My family have made the highly undemocratic decision this year, not to give christmas presents. Which, if I'm honest, didn't go down terribly well for someone who still exhibits occasional displays of youngest child syndrome. I was silently outraged by the decision making powers and lack of consultation of older siblings.
I remember being equally upset about the lack of commercial exploitation of Easter in the chocolatiers of Lyon. I was so sad at this terrible event, it threatened to upset the entire year abroad experience. Something had to be done.
My disappointment sparked a letter writing campaign to friends back in the UK, subtlely pondering how I would ever appreciate the marvels of Easter sunday, the victory of the cross, without the visual... nay, gastromical aid of a few easter eggs.
Over the next few weeks, packets of mini eggs started to arrive in my little post box. Each and every one consumed with genuine appreciation and the occasional philisophical thought. Grace. How marvellous.
At Christmas, we are bombarded with 24-7 ads telling us what we need, unwanted presents, and threats of grievous bodily harm in multi storey carparks. There has to be more than this. I choose to believe, that Christmas is about remembering a lavish gift from a loving Father. And maybe, there's a chance that joy from receiving that unquantifiable, priceless gift can be experienced without maxing out my credit card. This article made me think that might just be possible. Give it away.
Giving is a blessing to others. Give generously then, out of whatever you have. Because if you don't give out of the little that you have, how will you give when you have plenty.
2 Corinthians 9:7-9
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Facial distraction
Movember is almost over. But before it disappears, let's hear it for the women, far and wide, who have persevered a hair-ific ordeal this month.
That's right. Movember means moustaches. And other facial hair variations. But it's all for a very worthy cause - raising awareness of prostate cancer.
So come on, I know you have some coinage deep in your pockets. Think of the poor woman who has had to suffer this beardy masterpiece for an entire month.
Your currencies of many varieties will be acceptable here:
Well done, Handlebar Horn and the rest of your team. I owe you a song. I hope you like it, it's one of my favourites.
Save ---all ---your ---kisses for December,
Save all your kisses for December
Bye-bye, beardy, bye-bye
That's right. Movember means moustaches. And other facial hair variations. But it's all for a very worthy cause - raising awareness of prostate cancer.
So come on, I know you have some coinage deep in your pockets. Think of the poor woman who has had to suffer this beardy masterpiece for an entire month.
Your currencies of many varieties will be acceptable here:
Well done, Handlebar Horn and the rest of your team. I owe you a song. I hope you like it, it's one of my favourites.
Save ---all ---your ---kisses for December,
Save all your kisses for December
Bye-bye, beardy, bye-bye
Friday, 19 November 2010
Home sweet
...community?
I recently discovered I have some wonderful neighbours thanks to the joys of Streetbank: an online community where you can meet the people who live just round the corner from you. AND if you covet any of their belongings, you can borrow them. Just log on, locate your geographical area and think of something quickly that you'd like to lend... like, um... a, euphonium. In return, you can ask Bob at number 74 for the loan of his Mercedes Benz. It's that simple.*
But do we really need a website to help us do this?
It's incredibly sad, but unfortunately for some of us, we just don't get to meet our own neighbours: the young mum you see every weekday struggling onto the bus every morning with her pram. The man who walks his dog along the tow path every weekend. Our paths, somehow, don't cross. Or perhaps we just don't have the time to cross the road to meet them.
I was introduced to this lovely little film made by Breathe, in partnership with Tearfund and Arocha. There's something that really triggers a reaction in me, but there's also something that holds me back from taking the next step. Perhaps not knowing how to, or perhaps not having the courage to carry it out. Giving away our possessions, as a concept, is relatively counter cultural. And yet, it's not exactly original.
When I struggle with radical life choices, one place to look for answers is the early disciples. Take Acts 2 as an example. Here's a type of lifestyle that makes me think how incredibly altruistic those early followers were, how wonderfully sacrificial, holistic and outward looking. But while it might have worked then, surely it's not for today?
I'm still in a state of pondering. But I have definitely experienced the kindness of neighbours and strangers, so I heartily endorse the community that is Streetbank. So if you're not on, why don't you take a little look around your house and think what you'd like to share with someone else. It might just help you get to know your community a little bit better.
I recently discovered I have some wonderful neighbours thanks to the joys of Streetbank: an online community where you can meet the people who live just round the corner from you. AND if you covet any of their belongings, you can borrow them. Just log on, locate your geographical area and think of something quickly that you'd like to lend... like, um... a, euphonium. In return, you can ask Bob at number 74 for the loan of his Mercedes Benz. It's that simple.*
But do we really need a website to help us do this?
It's incredibly sad, but unfortunately for some of us, we just don't get to meet our own neighbours: the young mum you see every weekday struggling onto the bus every morning with her pram. The man who walks his dog along the tow path every weekend. Our paths, somehow, don't cross. Or perhaps we just don't have the time to cross the road to meet them.
I was introduced to this lovely little film made by Breathe, in partnership with Tearfund and Arocha. There's something that really triggers a reaction in me, but there's also something that holds me back from taking the next step. Perhaps not knowing how to, or perhaps not having the courage to carry it out. Giving away our possessions, as a concept, is relatively counter cultural. And yet, it's not exactly original.
When I struggle with radical life choices, one place to look for answers is the early disciples. Take Acts 2 as an example. Here's a type of lifestyle that makes me think how incredibly altruistic those early followers were, how wonderfully sacrificial, holistic and outward looking. But while it might have worked then, surely it's not for today?
I'm still in a state of pondering. But I have definitely experienced the kindness of neighbours and strangers, so I heartily endorse the community that is Streetbank. So if you're not on, why don't you take a little look around your house and think what you'd like to share with someone else. It might just help you get to know your community a little bit better.
And whilst we're on the subject of radical living, if you really want to serve your community, it's useful to get to know who your neighbours are.
* I might have exagerated the items on offer in south west London.
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Toilet twinning at number 10
According to a 2008 survey, our toilet habits in the UK are fairly limited: reading, texting and thinking about food.But today is a special day, and as it's World Toilet day, this is a chance to remind our leaders that we have a desperately long way to go before we deliver the Millennium Development Goal on water and sanitation. It's an outrage that a third of the world's population (2.5 billion people) do not have a safe place to go to the toilet. I found this little film to illustrate the desperate need.
On top of the 900 million who don't have access to clean water, the recent events in Haiti have compounded relief efforts to keep survivors alive after the earthquake in January and the hurricane Tomas. We're still hearing stories in the news of the cholera epidemic, which now threatens to spread to the Dominican Republic. Read more from the Beeb.
But there is something we can do. The diseases that spread through the lack of clean water and sanitation are easily preventable. We just need to commit resources to water and hygiene education, and urge governments to help communities have access to clean water and have a decent place to go to the toilet. Today, we're asking David Cameron to decorate his own WC with a lovely new accessory - to twin Number 10 with a toilet in Burundi. Please join with us and encourage him to do this.
Or if you'd like to do more and are feeling flush, visit WaterAid's rather nice gift shop. It's a great place to get some inspiration for Christmas...
Thursday, 14 October 2010
A good news story
As the news is breaking of the Chilean miners being released from weeks of living underground, all eyes are fixed on the TV screen in the cafe where I'm writing from in Santiago del Estero.
But here, only a few miles from the centre of the city, it's been an emotional day as well. We visited a project set up by Rita Perez, a young woman with a humble attitude and a spirit of immeasurable strength. Here is a woman with incredible ambition, yet selfless and full of hope. There are some 20 young boys in her care, some as young as 12, who have lived on the streets. Some in their late teens, exposed to drug addiction, abuse and neglect during their youth who now receive care and love from Rita and a number of volunteers from churches in the area. Chatting to the young boys easily, she talks about her faith in God. She shares her hopes for the future of these young lads. Their lives without Rita and without these volunteers would surely be very different. I chatted to Maxi, just 12 years old but excited about the prospect of a game of football with me. Which I think is thanks my virtually absent knowledge of Spanish and my enthusiasm to say 'si' to just about anything.
I left today, feeling stirred by what I have seen. But thanks to Rita, her positive outlook and her faith, these lives will continue to be changed, as they learn new skills, planting crops in the small allotment, and as they learn how to bake bread. The journalist speaking live from Chile has just expressed how wonderful to be part of a 'good news story'. For these boys, learning what it means to be loved, seeing Rita's faith in action and being cared for means that they have not just a future, but their own personal good news story.
Jeremiah 29:11 I have good plans for you. Plans for a hope and a future.
The Esperanza Trust Argentina support Rita and a number of other projects in the northern province. Through the help of various churches, the community is working together to overcome poverty and injustice.
But here, only a few miles from the centre of the city, it's been an emotional day as well. We visited a project set up by Rita Perez, a young woman with a humble attitude and a spirit of immeasurable strength. Here is a woman with incredible ambition, yet selfless and full of hope. There are some 20 young boys in her care, some as young as 12, who have lived on the streets. Some in their late teens, exposed to drug addiction, abuse and neglect during their youth who now receive care and love from Rita and a number of volunteers from churches in the area. Chatting to the young boys easily, she talks about her faith in God. She shares her hopes for the future of these young lads. Their lives without Rita and without these volunteers would surely be very different. I chatted to Maxi, just 12 years old but excited about the prospect of a game of football with me. Which I think is thanks my virtually absent knowledge of Spanish and my enthusiasm to say 'si' to just about anything.
I left today, feeling stirred by what I have seen. But thanks to Rita, her positive outlook and her faith, these lives will continue to be changed, as they learn new skills, planting crops in the small allotment, and as they learn how to bake bread. The journalist speaking live from Chile has just expressed how wonderful to be part of a 'good news story'. For these boys, learning what it means to be loved, seeing Rita's faith in action and being cared for means that they have not just a future, but their own personal good news story.
Jeremiah 29:11 I have good plans for you. Plans for a hope and a future.
The Esperanza Trust Argentina support Rita and a number of other projects in the northern province. Through the help of various churches, the community is working together to overcome poverty and injustice.
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Supermarketing power to the people
There are 2 very memorable things I recall from my A-level economics class. One is that The Wizard of Oz was an allegory based on the American economic and monetary policy of the late 19th century. It sparked a rarely seen level of excitement in the classroom. Unfortunately it was short lived.
The other thing I remember talking about, in more painstaking detail was the phenomenon of Tescopoly. As a teenager in a two-trolley town I was seduced by the exotic goods on offer when the new supermercado cowboy rolled into the high street. Let me explain: this was a real novelty for Northern Ireland in the 1990s. It suddenly became more convenient to shop at midnight, buy unnecessary 2 for 1 offers and have a loyalty card.
It's still something of a thrill to have the choice of filling a trolley with anything from baked beans to surfboards. But last week I had an invite to The People's Supermarket, a lovely little shop near Holburn which just sells what you need.
This place is amazing. It's a supermarket for the community. A supermarket which sources its produce from local farmers, and volunteers contribute 4 hours a week to working in the store. Result: quality food, lower costs, and the feel-good factor for helping put something back into the community.
But more than this, it's providing honest business for local farms, where in the past the larger supermarkets have agreed to buy produce, then rejected it at the last minute. The lovely chef, Arther Potts who pioneered this ethical enterprise, cooks up a treat with food from the store. It helps reduce the amount of food thrown away. And since we in the UK bin 8.3 million tonnes of food year, (according to http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/) we could probably do with a bit of help to curb our habit.
So, ok, not everyone can trek into central London to help out at the community supermarket, I hear you. But, if you can, it's good to buy local produce to cut down on food miles. And it's also good to cut out as much waste as possible. Can you compost it? Or freeze it? You might even be able to make a little cake out of your leftovers.
