Friday, October 31, 2003
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Good days recruitment…..
Today was a great day which started of with a lovely fry made even more delicious by the fact that my good mate Jeremy Biggerstaff paid for it. I then arrived into the office to receive an incredibly positive e-mail saying that a mate of mine wished to support the Edge financially on a monthly basis. At my next meeting Steven McCready (The new full time worker in Dromore YFC) joined the world of blog after we had a really productive discussion! Not a bad days recruitment if I do say so myself!
Just so you know the EDGE has approximately only six months funding left. We’re (the board) currently pushing hard to raise our monthly donor base from around 30 individuals to upwards of 80. If you’d like to become a monthly donor let us know – either leave me a comment (complete with your e-mail address) and I’ll get back to you or send me an e-mail!
Private feedback/comments
Unfortunately this option with my comment facilitator seems not to work as I am unable to gain access to private comments. Please don’t use the private option until I announce otherwise or you’ll be wasting your time.
Today was a great day which started of with a lovely fry made even more delicious by the fact that my good mate Jeremy Biggerstaff paid for it. I then arrived into the office to receive an incredibly positive e-mail saying that a mate of mine wished to support the Edge financially on a monthly basis. At my next meeting Steven McCready (The new full time worker in Dromore YFC) joined the world of blog after we had a really productive discussion! Not a bad days recruitment if I do say so myself!
Just so you know the EDGE has approximately only six months funding left. We’re (the board) currently pushing hard to raise our monthly donor base from around 30 individuals to upwards of 80. If you’d like to become a monthly donor let us know – either leave me a comment (complete with your e-mail address) and I’ll get back to you or send me an e-mail!
Private feedback/comments
Unfortunately this option with my comment facilitator seems not to work as I am unable to gain access to private comments. Please don’t use the private option until I announce otherwise or you’ll be wasting your time.
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Made In God’s image…..
In what ways are we made in God’s image? God obviously did not create us exactly like himself because God has no physical body. Instead we are reflections of God’s Glory. Some feel that our reason, creativity, speech or self-determination is the image of God. More likely it is our entire self that reflects the image of God. We will never be totally like God because he is our supreme creator. But we do have the ability to reflect his character in our love, patience, forgiveness, kindness and faithfulness.
Knowing that we are made in God’s image and thus share many of his characteristics provides a solid basis for self worth. Human worth is not based on possessions, achievements, physical attractiveness, or public acclaim. Instead it is based on being made in God’s image. Because we bear God’s image, we can feel positive about ourselves. Criticising or downgrading is criticising what God has made and the abilities he has given us. Knowing that you are a person of worth helps you love God, know him personally, and make a valuable contribution to those around you.
Taken from the “Life Application Bible” NIV – comment on Genesis 1 vs. 26
Running The EDGE
On Monday Paul Coles run the Dublin marathon as a fundraiser for The Edge. You may have read Charlie’s blog reporting on the experience - if you have you will have got a flavour of the day. If you haven’t I’d recommend it! The image of those suffering from bleeding nipples due to the friction from their T-shirt is an image hard to erase.
If you would have liked to make a donation you’ll be glad to hear that its not too late! We’ll be glad to receive you money whether it be 5 squid or a pony (£100)…. Just let us know!
In what ways are we made in God’s image? God obviously did not create us exactly like himself because God has no physical body. Instead we are reflections of God’s Glory. Some feel that our reason, creativity, speech or self-determination is the image of God. More likely it is our entire self that reflects the image of God. We will never be totally like God because he is our supreme creator. But we do have the ability to reflect his character in our love, patience, forgiveness, kindness and faithfulness.
Knowing that we are made in God’s image and thus share many of his characteristics provides a solid basis for self worth. Human worth is not based on possessions, achievements, physical attractiveness, or public acclaim. Instead it is based on being made in God’s image. Because we bear God’s image, we can feel positive about ourselves. Criticising or downgrading is criticising what God has made and the abilities he has given us. Knowing that you are a person of worth helps you love God, know him personally, and make a valuable contribution to those around you.
