Ben has been in Derbyshire on a lads camping trip for a few days and I'm been girlying with my soon to be bridesmaid Loz. Manicures, face masks, chic flicks and shopping... I've yet to find the perfect summer dress!
I recognised a garden near our house today and realised I'd seen it on the Reality website last night - well done guys! No idea what was there before but it looks good.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Musings on parents and forgiveness
I had a thought this morning that I'd like to open my Bible, but then I thought that maybe wouldn't be a good thing to do. I'm at work, and at that moment I was being paid to work. It occurred to me that it wouldn't really be honouring God to read the Bible instead of being a good employee and doing the work I'm paid to do.
St Augustine's is still pretty good. Last Sunday was the end of a divine consciousness course or something and I gather half the people there had been on this mid-week course and had come to church for the end of it. They all seemed very alert spiritual people. I don't know if any were Christians or if they ever went to church, but it was cool to see that even if they didn't, they were still aware of their creator and were looking to him and hearing his whispers to them through their everyday lives. The service started with looking through newspapers and cutting out an article that inspired or touched you. That was challenging - I don't think I very often let things touch me.
The talk mentioned that St Augustine's had been meeting on that site for over 800 years, and how forgiveness was a key point in making something last that long. The main reason for relationships breaking down, whether it be marriages (apparently lasting 7 years on average!!!) or bands (5 years average), is that people eventually get to something that they find it impossible to forgive. Nicholas talked about needing to forgive the church for doing stupid and wrong things at times which is a good point. I've often been annoyed at the church for various things and have chosen to leave it completely for a while, but now going back to church I see that it might be a struggle at times but part of having a relationship with a community like that is practising love and forgiveness. I think the thing that touched me about the service was that I need to forgive.
More cool things about forgiveness along the families theme have cropped up this week - Dave's blog on his father is interesting, Ben's comment too. Especially the concept that we probably all have that we'll turn out to be like our parents and do to our children what they have done to us. Sometimes I marvel at the way Ben deals with his father and I know that his legacy to our children will be amazing because he's undone what his father has done to him by forgiving and loving him, and that will give him a huge advantage when he's a parent. There's a theme in the Bible about families being cursed for the next few generation when people ignore God - an example from today's society is that it's often parents who were abused themselves who abuse their children. Horridness can be an everlasting cycle until someone chooses to break the chain. The flip side to the Bible's take on this is huge blessing when a link in that chain is broken and someone decides to do what is right. When that happens the Bible says generations (lots of them) will be blessed as a result:
'For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children or the sin of the father to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.' - Exodus 20
Love and forgiveness have huge impacts beyond out imaginations. I totally agree with Dave that it's really hard when parents don't acknowledge that they're spanners and when they keep making life difficult. For me it's a work in progress and I know God will win in both me and my mum, maybe my dad too.
'Do not hold us against the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need... We your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever and ever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.' - Psalm 79
St Augustine's is still pretty good. Last Sunday was the end of a divine consciousness course or something and I gather half the people there had been on this mid-week course and had come to church for the end of it. They all seemed very alert spiritual people. I don't know if any were Christians or if they ever went to church, but it was cool to see that even if they didn't, they were still aware of their creator and were looking to him and hearing his whispers to them through their everyday lives. The service started with looking through newspapers and cutting out an article that inspired or touched you. That was challenging - I don't think I very often let things touch me.
The talk mentioned that St Augustine's had been meeting on that site for over 800 years, and how forgiveness was a key point in making something last that long. The main reason for relationships breaking down, whether it be marriages (apparently lasting 7 years on average!!!) or bands (5 years average), is that people eventually get to something that they find it impossible to forgive. Nicholas talked about needing to forgive the church for doing stupid and wrong things at times which is a good point. I've often been annoyed at the church for various things and have chosen to leave it completely for a while, but now going back to church I see that it might be a struggle at times but part of having a relationship with a community like that is practising love and forgiveness. I think the thing that touched me about the service was that I need to forgive.
More cool things about forgiveness along the families theme have cropped up this week - Dave's blog on his father is interesting, Ben's comment too. Especially the concept that we probably all have that we'll turn out to be like our parents and do to our children what they have done to us. Sometimes I marvel at the way Ben deals with his father and I know that his legacy to our children will be amazing because he's undone what his father has done to him by forgiving and loving him, and that will give him a huge advantage when he's a parent. There's a theme in the Bible about families being cursed for the next few generation when people ignore God - an example from today's society is that it's often parents who were abused themselves who abuse their children. Horridness can be an everlasting cycle until someone chooses to break the chain. The flip side to the Bible's take on this is huge blessing when a link in that chain is broken and someone decides to do what is right. When that happens the Bible says generations (lots of them) will be blessed as a result:
'For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children or the sin of the father to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.' - Exodus 20
Love and forgiveness have huge impacts beyond out imaginations. I totally agree with Dave that it's really hard when parents don't acknowledge that they're spanners and when they keep making life difficult. For me it's a work in progress and I know God will win in both me and my mum, maybe my dad too.