Finally, a word of advice on baking with leftovers. As much as I love innovation and creative cooking, there are certain ingredients which should never be put into a cake/loaf/sponge. This includes fish, meat and vegetables. With the obvious exception of carrots. Jimeoin is the authority on this subject (3min 10s on this clip). Enjoy.
The other thing I remember talking about, in more painstaking detail was the phenomenon of Tescopoly. As a teenager in a two-trolley town I was seduced by the exotic goods on offer when the new supermercado cowboy rolled into the high street. Let me explain: this was a real novelty for Northern Ireland in the 1990s. It suddenly became more convenient to shop at midnight, buy unnecessary 2 for 1 offers and have a loyalty card.
It's still something of a thrill to have the choice of filling a trolley with anything from baked beans to surfboards. But last week I had an invite to The People's Supermarket, a lovely little shop near Holburn which just sells what you need.
This place is amazing. It's a supermarket for the community. A supermarket which sources its produce from local farmers, and volunteers contribute 4 hours a week to working in the store. Result: quality food, lower costs, and the feel-good factor for helping put something back into the community.
But more than this, it's providing honest business for local farms, where in the past the larger supermarkets have agreed to buy produce, then rejected it at the last minute. The lovely chef, Arther Potts who pioneered this ethical enterprise, cooks up a treat with food from the store. It helps reduce the amount of food thrown away. And since we in the UK bin 8.3 million tonnes of food year, (according to http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/) we could probably do with a bit of help to curb our habit.
So, ok, not everyone can trek into central London to help out at the community supermarket, I hear you. But, if you can, it's good to buy local produce to cut down on food miles. And it's also good to cut out as much waste as possible. Can you compost it? Or freeze it? You might even be able to make a little cake out of your leftovers.
Finally, a word of advice on baking with leftovers. As much as I love innovation and creative cooking, there are certain ingredients which should never be put into a cake/loaf/sponge. This includes fish, meat and vegetables. With the obvious exception of carrots. Jimeoin is the authority on this subject (3min 10s on this clip). Enjoy.
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
lessons from the angry lady in the shower queue
This week marks the official end of summer. An end to lazy breakfasts and glorious traffic free roads, and a welcome back to wet brollies and soggy feet. September is here.
But just before the last embers of the campfire die, I want to say what an amAZing summer I've had. Now, traditionally, I enjoy my home comforts. And when all those excited conversations about summer festivals start a-brewing, I like look for a tactiful way to escape the dreaded question. Camping? Nooo. No-No-No. NOOOO.
I think need to work on my diplomacy skills.
So, I got roped into this summer festival, me and several thousand youth & students in a collection of large fields, some dribbly showers and a few puddles. So if, like me, you're not a camper, you might not be up to speed with shower queuing ettiquette. Indeed, you may not be aware that people start lining up from ridiculous hours of the early morning. On one particular morning, there was a queue. I was not in said queue, but I heard the story repeated. I find myself sharing this story because I think it is one that is worth retelling.
This queue was a mixed gender queue. But the day before, there had been a queue of ladies for their showers, and a separate queue for the gents. But on this day, the queue had merged. Although, there were not many chaps queuing, it was mostly girls. And that's another thing you learn at camp. Boys wash less than girls. But this queue was growing in size, and along came a boy, who, upon seeing someone come out of the 'male' showers, decided he could nip in, by-passing the queue (which by this point, had grown at least 10 strong). He'd been encouraged to do this unfortunate act by a lady who was quite far down the existing queue. Now, at this point, lady number 6 in the queue, had decided this was an act of sheer rudeness. Knocking on the shower door, she ordered the the young boy to come out. There then followed an exchange of some words, and the boy rejoined the queue. This lady swiftly became known as 'the angry shower lady'. As you can probably tell, she is a teacher.
Now, when you're at camp, with tens of thousands of people, this sort of activity might raise a few eyebrows. However, when you're at camp, with tens of thousands of christians, everyone offers to pray for the angry shower lady.
The story spread far and wide across Shepton Mallet this summer. But I think people learned a lesson about queuing. But more importantly that that, the angry shower lady did something quite powerful. She spoke up. She raised her voice for what she believed in, and ok it was just a shower and it would have made 5 minutes difference to her. As Edmund Burke put it,
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
The angry shower lady is someone I respect. She made a difference. And she did what was difficult and counter cultural. And although others might have stood by and let it happen, she made everyone play by the same rules. I saw in her a heart to see justice and fairness. God's heart, I believe is for the have nots. Those brushed to one side by people in power, shortchanged by the rules. Don't they need to have life in abundance? Don't we need to help them to thrive, to really experience life? And doesn't it all start when someone speaks up?
One of the guys from the youth group I was with at Soul Survivor was so moved by a talk one night, where he heard about child labour in west Africa on cocoa plantations, 12 million children trafficked into slavery, that he decided to draw up a petition. It started that very night. Every signature represented a brave, going-for-justice person who wanted their voice heard - for an end to the injustices of children sold into slavery. And each young person who signed, promised not to eat chocolate until our favourite chocolate brands in the UK agreed to play fair.
So, I'm a convert to summer festivals. Although I'm told I was glamping, not camping. That's thanks to Karin & Pete's Michelin star restaurant 2 steps from the door of my tent. But for once I'm glad that I met with people who really have a heart to serve, and a heart to speak up for injustice, who do it in the queues for the showers and want to take it out to beyond the doors of their churches, who make a difference for children sold into slavery in west Africa, which is just one of the injustices of our days. There's lots more that you can stand in the queue with the angry lady with. Do something today to end injustice. Go to http://www.stopthetraffik.org/default.aspx and sign the declaration to stop the traffik.
But just before the last embers of the campfire die, I want to say what an amAZing summer I've had. Now, traditionally, I enjoy my home comforts. And when all those excited conversations about summer festivals start a-brewing, I like look for a tactiful way to escape the dreaded question. Camping? Nooo. No-No-No. NOOOO.
I think need to work on my diplomacy skills.
So, I got roped into this summer festival, me and several thousand youth & students in a collection of large fields, some dribbly showers and a few puddles. So if, like me, you're not a camper, you might not be up to speed with shower queuing ettiquette. Indeed, you may not be aware that people start lining up from ridiculous hours of the early morning. On one particular morning, there was a queue. I was not in said queue, but I heard the story repeated. I find myself sharing this story because I think it is one that is worth retelling.
This queue was a mixed gender queue. But the day before, there had been a queue of ladies for their showers, and a separate queue for the gents. But on this day, the queue had merged. Although, there were not many chaps queuing, it was mostly girls. And that's another thing you learn at camp. Boys wash less than girls. But this queue was growing in size, and along came a boy, who, upon seeing someone come out of the 'male' showers, decided he could nip in, by-passing the queue (which by this point, had grown at least 10 strong). He'd been encouraged to do this unfortunate act by a lady who was quite far down the existing queue. Now, at this point, lady number 6 in the queue, had decided this was an act of sheer rudeness. Knocking on the shower door, she ordered the the young boy to come out. There then followed an exchange of some words, and the boy rejoined the queue. This lady swiftly became known as 'the angry shower lady'. As you can probably tell, she is a teacher.
Now, when you're at camp, with tens of thousands of people, this sort of activity might raise a few eyebrows. However, when you're at camp, with tens of thousands of christians, everyone offers to pray for the angry shower lady.
The story spread far and wide across Shepton Mallet this summer. But I think people learned a lesson about queuing. But more importantly that that, the angry shower lady did something quite powerful. She spoke up. She raised her voice for what she believed in, and ok it was just a shower and it would have made 5 minutes difference to her. As Edmund Burke put it,
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
The angry shower lady is someone I respect. She made a difference. And she did what was difficult and counter cultural. And although others might have stood by and let it happen, she made everyone play by the same rules. I saw in her a heart to see justice and fairness. God's heart, I believe is for the have nots. Those brushed to one side by people in power, shortchanged by the rules. Don't they need to have life in abundance? Don't we need to help them to thrive, to really experience life? And doesn't it all start when someone speaks up?
One of the guys from the youth group I was with at Soul Survivor was so moved by a talk one night, where he heard about child labour in west Africa on cocoa plantations, 12 million children trafficked into slavery, that he decided to draw up a petition. It started that very night. Every signature represented a brave, going-for-justice person who wanted their voice heard - for an end to the injustices of children sold into slavery. And each young person who signed, promised not to eat chocolate until our favourite chocolate brands in the UK agreed to play fair.
So, I'm a convert to summer festivals. Although I'm told I was glamping, not camping. That's thanks to Karin & Pete's Michelin star restaurant 2 steps from the door of my tent. But for once I'm glad that I met with people who really have a heart to serve, and a heart to speak up for injustice, who do it in the queues for the showers and want to take it out to beyond the doors of their churches, who make a difference for children sold into slavery in west Africa, which is just one of the injustices of our days. There's lots more that you can stand in the queue with the angry lady with. Do something today to end injustice. Go to http://www.stopthetraffik.org/default.aspx and sign the declaration to stop the traffik.
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Stillness and Sunshine
I don't know what's the best way to describe today. It started off with a morning jog slash stroll slash blissful rest by the riverside. As far as mornings go, it was preettty darn nice. Somewhere, about midway along the stretch of riverside, there was a break in the trees, and a resplendid view of the river with sunlight gloriously glimmering off the surface of the waters. It's the type of image you just want to sit and watch for as long as possible; the thermostat turned to 'just....right...' Perfect conditions for soaking up my RDA of vitamin D.
The floods in Pakistan hit the news this week, and almost immediately, people have been phoning to make donations. It was 9am on Tuesday morning, and the first supporter I spoke to was so moved by the need that she was itching to make a donation. She just wanted to do whatever she could and somewhere in the conversation she talked about how she didn't ever want to grow cold towards the needs of others. I'm sure I empathised with her, did all the standard verbal nods that you do to convince people you understand and that you feel the same way that they do. I might even have experienced a little moisture in the tear ducts. Then the phone call ended. And I got back to work.
This is what I hoped would never happen. How is it possible to stop seeing the tear stained faces behind this awful disaster? How has it happened that I've become blind to whatever needs are in front of me, that I fail to see beyond ... me.
Another phone call this morning, and it ended with, 'in some ways, what you do [ie my job] must be very depressing - always hearing the trauma and the hopelessness'. I paused before answering. But I couldn't really find the words. Maybe it's some sort of emotional displacement - a subconscious way of separating the emotion and just getting the job done. Deal with the heartache later. At a more convenient time.
I'm guilty of wanting to get on with things and neglecting my role in changing how this event impacts someones life, how it can potentially be used to bring hope out of despair. I haven't had time to pray for the people, the children, the homeless and those grieving the loss of loved ones. Actually, that's probably all I can do. I just haven't made time to do it. Spiritual complacency.
I had a wake up call this week. From a lady, who couldn't pray that morning until she knew she had done something for the people in Pakistan. I didn't realise how much that phone call meant until this morning. Until I stopped and looked. The beauty; the stillness of a river. Made me thankful for his creation. And broke my heart for the people who start at zero again, rebuilding their lives.
Pakistan updates from Save the Children
Pray for Pakistan (Tearfund).
The floods in Pakistan hit the news this week, and almost immediately, people have been phoning to make donations. It was 9am on Tuesday morning, and the first supporter I spoke to was so moved by the need that she was itching to make a donation. She just wanted to do whatever she could and somewhere in the conversation she talked about how she didn't ever want to grow cold towards the needs of others. I'm sure I empathised with her, did all the standard verbal nods that you do to convince people you understand and that you feel the same way that they do. I might even have experienced a little moisture in the tear ducts. Then the phone call ended. And I got back to work.