Taken from the “Life Application Bible” NIV – comment on Genesis 1 vs. 26
Running The EDGE
On Monday Paul Coles run the Dublin marathon as a fundraiser for The Edge. You may have read Charlie’s blog reporting on the experience - if you have you will have got a flavour of the day. If you haven’t I’d recommend it! The image of those suffering from bleeding nipples due to the friction from their T-shirt is an image hard to erase.
If you would have liked to make a donation you’ll be glad to hear that its not too late! We’ll be glad to receive you money whether it be 5 squid or a pony (£100)…. Just let us know!
Monday, October 27, 2003
A Sunday Comment
Anna, a much loved colleague and friend of mine from the office wrote this as a reflection of what she was feeling and thinking as she journeyed through a Sunday morning that was 26th October 2003.
Well it is that special day again, Sunday, God’s day. The clocks have gone back – why do I not feel that I had an extra hour in bed? Could it be that I used it up last night? I did say it was God’s day, but I am not awakened by the lovely voice of William Crawley and Sunday Sequence. (It’s lovely waking up with William each Sunday morning- Well I do have my husband beside me) A quick peck “Morning Love”, he (my husband) is concentrating on the radio this morning, the rugby is on. I listen for a while. My beloved needs to see and hear. (Male thing) I in my imagination am being transported to the pitch. The excited tones of Jim Neilly are enough for me. My Husband, mere man, needs the TV. God has not been mentioned as yet this morning. He’s waiting on the other side of the goal posts. He’s patient. We eat breakfast – Oh we do say grace. Well my husband did ! I happened to yawn at the wrong time, but got there for the AMEN. My husband continues to watch the rugby. I put stuffing in the oven. The aroma permeates the house, it is beautiful, but the only stuffing my man is interested in is the ‘stuffin’ he fears Ireland may get from Argentina.
I go to shower. Well at least Sunday Sequence is on there. God has been allocated the smallest room in the house to-day. No it is not some deep theological discussion they are having. It is about the children living in poverty in Ireland. I pondered on this. I thought of our half empty churches, together spending millions of pounds on upgrading, on maintenance, on modern technology. What a force we could be if we all came together, ALL ONE IN CHRIST, and save money and perhaps reach and save more souls .Are we spending HIS money wisely? Are we being too cushioned and comfortable now, while others go to hell on empty stomachs?
Just think - The awesome POWER of a UNITED CHURCH, GOD CENTERED, SPIRIT FILLED, VISIONARY NOT DREAMERS, IN TOP GEAR, at FULL Throttle – WHAT POWER!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway it is amazing, God is the God not only of the Past, but the future. Maybe He knows of a coming REVIVAL, maybe these empty PEWS will soon be filled with people praising an amazing God.
Politically speaking- who is going to look after the poor? Amazing is it not that Sein Fein and the DUP both have a good record of taking an interest in ‘their’ people and their social needs. Just think of those two pairing up!! What a Duo!!!! Come to think of it have you ever wondered what the DUP and the Vatican have in common.. Well as I see it both have a pope who's wish is to remain ‘in harness’ until they die!!!!!!!!!
We need to pray for our political situation – Ruled from England by Tony Blair (and Cherie - Hinge and Bracket) take a look at the smile – you have heard it first here – make a good cartoon for the conservatives for the election. Mind you they don’t have too much to crow about – just thought I would help them.
Well I do need to spend a moment or two with God. This Sunday morning there will be many pious people sitting in our pews, ‘holier than thou’ attitude, until the benediction. Once the Amen is sounded, souls will be forgotten, the Post Mortem of the match will take place (Just as well Ireland won, in case you didn’t hear) and God will be ‘kicked’ into touch just for another few hours, days or sadly for too many Christians, for another week – when once more the Bible is lifted, the dust is blown off, or for the more fastidious, dusted down with (the clean hanky of course)!!, then God will once again be on the Agenda.