'Do not hold us against the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need... We your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever and ever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.' - Psalm 79
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Sorted
Forget the nice colours, the carefully designed banner and cool layout, it's back to blogger template. Hope it displays properly for everyone now!
Sunday, June 18, 2006
A delicious church experience
Today Ben and I walked to St Augustines, a church of around 25 poeple near Anglia Square. The scene that met us as we walked through the door was a bit of a surprise - it was very open, with chairs arranged around the edge of the room in a circle. The first person to greet us was the pastor (or is he a vicar, being CofE?), Nicholas Vessey, who seems a very nice chap. A few other people said hello too.
The service began with a few notices, then one of the members of the church explained why she had made a gift of a 'singing bowl' to the church - this is something she discovered at Lidesfarne, and is struck to make a ringing tone to mark the beginning or end of sacred time or silence. So Nicholas began the service by stricking the bowl for a time of 'silence with children'! It was nice to have the children acknowledged and included in that way.
A few readings and songs ensued, followed by a short sermon about giving our how we want to clothe ourselves in Christ but often our earthly bodies and the things we need to do can get in the way. This struggle, whatever we struggle with in our earthly lives, is something we can give to God and through that be closer to him. Nicholas asked afterwards if anyone had any comments or questions at the end (no one did - he did say it's difficult to get people to participate in the Church of England!)
Some liturgy was used for communion, but not in a rigid way. I'm reliably informed port was used, it was a shock to take a mouthful of alcohol rather than sickly sweet grape juice!!
I felt very whole this morning. It's nice to not have to smile and make unecessary conversation with people we hardly know and who look uncomfortable when they run out of things to say. I like feeling complete - contended to be somewhere. Definately want to go back.
The service began with a few notices, then one of the members of the church explained why she had made a gift of a 'singing bowl' to the church - this is something she discovered at Lidesfarne, and is struck to make a ringing tone to mark the beginning or end of sacred time or silence. So Nicholas began the service by stricking the bowl for a time of 'silence with children'! It was nice to have the children acknowledged and included in that way.
A few readings and songs ensued, followed by a short sermon about giving our how we want to clothe ourselves in Christ but often our earthly bodies and the things we need to do can get in the way. This struggle, whatever we struggle with in our earthly lives, is something we can give to God and through that be closer to him. Nicholas asked afterwards if anyone had any comments or questions at the end (no one did - he did say it's difficult to get people to participate in the Church of England!)
Some liturgy was used for communion, but not in a rigid way. I'm reliably informed port was used, it was a shock to take a mouthful of alcohol rather than sickly sweet grape juice!!
I felt very whole this morning. It's nice to not have to smile and make unecessary conversation with people we hardly know and who look uncomfortable when they run out of things to say. I like feeling complete - contended to be somewhere. Definately want to go back.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Johnson's baby lotion is better than church
10 things since last blogging1. I finished Jamaica Inn, I can't believe [that guy] was the real baddie! Maybe the ending redeemed the book, but it was still sluggish in the middle.
2. Jodi Picoult is the most gripping author I've read in ages. The Pact is great, not the best writing but I couldn't put it down and annoyed Ben by reading it non-stop one weekend.
3. Wedding planning is harder than I thought. The current favourite idea is having a ceremony on the beach and having everyone bring a picnic for the 'reception' - how cool would that be! (Ok, so not so cool for the guests expecting a fully blown party, but if they want to pay for it...). All our hymn considerations were vetoed by mother-in-law-to-be on Sunday so we might have to rethink!
4. On Sunday we had a barbeque (mother-in-laws are mainly great, she gave us a cool little barbeque and brought all the food!) Ben enjoyed being the man of the house and left all the cooking to his big brother!
5. Orange broadband (formerly Wanadoo) have a great offer on at the moment to get free broadband when you have a mobile contract with them. We intend to take full advantage of that.
6. On Saturday Ben and I purchased one pink Tesco Value flying disc for 49p (not suitable for under 3s due to severe choking hazard - I'd like to meet an under 3 who can fit a frisbee in their mouth!!). We went on an adventure with flying disc and bottle of squash to Waterloo Park, which was pleasantly deserted in places. And thus we did enjoy the sunshine, but not the ensuing sunburn.
7. Humid, muggy weather is the most disagreeable thing in the world. But yay for thunder rumbling in the distance...
8. The 'friendliest church in Norwich', as I've heard it described, is lovely, but much too suffocatingly n-i-c-e. I agree with Ben that it's a once-in-a-seven-month-experience. And therefore Johnson' baby lotion is much nicer than church and I don't want to go back to any church ever again. Other than to improve my social life I don't see the point at all.
9. Ben started his new job with gusto two weeks ago, and is working late this week. I get to be lady of the house for a couple of hours, and it's nice to be able to make dinner before he comes home. I want to be a housewife!
