So, was it all you expected? Did the reindeer fly the big guy in with the right present? Did you eat before, during and after the Queen (insert culturally appropriate highlight of Christmas Day)? Were you overly familiar with the sherry and port? I'm not going to ask about the family ... this isn't Jerry Springer.
I actually think that Christmas gets a bit of a raw deal. It must be really annoying to have all these people waiting for you to come, longing for you to hurry up ... then in a measly 24 hours you're over. A 'has been' for another year. Valentines gifts are already in the shops and it'll not be long till Lent - Ash Wednesday is on 22nd February, Easter is early this year you know.
We make all this fuss about Christmas and let be all over in a day, totally forgetting about the 12 days of Christmas, 26th December - 6th January. As one who enjoys merry-making - I think we should all embrace the full experience of Christmas - in as far as our employment allow us!!
Now the famous song (the tune of which has undoubtedly is floating around in your head since the start of the last paragraph) was first published in London in 1780, in a book called "Mirth without Mischief". It is a tall tale of increasingly extravagant presents from one's true love. I wonder what it would be like to see the 12 days of Christmas as a chance to consider, in ever-increasing magnitude, the extravagance of God's love for us as revealed in Emmanuel.
Perhaps it could sound something like this...
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a Saviour who is Christ the King
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, mercy and grace
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, forgiveness for sin
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, hope not despair
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a golden royal crown
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, joyfulness and gladness
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a friend in my messes
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a wounded willing healer
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, royal family status
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, lots of brothers and sisters
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, heaven's storehouse for provision
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, life in its fullness
So, let's not rush through Christmas ... rather let us ponder like Mary, marvel like the Shepherds, adore like the Wise Men and worship like the Heavenly Host; he who is the Word made flesh.
Friday 30 December 2011
Saturday 10 December 2011
Waiting
Frazer, the tree, is dressed to the nines, the poinsettia create a carpet of velvety leafs in the lounge, and cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves scent the backdrop for cheesy warbling by Buble and The Pogues. Yep, it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's Advent. The season of waiting.
It's funny how we all have a heightened sense of expectation in the run up to Christmas. We're getting ready to see family and all the unique dynamics that can bring! We're hopeful that we give and get just the right presents. The food mountain stacks up just in case we have one hour without eating over the holidays.
Each day we indulge in the thrill of opening the Advent Calender - which is more about the morsel of chocolate than the knowledge that we're one day closer to Christmas. I don't know about you, but I'm so easily distracted - waiting for this, hoping for that, desiring the other...
It's a challenge to keep perspective and to keep the main thing, the main thing.
I have family and friends to buy presents for. I've a home, clothes on my back and more than ample food on the table. I am blessed to feel love, acceptance and belonging because I'm me not because of what I do, what I've achieved, how much money I have, who I know. What else could I want?
Globally, 2011 has not been an easy year. Social revolution, continued and newly started wars, economic devastation in the wake of affluent extravagance; this year ends with so many without safety, shelter, health, food, belonging, love. In the 'rich' West more people will be availing of charitable donations of food than before and homeless shelters bulge at the seams.
Our church meets in a homeless shelter for men. I was watching a couple of the men praying the other night and God showed me my own life and heart. I lack no good thing. But these two precious men have no home, little money, fractured families, few friends. Knowing a little of the stories of men in the shelter, it is but for the grace of God go I.
Yet, you'd think all I have was by my own acquisition and keeping it was thanks solely to my own stewardship - so I get to judge who is worthy, deserving of my charity. That's a great untruth. We're all supposed to be in this adventure called life together. We're not lone rangers, we're made for each other.
What would happen if one who has much were to give gladly to one who has little, no strings or conditions attached? What would that do to the economics of safety, shelter, health, food, belonging, and love?
Advent is a waiting for Christmas - the great gift comes, Emmanuel, God with us. Christ sets himself aside and becomes a man. He holds nothing back. Those of us who seek to follow of Jesus are called to do the same. We must set ourselves aside, enter into the life of the other, and hold nothing back.