This morning as I opened my front door, it was a beautiful morning. Almost November, the sky is summer blue, with wispy clouds. What a great Creator God we serve. I look up and my heart is overwhelmed by God’s mercy to all of us, me included, who push Him to the back burner of our lives more often than we would care to admit. Thank you God for loving me. Thank you God for saving me. Thank you God for creating me, me, and for your wonderful unconditional love to a church (your Bride) that is sometimes slow to spread that love to the needy around them.
Hope this has not been too controversial, just wanting to stir those ‘dozing’ brain cells and create a discussion.
Anna.
If you don’t know Anna believe me you want to – a powerful woman of God who’s sense of humour has often kept me sane within the workplace…
Anna, a much loved colleague and friend of mine from the office wrote this as a reflection of what she was feeling and thinking as she journeyed through a Sunday morning that was 26th October 2003.
Well it is that special day again, Sunday, God’s day. The clocks have gone back – why do I not feel that I had an extra hour in bed? Could it be that I used it up last night? I did say it was God’s day, but I am not awakened by the lovely voice of William Crawley and Sunday Sequence. (It’s lovely waking up with William each Sunday morning- Well I do have my husband beside me) A quick peck “Morning Love”, he (my husband) is concentrating on the radio this morning, the rugby is on. I listen for a while. My beloved needs to see and hear. (Male thing) I in my imagination am being transported to the pitch. The excited tones of Jim Neilly are enough for me. My Husband, mere man, needs the TV. God has not been mentioned as yet this morning. He’s waiting on the other side of the goal posts. He’s patient. We eat breakfast – Oh we do say grace. Well my husband did ! I happened to yawn at the wrong time, but got there for the AMEN. My husband continues to watch the rugby. I put stuffing in the oven. The aroma permeates the house, it is beautiful, but the only stuffing my man is interested in is the ‘stuffin’ he fears Ireland may get from Argentina.
I go to shower. Well at least Sunday Sequence is on there. God has been allocated the smallest room in the house to-day. No it is not some deep theological discussion they are having. It is about the children living in poverty in Ireland. I pondered on this. I thought of our half empty churches, together spending millions of pounds on upgrading, on maintenance, on modern technology. What a force we could be if we all came together, ALL ONE IN CHRIST, and save money and perhaps reach and save more souls .Are we spending HIS money wisely? Are we being too cushioned and comfortable now, while others go to hell on empty stomachs?
Just think - The awesome POWER of a UNITED CHURCH, GOD CENTERED, SPIRIT FILLED, VISIONARY NOT DREAMERS, IN TOP GEAR, at FULL Throttle – WHAT POWER!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway it is amazing, God is the God not only of the Past, but the future. Maybe He knows of a coming REVIVAL, maybe these empty PEWS will soon be filled with people praising an amazing God.
Politically speaking- who is going to look after the poor? Amazing is it not that Sein Fein and the DUP both have a good record of taking an interest in ‘their’ people and their social needs. Just think of those two pairing up!! What a Duo!!!! Come to think of it have you ever wondered what the DUP and the Vatican have in common.. Well as I see it both have a pope who's wish is to remain ‘in harness’ until they die!!!!!!!!!
We need to pray for our political situation – Ruled from England by Tony Blair (and Cherie - Hinge and Bracket) take a look at the smile – you have heard it first here – make a good cartoon for the conservatives for the election. Mind you they don’t have too much to crow about – just thought I would help them.
Well I do need to spend a moment or two with God. This Sunday morning there will be many pious people sitting in our pews, ‘holier than thou’ attitude, until the benediction. Once the Amen is sounded, souls will be forgotten, the Post Mortem of the match will take place (Just as well Ireland won, in case you didn’t hear) and God will be ‘kicked’ into touch just for another few hours, days or sadly for too many Christians, for another week – when once more the Bible is lifted, the dust is blown off, or for the more fastidious, dusted down with (the clean hanky of course)!!, then God will once again be on the Agenda.
