them on tertl.fotopic.net tomorrow.
<10 second pause>
Chris just wandered by and said "Hampton court", so it looks like that's where we're going. I'll try to grab some pics and post them on tertl.fotopic.net tomorrow.
Sunday, 24 August 2003
I just love it when
People are really up for it with worship. This evening we had our 'family' type meeting (meant not to be serious etc). But one song in, everyone is just waiting to break into singing in the spirit when the words are out of the way. And people kept asking to sing appropriate songs, rather than needing a prompt or just waiting for someone else.
We didn't soar, because that isn't what this particular time is meant to be about (if God wants to over-rule sovereignly then that's fine however) but I could feel people just wanting to edge over into more. I'm getting quite excited now to see where He's going to take us over the next few weeks.
My single piece of discomfort in all this is seeing another good friend, Andrew K, there. He's in a lot of pain - pretty much morphine on demand, due to a near-failed liver plus various other functions that aren't too good. I know he's tough about pain, because even though his knees have been shot for a long time he's never stopped working (he's about 6'5", 330lb and runs a building company). But talking to him tonight and seeing him sweat from the pain, makes me want to ask "why"? Healing is a gift that just cannot be taken for granted.
We didn't soar, because that isn't what this particular time is meant to be about (if God wants to over-rule sovereignly then that's fine however) but I could feel people just wanting to edge over into more. I'm getting quite excited now to see where He's going to take us over the next few weeks.
My single piece of discomfort in all this is seeing another good friend, Andrew K, there. He's in a lot of pain - pretty much morphine on demand, due to a near-failed liver plus various other functions that aren't too good. I know he's tough about pain, because even though his knees have been shot for a long time he's never stopped working (he's about 6'5", 330lb and runs a building company). But talking to him tonight and seeing him sweat from the pain, makes me want to ask "why"? Healing is a gift that just cannot be taken for granted.
Saturday, 23 August 2003
Good friends again.
Had some good friends (Jeremy and Helen, plus progeny) over tonight. It's really great, spending time with people we used to know so well, but haven't really spent been with much over the last few years.
Tomorrow Ben's off to "Exe 2003". It's a youth camp run by salt and light churches in southern England, and held at Exmouth. This year (at 15) he's going as one of the junior leaders. I seriously hope he get's touched while there - while he knows God, he also struggles with what he feels is insufficient awareness of God on a daily basis. We were talking in the car after he'd finished his Saturday job, and discussing how many of the guys in his class did soft drugs (most of them, apparently, although I suspect some say they do to fit in). Ben's always been someone that walks his own path, but sometimes it feels like our kids have to walk through a hairy old world.
Anyway, with his natural sense of timing and style he's upstairs packing now, at 9.30pm. In 12 hours time he'll be off.
Tomorrow Ben's off to "Exe 2003". It's a youth camp run by salt and light churches in southern England, and held at Exmouth. This year (at 15) he's going as one of the junior leaders. I seriously hope he get's touched while there - while he knows God, he also struggles with what he feels is insufficient awareness of God on a daily basis. We were talking in the car after he'd finished his Saturday job, and discussing how many of the guys in his class did soft drugs (most of them, apparently, although I suspect some say they do to fit in). Ben's always been someone that walks his own path, but sometimes it feels like our kids have to walk through a hairy old world.
Anyway, with his natural sense of timing and style he's upstairs packing now, at 9.30pm. In 12 hours time he'll be off.
Friday, 22 August 2003
Well, she's gone.
It's interesting how you can actually get to love some people over the years. I've often felt like the older brother, and Kathy my younger and slightly wayward sister. But I'd like to think that I've had an influence too, and that our marriage has given her inspiration for her own.
Feel slightly hollow now, but that will pass.
Next stop - Sarah :-)
Feel slightly hollow now, but that will pass.
Next stop - Sarah :-)
Mixed weather ahead
Actually it's nothing to do with the weather at all, but today there's cause for celebration and sadness.
Sadness first - someone that I've worked with for the last 7 years is leaving today, to move to Ireland. I've known Kathy since 1997, and we've become almost like brother and sister. Kathy is quite an interesting character, and has seen a fair bit more of the world than most people of twice her age. One of my lasting memories of her was that within the first week in the lab together she said "I won't sleep with you; I just don't fancy you". That was fine by Chris and me ;-)
I will miss her friendship though, and as a company we'll definitely miss her skill set and determination.