Our waiting will soon be over. Christmas will come and with it the celebration of life dramatically changed by the arrival of the Christ-child. Let's not leave the aching, weeping world waiting for another year to see Jesus.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's Advent. The season of waiting.
It's funny how we all have a heightened sense of expectation in the run up to Christmas. We're getting ready to see family and all the unique dynamics that can bring! We're hopeful that we give and get just the right presents. The food mountain stacks up just in case we have one hour without eating over the holidays.
Each day we indulge in the thrill of opening the Advent Calender - which is more about the morsel of chocolate than the knowledge that we're one day closer to Christmas. I don't know about you, but I'm so easily distracted - waiting for this, hoping for that, desiring the other...
It's a challenge to keep perspective and to keep the main thing, the main thing.
I have family and friends to buy presents for. I've a home, clothes on my back and more than ample food on the table. I am blessed to feel love, acceptance and belonging because I'm me not because of what I do, what I've achieved, how much money I have, who I know. What else could I want?
Globally, 2011 has not been an easy year. Social revolution, continued and newly started wars, economic devastation in the wake of affluent extravagance; this year ends with so many without safety, shelter, health, food, belonging, love. In the 'rich' West more people will be availing of charitable donations of food than before and homeless shelters bulge at the seams.
Our church meets in a homeless shelter for men. I was watching a couple of the men praying the other night and God showed me my own life and heart. I lack no good thing. But these two precious men have no home, little money, fractured families, few friends. Knowing a little of the stories of men in the shelter, it is but for the grace of God go I.
Yet, you'd think all I have was by my own acquisition and keeping it was thanks solely to my own stewardship - so I get to judge who is worthy, deserving of my charity. That's a great untruth. We're all supposed to be in this adventure called life together. We're not lone rangers, we're made for each other.
What would happen if one who has much were to give gladly to one who has little, no strings or conditions attached? What would that do to the economics of safety, shelter, health, food, belonging, and love?
Advent is a waiting for Christmas - the great gift comes, Emmanuel, God with us. Christ sets himself aside and becomes a man. He holds nothing back. Those of us who seek to follow of Jesus are called to do the same. We must set ourselves aside, enter into the life of the other, and hold nothing back.
Our waiting will soon be over. Christmas will come and with it the celebration of life dramatically changed by the arrival of the Christ-child. Let's not leave the aching, weeping world waiting for another year to see Jesus.
Saturday 19 November 2011
Thankfulness
It's been a year! Can you believe it? Yesterday was the one year anniversary of moving to the good old US of A. It brought a palpable sense of relief that we'd survived 365 days and been through everything once.
The year was that perfect mix of joy and pain. Leaving our family and friends, our lovely home, our delightful community brought feelings of loss which verged on the debilitating. But the Lord is faithful in turning our mourning into dancing! Laughter has followed us here.
The year was the ideal blend of old and new. Repeatedly we've seen God use experiences from the past ten years as preparation for this new context. Wisdom appears to be no respecter of circumstances - it'll hide in all things; it's just up to us to seek it.
The year was an engaging concoction of light and dark. We've been at the raw end of humanity and seen God's transformative grace turn the impossible into the possible.
We are truly thankful.
We have cheerleaders that call back and forth across the Atlantic; we have new (and some not so new!) friends here who hold up our arms and our needs and our dreams; we have food on the table and a cute room over our heads, clothes on our backs and feet fitted with holy and unholey shoes.
Thank-you for advocating for us; pestering the Lord for us; and for loving us as only you can.
We're only who we are because of you.
The year was that perfect mix of joy and pain. Leaving our family and friends, our lovely home, our delightful community brought feelings of loss which verged on the debilitating. But the Lord is faithful in turning our mourning into dancing! Laughter has followed us here.
The year was the ideal blend of old and new. Repeatedly we've seen God use experiences from the past ten years as preparation for this new context. Wisdom appears to be no respecter of circumstances - it'll hide in all things; it's just up to us to seek it.
The year was an engaging concoction of light and dark. We've been at the raw end of humanity and seen God's transformative grace turn the impossible into the possible.