This is what I hoped would never happen. How is it possible to stop seeing the tear stained faces behind this awful disaster? How has it happened that I've become blind to whatever needs are in front of me, that I fail to see beyond ... me.
Another phone call this morning, and it ended with, 'in some ways, what you do [ie my job] must be very depressing - always hearing the trauma and the hopelessness'. I paused before answering. But I couldn't really find the words. Maybe it's some sort of emotional displacement - a subconscious way of separating the emotion and just getting the job done. Deal with the heartache later. At a more convenient time.
I'm guilty of wanting to get on with things and neglecting my role in changing how this event impacts someones life, how it can potentially be used to bring hope out of despair. I haven't had time to pray for the people, the children, the homeless and those grieving the loss of loved ones. Actually, that's probably all I can do. I just haven't made time to do it. Spiritual complacency.
I had a wake up call this week. From a lady, who couldn't pray that morning until she knew she had done something for the people in Pakistan. I didn't realise how much that phone call meant until this morning. Until I stopped and looked. The beauty; the stillness of a river. Made me thankful for his creation. And broke my heart for the people who start at zero again, rebuilding their lives.
Pakistan updates from Save the Children
Pray for Pakistan (Tearfund).
Saturday, 24 July 2010
If' there's one moment in history I'd most like to have a front row tickets for, it's this...
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
And if there had been a crowd in this amazing ampitheatre of pre-existing nothingness, they would of course be wearing UV sunglasses because what happened next would literally have blown them away by the sheer energy of this new force, and it would command instant silence.... followed by a whispered... whoooah.
And God said, 'Lights. Camera. Action'.
And there was light, which was separated from darkness and the light was called day and the darkness was called night. So there was evening, then morning.
The first day.
Familiar story. But actually, there's so many times when I've just read this, without thinking about this spectacular narrative which opens the stage of life.
This weekend I've had the privilege of being entertained by my friend's parents who have come to stay. Our after-supper conversations have left me a little bit spaced out, I've maxed out my scant knowledge of GCSE physics, and been left bepuzzled by the ideology of infinity. When I think about the story of creation as it's told in Genesis, amazing though it is, it does not do justice to the expanse of space and the billion other galaxies beyond our own. No sir. There's no mention of the intracies of the high-tech planetary specifications, without which, we'd all be goners. Over time, scientists have come to realise that there are several critical details about the positioning of the earth from the sun, the tilt of our planet, the levels of salt in the sea, the gases in the atmosphere, the elements in the ground, that are just exactly as they need to be to allow for life on this planet. Not much of this is mentioned in Genesis. But we know about it, now.
The film below is from Rob Bell's 'Everything is spiritual' talk. Which is amazing. In simple terms, he talks about just how huge the universe is, even beyond our accepted knowledge of the universe... and how intricate the smallest atom is.
Obviously, what with me not being a quantum physicist, I appreciate the simple things in life. I like that the story of creation is finite and limited and designed not to hurt brains too much. But on the other hand, there has to be more to this... right? What we understand about the universe - well, we might have some of it right, but there's a lot we don't know. The more scientists discover, the more we realise how much more there is still to find out.
Which points to a vastly infinite... boundless, limitless, beyond our own galactic imagination... god. But not just one who makes things really big. That would just be boring and impersonal. He makes things wonderfully intricate, individuals hard coded with DNA that makes each person living on planet earth... unique. You're one of those individuals. He knows every little detail about you and the 6.8 billion other people on earth. He designed you. With a purpose. In his image. The hugeness and the smallness - go together.
I think we haven't even come close to finding out how big this universe is, or how small. Well. We're finite after all. We're like 2D people, in a 3D universe. Of course, we don't live in flatland, we live in a very real, living, breathing world. But who knows how many dimensions there really are. And how much more of God there is to discover, as well as his inter-plantery playground.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
And if there had been a crowd in this amazing ampitheatre of pre-existing nothingness, they would of course be wearing UV sunglasses because what happened next would literally have blown them away by the sheer energy of this new force, and it would command instant silence.... followed by a whispered... whoooah.
And God said, 'Lights. Camera. Action'.
And there was light, which was separated from darkness and the light was called day and the darkness was called night. So there was evening, then morning.
The first day.
Familiar story. But actually, there's so many times when I've just read this, without thinking about this spectacular narrative which opens the stage of life.
This weekend I've had the privilege of being entertained by my friend's parents who have come to stay. Our after-supper conversations have left me a little bit spaced out, I've maxed out my scant knowledge of GCSE physics, and been left bepuzzled by the ideology of infinity. When I think about the story of creation as it's told in Genesis, amazing though it is, it does not do justice to the expanse of space and the billion other galaxies beyond our own. No sir. There's no mention of the intracies of the high-tech planetary specifications, without which, we'd all be goners. Over time, scientists have come to realise that there are several critical details about the positioning of the earth from the sun, the tilt of our planet, the levels of salt in the sea, the gases in the atmosphere, the elements in the ground, that are just exactly as they need to be to allow for life on this planet. Not much of this is mentioned in Genesis. But we know about it, now.
The film below is from Rob Bell's 'Everything is spiritual' talk. Which is amazing. In simple terms, he talks about just how huge the universe is, even beyond our accepted knowledge of the universe... and how intricate the smallest atom is.
Obviously, what with me not being a quantum physicist, I appreciate the simple things in life. I like that the story of creation is finite and limited and designed not to hurt brains too much. But on the other hand, there has to be more to this... right? What we understand about the universe - well, we might have some of it right, but there's a lot we don't know. The more scientists discover, the more we realise how much more there is still to find out.
Which points to a vastly infinite... boundless, limitless, beyond our own galactic imagination... god. But not just one who makes things really big. That would just be boring and impersonal. He makes things wonderfully intricate, individuals hard coded with DNA that makes each person living on planet earth... unique. You're one of those individuals. He knows every little detail about you and the 6.8 billion other people on earth. He designed you. With a purpose. In his image. The hugeness and the smallness - go together.
I think we haven't even come close to finding out how big this universe is, or how small. Well. We're finite after all. We're like 2D people, in a 3D universe. Of course, we don't live in flatland, we live in a very real, living, breathing world. But who knows how many dimensions there really are. And how much more of God there is to discover, as well as his inter-plantery playground.
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Of butterflies, bumblebees and barbeques
The office I work in benefits from lots of windows and zero air conditioning, so in the height of summer with temperatures in London competing with the molten core of the earth, the windows are wide open. A welcome breeze, accompanied with a shrill-brain-drilling type noise from the engineers next door, and several unfortunate bees. I say unfortunate, but usually I'm the one who ends up worse off. Last year, my heroic actions of 'saving the bee' resulted in me having to fill in the 'accident book' as the chair I was standing on to open the window, happened to have wheels and I landed clumsily on top of a printer. I think the bee escaped unhurt. I had bruises, and a new walk, similar to Quasimodo.
So a lot of people have been talking to me about bees lately. Which is interesting and I think it's good to defend the cause of the humble bee. My own personal interest in bees dates back as far as the Wuzzles. Remember Bumblelion? Very cute, half lion, half bumblebee. 100% fictional. What can I say, it was the 80s. I was young.
Thanks to Liz for this article on bees. Bumblebees are amazing, we rely on them to pollinate our plants, without plants we wouldn't have food. Bees are under threat because of the toxins in pesticides that have severe effects on them. A lot of agricultural changes have led to the decline in countryside, and loss of habitat. Climate change as well is thought to contribute to this. It's interesting that this article headlines with the financial loss that could happen if bees die out. Economic loss is one thing, but biodiversity is something I think that can't be measured on a profit and loss spreadsheet.
We had a barbeque in the garden not so long ago. And I was persuaded into buying butterfly friendly charcoal... Bioregional - friendly to flutterbies.
Bioregional uses wood from UK forests, which reduces the environmental impact as it means it doesn't have to travel as far to get to the shops - less carbon. They are also committed not just to replanting but to encouraging a natural habitat for butterflies and bird species that are considered to be at risk.
In some cases, regular charcoal comes from tropical forests, and if the trees aren't replanted this leads to deforestation, reducing the natural habitat, which leads to a reduction in the variation of species, and global warming. Using charcoal which comes from local sources has less impact on the earth and doesn't destroy the natural habitat for the wide variety of species that make the forest their home. So without sounding like a tree hugger, erm, because that's not what I am.... two things. One, watch you don't tread on any bumblebees because bees are very useful. And quite pretty. And useful for things other than making honey. And two, it's BBQ season. So get out there, and enjoy the terrific weather and toss a... sausage... or a marshmallow on your butterfly friendly barbie.
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Shiny new car feeling
I recently crashed my car, into a silly little wooden post in a car park. And I've lived with the dent and the associated shame (yes, careless driver shame) for about 5 months. But finally this week I decided to have it 'dealt with'.... professionally. My little silver motor arrived back in near perfect condition. In fact, it had additional dents ironed out, so it's much better than prior to the actual traumatic event.
High fives all round.
High fives all round.
But I had to pay someone to fix it. On my own, I would have made it worse. I did try to fix my grandmother's broken keyboard once - with fimo. I was actually responsible for breaking it - i dropped it the day before Christmas.... and I don't think she ever noticed that there was some squidgy black substance around the end of the casing.
Restoration is a bit of a theme in the Bible. Nehemiah weeps over his city, that the walls have been destroyed and is so moved to do something about it. Restored walls - that beautiful picture of being built up again. And relationships, and people, constantly we read about hurt and anger and suffering and brokenness. And it's this mess that God steps into and restores. God, our creator and designer, is also our restorer.
Last week a few of us got together and prayed for an end to violence against women across the world. Restored is a new alliance in the UK which seeks to bring a biblical perspective of, and to equip the church to respond to gender based violence. And the church do need to address this issue, to talk about it, because violence, whether it's physical, or pyschological, of financial, or verbal or sexual... is not how God intended his world to be. It happens behind closed doors and we might not even know it's happening. It might even happening in our churches and perhaps we'd prefer not to talk about it. But I think it is time for the church to do something. Exactly because our God cares deeply for restored relationships, because he knows about the brokenness and the hurt and the suffering in our beaten up world.
So we prayed, and actually, it was hard. Really really emotionally difficult to read the stories of women and young girls in the DRC who have been gang raped and left for dead, physically abused to the point where they know longer feel they are a woman was just heartbreaking. In this immense and brutal darkness, there are a few glimmers of hope, or reconstructive surgery, of healing both spiritual and physical. Read The Times online for the story of Panzi hospital.
I mentioned Restored in an earlier blog, their official launch is on 26th June - if you want to find out more you might be interested in their launch event. The Bringing Hope conference, organised by Faith and Freedom is in Colchester on 26 June.
I'd encourage you to go along if you're interested in knowing what the church can do about this issue. Or if you've been affected, then please do seek support. Contact the National Domestic Violence helpline. Restoring relationships is not a one-sided thing: restoration requires both victim and perpetrator to learn to live in a pattern that doesn't repeat these actions and break out of the cycle.
We all need someone to help us with our mess, our brokenness. We just can't do it on our own. As a church, we need to start talking about these things and to support those experiencing emotional, or physical harm. And as we do this, we start to bring restoration to our families, to our church, to our towns and cities. God speaks in Jeremiah 31: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt.
How awesome that we can be part of bringing a little bit of heaven to earth, with God's help.
