We have been playing with the name of this book a little. Chris managed to mis-hear me, and thought I said something a little more interesting, but ho hum.
Today we're not particularly impressed.
The sentiments Rick Warren is trying to express - that God loves each of us, and chose us for himself - are spot on. But the detail in the description is inconsistent both with itself and with scripture. One moment it suggests that God choses and specifies every detail of our lives: our parents, character, hair colour, each moment of the day, every step we take. Then it says that we can chose our jobs, partners, house etc.
He's stumbled over predestination, and rather than tidy the mess up for others, has made it worse.
Now the spirit of the book IS good. Don't get me wrong, I KNOW we were chosen by God, and He's the one that gives us purpose. But when we were chosen I'd suspect it was rather like selecting a car "I'll have that Ford Escort THERE, and accepting the fact that we happen to come with head restraints in the front but not the back, and our spare tyre is only a space-saver type. It also dodges round the idea that IF God chose how everyone was, then why do some people have spinabifida, Down syndrome etc by saying God 'permitted it'. Either He specifies or He doesn't.
Now the arguementative might say "what about the scripture that says 'He formed us in our mothers womb' and 'before we were born He knew us'"? This is still perfectly true - the bible also talks about God making seeds grow, even though we plant and water them. It seems perfectly reasonable to me that an omniscient God who was able to view time from start to finish would know our characters and *what we were going to do* even before we were conceived. But this is substantially different from deciding every aspect of our lives, including each step we take - if that were the case then there would be no free will, and sin could not be sin because God would have decided for us that we were going to do those things, and therefore they would be in line with the will of God!
This doesn't lessen the involvement of God both in the world as a whole and in our lives directly. But it is important to remember that God is a father who handles us a s a father and not a giant pupett master, pulling an ever more complex tangle of strings as He steers the world through crisis after crisis.
There is a temptation to anthropomorphise God - to make Him in our image. The bible tells us the reverse is true - He made us in His image. It is important to bear this in mind when we view God and His actions.
Tuesday, 7 March 2006
Monday, 6 March 2006
So much for the weekend.
It's here.
Then it's gone.
Slept badly Friday night - Ben was out 'till 12ish, woke up around 12.15 wondering if he'd come home, had a sore throat, couldn't sleep properly until I gave in around 4ish and checked - yes, he was there. Saturday night I wanted to keep working on the amp (I'll introduce Voxy Baby later) I was building, so I carried on until 1.30ish, then surfed (stupidly) until 5ish.
So I'm sat here at work on a Monday morning feeling as tired as I did on Friday evening. I HAVE acheived some things, but R&R wasn't really a big feature. Looking forward (or backward) to a time when Chris and I were both fit and well.
Later I may publish some thoughts on 'The Purpose Driven Life'.
Or I might just do some work.
Then it's gone.
Slept badly Friday night - Ben was out 'till 12ish, woke up around 12.15 wondering if he'd come home, had a sore throat, couldn't sleep properly until I gave in around 4ish and checked - yes, he was there. Saturday night I wanted to keep working on the amp (I'll introduce Voxy Baby later) I was building, so I carried on until 1.30ish, then surfed (stupidly) until 5ish.
So I'm sat here at work on a Monday morning feeling as tired as I did on Friday evening. I HAVE acheived some things, but R&R wasn't really a big feature. Looking forward (or backward) to a time when Chris and I were both fit and well.
Later I may publish some thoughts on 'The Purpose Driven Life'.
Or I might just do some work.
Saturday, 4 March 2006
This clustrmaps thing is fascinating.
I'd just like to say 'Hi and thanks for dropping by' to Martin and Jenny, Gunvor, Victoria (I think) Phil and Ester, Johanna and everyone else that doesn't live in some relationally-unique part of the world from us.
Friday, 3 March 2006
I have succumbed
Oh, nothing nasty.
Instead I've given in to a form of site counter.
If you look down below the links on the left you'll see a world map in minature (aren't ehy all?). This will show where in the world visitors to this blog have come from, as well as how many. My personal feeling is that counters normally show you've got a problem, but this little thing is really neat with it's location facility. I tried to get this about 6 months ago, but they had withdrawn it at the time I tried to download. Now it's available again, and so I grabbed the opportunity while it was there.