We are truly thankful.
We have cheerleaders that call back and forth across the Atlantic; we have new (and some not so new!) friends here who hold up our arms and our needs and our dreams; we have food on the table and a cute room over our heads, clothes on our backs and feet fitted with holy and unholey shoes.
Thank-you for advocating for us; pestering the Lord for us; and for loving us as only you can.
We're only who we are because of you.
Tuesday 1 November 2011
Saints
The Americans really know how to decorate for the season. Halloween brought 6 foot spiders on fake webs crawling over windows and smiling, carved pumpkins revealing a sinister light on doorsteps. About 4 blocks down our street is what is now known as the Demon House. Severed heads drip from the drain pipes, an empty coffin gawps a hellish orange glow and devilish faces with pursuing eyes repulse or delight passers - depending on their tendencies. I don't find all that terribly helpful to my spirit, mind or body.
Robert E. Webber in "Ancient-Future Time: Forming Spirituality through the Christian Year" suggests that:
'A good antidote to the underworld themes of Halloween is to return to the
real meaning of All Saints' Day - a celebration of the life and witness of God's
people who model a relationship with God for us.' (p175)
I'm inspired to chase after God by those with the determined persistence of Jacob. I'm called to believe in His faithfulness by the existence of the children of Abraham and Sarah. I'm assured of His attention to detail when people testify that like Ruth they 'happen' to find themselves in the kinsman redeemer's field. I delight in His intimacy when people declare, like Zephaniah, that He rejoices over them with singing.
Today I celebrate the saints who still walk the earth and those that are with Jesus. The men and women of faith who've prayed, taught, corrected and wooed me dancing into the family of God. My spirit testifies to the example of you all.
I wonder whose spirit will testify that I modeled for them a relationship with God?
So, on this All Saints Day, celebrate and give thanks for those who have pointed to the Father, been Jesus' hands and feet, and been conduits of the Holy Spirit. And consider why people will celebrate your life and witness.
Robert E. Webber in "Ancient-Future Time: Forming Spirituality through the Christian Year" suggests that:
'A good antidote to the underworld themes of Halloween is to return to the
real meaning of All Saints' Day - a celebration of the life and witness of God's
people who model a relationship with God for us.' (p175)
I'm inspired to chase after God by those with the determined persistence of Jacob. I'm called to believe in His faithfulness by the existence of the children of Abraham and Sarah. I'm assured of His attention to detail when people testify that like Ruth they 'happen' to find themselves in the kinsman redeemer's field. I delight in His intimacy when people declare, like Zephaniah, that He rejoices over them with singing.
Today I celebrate the saints who still walk the earth and those that are with Jesus. The men and women of faith who've prayed, taught, corrected and wooed me dancing into the family of God. My spirit testifies to the example of you all.
I wonder whose spirit will testify that I modeled for them a relationship with God?
So, on this All Saints Day, celebrate and give thanks for those who have pointed to the Father, been Jesus' hands and feet, and been conduits of the Holy Spirit. And consider why people will celebrate your life and witness.
Tuesday 18 October 2011
Calling
Dear friends, it's been 53 days since my last blogfession.
Special shout-out to Phil who called me as I was - a blogger gone AWOL.
I've felt a little like Elisa Dolittle recently - "Oh, woe, what will become of me". I tried job hunting online yesterday and it wasn't a terribly life-giving experience. In fact I had to go and lie down after it. That can happen when we give another person, organization or institution permission to determine our worth.
And yet ... we need other people to shout out the truth about us when we can't see it in ourselves. The truth that my calling is to be teacher, encourager, listener, truth seeker & revealer, nurturer, worshiper and indiscriminate lover - does not change just because I don't feel it. Nor does it change when I don't walk in it, nor does it go away when I don't believe it. It's like the call is irrevocable. But sometimes I need to be reminded.
Just because I'm not in a classroom doesn't mean I'm not teaching (thanks for that Brandon!). That's the difference between calling and vocation. The calling remains the same, but the vocation where we work-out our calling can change.