10. I'm currently job hunting, I'm feeling totally undervalued at work and most definately under-paid. I have a second interview for a not so exciting job next week. In a perfect world I'd finish my proofreading course and set up my own amazing home business, then I'd get to be a housewife too, but it's ticking along far too slowly. Another reason why Ben working late ocassionally is good - I have some time to do (anything other than) proofreading!
PS YESSSS!!! It's finally raining properly!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Currently reading...
Marriage Works by J John
I'm sure it's done a lot of people a lot of good, but it offers very little advice that I couldn't have used my common sense for. As I'm finding with a lot of Christian books just now, it has some very narrow views and doesn't take all of life's circumstances into account when making judgements and spewing out statistics.
The Great Divorce by CS Lewis
This falls into the catagory of 'Non-annoying Christian books'. From what I read I didn't expect it to be in story form, but that makes it quite enjoyable. It's just a tiny bit too difficult to understand all of it but a good read anyway.
Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier
DDM seems to be one of those one hit wonders - she shouldn't have published anything but Rebecca! Jamaica Inn is a story of smugglers and wreckers in Cornwall and is exciting enough but it's told from the exceedingly monotonous view of one character. I must have read loads of books in that style but with this book it seems to wear thin after the first few chapters. However, I shall read to the end to discover how the heroine overcomes the evilness of the keeper of Jamaica Inn.
All in all, a rather disappointing book week, but I'm off to the library now to put it right :)
I'm sure it's done a lot of people a lot of good, but it offers very little advice that I couldn't have used my common sense for. As I'm finding with a lot of Christian books just now, it has some very narrow views and doesn't take all of life's circumstances into account when making judgements and spewing out statistics.
The Great Divorce by CS Lewis
This falls into the catagory of 'Non-annoying Christian books'. From what I read I didn't expect it to be in story form, but that makes it quite enjoyable. It's just a tiny bit too difficult to understand all of it but a good read anyway.
Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier
DDM seems to be one of those one hit wonders - she shouldn't have published anything but Rebecca! Jamaica Inn is a story of smugglers and wreckers in Cornwall and is exciting enough but it's told from the exceedingly monotonous view of one character. I must have read loads of books in that style but with this book it seems to wear thin after the first few chapters. However, I shall read to the end to discover how the heroine overcomes the evilness of the keeper of Jamaica Inn.
All in all, a rather disappointing book week, but I'm off to the library now to put it right :)
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Film night
Tonight's film of choice was Lord of War, rented from our trusty corner DVD shop. It came out in 2005 and stars Nicholas Cage who plays an arms dealer:
"There are over 550 million firearms in worldwide circulation. That's one firearm for every twelve people on the planet. The only question is: How do we arm the other 11?"
When Interpol finally get some evidence to convict him, he gives this insight into why he will be released:
"The reason I'll be released is the same reason you think I'll be convicted. I do rub shoulders with some of the most vile, sadistic men calling themselves leaders today. But some of these men are the enemies of your enemies. And while the biggest arms dealer in the world is your boss--the President of the United States, who ships more merchandise in a day than I do in a year--sometimes it's embarrassing to have his fingerprints on the guns. Sometimes he needs a freelancer like me to supply forces he can't be seen supplying. So. You call me evil, but unfortunately for you, I'm a necessary evil."
It's in a similar vein to Beyond Borders, (didn't hear about the release of this one either but maybe I missed it) but the moral dilemas set forth are much more subtle, and the only commentary is Nicholas Cage's character defending his position apart from the Interpol agent's odd comments.
The top five countries involved in the arms trade are also the five permanent members of the Security Council.
There was an Amnesty International advert on the DVD, which shows a shopping channel style selling of AK47s. Click the link to watch it.
"There are over 550 million firearms in worldwide circulation. That's one firearm for every twelve people on the planet. The only question is: How do we arm the other 11?"
When Interpol finally get some evidence to convict him, he gives this insight into why he will be released:
"The reason I'll be released is the same reason you think I'll be convicted. I do rub shoulders with some of the most vile, sadistic men calling themselves leaders today. But some of these men are the enemies of your enemies. And while the biggest arms dealer in the world is your boss--the President of the United States, who ships more merchandise in a day than I do in a year--sometimes it's embarrassing to have his fingerprints on the guns. Sometimes he needs a freelancer like me to supply forces he can't be seen supplying. So. You call me evil, but unfortunately for you, I'm a necessary evil."
It's in a similar vein to Beyond Borders, (didn't hear about the release of this one either but maybe I missed it) but the moral dilemas set forth are much more subtle, and the only commentary is Nicholas Cage's character defending his position apart from the Interpol agent's odd comments.
The top five countries involved in the arms trade are also the five permanent members of the Security Council.
There was an Amnesty International advert on the DVD, which shows a shopping channel style selling of AK47s. Click the link to watch it.
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