I wonder whether I have more UK or Ca visitors? Guess we'll find out soon.
Instead I've given in to a form of site counter.
If you look down below the links on the left you'll see a world map in minature (aren't ehy all?). This will show where in the world visitors to this blog have come from, as well as how many. My personal feeling is that counters normally show you've got a problem, but this little thing is really neat with it's location facility. I tried to get this about 6 months ago, but they had withdrawn it at the time I tried to download. Now it's available again, and so I grabbed the opportunity while it was there.
I wonder whether I have more UK or Ca visitors? Guess we'll find out soon.
Thursday, 2 March 2006
What good is religion?
I've not visited the Country Life Blog for a week or so, but have just found a post by Sue that reminds me of why I get frustrated by traditional church. Why, I ask, do we think there is something useful in special clothes, using different voices and words, meeting in special buildings and having special music.
Does it make us more like Jesus?
Is it going to convict us that the poor need to be fed?
Is it going to bring justice to the oppressed and down-trodden?
Will it actually have any impact on our lives, other than to make us spend a couple of hours once or twice a week doing the prescribed actions that we've been culturally lead to believe will help us be 'OK' with God?
This does not detract in any way from those that live sacrificial lives, working within the traditional churches. But, as many from the hierarchy of those churches have observed, they are becoming increasingly irrelevant to the general population, and the result is that people don't see the point any more. Christianity (rather than churchianity) is a living and vital thing, immediately relevant to all generations and all cultures. It touches us to the heart, guiding us in lifestyle, relationships and policy.
There are 2 things I want when I die.
That I will have served God in my generation.
That no-one will copy how I did things.
Does it make us more like Jesus?
Is it going to convict us that the poor need to be fed?
Is it going to bring justice to the oppressed and down-trodden?
Will it actually have any impact on our lives, other than to make us spend a couple of hours once or twice a week doing the prescribed actions that we've been culturally lead to believe will help us be 'OK' with God?
This does not detract in any way from those that live sacrificial lives, working within the traditional churches. But, as many from the hierarchy of those churches have observed, they are becoming increasingly irrelevant to the general population, and the result is that people don't see the point any more. Christianity (rather than churchianity) is a living and vital thing, immediately relevant to all generations and all cultures. It touches us to the heart, guiding us in lifestyle, relationships and policy.
There are 2 things I want when I die.
That I will have served God in my generation.
That no-one will copy how I did things.
Dunno really.
Sometimes up and sometimes not up.
I was recently asked about whether we're doing anything around the time of Sarah's death. Apart from not having an answer, it was a question I'm not sure I really wanted to even think about. It's less difficult for me to bury my head in the Thurday night group, building amps etc etc. I'm not sure that I'm really that far over what's happened, but I've developed things far enough to lead a semi-normal life.
This isn't a cry for help or me being depressed (I've worn the Tee-shirt for that in the past, and know the difference). But I frequently don't post all that I think and feel these days. Sometimes it wouldn't be helpful, sometimes it might upset or shock people a bit and sometimes it's no-one else's business. But this is something I can say a little bit about without hopefully causing too many issues.
I was recently asked about whether we're doing anything around the time of Sarah's death. Apart from not having an answer, it was a question I'm not sure I really wanted to even think about. It's less difficult for me to bury my head in the Thurday night group, building amps etc etc. I'm not sure that I'm really that far over what's happened, but I've developed things far enough to lead a semi-normal life.
This isn't a cry for help or me being depressed (I've worn the Tee-shirt for that in the past, and know the difference). But I frequently don't post all that I think and feel these days. Sometimes it wouldn't be helpful, sometimes it might upset or shock people a bit and sometimes it's no-one else's business. But this is something I can say a little bit about without hopefully causing too many issues.
Wednesday, 1 March 2006
Just looked out
And thought to myself "that snow is coming down so thick and so fine that it looks like smoke!"
Went to investigate further and found that the cigarette butt bin was smouldering gently to itself, smoke blowing across the front of the building.