In Act 1 of Hamlet, Polonius' gives one last piece of advice to his son Laertes:
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
How can we be true to our own selves if we don't know who (not what) we are called to be? Maybe we're going around being really false to ourselves and therefore to everyone else.
Calling is closely linked to desire. Our calling echoes our heartfelt desires. When we walk unashamedly in our unique calling, we open ourselves to multiple opportunities to experience that which we all desire - to repeatedly find ourselves in our sweet spot. All of us who desire to leave an imprint; to be more than flesh, blood and dust; to be people of substance; we need to hear our calling.
So call out the truth to your friends hiding under rocks of shame; trudging wearily with rejection; nursing fractures of uncertainty; shouldering boulders of blame. Call out the beauty, the fragrance, the strength and the vision. And in the echoes of your shouts, listen for your own calling.
Special shout-out to Phil who called me as I was - a blogger gone AWOL.
I've felt a little like Elisa Dolittle recently - "Oh, woe, what will become of me". I tried job hunting online yesterday and it wasn't a terribly life-giving experience. In fact I had to go and lie down after it. That can happen when we give another person, organization or institution permission to determine our worth.
And yet ... we need other people to shout out the truth about us when we can't see it in ourselves. The truth that my calling is to be teacher, encourager, listener, truth seeker & revealer, nurturer, worshiper and indiscriminate lover - does not change just because I don't feel it. Nor does it change when I don't walk in it, nor does it go away when I don't believe it. It's like the call is irrevocable. But sometimes I need to be reminded.
Just because I'm not in a classroom doesn't mean I'm not teaching (thanks for that Brandon!). That's the difference between calling and vocation. The calling remains the same, but the vocation where we work-out our calling can change.
In Act 1 of Hamlet, Polonius' gives one last piece of advice to his son Laertes:
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
How can we be true to our own selves if we don't know who (not what) we are called to be? Maybe we're going around being really false to ourselves and therefore to everyone else.
Calling is closely linked to desire. Our calling echoes our heartfelt desires. When we walk unashamedly in our unique calling, we open ourselves to multiple opportunities to experience that which we all desire - to repeatedly find ourselves in our sweet spot. All of us who desire to leave an imprint; to be more than flesh, blood and dust; to be people of substance; we need to hear our calling.
So call out the truth to your friends hiding under rocks of shame; trudging wearily with rejection; nursing fractures of uncertainty; shouldering boulders of blame. Call out the beauty, the fragrance, the strength and the vision. And in the echoes of your shouts, listen for your own calling.
Friday 26 August 2011
Glue
What holds us together?
This week I experienced my first earthquake - shake, rattle and roll! I was in a basement restaurant, Teaism, having a great conversation about life and love with Sheri Shepherd when the table started shaking, then the floor, then me. Silence. Nobody spoke - we all just looked at each other. Then the lights flickered and we all suddenly realized a basement wasn't the best place to be! As we left the restaurant people were pouring out of the surrounding buildings, cell phone reception was down, sirens careered through the streets and it was every man for himself.
Isn't it weird how you can be surrounded by thousands of people and be utterly alone? As I looked around my fellow Washingtonians I thought, would any of these people save me in an crisis? Would I save them before saving myself? In that moment I just wanted to be with Richard, the man who I know would do anything to save me.
It is amazing how the Lord puts us in families - however that 'family' looks. He puts us with people who love hanging out with us, who get our jokes, who shrug at our idiosyncrasies, who gobble our best and worst dishes, and who miss us when we're gone. This is what holds us together - it's the little dots of glue that shared memories and future dreams create. It's not about seeking out people who have loads of stuff, but those who have open hands and tender hearts; it's not about the physically beautiful but about those who adore us just as we are.
So, what's your sticky glue?
This week I experienced my first earthquake - shake, rattle and roll! I was in a basement restaurant, Teaism, having a great conversation about life and love with Sheri Shepherd when the table started shaking, then the floor, then me. Silence. Nobody spoke - we all just looked at each other. Then the lights flickered and we all suddenly realized a basement wasn't the best place to be! As we left the restaurant people were pouring out of the surrounding buildings, cell phone reception was down, sirens careered through the streets and it was every man for himself.