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Alreet, wee mucker?*
I know I'm coming home when I see this. This is the welcome home Jennie sign in Belfast internationl airport. Tayto crisps, one of Northern Ireland's favourite delicacies: the best cheese & onion crisps in the world, both an acquired taste and a romantic disincentive. They're made in Tayto Castle, the northern irish equivalent to Willy wonka's chocolate factory. It's a very exciting place to be. Even if you're a grown up like my friend Heidi, a chartered accountant. She said she had fun auditing the factory.
I'm home.
But I've forgotten about the microclimate that operates in this part of the world. The weather varies between pretty cold and... baltic. But today it's beautiful and one of my very good friends is getting married later. She picked a great day.
I love coming home. Especially here. The shores of Strangford Lough on a beautiful clear day in April last year.
I guess most people would say their home is the place where they know they can just be... For me, home is veda bread, Maud's ice-cream and barm brack. Home is a cup of tea and a wee bun and the Harland & Wolf cranes at Belfast harbour. I've been home sick for the last month, missing friends and family. I have a friend in London, I asked him when he was next going home, meaning, Northern Ireland. But, for him, this is a place which reminds him of loss; it isn't home. Nor is London his home, even though he has lived here for 40 years. The place he calls home is the place of his childhood, Argentina. Home is a place of unspoilt memories for him.
Home, I think, is more than a postcode. Home is more than just the place where you have sole ownership of the remote control or a carton of milk in the fridge. I find, when I talk about home, I talk more about the physical qualities. Like how close it is to M&S and Kew Gardens and the river. Well, this is useful if I'm giving you directions to come and visit. But if I just hold onto the things I can see, I forget about the stuff I can't see. What our house is really like. Well, we love to have people round for tea and just hang out with us. We invite people to just be. We invite people to get to know them better. I love this about our home. Both of these places are my homes. They are both very different and still, they are temporary. Each time I come back to the house where I lived for most of my childhood, it's changed. And so it becomes less about the physical state, and more about the memories. Very precious memories of my family.
But home, again, is more than this and I'll not say much more. But this wee passage has helped me remember about the more-ness to life this weekend. Psalm 27:4-6.
* You have just learned some N. Irish slang: how are you my friend?
Friday, 14 May 2010
We go together...
Like ramalamalama ka dinga da dinga dong.
Like cheese on toast. Wimbledon and strawberries. Socks and sandals.
And then there are some things ... that .... don't go together. Like the other day my colleagues, in their usual edifying way, commented on my selection of contrasting florals. An energetic fusion of brown and lime and fuschia and turquoise, hastily selected that morning. Apparently I looked like a magic eye picture. In retrospect I agree it was kaleidscopic vertigo-inducing awfulness. And I am deeply sorry for any offence/motion sickness caused.
So will our new PM and deputy PM work in harmony I wonder. Or will they, when it comes to it, clash like my daisy prints. That's the question everyone is asking. Well, not the fashion question. The political one. I'm quite fascinated by all that's going on. In some places it does work, like the dual executive in France, cheekily known as 'cohabitation' when Monsieur le President represents a different party to the Premier Ministre. There's nowt wrong with a bit of power sharing, and perhaps it will even create greater accountability.
And so we have a mixed cabinet, which generally speaking, is good. And we have yet to see what will happen through this but I was pleased so see Vince Cable, appointed as Lib Dem Business Secretary. He has, in the past, been outspoken in his opposition to bankers' bonuses. Both parties, in their manifesto, have said they are in favour of some sort of tax on banks. One way they could do this is to adopt the Robin hood tax ; skimming off a bit of revenue from top level global financial transactions and sliiiiide this into the fund to reduce world poverty. As a concept, I think this sounds great. And even after a little bit of squirming, Bill Nighy does too. Get involved. Angela Merkel and Monsieur Sarkozy already are.
I've been out this week chatting to people and asking them to send a message to number 10. Back in 2000, we signed up to the millennium development goals; 8 targets to cut world poverty by 2015. And we're still a long way off. This Micah Challenge film was made in 2007.
So with just 5 years to go, we need to keep pressing forward. Pop a message through David's door. And ask him to keep his commitment of 0.7% of our national income towards reducing world poverty.
And if you ever see me, looking mis-matched and un-coordinated...
Please be kind.
Like cheese on toast. Wimbledon and strawberries. Socks and sandals.
And then there are some things ... that .... don't go together. Like the other day my colleagues, in their usual edifying way, commented on my selection of contrasting florals. An energetic fusion of brown and lime and fuschia and turquoise, hastily selected that morning. Apparently I looked like a magic eye picture. In retrospect I agree it was kaleidscopic vertigo-inducing awfulness. And I am deeply sorry for any offence/motion sickness caused.
So will our new PM and deputy PM work in harmony I wonder. Or will they, when it comes to it, clash like my daisy prints. That's the question everyone is asking. Well, not the fashion question. The political one. I'm quite fascinated by all that's going on. In some places it does work, like the dual executive in France, cheekily known as 'cohabitation' when Monsieur le President represents a different party to the Premier Ministre. There's nowt wrong with a bit of power sharing, and perhaps it will even create greater accountability.
And so we have a mixed cabinet, which generally speaking, is good. And we have yet to see what will happen through this but I was pleased so see Vince Cable, appointed as Lib Dem Business Secretary. He has, in the past, been outspoken in his opposition to bankers' bonuses. Both parties, in their manifesto, have said they are in favour of some sort of tax on banks. One way they could do this is to adopt the Robin hood tax ; skimming off a bit of revenue from top level global financial transactions and sliiiiide this into the fund to reduce world poverty. As a concept, I think this sounds great. And even after a little bit of squirming, Bill Nighy does too. Get involved. Angela Merkel and Monsieur Sarkozy already are.
I've been out this week chatting to people and asking them to send a message to number 10. Back in 2000, we signed up to the millennium development goals; 8 targets to cut world poverty by 2015. And we're still a long way off. This Micah Challenge film was made in 2007.So with just 5 years to go, we need to keep pressing forward. Pop a message through David's door. And ask him to keep his commitment of 0.7% of our national income towards reducing world poverty.
And if you ever see me, looking mis-matched and un-coordinated...
Please be kind.
Friday, 7 May 2010
Election-orama
Yesterday, after months of election hype and debates and canvassing, millions of people queued up to take their place in awkward little booths with a pencil on a string.
Yes. The 6th May 2010 was voting day. And I'm sure I'm not the only one to have had momentary pencil paralysis: Is it an X? Or a tick? Or numbers 1 to 17 in order of preference???
Today, the element of surprise continues. In fact, everyone is talking about it. The uncertainty. The whispered deals of power sharing. How many people can fit into Number 10?
One thing is certain, we need our government to reform quickly. The job description for PM grows more demanding by the day. And now there's the more topical question of electoral reform. Certainly I can agree, it would be nice to make the voting system fairer, more representative of the votes cast. Although, in saying this I realise that there is still some work to be done in overcoming voter apathy. There's been a downward trend in recent decades, but yesterday, a surprise surge, which some are suggesting might be thanks to social media. It would probably have been higher still, only Facebook isn't actually a legitimate form of voting.
And so, we've had a turnout of about 65% in voting stations. Which is...erm... supposedly...good. But I think we have to remember that democracy is something that throughout history, people have made sacrifices for. As a Christian, I want to connect with God's heart for the poor, the neglected and those on the edge of society. I want to know what our leaders are doing to bring justice and fairness to everyone. It's not just about what happens now, or in the next week as our parties decide what to do, or in the next month as they figure out who goes and who stays...
My constituency has had a surprise change of colour. But actually, it's the policies, not the colours that matter. We need our government to make good decisions, to look outwardly as well as inwardly. To stand with integrity and to represent the people. To be recognised for it's uprightness and to uproot corruption.
I'm certain that God's heart is for our government to do a fair job for everyone.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Proverbs 31:8-9
So, let's continue to pray for those in power. Pray for our Christian MPs, that they will be a positive influence on domestic, economic and international policies. And pray for wisdom and integrity to reign in this time of uncertainty. And whatever the decision, we need to keep our leaders accountable. Challenge them. Write them a letter. Tell them what needs to be changed. We're going to send Zac a toilet seat with some signatures on it. Long story. Check out the link.
Catch up on the results on the Beeb.
Yes. The 6th May 2010 was voting day. And I'm sure I'm not the only one to have had momentary pencil paralysis: Is it an X? Or a tick? Or numbers 1 to 17 in order of preference???
Today, the element of surprise continues. In fact, everyone is talking about it. The uncertainty. The whispered deals of power sharing. How many people can fit into Number 10?
One thing is certain, we need our government to reform quickly. The job description for PM grows more demanding by the day. And now there's the more topical question of electoral reform. Certainly I can agree, it would be nice to make the voting system fairer, more representative of the votes cast. Although, in saying this I realise that there is still some work to be done in overcoming voter apathy. There's been a downward trend in recent decades, but yesterday, a surprise surge, which some are suggesting might be thanks to social media. It would probably have been higher still, only Facebook isn't actually a legitimate form of voting.
And so, we've had a turnout of about 65% in voting stations. Which is...erm... supposedly...good. But I think we have to remember that democracy is something that throughout history, people have made sacrifices for. As a Christian, I want to connect with God's heart for the poor, the neglected and those on the edge of society. I want to know what our leaders are doing to bring justice and fairness to everyone. It's not just about what happens now, or in the next week as our parties decide what to do, or in the next month as they figure out who goes and who stays...
My constituency has had a surprise change of colour. But actually, it's the policies, not the colours that matter. We need our government to make good decisions, to look outwardly as well as inwardly. To stand with integrity and to represent the people. To be recognised for it's uprightness and to uproot corruption.
I'm certain that God's heart is for our government to do a fair job for everyone.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Proverbs 31:8-9
So, let's continue to pray for those in power. Pray for our Christian MPs, that they will be a positive influence on domestic, economic and international policies. And pray for wisdom and integrity to reign in this time of uncertainty. And whatever the decision, we need to keep our leaders accountable. Challenge them. Write them a letter. Tell them what needs to be changed. We're going to send Zac a toilet seat with some signatures on it. Long story. Check out the link.
Catch up on the results on the Beeb.
Thursday, 22 April 2010
A weekful of firsts
I've just been reflecting on my lovely commute to work that this week, there's been a very cool theme going on. So it's still spring and it's still a wee bit cold, but this week, in recognition of the consequtive days that the sun has had his hat on, I've worn my flip flops for the first time. On Saturday I went for a bike & run around Richmond park (first time for combined training). And Sunday was the first time I visited my friend, Miss Green-fingers' allotment. Which doesn't look like an allotment at all. It actually looks like Charlie Dimmock's very tidy back garden.
Lush.
...A while back, another friend, Miss Scandinavia and myself were having a good oul natter about life and music and things we love and justice and the world and shoes... probably. And out of this we both realised that we wanted somewhere to be able to share our thoughts, to develop them and hopefully come to a place of deeper understanding of how faith and life inter-connect . And so there've been many more conversations since that day, research and soul-seeking and general musings... all the while a little flicker of a light bulb burning in the recesses of our minds. And so, one day, when lunching with some lovely friends and one experienced blogger, my comfort blanket of proscrastination was whipped from me and the Reverential Cooke started this blog for me. Sometimes a little gentle persuasion is all we need...
And so...
Ladies & gentille men, I'm pleased to introduce Maid Marian of Sweden & Denmark. This is her fine blog. http://www.firstwomanstanding.blogspot.com/
She's got it going on.