Went to investigate further and found that the cigarette butt bin was smouldering gently to itself, smoke blowing across the front of the building.
C'est precipitant.
We have snow again. Wonder if it'll stay this time? It was certainly cold enough this morning.
Who knows?
Not me.
This was going to be a random post, but now I'm wondering.....
Our MD has given up alcohol for lent. I'm going to *try* to give up double entendres.
May change my plans on this if I meet with abject and rapid failure: it can be very hard to cancel out instinct.
BTW did anyone realise that 'Mardi Gras' meant 'Fat Tuesday'? Somehow Shrove Tuesday sounds like something shrivelled and atrophied - austere and cold - but thanks to Ben, we did eat pancakes last night.
This was going to be a random post, but now I'm wondering.....
Our MD has given up alcohol for lent. I'm going to *try* to give up double entendres.
May change my plans on this if I meet with abject and rapid failure: it can be very hard to cancel out instinct.
BTW did anyone realise that 'Mardi Gras' meant 'Fat Tuesday'? Somehow Shrove Tuesday sounds like something shrivelled and atrophied - austere and cold - but thanks to Ben, we did eat pancakes last night.
POX!
I'm supposed to be doing circuit training tonight, and seem to have twinged a nerve in my back. Not sure I'll be there tonight. 
Tuesday, 28 February 2006
Sorry to not be around
Been offline all day.
Meeting Thursday night, usual time and place. Role call:
Dan
Kita
Liv
Ben
Katherine
Hannah
Jon
Rach
Anyone else up for it? _RUN_?
Meeting Thursday night, usual time and place. Role call:
Dan
Kita
Liv
Ben
Katherine
Hannah
Jon
Rach
Anyone else up for it? _RUN_?
Monday, 27 February 2006
A surprisingly good post to link.
Can't say I've particularly agreed with Jordon Cooper in a number of areas over the years, but this post is very good indeed.
Talk about getting someone's goat....
Not for those of a sensitive disposition, the overtly self-righteous or anyone lacking a sense of humour.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4748292.stm
It IS the BBC, so it can't be that bad.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4748292.stm
It IS the BBC, so it can't be that bad.
Posting has been thin recently
and I'm sorry for that.
I've not been inspired much: staying out of arguements makes things more peaceful but doesn't stir up the thoughts or stimulate exploration of alternative ideas. I also feel a little tired to the point where some things I'd planned to do have gone by the board - like working through 'A generous orthodoxy'. I did a couple of chapters, thought "some of this is right, but some is wrong" and lost interest.
There was someone talking on the radio this morning about pay equality for women, and how 20 years or so after a specific act of parliament women's gross pay was still on average 17% lower than men's. They were using phrases like "women being forced into part-time work because they had children" and clearly failing to understand reality. I wonder how people that have so little grasp of human understanding are able to achieve positions of power?
As a church, we're about to start going through the 'Purpose driven life'. Guess I'll find out whether it's the dreadful capitalist-right-wing-megachurch-advertising book that some have suggested. Or if it's actually something that might help build people up in their Christian lives. We'll see.
I've not been inspired much: staying out of arguements makes things more peaceful but doesn't stir up the thoughts or stimulate exploration of alternative ideas. I also feel a little tired to the point where some things I'd planned to do have gone by the board - like working through 'A generous orthodoxy'. I did a couple of chapters, thought "some of this is right, but some is wrong" and lost interest.
There was someone talking on the radio this morning about pay equality for women, and how 20 years or so after a specific act of parliament women's gross pay was still on average 17% lower than men's. They were using phrases like "women being forced into part-time work because they had children" and clearly failing to understand reality. I wonder how people that have so little grasp of human understanding are able to achieve positions of power?
As a church, we're about to start going through the 'Purpose driven life'. Guess I'll find out whether it's the dreadful capitalist-right-wing-megachurch-advertising book that some have suggested. Or if it's actually something that might help build people up in their Christian lives. We'll see.
Friday, 24 February 2006
Why Computers Sometimes Crash! by Dr. Seuss.
If a packet hits a pocket on a socket on a port,
and the bus is interrupted at a very last resort,
and the access of the memory makes your floppy disk abort,
then the socket packet pocket has an error to report.