Isn't it weird how you can be surrounded by thousands of people and be utterly alone? As I looked around my fellow Washingtonians I thought, would any of these people save me in an crisis? Would I save them before saving myself? In that moment I just wanted to be with Richard, the man who I know would do anything to save me.
It is amazing how the Lord puts us in families - however that 'family' looks. He puts us with people who love hanging out with us, who get our jokes, who shrug at our idiosyncrasies, who gobble our best and worst dishes, and who miss us when we're gone. This is what holds us together - it's the little dots of glue that shared memories and future dreams create. It's not about seeking out people who have loads of stuff, but those who have open hands and tender hearts; it's not about the physically beautiful but about those who adore us just as we are.
So, what's your sticky glue?
Friday 12 August 2011
Return
I'm back. I haven't posted here since April and to be honest I'm back because of the encouragement from my gracious friends and family who told me they missed it! Not terribly sure why I stopped writing, maybe I'd a sub-conscious crisis of confidence or maybe I just kept forgetting! Anyhow .... I've returned.
It has been a month of returning. We took a two week trip to the UK. We frequented old haunts, ate familiar food, hugged lifelong friends, loved on our families. We even got to attend Morning Prayer and Communion at the church where we were married, on the day of our 11th Wedding Anniversary - amazing. It felt like the most natural thing in the world - there was no awkward moments, no prolonged silences, no getting lost. Stepping back into that world was easy, we belonged.
And yet ... we told everyone how amazing our new friends in DC are, how cute our wee house is in Old Town and how everything really is bigger in America! We extolled the virtues of great service and the kindness of the American people; we lamented the bureaucracy and the crazy driving and honking. I guess we've started to belong in America too.
The return flight to the US was different than the flight we took in November 2010 (the food and entertainment on Aer Lingus is way better than Continental!). We were returning to a familiar city, with our own place, and we knew where to buy our groceries. But more importantly, we were returning to a place where we'd been missed.
You know, there's little certainty in this world - economic, social and political unrest coupled with life being life, has seen off any certainty suitors. It's hard to feel grounded, to feel any sense of purpose. But to know another human being wants you to return - that'll keep you going all day long.
So, say a prayer for those you miss and who miss you - it'll help us all stay belonging to each other.
It has been a month of returning. We took a two week trip to the UK. We frequented old haunts, ate familiar food, hugged lifelong friends, loved on our families. We even got to attend Morning Prayer and Communion at the church where we were married, on the day of our 11th Wedding Anniversary - amazing. It felt like the most natural thing in the world - there was no awkward moments, no prolonged silences, no getting lost. Stepping back into that world was easy, we belonged.
And yet ... we told everyone how amazing our new friends in DC are, how cute our wee house is in Old Town and how everything really is bigger in America! We extolled the virtues of great service and the kindness of the American people; we lamented the bureaucracy and the crazy driving and honking. I guess we've started to belong in America too.
The return flight to the US was different than the flight we took in November 2010 (the food and entertainment on Aer Lingus is way better than Continental!). We were returning to a familiar city, with our own place, and we knew where to buy our groceries. But more importantly, we were returning to a place where we'd been missed.
You know, there's little certainty in this world - economic, social and political unrest coupled with life being life, has seen off any certainty suitors. It's hard to feel grounded, to feel any sense of purpose. But to know another human being wants you to return - that'll keep you going all day long.
So, say a prayer for those you miss and who miss you - it'll help us all stay belonging to each other.
Sunday 10 April 2011
Symphony
Last Friday night I attended a concert at the Austrian Embassy with Richard's Mum and sister, Sarah. For an hour the Mendelssohn Piano Trio took us to Spring in Vienna through an outstanding performance of Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert. It was breathtaking. Together the piano, violin and cello conjured every emotion. At times complementing, at times echoing, at times competing with each other; yet always creating beauty.
And then, the Lord spoke.