I think it's a great thing when you get to be part of seeing something happen for the first time. It starts off as an idea. You share that idea with a few people, preferably your chicken soup friends, the ones who are gonna help you dream BIG. And then finally the idea is refined, tried out, tested and improved. I was hanging out with my good friend this week. And her husband has been starting to write some worship songs. Now, I'm not the most musical person but I do know what I like. And this I liked. And it's so exciting to see something in progress, at this tender stage.
It's at this point that we need to encourage. We need to feed into the process, to enhance what's good, to take what works and make it better. And gently decide what to leave to one side. In the musical world, there is a word for this. You may not be familiar with this term. I wasn't. But my friend was able to pinpoint the exact thing that this worship song needed.
'It needs some hinkydink'.
She's so right. Sometimes we all need a bit of hinkydink. And there's enough hinkydink to go around for everyone. I'm really looking forward to singing that song someday, the fully hyped hinkydinked version. It's gonna be good.
My last and final first of this week, is also an exciting one. A new Christian alliance has been launched to highlight the need to end violence against women. Gender based violence, which is often used as a weapon of war around the world is an outrage. This also incorporates abuse that is verbal, emotional, and physical. In the UK, 2 women a week die due to violence caused by their partner or ex-partner. In Russia, that statistic is 1 woman per day. Go to the Ukraine, and it's one woman every 35 minutes.
There are some non-church based organisations already out there doing brilliant stuff to raise awareness of the issue. But it's something we need to start talking about in churches. We need to pray into this, we need to make sure we're doing something about it. And this is a call for both men and women to take a stand and to speak out for and end to these horrendous acts.
The new alliance is beautifully named Restored. That's a theme of the bible. Restoration.
The website isn't quite ready for all 3 of you, so I'll post the link when it's ready to go.
In the meantime you might want to think about how how you could get involved with changing attitudes toward violence against women. Or have a look at this little video.
Take action join the UN campaign action to say no to violence against women.
Thanks for reading today. Bless you.
Lush.
...A while back, another friend, Miss Scandinavia and myself were having a good oul natter about life and music and things we love and justice and the world and shoes... probably. And out of this we both realised that we wanted somewhere to be able to share our thoughts, to develop them and hopefully come to a place of deeper understanding of how faith and life inter-connect . And so there've been many more conversations since that day, research and soul-seeking and general musings... all the while a little flicker of a light bulb burning in the recesses of our minds. And so, one day, when lunching with some lovely friends and one experienced blogger, my comfort blanket of proscrastination was whipped from me and the Reverential Cooke started this blog for me. Sometimes a little gentle persuasion is all we need...
And so...
Ladies & gentille men, I'm pleased to introduce Maid Marian of Sweden & Denmark. This is her fine blog. http://www.firstwomanstanding.blogspot.com/
She's got it going on.
I think it's a great thing when you get to be part of seeing something happen for the first time. It starts off as an idea. You share that idea with a few people, preferably your chicken soup friends, the ones who are gonna help you dream BIG. And then finally the idea is refined, tried out, tested and improved. I was hanging out with my good friend this week. And her husband has been starting to write some worship songs. Now, I'm not the most musical person but I do know what I like. And this I liked. And it's so exciting to see something in progress, at this tender stage.
It's at this point that we need to encourage. We need to feed into the process, to enhance what's good, to take what works and make it better. And gently decide what to leave to one side. In the musical world, there is a word for this. You may not be familiar with this term. I wasn't. But my friend was able to pinpoint the exact thing that this worship song needed.
'It needs some hinkydink'.
She's so right. Sometimes we all need a bit of hinkydink. And there's enough hinkydink to go around for everyone. I'm really looking forward to singing that song someday, the fully hyped hinkydinked version. It's gonna be good.
My last and final first of this week, is also an exciting one. A new Christian alliance has been launched to highlight the need to end violence against women. Gender based violence, which is often used as a weapon of war around the world is an outrage. This also incorporates abuse that is verbal, emotional, and physical. In the UK, 2 women a week die due to violence caused by their partner or ex-partner. In Russia, that statistic is 1 woman per day. Go to the Ukraine, and it's one woman every 35 minutes.
There are some non-church based organisations already out there doing brilliant stuff to raise awareness of the issue. But it's something we need to start talking about in churches. We need to pray into this, we need to make sure we're doing something about it. And this is a call for both men and women to take a stand and to speak out for and end to these horrendous acts.
The new alliance is beautifully named Restored. That's a theme of the bible. Restoration.
The website isn't quite ready for all 3 of you, so I'll post the link when it's ready to go.
In the meantime you might want to think about how how you could get involved with changing attitudes toward violence against women. Or have a look at this little video.
Take action join the UN campaign action to say no to violence against women.
Thanks for reading today. Bless you.
Friday, 16 April 2010
World of wonders
Feeling a bit blue by my volcanic activity related cancelled flight to the homeland, I decided I needed to look at the bigger picture and be thankful that I'm not flying through molten ash.
And stumbled across this.
He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;
the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. Psalm 104: 13
In fact the whole psalm is pre-ttt-y amazing. But for me, this part really shines out.
May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in his works -
he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
who touches the mountains and they smoke. Psalm 104:31-32
But I'd encourage you to read the whole chapter because maybe you haven't been affected by seismic activity today and you might find an entirely different part really speaks to you...
or challenges you or you just find something that makes you think.
I love creation, which is why this psalm is really alive for me. I think because I 'get' that vibe when I'm hanging out in God's back garden. So the trees are just doing their thing, just being trees; and I get to just be me. And that's all. There's really not that much to it. But one-ness and stillness and... God, who made all these things perfect and wonderful and awesome, is there, in the moment.
Perspective.
Really, my cancelled weekend plans are not that big in the scheme of things. Although I will be sad not to chillax with a giggle of girls, including one who is due to be a hen tomorrow. But I'm sure I can find something almost as entertaining to do instead.
And as well, I just want to remember other places around the world where seismic shifts have had much greater consequences. Haiti, Chile and this week, China have suffered terribly. However, there has been a phenomenal public response to the integrated disaster response work. They will all need funding for many years to come. Please pray for those affected, for the thousands left without a home. For the community as they try to rebuild their lives, and for aid workers in these countries as they carry out their work in physically and emotionally draining conditions. If you want to keep up to date with what's going on, you might like to read more on the Red Cross website.
And stumbled across this.
He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;
the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. Psalm 104: 13
In fact the whole psalm is pre-ttt-y amazing. But for me, this part really shines out.
May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in his works -
he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
who touches the mountains and they smoke. Psalm 104:31-32
But I'd encourage you to read the whole chapter because maybe you haven't been affected by seismic activity today and you might find an entirely different part really speaks to you...
or challenges you or you just find something that makes you think.
I love creation, which is why this psalm is really alive for me. I think because I 'get' that vibe when I'm hanging out in God's back garden. So the trees are just doing their thing, just being trees; and I get to just be me. And that's all. There's really not that much to it. But one-ness and stillness and... God, who made all these things perfect and wonderful and awesome, is there, in the moment.
Perspective.
Really, my cancelled weekend plans are not that big in the scheme of things. Although I will be sad not to chillax with a giggle of girls, including one who is due to be a hen tomorrow. But I'm sure I can find something almost as entertaining to do instead.
And as well, I just want to remember other places around the world where seismic shifts have had much greater consequences. Haiti, Chile and this week, China have suffered terribly. However, there has been a phenomenal public response to the integrated disaster response work. They will all need funding for many years to come. Please pray for those affected, for the thousands left without a home. For the community as they try to rebuild their lives, and for aid workers in these countries as they carry out their work in physically and emotionally draining conditions. If you want to keep up to date with what's going on, you might like to read more on the Red Cross website.
Thursday, 1 April 2010
Sing it dance it pray it walk it
This very cool lil website doodle landed on the door mat of my inbox today. Highly addictive and particularly relevant for tonight. It makes little maps for you, quite handy if you're into walking from A to B. Or if you're more circley inclined, your needs are also catered for.
I've been getting excited about our all night of prayer at church. And the prayer walk around Richmond.
I was looking for some inspiration on prayer walking today; I was admitedly briefly enthused by the marching and trumpet blowing and wall-obliterating story in Joshua 6. And whilst there's some great battle story going on there, there's also an animal welfare issue which we in the 21 st century struggle with.
So instead all I'm going use this little verse. Which is equally wonderful in an entirely different way.
Humble yourselves under God's mighty hand, so that he might lift you up. James 4:10. I think just as we join together to pray for our city, our neighbourhood, our schools, our nation, our world, it's good to remember that we have an awesome God. But getting down on our knees to pray; man, what a privilege that is. I think that might be quite good to remember that every amazing act of God can be traced to a figure on their knees.
I've been getting excited about our all night of prayer at church. And the prayer walk around Richmond.
I was looking for some inspiration on prayer walking today; I was admitedly briefly enthused by the marching and trumpet blowing and wall-obliterating story in Joshua 6. And whilst there's some great battle story going on there, there's also an animal welfare issue which we in the 21 st century struggle with.
So instead all I'm going use this little verse. Which is equally wonderful in an entirely different way.
Humble yourselves under God's mighty hand, so that he might lift you up. James 4:10. I think just as we join together to pray for our city, our neighbourhood, our schools, our nation, our world, it's good to remember that we have an awesome God. But getting down on our knees to pray; man, what a privilege that is. I think that might be quite good to remember that every amazing act of God can be traced to a figure on their knees.
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
flip flops and funky feet
This is usually a time of year that I really love. The sky is still blue when I'm leaving the office in the evening, the daffs on the doorstep are looking groovy, and there's a waft of spring-y-ness in the air. Time for the winter boots to go back into the wardrobe, prepare the toes for their first unveiling of the year.
Well. Not today. Seasonal downpours are upon us. But that has not deterred me from one of my main passions in life.
Although it's not exactly flip-flop season, it's always a good day for new shoes. I think my next pair might come from here; these very funky feet courtesy of Simple Shoes.
I like these. They look different. And different is good. Different strikes up a conversation. Different gets you talking about how you see things and how someone else sees the same things.
I like that this company proactively seek out materials that are more durable, and recycled. They're going all out to make their entire line from 100% sustainable products. Their packaging is biodegradable and 100% recycled. Did I mention the organic cotton? Who doesn't get excited about organic cotton? Very planet friendly. That's good.
Oh. And I love that they have kids' shoes called Poodle, Doodle and Noodle.
Class.
Well. Not today. Seasonal downpours are upon us. But that has not deterred me from one of my main passions in life.
Although it's not exactly flip-flop season, it's always a good day for new shoes. I think my next pair might come from here; these very funky feet courtesy of Simple Shoes.
I like these. They look different. And different is good. Different strikes up a conversation. Different gets you talking about how you see things and how someone else sees the same things.
I like that this company proactively seek out materials that are more durable, and recycled. They're going all out to make their entire line from 100% sustainable products. Their packaging is biodegradable and 100% recycled. Did I mention the organic cotton? Who doesn't get excited about organic cotton? Very planet friendly. That's good.
Oh. And I love that they have kids' shoes called Poodle, Doodle and Noodle.
Class.
Monday, 29 March 2010
the ethical easter bunny
If you don't have a 6 or an 8 year old niece and nephew to buy for this easter, these are some t'riffic options for an eco-friendly easter. I'm particulary loving the idea of adopting some chicks (and know someone who miiiight just get a little bit excited about that too).
It's all about Jesus anyway, it's not really about chocolate. Nor the easter bunny.
It's all about Jesus anyway, it's not really about chocolate. Nor the easter bunny.
Thursday, 25 March 2010
If you go down to the woods today...
You better go in disguise, well... it's good advice if you're actually going to the cocoa plantations of West Africa and reporting on the horrendous child labour situation going on behind the scenes, fuelling our nation's addition to chocolate.