This morning as I opened my front door, it was a beautiful morning. Almost November, the sky is summer blue, with wispy clouds. What a great Creator God we serve. I look up and my heart is overwhelmed by God’s mercy to all of us, me included, who push Him to the back burner of our lives more often than we would care to admit. Thank you God for loving me. Thank you God for saving me. Thank you God for creating me, me, and for your wonderful unconditional love to a church (your Bride) that is sometimes slow to spread that love to the needy around them.
Hope this has not been too controversial, just wanting to stir those ‘dozing’ brain cells and create a discussion.
Anna.
If you don’t know Anna believe me you want to – a powerful woman of God who’s sense of humour has often kept me sane within the workplace…
Saturday, October 25, 2003
Simplicity in a complex world!
Recently I have found a lot of people struggling to understand where they are at, why certain things have happened to them the way they have or God’s will for them and their life. Most people who have known me over the past 6 – 12 months would probably put me in this grouping too, and therefore I thought I would share a discovery with you. Rather than suffer from lots of repetitive brain strain, stop and pray simply in faith that God would bring into line your thinking with his. Every time I felt myself descend down that spiral of analytical thinking that was draining and taking me nowhere I’d stop pray the prayer and in faith distract myself with some other thing. I found that within 48 hours I thought about the issue differently or at least had a peace about it. Try it – it works! (The essential ingredient - James 1 Vs 6 “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he that doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”)
This may seem awfully simplistic but then I believe that nine times out of ten its us that makes faith and life complicated not our creator.
Recently I have found a lot of people struggling to understand where they are at, why certain things have happened to them the way they have or God’s will for them and their life. Most people who have known me over the past 6 – 12 months would probably put me in this grouping too, and therefore I thought I would share a discovery with you. Rather than suffer from lots of repetitive brain strain, stop and pray simply in faith that God would bring into line your thinking with his. Every time I felt myself descend down that spiral of analytical thinking that was draining and taking me nowhere I’d stop pray the prayer and in faith distract myself with some other thing. I found that within 48 hours I thought about the issue differently or at least had a peace about it. Try it – it works! (The essential ingredient - James 1 Vs 6 “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he that doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”)
This may seem awfully simplistic but then I believe that nine times out of ten its us that makes faith and life complicated not our creator.
Friday, October 24, 2003
Quotes taken from the week
“Cliché’s are normally cliché’s for a reason… there’s something of truth in them” – Charlie Knox.
“While secret deals often fall apart, the blame must lie with those who thought that a quick fix could be formulated between the balaclavas and the bowler hats alone” - David Ford, Leader of the Alliance Party speaking on the events of this week.
"You become like those you spend time with" - Stephanie Wethers.
“Tony Blair’s spin is the pornography of politics” – The Telegraph.
Rumours
Two recent rumours I’ve heard include that I’m standing for election to the assembly in November and that Angela Martin has changed status from single to attached… hmmmmm which do I believe?
Church Unity
Every now and then you hear of a group of Churches who’ve come together and formed an alliance say “United Churches of Birmingham” etc. I was looking for materials that discuss this phenomenon, its purpose, direction and value. I’ve done a few Internet searches and come up with a big zilch…. This bewilders me as every time I chat with some big MANNAFEST speaker they bang on about it. One even told me of how their church was involved in one and that they had a prayer festival last weekend attracting X thousands! Any clues as to were to look for materials such as this?
“Cliché’s are normally cliché’s for a reason… there’s something of truth in them” – Charlie Knox.
“While secret deals often fall apart, the blame must lie with those who thought that a quick fix could be formulated between the balaclavas and the bowler hats alone” - David Ford, Leader of the Alliance Party speaking on the events of this week.
"You become like those you spend time with" - Stephanie Wethers.