"Listen to each note. Hear how it is pure and beautiful in its own right. Now hear how it plays with the other notes - each sure of its place on the staff, not needing to be any other note, just itself. That's how I see my children."
"Now see how each note and each bar and each phrase combine. At times these bring joy and lightness, calm and peace; at times pathos and darkness, distress and unease; but always beauty. It is just like the moments and events of your life. Tonight, you don't fear the mix of those emotions, in fact you're delighting in them, experiencing their beauty. How much more beautiful is your life! Fear not daughter for your life is a symphony! "
And then, the Lord spoke.
"Listen to each note. Hear how it is pure and beautiful in its own right. Now hear how it plays with the other notes - each sure of its place on the staff, not needing to be any other note, just itself. That's how I see my children."
"Now see how each note and each bar and each phrase combine. At times these bring joy and lightness, calm and peace; at times pathos and darkness, distress and unease; but always beauty. It is just like the moments and events of your life. Tonight, you don't fear the mix of those emotions, in fact you're delighting in them, experiencing their beauty. How much more beautiful is your life! Fear not daughter for your life is a symphony! "
A symphony has been defined as an 'elaborate instrumental composition in three or more movements, similar in form to a sonata but written for an orchestra and usually of far grander proportions and more varied elements' (dictionary.com). So there it is. My life with all its ups and downs, was, and is, and will be even more breathtaking than anything written by Mendelssohn, Haydn, Beethoven or Schubert.
So, come Great Composer and write your Symphony that is me ...... hold no note back!
So, come Great Composer and write your Symphony that is me ...... hold no note back!
Sunday 27 February 2011
Mindful
I was listening to a podcast last week about Mindfulness. The guest speaker was arguing that to minimize stress we need to address where we have our attention rather than our thinking. Now, for a girl who's big into the power of thinking about thinking, that caught my attention!
He suggested that our stress can be relieved by being fully present, with every sense, in every moment. After all, this present breath is the only one we have.
Imagine, being totally present in every moment, paying full attention so we miss nathing (as the Northern Irish would say). Every sense, fully engaged, taking it all in. I started to wonder, how much more would we hear from God if we lived like that? How much more of humanity would we marvel at? How much more would we know about ourselves?
The day after hearing the podcast I got my daily scripture text from a pastor friend in Florida. It was Psalm 8v4 - "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" Now there's a revelation!
The Lord is 'mindful' of us.
It's not that God's over there somewhere and we need to catch His eye; rather His full attention is on us. With every sense He is fully present in every moment, with our every breath. He misses nothing. He is not distracted or tired, apathetic or stressed.
It also means He's not just looking out for us, keeping a wee eye on us. Rather He is 100% rooting for us, paying attention to each uttered cry and plea, each thankful shout and joyful smile.
Be mindful this week and know that you are minded!!
He suggested that our stress can be relieved by being fully present, with every sense, in every moment. After all, this present breath is the only one we have.
Imagine, being totally present in every moment, paying full attention so we miss nathing (as the Northern Irish would say). Every sense, fully engaged, taking it all in. I started to wonder, how much more would we hear from God if we lived like that? How much more of humanity would we marvel at? How much more would we know about ourselves?
The day after hearing the podcast I got my daily scripture text from a pastor friend in Florida. It was Psalm 8v4 - "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" Now there's a revelation!
The Lord is 'mindful' of us.
It's not that God's over there somewhere and we need to catch His eye; rather His full attention is on us. With every sense He is fully present in every moment, with our every breath. He misses nothing. He is not distracted or tired, apathetic or stressed.
It also means He's not just looking out for us, keeping a wee eye on us. Rather He is 100% rooting for us, paying attention to each uttered cry and plea, each thankful shout and joyful smile.
Be mindful this week and know that you are minded!!
Tuesday 8 February 2011
The Force
Sunday night was another American Cultural experience - the Superbowl....