If your cursor finds a menu item followed by a dash,
and the double-clicking icon puts your window in the trash,
and your data is corrupted cause the index doesn't hash,
then your situation's hopeless and your system's gonna crash!
If the label on the cable on the table at your house,
says the network is connected to the button on your mouse,
but your packets want to tunnel to another protocol,
that's repeatedly rejected by the printer down the hall.
And your screen is all distorted by the side effects of gauss,
so your icons in the window are as wavy as a souse;
then you may as well reboot and go out with a bang,
'cuz sure as I'm a poet, the sucker's gonna hang.
When the copy on your floppy's getting sloppy in the disk,
and the macro code instructions is causing unnecessary risk,
then you'll have to flash the memory and you'll want to RAM your ROM,
and then quickly turn off the computer and be sure to tell your Mom!
Thanks to Richard (who doesn't blog).
and the bus is interrupted at a very last resort,
and the access of the memory makes your floppy disk abort,
then the socket packet pocket has an error to report.
If your cursor finds a menu item followed by a dash,
and the double-clicking icon puts your window in the trash,
and your data is corrupted cause the index doesn't hash,
then your situation's hopeless and your system's gonna crash!
If the label on the cable on the table at your house,
says the network is connected to the button on your mouse,
but your packets want to tunnel to another protocol,
that's repeatedly rejected by the printer down the hall.
And your screen is all distorted by the side effects of gauss,
so your icons in the window are as wavy as a souse;
then you may as well reboot and go out with a bang,
'cuz sure as I'm a poet, the sucker's gonna hang.
When the copy on your floppy's getting sloppy in the disk,
and the macro code instructions is causing unnecessary risk,
then you'll have to flash the memory and you'll want to RAM your ROM,
and then quickly turn off the computer and be sure to tell your Mom!
Thanks to Richard (who doesn't blog).
Thursday, 23 February 2006
Meeting tonight
At our place. Dan, Kita, Livi, Katherine - if you want to contact me the email me at work - @XXlabs.com. I'm going to be offline all day except for email.
Sunday, 19 February 2006
Never before
Never before did I ever see an acoustic guitar that I wanted for looks alone.
It probably sounds like complete pants, but I'd love to use that in church.
It probably sounds like complete pants, but I'd love to use that in church.
Well, the boy got back
Undamaged and exhilirated from his ski trip.
We're grateful all went well, and that he doesn't need to heal. The house is different already, with mud on the floor and more bodies dashing around. Glad he's here though.
We're grateful all went well, and that he doesn't need to heal. The house is different already, with mud on the floor and more bodies dashing around. Glad he's here though.
Saturday, 18 February 2006
Very, very weird.
Last night I DID make it out for Sue's birthday, after dosing up with cold relief stuff. After we got back I surfed a little and enjoyed some of Mr. Jameson's finest (for medicinal purposes) before heading off to sleep. At that point I was starting to sneeze and stream again. Yet this morning I seem fine apart from being a little 'woozy' (nothing to do with the minimal quantity of whisky ingested).
This is really very strange.
Guess I should be grateful that I haven't succumbed big-time like so many.
This is really very strange.
Guess I should be grateful that I haven't succumbed big-time like so many.
Friday, 17 February 2006
And another........
"Please don't use contraceptives"
"Why not? Are you Roman Catholic?"
"No, I'm a Rythm Methodist."
"Why not? Are you Roman Catholic?"
"No, I'm a Rythm Methodist."
The last couple of hours
I'm in a meeting, my nose is streaming, my globular head (adiponectin discussion) is thick and fuzzy and I keep sneezing explosively. Poor sore nose. We're supposed to be out for a curry tonight for Sue Tugwood's birthday - hope I can cope with chicken Tikka masala.
edit
Now at home, I feel like I've been given a good solid thump in the head, and if the drugs don't kick in then I won't be going anywhere, curryhouse or otherwise.
edit
Now at home, I feel like I've been given a good solid thump in the head, and if the drugs don't kick in then I won't be going anywhere, curryhouse or otherwise.