“Tony Blair’s spin is the pornography of politics” – The Telegraph.
Rumours
Two recent rumours I’ve heard include that I’m standing for election to the assembly in November and that Angela Martin has changed status from single to attached… hmmmmm which do I believe?
Church Unity
Every now and then you hear of a group of Churches who’ve come together and formed an alliance say “United Churches of Birmingham” etc. I was looking for materials that discuss this phenomenon, its purpose, direction and value. I’ve done a few Internet searches and come up with a big zilch…. This bewilders me as every time I chat with some big MANNAFEST speaker they bang on about it. One even told me of how their church was involved in one and that they had a prayer festival last weekend attracting X thousands! Any clues as to were to look for materials such as this?
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Dogs & buffoons…..
I’ve come to the conclusion that Trimble is a buffoon and that both the British and Irish governments are about as honourable as a dog on heat as my mate Astrid would say. Strangely as you soak in the various media comment you could be fooled into thinking that Sinn Fein are the only ones who stick with what they say. I mean it doesn’t take a genius to guess what their line is going to be, its probably the only predictable thing there is about.
So Election Day is on its way and we’ve months of looking at ugly middle aged, middle class prats on posters to look forward to. As everybody reaches for those electorate forms they should have filled in a few weeks ago I’m left with the dilemma of who to vote for. I’ve always felt it important to play my part in the democratic process but the other so-called process is sucking any drop of enthusiasm out of me that I had. Any inspiration would be welcome!
I’ve come to the conclusion that Trimble is a buffoon and that both the British and Irish governments are about as honourable as a dog on heat as my mate Astrid would say. Strangely as you soak in the various media comment you could be fooled into thinking that Sinn Fein are the only ones who stick with what they say. I mean it doesn’t take a genius to guess what their line is going to be, its probably the only predictable thing there is about.
So Election Day is on its way and we’ve months of looking at ugly middle aged, middle class prats on posters to look forward to. As everybody reaches for those electorate forms they should have filled in a few weeks ago I’m left with the dilemma of who to vote for. I’ve always felt it important to play my part in the democratic process but the other so-called process is sucking any drop of enthusiasm out of me that I had. Any inspiration would be welcome!
Monday, October 20, 2003
Quote of the week
Some people are so focused on what they were that they no longer enjoy who they’ve become…..
I took this quote from a programme I watch on RTE 3 on a Sunday called Doc. Yesterdays episode was about an old film star who had given up on life because Hollywood had given up on her. Doc, (Played by Billy Ray Cyrus) showed her that acting was her gift but that her obsession with being a big star of the past was stopping her from enjoying and using her gift in the present! It made me wonder how many people are limiting their experience of today because they insist on seeing themselves through other people’s eyes or in the light of what they’ve been.
Christian women.....
I risk being controversial here but have you ever wondered why so many women of faith are single? Don’t worry I’m not talking about nuns here, but I’m talking about beautiful, young, intelligent women who are washed. (Washed in the blood of the lamb of course). Even more baffling to me is the fact that they have all of the above and personality too! A thing that in my day was a rare thing… apologies to those born around 1973 but it is fact. I reckon within my circle of friends I must be talking of about at least 10 individuals here.
Take tonight for example, I was invited by my wee skin and blister “Angela” for tea. Now in our family looks was a thing that missed the first born and was inherited by the two female offspring so don’t base your perception of her looks on me. Including Angela, there was 3 crackers in the house all of which were single and with not even a whisper of a boy involved. How come?
Well I have a theory and it goes something like this - they’re single because they’re not ready yet! It’s simple God’s just not finished with them. It’s a fair point that there is more spiritual work within the average female for the Holy Spirit to do than within the average male.. and so they haven’t been released yet!
Game for a laugh?
From now on I will regularly be going down to this student house and will be having tea with Angela and her mates. If your looking to score let me know as you’re more than welcome to join me however no dogs please. One word of advice, they have stated that they don’t like label boys so you might want to put the dear gear away for the evening. That said lets face it beggars can’t be choosers….