[Chocolate: the bitter truth on BBC iplayer avail unil Wed 31st March]
Like many people the element of shock is still resonating with me. The one hour documentary last night told the compelling story of a twelve year old boy from Burkina Faso reunited with his mother after being trafficked into forced labour; a flagrant disregard of international child labour conventions.
The programme showed how easy it is to buy cocoa from unregulated farms and sell them into the supply chain without traceability: without paperwork to show the validity of their reputable (or otherwise) origin. Child labour is contrary to the ILO (International Labour Organisation) standards of Fairtrade. Some cooperative farms had also been found using child labour and were suspended. They no longer provide cocoa under the Fairtrade label.
And as you'd expect, the FLO (Fairtrade Labelling Organisation) and several of our favourite chocolate brands agreed that they need to ramp up their efforts to ensure that all their farms are free of the 'worst forms of child labour'. Which basically means that if a child works on a farm they shouldn't be carrying out hazardous tasks and should be attending school. These are standards that the FLO already expect and audit regularly, with severe penalties if they are not met.
The programme did a really good job of highlighting the realities of cocoa production. And I think for many there will be a huge shock factor which will serve to make people think twice before buying an easter egg from the supermarket. But if we just leave it there, then we might miss a really important issue.
The fact that the reporter, Paul Kenyon, went undercover speaks volumes of the level of corruption and fear involved in bringing something of this nature to light. Clearly there are forces larger than the ILO or the Beeb at work, and no amount of well intentioned western policy is going to change that. Throw in some cultural issues as well and you start to realise that regulation ain't as simple as it first seems. Yes, it's in everyones benefit that FT works, and there's countless examples of how it does. And that's good and that's worth celebrating. But in terms of shifting cultural patterns, this has to come fromthe communities involved in cocoa production. Where the real long lasting change will happen is when the benefits of keeping a child in school instead of sending them to climb a tree with a macheté are realised. And that might be a very costly decision for some families, because the situation at present is that there is a very clear trade-off between education ...
and survival.
Perhaps if this cultural change happened, then maybe the need for child labour would be eradicated. And maybe if corruption at various levels was exposed then penalties for trafficking would actually be enforced and the attraction of buying and selling people would be eliminated.
So I would argue, we need more. We need more than Fairtrade rules to say 'No' to child labour. We need cooperation from the grass roots level to the international arena. And unfortunately it will take time. But for the sake of one boy called Fatao there is hope of a childhood. That, frankly is a miracle.
The Fairtrade Organisation have published their official statement here.
[Chocolate: the bitter truth on BBC iplayer avail unil Wed 31st March]
Like many people the element of shock is still resonating with me. The one hour documentary last night told the compelling story of a twelve year old boy from Burkina Faso reunited with his mother after being trafficked into forced labour; a flagrant disregard of international child labour conventions.
The programme showed how easy it is to buy cocoa from unregulated farms and sell them into the supply chain without traceability: without paperwork to show the validity of their reputable (or otherwise) origin. Child labour is contrary to the ILO (International Labour Organisation) standards of Fairtrade. Some cooperative farms had also been found using child labour and were suspended. They no longer provide cocoa under the Fairtrade label.
And as you'd expect, the FLO (Fairtrade Labelling Organisation) and several of our favourite chocolate brands agreed that they need to ramp up their efforts to ensure that all their farms are free of the 'worst forms of child labour'. Which basically means that if a child works on a farm they shouldn't be carrying out hazardous tasks and should be attending school. These are standards that the FLO already expect and audit regularly, with severe penalties if they are not met.
The programme did a really good job of highlighting the realities of cocoa production. And I think for many there will be a huge shock factor which will serve to make people think twice before buying an easter egg from the supermarket. But if we just leave it there, then we might miss a really important issue.
The fact that the reporter, Paul Kenyon, went undercover speaks volumes of the level of corruption and fear involved in bringing something of this nature to light. Clearly there are forces larger than the ILO or the Beeb at work, and no amount of well intentioned western policy is going to change that. Throw in some cultural issues as well and you start to realise that regulation ain't as simple as it first seems. Yes, it's in everyones benefit that FT works, and there's countless examples of how it does. And that's good and that's worth celebrating. But in terms of shifting cultural patterns, this has to come fromthe communities involved in cocoa production. Where the real long lasting change will happen is when the benefits of keeping a child in school instead of sending them to climb a tree with a macheté are realised. And that might be a very costly decision for some families, because the situation at present is that there is a very clear trade-off between education ...
and survival.
Perhaps if this cultural change happened, then maybe the need for child labour would be eradicated. And maybe if corruption at various levels was exposed then penalties for trafficking would actually be enforced and the attraction of buying and selling people would be eliminated.
So I would argue, we need more. We need more than Fairtrade rules to say 'No' to child labour. We need cooperation from the grass roots level to the international arena. And unfortunately it will take time. But for the sake of one boy called Fatao there is hope of a childhood. That, frankly is a miracle.
The Fairtrade Organisation have published their official statement here.
Monday, 22 March 2010
Waiting for the loo
+%282%29.jpg "World toilet day")
Today I stood in a really long queue and broke a record.A Guinness world record. Which is a first for me, although breaking things in general, is not.
It's the World's longest toilet queue day and it's time to end world water poverty. 900 million people around the world do not have access to safe, clean water. One third of the world's popluation don't have what the UN call a 'safe place' to go to the loo. What they mean by this is somewhere that is a) private (and I think on the whole, we ALL prefer to go somewhere that's secluded, given the choice... And b) where there is a safe way of removing the poo from human contact. Both of which are pretty basic things.
Across 70 different countries, hundreds of thousands of people will join the queue to ask our governmnent to keep taps and toilets at the top of their agenda.
Nearly 5000 children die each day from lack of clean water.
And they don't need to.
Back in 2000, a whole heap of countries signed up to the Millennium Development Goals (nicely shortened to MDGs). Ambitious but necessary targets to halt the spread of HIV/Aids, reduce world poverty, and halve the number of people living without access to clean and safe drinking water and basic sanitation. It's 2010, and the 189 nations that signed up to the MDGs are a long way from meeting their targets. So, we really need to remind our leaders to keep these issues on the political agenda, and make sure they make progress.It's not too late to join the queue or even better, take action by writing to your MP (she or he will love to hear from you...)
Were you queuing? Have a look and see if you can find yourself here.
+%282%29.jpg "Lizzie Loo")
And another thing... if it's your mum's birthday, forget the flowers. What she really wants is for her downstairs loo to be twinned with a nice long drop in Burundi. Yes, it's entirely possible. Get the whole family to chip in, and your ma will be well chuffed. Visit Cord's throne room here and get yourself a nice treasure of toilet twinning joy.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Snow, ski & sculptures
It's been a bit quiet on ye olde blog lately, so sorry for the silence but it's good to... you know... reflect.
I celebrated the end of my 2 dollars challenge by tucking into a freshly factory packaged muesli yoghurt type thing at Stansted airport just before my McEarly o'clock flight to Oslo. And the OJ alone would have shot the daily budgerigar out of the window. So pricey.
Soooo anyways, thoughts on Oslo.
Love it. Second visit in my entire lifetime, and it
still
wows
me.
Love the snow and the bluuue skies. But most of all I love that unlike me, the locals gracefully board and disembark buses and trams with the greatest of ease, skis over one shoulder, small child in the other. Those who know me well, know that the combination of skis and moving transport would be lethal, likely to result in mass accidental decapitation of innocent victims.
We went to see this amazing piece of manmade architecture. Just looking at it from the safely of the landing point made me feel quite small indeed. But seeing people fly through the air was totally awesome! The Holmenkollen ski jump is the location of the skiing world championships in 2011. I'll probably not enter the competition. It was a tough decision to make but I feel it is for the best.
Enjoy the photos and try not to dwell too long on the interesting statues.
Vigelands Park is a popular destination for the discerning sculpture lover. But it makes for some smashing photos as well, as we demonstrate the profound truth that we are art. Lindsey is the one with the hair; Jules & Sonj demo the dance of life. Lindsey is the dude in the last pic in an intimate embrace with ski-jump champion 2011.
I celebrated the end of my 2 dollars challenge by tucking into a freshly factory packaged muesli yoghurt type thing at Stansted airport just before my McEarly o'clock flight to Oslo. And the OJ alone would have shot the daily budgerigar out of the window. So pricey.
Soooo anyways, thoughts on Oslo.
Love it. Second visit in my entire lifetime, and it
still
wows
me.
Love the snow and the bluuue skies. But most of all I love that unlike me, the locals gracefully board and disembark buses and trams with the greatest of ease, skis over one shoulder, small child in the other. Those who know me well, know that the combination of skis and moving transport would be lethal, likely to result in mass accidental decapitation of innocent victims.
We went to see this amazing piece of manmade architecture. Just looking at it from the safely of the landing point made me feel quite small indeed. But seeing people fly through the air was totally awesome! The Holmenkollen ski jump is the location of the skiing world championships in 2011. I'll probably not enter the competition. It was a tough decision to make but I feel it is for the best.Enjoy the photos and try not to dwell too long on the interesting statues.
Vigelands Park is a popular destination for the discerning sculpture lover. But it makes for some smashing photos as well, as we demonstrate the profound truth that we are art. Lindsey is the one with the hair; Jules & Sonj demo the dance of life. Lindsey is the dude in the last pic in an intimate embrace with ski-jump champion 2011.
Friday, 5 March 2010
Not quite the final curtain
On one hand I'm really glad that I can now legitimately enjoy a nice cup of freshly brewed coffee from some UK brand coffee house this morning. I'm also a bit sad in a weird sort of way, that this period has come to an end. It's been really interesting exploring what it looks like to live on $2 a day, ethically. And so I don't think this is the 'end' of my story.
But I'm quite a reflector when it comes to thinking and acting. So, I'm taking a few days away from my conditionally formatted spreadsheets and my blog, and I'm just planning on taking a bit of time out, to hang out with God and some friends in his Narnia-esque playground. I'm off to Norway.
I think I'll come back with a few more thoughts.
Ha det bra. (that's how Norwegians say cheerio)
But I'm quite a reflector when it comes to thinking and acting. So, I'm taking a few days away from my conditionally formatted spreadsheets and my blog, and I'm just planning on taking a bit of time out, to hang out with God and some friends in his Narnia-esque playground. I'm off to Norway.
I think I'll come back with a few more thoughts.
Ha det bra. (that's how Norwegians say cheerio)
Thursday, 4 March 2010
And now... the end is near
So.
I've pretty much finished. It's a bit of an achievement, because I'm not really one for finishing things. But actually, I guess that was part of the challenge and it's given me a chance to get up off my personal sofa of procrastination.
And tomorrow morning... I'm having something other than porridge. Some other wheaty goodness maybe with a dried fruit type substance inside.
I can't say I've done marvellously well this week. Obviously there's been the seductive scones and the thai curry of scent-sational goodness. Those were my main pitfalls. And I didn't really get on board so well with the persistent empty feeling. I moaned a lot. My sugar level slumped and I've been grouchy and snappy and if I still have any friends I will be very surpised. And not only that, I've got a new obsession which is typing until the early morning.
But one thing I can say, is that I've seen blessings this week. From chicken & mushroom pie, to belgian chocolate fairtrade bars. Friends have been amazing, and I feel a little bit over-indulged by people who have encouraged me.... even at the end of my afternoon, just in time for a 3 hour training session (of the dullest variety). And I have to say, these little treats were very welcome. Very welcome indeed, thank you cadbury's Fairtrade.... and anonymous chocolate fairy who visited my desk.