Church had to be four hours earlier, Trader Joes sold out of crisps/chips, and grown women decided that football was really important. Thankfully I was at the house of lovely Laura and marvelous Molly who are not only fabulous cooks, but they were also very happy for me and my dear friend Northern Irish friend Lesley to only get excited by the adverts. BIG deal to get airtime advertising space during the Superbowl - watched by 111 million viewers!
My favourite ad was for the new VW Passat. A little boy dressed as Darth Vadar tries to use The Force on his dog, the drier, a doll and his lunch. Then Dad arrives home in the new Passat. As the boy zaps the parked car with The Force his Dad locks the car with the keyfob from the kitchen - brilliant! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN41zcXJjmk).
How like me can you get? I try to use my force to shift people, inanimate objects, weight, circumstances. Yet, when Father gets involved - bam! Surprise! With all the resources of Father's storehouse and the company of heaven at His command it's a no-brainer really. Less of me and more of Him.
May His Force be with you .......
Church had to be four hours earlier, Trader Joes sold out of crisps/chips, and grown women decided that football was really important. Thankfully I was at the house of lovely Laura and marvelous Molly who are not only fabulous cooks, but they were also very happy for me and my dear friend Northern Irish friend Lesley to only get excited by the adverts. BIG deal to get airtime advertising space during the Superbowl - watched by 111 million viewers!
My favourite ad was for the new VW Passat. A little boy dressed as Darth Vadar tries to use The Force on his dog, the drier, a doll and his lunch. Then Dad arrives home in the new Passat. As the boy zaps the parked car with The Force his Dad locks the car with the keyfob from the kitchen - brilliant! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN41zcXJjmk).
How like me can you get? I try to use my force to shift people, inanimate objects, weight, circumstances. Yet, when Father gets involved - bam! Surprise! With all the resources of Father's storehouse and the company of heaven at His command it's a no-brainer really. Less of me and more of Him.
May His Force be with you .......
Wednesday 12 January 2011
Intentions
My friend Moyra told me that this New Year she had arrived at some new intentions for 2011 rather than resolutions. Now that was an idea I could buy. Resolutions are so, well, resolute. There's no give; no space to err - which I hear is human. To intend to do something allows you to drop the ball and pick it back up and start again. You know, I intended to go to the gym in January but forgot, so I'll go in February. But if you break a resolution, well it sounds so serious and final. It makes you feel weakwilled and out of control.
Anyway, I've been thinking about my intentions for 2011. I've come up with two - both of which have been molded by experiences at the end of 2010. First, for about the first 5 weeks after our move to Washington DC I was terribly homesick. I grieved my family and friends, my home and my village. When I did things which were great fun I felt guilty, like I was somehow betraying home. Then Richard extolled the reality that we were released to come here by our friends and family, that although they missed us, they wanted us to experience everything God has for us in this place. So, intention number one is to grasp each opportunity with both hands and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime, whatever that looks like.
Since we arrived in America we have been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers. Our little flock are amazing to us - they have welcomed us into their lives without hesitation and shown us Jesus. So intention number two is to be kind. I know we're called to love everyone, but some days I struggle with that; so maybe simply being kind is a good start. A kind word, a thoughtful note, and freely given smile , might just give someone hope in 2011.
So what are your intentions for 2011? Go on, I dare you.......
Anyway, I've been thinking about my intentions for 2011. I've come up with two - both of which have been molded by experiences at the end of 2010. First, for about the first 5 weeks after our move to Washington DC I was terribly homesick. I grieved my family and friends, my home and my village. When I did things which were great fun I felt guilty, like I was somehow betraying home. Then Richard extolled the reality that we were released to come here by our friends and family, that although they missed us, they wanted us to experience everything God has for us in this place. So, intention number one is to grasp each opportunity with both hands and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime, whatever that looks like.
Since we arrived in America we have been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers. Our little flock are amazing to us - they have welcomed us into their lives without hesitation and shown us Jesus. So intention number two is to be kind. I know we're called to love everyone, but some days I struggle with that; so maybe simply being kind is a good start. A kind word, a thoughtful note, and freely given smile , might just give someone hope in 2011.
So what are your intentions for 2011? Go on, I dare you.......
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