The good news is today is my daughter Sarah's 14th birthday. We woke her and Ben early (by their standards - we were ready to leave for work) and sat on the bed while she opened presents. We've had some interesting times, particularly in the last 3 years, but it was 15 minutes of un-alloyed happiness for her. When I left she was busy trying on clothes. Tonight we're taking the children to see "Pirates of the Carribean" followed by a Chinese meal in Oxford. Should be fun.
Sadness first - someone that I've worked with for the last 7 years is leaving today, to move to Ireland. I've known Kathy since 1997, and we've become almost like brother and sister. Kathy is quite an interesting character, and has seen a fair bit more of the world than most people of twice her age. One of my lasting memories of her was that within the first week in the lab together she said "I won't sleep with you; I just don't fancy you". That was fine by Chris and me ;-)
I will miss her friendship though, and as a company we'll definitely miss her skill set and determination.
The good news is today is my daughter Sarah's 14th birthday. We woke her and Ben early (by their standards - we were ready to leave for work) and sat on the bed while she opened presents. We've had some interesting times, particularly in the last 3 years, but it was 15 minutes of un-alloyed happiness for her. When I left she was busy trying on clothes. Tonight we're taking the children to see "Pirates of the Carribean" followed by a Chinese meal in Oxford. Should be fun.
Thursday, 21 August 2003
One of those nights...
Think I've mentioned on Randall's blog that as a church we've been told to 'pause, turn and focus on God'. Well, as a result we've scrapped our normal pattern of church meetings, house groups etc. Instead we meet for a light, family oriented meeting on Sunday PM, followed by tea, with a serious Wednesday night time of biblestudy, prayer and worship. The worship has been de-focussed too, so that it's lead from the 'hatha'* principle instead of with a worship leader, and with a single instrument, rather than a band. To keep things simple I'd taken an acoustic guitar.
The plan was to open with a single song to help people draw near to God before starting the bible study. God was gracious enough to turn up however, and after about 20 or 25 mins we managed to pull ourselves round to the idea of bible study. The study was good, but it was clearly not the main event, and we were aware of God really wanting to touch us through the Holy Spirit. We broke down for prayer with people ministering to each other, then came back together for worship. It was one of those nights where you don't want to stop, and the desire to keep going fights with the tiredness of the fingers. There are few feelings to compare with the rythmns of heaven being played through your hands. It doesn't even need a specific song to be sung, although when a new one is started then it brings a fresh wave through, as you move into a new key and chord structure. People were singing in the Spirit and in English, as the spirit moved them.
Even when we were packing away it seemed to just take a couple of key words to trigger another song. However by that time we had also become light-hearted, the way you seem to when you've touched the Throne and come back to Earth.
Who can ask for more?
* "everyone hath a word or as spiritual song". Cringe? Yeah, I did the first time I heard it too, but it's still funny ;-)
The plan was to open with a single song to help people draw near to God before starting the bible study. God was gracious enough to turn up however, and after about 20 or 25 mins we managed to pull ourselves round to the idea of bible study. The study was good, but it was clearly not the main event, and we were aware of God really wanting to touch us through the Holy Spirit. We broke down for prayer with people ministering to each other, then came back together for worship. It was one of those nights where you don't want to stop, and the desire to keep going fights with the tiredness of the fingers. There are few feelings to compare with the rythmns of heaven being played through your hands. It doesn't even need a specific song to be sung, although when a new one is started then it brings a fresh wave through, as you move into a new key and chord structure. People were singing in the Spirit and in English, as the spirit moved them.
Even when we were packing away it seemed to just take a couple of key words to trigger another song. However by that time we had also become light-hearted, the way you seem to when you've touched the Throne and come back to Earth.
Who can ask for more?
* "everyone hath a word or as spiritual song". Cringe? Yeah, I did the first time I heard it too, but it's still funny ;-)
Wednesday, 20 August 2003
One thing leads to another.
I read Linea's blog this morning about going on a spiritual retreat, and was thinking about how it's a very 'Anglican' church thing to do, at least in the UK. This crossed into spending time with God generally, and how in my particular church stream, retreats tend to be relatively rare, and then usually just for a day or so.
It was at this point I felt God say "what are you planning to do this lunchtime?" The pattern for the last couple of weeks has been to read and reply to blogs, work on my own, view various websites etc. Gradually the realisation came that I've been spending more time on the net than with Him. I then felt him quite clearly say "Come and spend lunchtime with Me".
See you all later then, I've got an appointment.
It was at this point I felt God say "what are you planning to do this lunchtime?" The pattern for the last couple of weeks has been to read and reply to blogs, work on my own, view various websites etc. Gradually the realisation came that I've been spending more time on the net than with Him. I then felt him quite clearly say "Come and spend lunchtime with Me".
See you all later then, I've got an appointment.
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