I've pretty much finished. It's a bit of an achievement, because I'm not really one for finishing things. But actually, I guess that was part of the challenge and it's given me a chance to get up off my personal sofa of procrastination.
And tomorrow morning... I'm having something other than porridge. Some other wheaty goodness maybe with a dried fruit type substance inside.
I can't say I've done marvellously well this week. Obviously there's been the seductive scones and the thai curry of scent-sational goodness. Those were my main pitfalls. And I didn't really get on board so well with the persistent empty feeling. I moaned a lot. My sugar level slumped and I've been grouchy and snappy and if I still have any friends I will be very surpised. And not only that, I've got a new obsession which is typing until the early morning.
But one thing I can say, is that I've seen blessings this week. From chicken & mushroom pie, to belgian chocolate fairtrade bars. Friends have been amazing, and I feel a little bit over-indulged by people who have encouraged me.... even at the end of my afternoon, just in time for a 3 hour training session (of the dullest variety). And I have to say, these little treats were very welcome. Very welcome indeed, thank you cadbury's Fairtrade.... and anonymous chocolate fairy who visited my desk.
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Hunger and Thirst
Earlier today, I got up from my desk and walked down the corridor, and had a funny sensation of being lifted on air.
But, nooo it was not some amazing uplifting divine experience. Just light headed-ness. Which is that basic human physiological need: hunger. I started to think about lunch.
Which... today was ... quiche. Yep. The same one I've been eating since Monday. But it's very rock and roll and I was very excited. Aren't eggs great? And who knew scones could be SO versatile??
But I was thinking, about hunger mostly. It's not very often that I actually experience hunger. Like proper I've-had-nothing-in-my-stomach-for-hours type emptiness. Yesterday we had an amazing day at work. One thing I love about my job is that I work with a tonne of inspired individuals, who interceed daily, hunger and thirst for an end to the injustices of this world, for people to have access to basic medicines that can prolong their life; for people who live without the basic necessities like - clean running water - like education. And yesterday, us 'Fund folk had time to hang out with God and just really seek him, and and discover those 'penny dropping' moments. And I think that was pretty cool because I do feel sometimes feel like we're doing so much and seeing so little progress. We hear these stories about transformation and lives restored. But sometimes... it feels like nothing more than a drop in the ocean.
I am a bit of a stat-freak. My team sigh in desperation when they see me whip out a spreadsheet, well who can blame them. But seriously, charts are good. (And I especially like little drop down menus and conditional formatting... ) But I was overwhelmed when I read those stats that 50% of the people we share this fragile planet with... live on less than $2.50. A day. That's frightening because we know that poverty is cyclical and incredibly difficult to get out of. Poverty shares a poorly lit back street with sewage contaminated water, sickness, lack of education and career choices limited to slavery on the streets.
I've had a podcast on my ipod for a little while. It was a sermon which is part of a series looking on the Sermon on the mount, where Jesus stands up and says Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. And I've just been thinking a lot about this lately, I guess it ties in a lot with the idea that our lives, although we are thousands of miles away from people who have actually never experienced what it is to have their kids go to school, or don't have a source of clean water, or don't have a safe place to go to the toilet, our lives... are connected. They share the earth with us. But we don't know them. We don't see their faces and rarely do we know their names. But we're connected. And the things that we do here, have an impact on the way they live their lives... in another continent. Far far away.
And so - what?
What does this mean?
To be honest, I think it means more than I'm even able to say. I think God experiences the pain that we do. I think he knows far more than we're able to say, that thirsting and hungering and chasing after just simple things that we know are right and shouldn't be difficutlt... is tiring. We all get tired from saying the same prayers, again and again. Don't we?
God's word says this:
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. Isaiah 58:12
I'm choosing to believe that God knows what he's doing. And chatting to a friend last night, I've remembered how powerful it is to keep on interceeding. To keep petitioning, keep asking, keep on going. And this week, yes I've been a little bit hungry at times, but that feels so insignificant when I think of what real committed, long-term interceders experience. But.... God has heard those cries for justice and an end of violence to women in Sudan, for spiritual renewal in Haiti, for peaceful relations in DRC. I know that he's heard and I know that as a result of people coming together in unity, there's been a shift in the heavenlies. Jesus finishes that sentence by saying - those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. There's no indication of the immediacy. But the promise is simpley: they will be satisfied.
An excellent book on the power of life-long intercedory prayer by Pete Greig, is called Red Moon Rising. If you haven't yet read it, it will change the way you think about prayer.
And one more thing about praying. Prayer is happening on your doorstep, and if you want to get involved in praying for London, go visit the [prayer for london collective]
Be part of something amazing. Even if it doesn't happen in your lifetime.
But, nooo it was not some amazing uplifting divine experience. Just light headed-ness. Which is that basic human physiological need: hunger. I started to think about lunch.
Which... today was ... quiche. Yep. The same one I've been eating since Monday. But it's very rock and roll and I was very excited. Aren't eggs great? And who knew scones could be SO versatile??
But I was thinking, about hunger mostly. It's not very often that I actually experience hunger. Like proper I've-had-nothing-in-my-stomach-for-hours type emptiness. Yesterday we had an amazing day at work. One thing I love about my job is that I work with a tonne of inspired individuals, who interceed daily, hunger and thirst for an end to the injustices of this world, for people to have access to basic medicines that can prolong their life; for people who live without the basic necessities like - clean running water - like education. And yesterday, us 'Fund folk had time to hang out with God and just really seek him, and and discover those 'penny dropping' moments. And I think that was pretty cool because I do feel sometimes feel like we're doing so much and seeing so little progress. We hear these stories about transformation and lives restored. But sometimes... it feels like nothing more than a drop in the ocean.
I am a bit of a stat-freak. My team sigh in desperation when they see me whip out a spreadsheet, well who can blame them. But seriously, charts are good. (And I especially like little drop down menus and conditional formatting... ) But I was overwhelmed when I read those stats that 50% of the people we share this fragile planet with... live on less than $2.50. A day. That's frightening because we know that poverty is cyclical and incredibly difficult to get out of. Poverty shares a poorly lit back street with sewage contaminated water, sickness, lack of education and career choices limited to slavery on the streets.
I've had a podcast on my ipod for a little while. It was a sermon which is part of a series looking on the Sermon on the mount, where Jesus stands up and says Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. And I've just been thinking a lot about this lately, I guess it ties in a lot with the idea that our lives, although we are thousands of miles away from people who have actually never experienced what it is to have their kids go to school, or don't have a source of clean water, or don't have a safe place to go to the toilet, our lives... are connected. They share the earth with us. But we don't know them. We don't see their faces and rarely do we know their names. But we're connected. And the things that we do here, have an impact on the way they live their lives... in another continent. Far far away.
And so - what?
What does this mean?
To be honest, I think it means more than I'm even able to say. I think God experiences the pain that we do. I think he knows far more than we're able to say, that thirsting and hungering and chasing after just simple things that we know are right and shouldn't be difficutlt... is tiring. We all get tired from saying the same prayers, again and again. Don't we?
God's word says this:
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. Isaiah 58:12
I'm choosing to believe that God knows what he's doing. And chatting to a friend last night, I've remembered how powerful it is to keep on interceeding. To keep petitioning, keep asking, keep on going. And this week, yes I've been a little bit hungry at times, but that feels so insignificant when I think of what real committed, long-term interceders experience. But.... God has heard those cries for justice and an end of violence to women in Sudan, for spiritual renewal in Haiti, for peaceful relations in DRC. I know that he's heard and I know that as a result of people coming together in unity, there's been a shift in the heavenlies. Jesus finishes that sentence by saying - those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. There's no indication of the immediacy. But the promise is simpley: they will be satisfied.
An excellent book on the power of life-long intercedory prayer by Pete Greig, is called Red Moon Rising. If you haven't yet read it, it will change the way you think about prayer.
And one more thing about praying. Prayer is happening on your doorstep, and if you want to get involved in praying for London, go visit the [prayer for london collective]
Be part of something amazing. Even if it doesn't happen in your lifetime.
Quiche and confession
Internet problems last night - so this is the post from yesterday...
I'm pleased to announce the recent acquisition of some very minty mouth wash. The reason for this is due to the net volume of onions and onion family members which have been consumed in various different forms over the last 5 days.
Onion, leek & potato soup. Great taste, even on the third consequtive day.
Roasted onion and cheese pasta - remember the gastronomical feast from day 1?
Rosemary and onion bread - minus the rosemary (and substituted with cheese) which has kept me going for 3 days now
And not to disrepect the humble onion. It is a very under-rated vegetable given the sizeable taste contribution it makes to a broad selection of meals. However, a person very dear to me has never enjoyed the after effects. And I have been starting to appreciate his point of view.
And now, time to 'fess up'.
I dined with 6 fabulous ladies on Monday night. Suze, my running partner, as she will eternally be known, cooked an amazing thai style curry. In pursuit of the ethical challenge, I did bring along some quiche. A poor substitute for king prawns, but none the less, a quiche, worthy of Heston Blumenthal's exclusive menu. Purely owing to the contents of the quiche, rather than the general culinery expertise involved therewith.
As our lovely Canadian friend put it, "I'm sorry, when you say 'scone', do you mean the thing you eat with tea and jam, or is there another british food product I'm not aware of..?
Yes indeed. That would be correct.
I had a nice wee video... but for the life of me I can't upload it. Sorry.
I'm pleased to announce the recent acquisition of some very minty mouth wash. The reason for this is due to the net volume of onions and onion family members which have been consumed in various different forms over the last 5 days.
Onion, leek & potato soup. Great taste, even on the third consequtive day.
Roasted onion and cheese pasta - remember the gastronomical feast from day 1?
Rosemary and onion bread - minus the rosemary (and substituted with cheese) which has kept me going for 3 days now
And not to disrepect the humble onion. It is a very under-rated vegetable given the sizeable taste contribution it makes to a broad selection of meals. However, a person very dear to me has never enjoyed the after effects. And I have been starting to appreciate his point of view.
And now, time to 'fess up'.
I dined with 6 fabulous ladies on Monday night. Suze, my running partner, as she will eternally be known, cooked an amazing thai style curry. In pursuit of the ethical challenge, I did bring along some quiche. A poor substitute for king prawns, but none the less, a quiche, worthy of Heston Blumenthal's exclusive menu. Purely owing to the contents of the quiche, rather than the general culinery expertise involved therewith.
As our lovely Canadian friend put it, "I'm sorry, when you say 'scone', do you mean the thing you eat with tea and jam, or is there another british food product I'm not aware of..?
Yes indeed. That would be correct.
I had a nice wee video... but for the life of me I can't upload it. Sorry.
Monday, 1 March 2010
Love your local greengrocer
Since the start of Lent, I've been getting these little emails into my inbox. Which is a nice momentary diversion before I knuckle down to work and save the planet. They're all part of Tearfund's Carbon Fast and each day, there's one action that you can do to reduce your carbon footprint, and pray for climate justice for the world's poor.
Today's action is to reduce food miles by choosing to buy seasonal and local fruit and vegetables. You can check out what's in and what's not by going to http://www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/ . I've just checked and yes, celeriac is in season, which is good.
And of course...you know the deal... if you're buying exotic stuff, go for Fairtrade if you can.
Want to see more of these? Sign up to Carbon Fast emails here.
Today's action is to reduce food miles by choosing to buy seasonal and local fruit and vegetables. You can check out what's in and what's not by going to http://www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/ . I've just checked and yes, celeriac is in season, which is good.
And of course...you know the deal... if you're buying exotic stuff, go for Fairtrade if you can.