Heard in the office
One for the Anglicans in our midst:
"What happens when you're no longer Verger intacta"
"You become a laid reader."
Boom-ching.
I'll be here all week folks.
"What happens when you're no longer Verger intacta"
"You become a laid reader."
Boom-ching.
I'll be here all week folks.
Thursday, 16 February 2006
Delayed Baptisms
Chris writes:
I was disappointed at Toni's brief account of the baptisms so here is my version, just a little late!
Well, what a fantastic day!
There were 4 people being baptised alltogether. In addition to Dan & NIkita there was Jon & Ben, both young lads of about 13 who have grown up in the church, so it was a very special time. We also had a lot of guests as all their respective families turned out in force! They all did brilliantly well with their testimonies, which can be very daunting, & this was quite moving. I started to get emotional when Dan read his!
Both Jon & Ben were baptised by a leader plus their Dad, then it was our turn! I don't really know how to put it into words, it was quite overwhelming. Such a joy & a priveledge to baptise these two who have come to mean so much to us, I was laughing & crying at the same time!
In many ways it was more emotional than baptising our own kids, we have paid a high price to see this happen. Sarah was baptised when she was just 9, very young really, but she was just so sure. Toni & I baptised her ourselves & I am so glad we had that priveledge & have those memories. Ben was baptised last March, & I am glad she was around to see that.
Afterwards we had coffee & cake & a chance to meet Nikita's family. It was especially good to spend some time with her Mum. Then we went back to Dan's house for a chinese take away & some good social time. I spent some time with the 'oldies' (that is my own generation!) but in the end couldn't resist drifting over to the youngsters. My mother-in-law is such a sweetie, she reckoned I didn't look much older than them! She always did have a tendency to see those she loves through EXTREMELY rose coloured spectacles!
And talking of Mum-in-law, we had a really nice day together on the Monday. We went to art class where we saw Nikita's Grandma Joy, then we had lunch with my Mum, then I took her back home to SE London & we went out for a meal together. We both really appreciate the great relationship we have.
And finally, Happy Birthday to Nikita, who is 18 today!
Chris
I was disappointed at Toni's brief account of the baptisms so here is my version, just a little late!
Well, what a fantastic day!
There were 4 people being baptised alltogether. In addition to Dan & NIkita there was Jon & Ben, both young lads of about 13 who have grown up in the church, so it was a very special time. We also had a lot of guests as all their respective families turned out in force! They all did brilliantly well with their testimonies, which can be very daunting, & this was quite moving. I started to get emotional when Dan read his!
Both Jon & Ben were baptised by a leader plus their Dad, then it was our turn! I don't really know how to put it into words, it was quite overwhelming. Such a joy & a priveledge to baptise these two who have come to mean so much to us, I was laughing & crying at the same time!
In many ways it was more emotional than baptising our own kids, we have paid a high price to see this happen. Sarah was baptised when she was just 9, very young really, but she was just so sure. Toni & I baptised her ourselves & I am so glad we had that priveledge & have those memories. Ben was baptised last March, & I am glad she was around to see that.
Afterwards we had coffee & cake & a chance to meet Nikita's family. It was especially good to spend some time with her Mum. Then we went back to Dan's house for a chinese take away & some good social time. I spent some time with the 'oldies' (that is my own generation!) but in the end couldn't resist drifting over to the youngsters. My mother-in-law is such a sweetie, she reckoned I didn't look much older than them! She always did have a tendency to see those she loves through EXTREMELY rose coloured spectacles!
And talking of Mum-in-law, we had a really nice day together on the Monday. We went to art class where we saw Nikita's Grandma Joy, then we had lunch with my Mum, then I took her back home to SE London & we went out for a meal together. We both really appreciate the great relationship we have.
And finally, Happy Birthday to Nikita, who is 18 today!
Chris
Wednesday, 15 February 2006
Thankyou, but they don't fit me very well.
I arrived this morning to find a padded envelope on my desk with my name on and 'Private and confidential' underlined with red.
Inside, were a pair of slightly cheap looking scarlet and black lacy thongs with the message 'Happy valentines day' on a piece of paper.