Some people are so focused on what they were that they no longer enjoy who they’ve become…..
I took this quote from a programme I watch on RTE 3 on a Sunday called Doc. Yesterdays episode was about an old film star who had given up on life because Hollywood had given up on her. Doc, (Played by Billy Ray Cyrus) showed her that acting was her gift but that her obsession with being a big star of the past was stopping her from enjoying and using her gift in the present! It made me wonder how many people are limiting their experience of today because they insist on seeing themselves through other people’s eyes or in the light of what they’ve been.
Christian women.....
I risk being controversial here but have you ever wondered why so many women of faith are single? Don’t worry I’m not talking about nuns here, but I’m talking about beautiful, young, intelligent women who are washed. (Washed in the blood of the lamb of course). Even more baffling to me is the fact that they have all of the above and personality too! A thing that in my day was a rare thing… apologies to those born around 1973 but it is fact. I reckon within my circle of friends I must be talking of about at least 10 individuals here.
Take tonight for example, I was invited by my wee skin and blister “Angela” for tea. Now in our family looks was a thing that missed the first born and was inherited by the two female offspring so don’t base your perception of her looks on me. Including Angela, there was 3 crackers in the house all of which were single and with not even a whisper of a boy involved. How come?
Well I have a theory and it goes something like this - they’re single because they’re not ready yet! It’s simple God’s just not finished with them. It’s a fair point that there is more spiritual work within the average female for the Holy Spirit to do than within the average male.. and so they haven’t been released yet!
Game for a laugh?
From now on I will regularly be going down to this student house and will be having tea with Angela and her mates. If your looking to score let me know as you’re more than welcome to join me however no dogs please. One word of advice, they have stated that they don’t like label boys so you might want to put the dear gear away for the evening. That said lets face it beggars can’t be choosers….
Friday, October 17, 2003
Memo to self: SORT THIS ~#*?:@~#> chair out….
Yet again the swivel chair with a leg missing caught me out! I sat down to write but this time instead of falling backwards I fell forwards and nearly pulled everything of the desk including the PC trying to save myself. Sometimes I just love our thrown together furniture but this is rippin the backside out of it!
Paul Coles
Next Monday (27th) young Paul Coles departs from his home at 5am for Dublin. Why? He’s going to take part in the Marathon!! Should he survive he’s then going to drive home……I’m not sure whether he’s keen, daft or just plan nuts! All the same but best of luck!
Joke of the week
When you need to go “As they say in Russia must go/Moscow”
When your in a hurry “As the say in Moscow I’m Russian/rushing”
Some day soon I will write something of meaning I promise!!
Yet again the swivel chair with a leg missing caught me out! I sat down to write but this time instead of falling backwards I fell forwards and nearly pulled everything of the desk including the PC trying to save myself. Sometimes I just love our thrown together furniture but this is rippin the backside out of it!
Paul Coles
Next Monday (27th) young Paul Coles departs from his home at 5am for Dublin. Why? He’s going to take part in the Marathon!! Should he survive he’s then going to drive home……I’m not sure whether he’s keen, daft or just plan nuts! All the same but best of luck!
Joke of the week
When you need to go “As they say in Russia must go/Moscow”
When your in a hurry “As the say in Moscow I’m Russian/rushing”
Some day soon I will write something of meaning I promise!!
Saturday, October 04, 2003
Welcome Elaine Ross
For those who don't know Elaine, she's currently on Y1 and based in Kilkeel! She's a great girl from Dungannon with tonnes potential and I look forward to reading all about her very exciting year serving Christ amongst fishers of fish!
For those who don't know Elaine, she's currently on Y1 and based in Kilkeel! She's a great girl from Dungannon with tonnes potential and I look forward to reading all about her very exciting year serving Christ amongst fishers of fish!
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