A quick check with Chris by phone confirmed my instinct - they'd not come from her. However my colleagues here kindly calmed my fears by assuring me that the other married guys in the office had received the same thing the day before. At least I haven't got to unpick anything complex.
An email conversation with my wife then ensued, finished off with the question "are you blogging this?" for which suggestion I thanked my wife. In order then:
Sent: 15 February 2006 09:04
To: Toni Ertl
Subject: Red Lacy Things
My love
No I most definately did not send you red lacy watsits. Are they ladies or gents? If the former I suspect they are on the wrong desk, if the latter I expect it is someone's idea of a practical joke!
Don't worry about it, it's rather funny really! It certainly gave the girls here a good laugh!
Chris
----------------------------------------------
Sent: 15 February 2006 09:10
To: Ertl, Christine - Social & Health Care
Subject: RE: Red Lacy Things
It's OK, things have unravelled a little now. I gather all the married males in our office were presented with them, secretly courtesy of the girls on the front desk (A****a included). I may play a little joke on them in return shortly.
I am very relieved that I don't have to unpick anything.
Love you
Toni
-------------------------------------------------------
Sent: 15 February 2006 09:24
To: Toni Ertl
Subject: RE: Red Lacy Things
'I gather all the married males in our office were presented with them'......
................Oh yeah!
Chris
-------------------------------------------------------
To: Ertl, Christine - Social & Health Care
Subject: RE: Red Lacy Things
William complained that his didn't fit.
8-0
--------------------------------------------------------
Sent: 15 February 2006 11:08
To: Toni Ertl
Subject: RE: Red Lacy Things
Are you blogging this?
Chris
--------------------------------------------------------
So, ladies of the front bottom ..... errr I mean front desk, I understand the source of embarassment one of your number experienced when I was leaving on Monday for Germany now.
Inside, were a pair of slightly cheap looking scarlet and black lacy thongs with the message 'Happy valentines day' on a piece of paper.
A quick check with Chris by phone confirmed my instinct - they'd not come from her. However my colleagues here kindly calmed my fears by assuring me that the other married guys in the office had received the same thing the day before. At least I haven't got to unpick anything complex.
An email conversation with my wife then ensued, finished off with the question "are you blogging this?" for which suggestion I thanked my wife. In order then:
Sent: 15 February 2006 09:04
To: Toni Ertl
Subject: Red Lacy Things
My love
No I most definately did not send you red lacy watsits. Are they ladies or gents? If the former I suspect they are on the wrong desk, if the latter I expect it is someone's idea of a practical joke!
Don't worry about it, it's rather funny really! It certainly gave the girls here a good laugh!
Chris
----------------------------------------------
Sent: 15 February 2006 09:10
To: Ertl, Christine - Social & Health Care
Subject: RE: Red Lacy Things
It's OK, things have unravelled a little now. I gather all the married males in our office were presented with them, secretly courtesy of the girls on the front desk (A****a included). I may play a little joke on them in return shortly.
I am very relieved that I don't have to unpick anything.
Love you
Toni
-------------------------------------------------------
Sent: 15 February 2006 09:24
To: Toni Ertl
Subject: RE: Red Lacy Things
'I gather all the married males in our office were presented with them'......
................Oh yeah!
Chris
-------------------------------------------------------
To: Ertl, Christine - Social & Health Care
Subject: RE: Red Lacy Things
William complained that his didn't fit.
8-0
--------------------------------------------------------
Sent: 15 February 2006 11:08
To: Toni Ertl
Subject: RE: Red Lacy Things
Are you blogging this?
Chris
--------------------------------------------------------
So, ladies of the front bottom ..... errr I mean front desk, I understand the source of embarassment one of your number experienced when I was leaving on Monday for Germany now.
Tuesday, 14 February 2006
Germany calling.
It's been an interesting morning, and has just become an interesting afternoon. Just eaten 3/4 of a too-large pizza (delicious though) and now it's begun snowing. There was a lot of snow here last week, but it's mostly melted. Now it's just started again. The woods look pretty still from here though.
I should land around 7ish tonight - be nice to be home with my own wife again.
I should land around 7ish tonight - be nice to be home with my own wife again.
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