Want to see more of these? Sign up to Carbon Fast emails here.
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Blog-democracy: your vote required
Verdict of sunday lunch: eating in community is definitely a plus. So, one benefit is that cooking in bulk can reduce the cost per person (and here, I'm drawing on a very sketchy/absent knowledge of a-level economics) owing to economies of scale. Basically, cost per person decreases as quantities of food increase. But there tends to be a drop off/ a point along the scale where costs start to increase again because of additional costs being factored in. (bored yet? Sorry, I'll stop.)
On the other hand, some might say that eating in community has its drawbacks. For most of us, this is nothing fancy or unusual, it simply means sitting down to dinner with family. But that can be hard - just finding time to do it. In our house everyone is out at different times, there's rarely a night when we're all in. Or it can be challenging in other ways, for example, today, I was invited to Sunday lunch. What a treat, I thought to myself. I should have known I'd get a grilling. I always do. It's just like being at home. I love Karin & Pete. They frequently feed the 5000 around their dinner table, I don't know how they do it, they are literally hospitality in living breathing form. And they're infinitely amusing as well. Which I love. But yeah, not only was quizzed and probed about my current 'thing'... I was also shamed into admitting that one week of living on 2 ethical dollars is by no means long enough.
So - - - what d'you think? Vote now.
On the other hand, some might say that eating in community has its drawbacks. For most of us, this is nothing fancy or unusual, it simply means sitting down to dinner with family. But that can be hard - just finding time to do it. In our house everyone is out at different times, there's rarely a night when we're all in. Or it can be challenging in other ways, for example, today, I was invited to Sunday lunch. What a treat, I thought to myself. I should have known I'd get a grilling. I always do. It's just like being at home. I love Karin & Pete. They frequently feed the 5000 around their dinner table, I don't know how they do it, they are literally hospitality in living breathing form. And they're infinitely amusing as well. Which I love. But yeah, not only was quizzed and probed about my current 'thing'... I was also shamed into admitting that one week of living on 2 ethical dollars is by no means long enough.
So - - - what d'you think? Vote now.
Creative community eating
Today I'm exploring a new angle on my challenge, and also trying to find a home for my new friend.
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Duvet day
I really look forward to saturdays, and I've just moved to a new part of London and have been enjoying the early morning jogs, exploring new places, hopeful that I'll somehow find a way to cut by 7 min journey to the tube to 20 seconds. But today, all I wanted to do was cushion my throbbing head under the blankets.
But I'm checking in today, for 2 reasons:
Number one, i'm trying to stay accountable, and it helps that I know a few people are reading this and making sure I'm ok and that I'm eating enough protein and so on (thanks Sonj & Liz).
And number two, I stumbled across a blog from someone who was doing the $2 challenge, and seemingly he found it quite difficult. And now I can understand why. For one thing, there's the fact that you're hungry, for parts of the day at least. And ok, I know I've got a few vegetables left but I'm not quite sure how long they'll last. But also there's the fact that I can't just buy a snack if I feel like it, or pick up a nice oven meal whenever I want. At the moment, I'm finding this a bit disempowering; something I have previously taken forgranted is now completely off limits. But this is what it is like for half the world's population. I read a mind-blowing stat the other day. Whilst 40% live on less than $2, nearly 80% live on less than $10.* For everything. Not just food, but heating, transport, water and everything else. I find this astonishing, because I'm in that other unmentioned number: the other 20% that are rich. Richer than the world's poorest.
So. I'm determined to finish this - although I've been hungry and turned into the grouchy flatmate from hell, I'm hopeful that this will have a bigger impact on me in the long run. And also, I'm really looking forward to having something other than porridge on Friday.
Here's a quick run down - I'm aware that the food part isn't that interesting so I'll put some photographical evidence up later.
Breakfast - porridge again
Lunch - baked potato, braised leek & cheese
Dinner - roast parsnip & carrot, sausage & egg
Oh and I realised that I have enought FT ingredients to make flapjacks, so I made some of them today too.
An early night I think. Sweet dreams.
* Poverty Stats and Facts: Global Issues
But I'm checking in today, for 2 reasons:
Number one, i'm trying to stay accountable, and it helps that I know a few people are reading this and making sure I'm ok and that I'm eating enough protein and so on (thanks Sonj & Liz).
And number two, I stumbled across a blog from someone who was doing the $2 challenge, and seemingly he found it quite difficult. And now I can understand why. For one thing, there's the fact that you're hungry, for parts of the day at least. And ok, I know I've got a few vegetables left but I'm not quite sure how long they'll last. But also there's the fact that I can't just buy a snack if I feel like it, or pick up a nice oven meal whenever I want. At the moment, I'm finding this a bit disempowering; something I have previously taken forgranted is now completely off limits. But this is what it is like for half the world's population. I read a mind-blowing stat the other day. Whilst 40% live on less than $2, nearly 80% live on less than $10.* For everything. Not just food, but heating, transport, water and everything else. I find this astonishing, because I'm in that other unmentioned number: the other 20% that are rich. Richer than the world's poorest.
So. I'm determined to finish this - although I've been hungry and turned into the grouchy flatmate from hell, I'm hopeful that this will have a bigger impact on me in the long run. And also, I'm really looking forward to having something other than porridge on Friday.
Here's a quick run down - I'm aware that the food part isn't that interesting so I'll put some photographical evidence up later.
Breakfast - porridge again
Lunch - baked potato, braised leek & cheese
Dinner - roast parsnip & carrot, sausage & egg
Oh and I realised that I have enought FT ingredients to make flapjacks, so I made some of them today too.
An early night I think. Sweet dreams.
* Poverty Stats and Facts: Global Issues
Friday, 26 February 2010
But baby bear's porridge was j-u-s-t right
Sadly I cannot say the same for mine. Funny, when you get used to eating food made a certain way, it doesn’t taste as nice when you do it differently. Slowly eating my water based sludge this morning, I reflected on that. I thought the energy boost ½ a banana and sugar would make it last longer, and taste more palatable. I was wrong. Not only that, but every sight of food made me crave it more. At 10am I became fully aware of my own pathetic will power.
So I started nibbling a carrot.
2 hours til lunch… am I going to last? Saved by a calendar invite: Jay Bu’s birthday cakes. Now, for those who don’t know our Jay, he is a strong advocate for all things Fairtrade. I felt certain there’d be some non-contraband food on offer. Sigh of relief at the sight of Dairy Milk; brief aside: since Cadbury’s has recently been taken over by Kraft, we’re asking the CEO, Irene Rosenfeld, to keep Cadbury’s Fairtrade. Fair friends of Facebook, join me in badgering the CEO of Kraft to keep Cadbury's Fairtrade.
So, I’ve been planning my meals for the last few days, as you know, but one serious omission dawned on me late last night. I had forgotten to plan my first lunch. All subsequent lunches this week are going to be loosely based on a soup-like mush of the dinner from the previous night. But Thursday night was pizza at church. Error. So, it was pretty fortunate that on my last day of financial frivolity, friend Jack and I had moseyed into town for a lunch-time Fairtrade Americano. Blessed with the gift of the gab, Jack charmingly struck up a conversation with the owner. He explained my daily budget and ethical principles, and would you adam and eve it, the owner only had some organic sausages and offered me a snackeroo the following day. So, down to the nearest café I went at lunch time, and exchanged my 100 pennies for a sausage bap and, special offer for the lady in the woolly hat, an americano. Meat – sourced locally and bread bap from Wombledom. Result. Happy tummy.
Concentration tends to come and go when your energy is low, and I felt like this all afternoon. A serious slump came at 3.30pm. Found ½ a banana and ate that. Then I remembered I’d pillaged a huge chunk of Jay’s birthday chocolate. And so I diligently focussed on that task for a while. Possibly better to eat slowly anyway. I feel sure there is some science based on this, but I can’t imagine it would be interesting.
Hot water helped me get through the rest of the day. Then, social event of the week: Friday pubbing. Entertainment on a shoestring is possible, but if you’re doing a socially exclusive activity such as abstaining from all normal food and drink, be advised: this will not make you the most popular person in the bar. So if this happens to you, what I suggest is that you get your friends to order tap water for you, so that you don’t have to.
So all this week I’ve been having t’riffic conversations with a massive array of people. From the spiritual to the practical, edifying and challenging in different ways. Miss Lakeside offered a very commendable recipe which I tried out later this evening: roast onion, and pasta. Quite tasty,oven roasted onion and clove of garlic, some organic pasta in a cheese sauce. The cheese sauce was basically just, ... melted cheese, so... not exactly Michelin star quality. But you’ve gotta allow me some artistic interpretation here. Carole (today’s photographer) and I had an enlightening discussion about how challenges; how we get to experience something a little beyond our comfort zone. This brought to mind all the times, when I’ve been reliant on myself, it's rare that I experience anything that challenges me. But there have also been times when I’ve had nothing; no money, no ability to speak the language. And so there's nothing for it but to rely on but the kindness of strangers. And that’s when I’ve had the chance to see overwhelming blessings. To receive signs of friendship from people I barely know or might never see again is altogether amazing.
I can’t quite find a word for that. But I think there should be a special one.
So I started nibbling a carrot.
2 hours til lunch… am I going to last? Saved by a calendar invite: Jay Bu’s birthday cakes. Now, for those who don’t know our Jay, he is a strong advocate for all things Fairtrade. I felt certain there’d be some non-contraband food on offer. Sigh of relief at the sight of Dairy Milk; brief aside: since Cadbury’s has recently been taken over by Kraft, we’re asking the CEO, Irene Rosenfeld, to keep Cadbury’s Fairtrade. Fair friends of Facebook, join me in badgering the CEO of Kraft to keep Cadbury's Fairtrade.
So, I’ve been planning my meals for the last few days, as you know, but one serious omission dawned on me late last night. I had forgotten to plan my first lunch. All subsequent lunches this week are going to be loosely based on a soup-like mush of the dinner from the previous night. But Thursday night was pizza at church. Error. So, it was pretty fortunate that on my last day of financial frivolity, friend Jack and I had moseyed into town for a lunch-time Fairtrade Americano. Blessed with the gift of the gab, Jack charmingly struck up a conversation with the owner. He explained my daily budget and ethical principles, and would you adam and eve it, the owner only had some organic sausages and offered me a snackeroo the following day. So, down to the nearest café I went at lunch time, and exchanged my 100 pennies for a sausage bap and, special offer for the lady in the woolly hat, an americano. Meat – sourced locally and bread bap from Wombledom. Result. Happy tummy.
Concentration tends to come and go when your energy is low, and I felt like this all afternoon. A serious slump came at 3.30pm. Found ½ a banana and ate that. Then I remembered I’d pillaged a huge chunk of Jay’s birthday chocolate. And so I diligently focussed on that task for a while. Possibly better to eat slowly anyway. I feel sure there is some science based on this, but I can’t imagine it would be interesting.
Hot water helped me get through the rest of the day. Then, social event of the week: Friday pubbing. Entertainment on a shoestring is possible, but if you’re doing a socially exclusive activity such as abstaining from all normal food and drink, be advised: this will not make you the most popular person in the bar. So if this happens to you, what I suggest is that you get your friends to order tap water for you, so that you don’t have to.
So all this week I’ve been having t’riffic conversations with a massive array of people. From the spiritual to the practical, edifying and challenging in different ways. Miss Lakeside offered a very commendable recipe which I tried out later this evening: roast onion, and pasta. Quite tasty,oven roasted onion and clove of garlic, some organic pasta in a cheese sauce. The cheese sauce was basically just, ... melted cheese, so... not exactly Michelin star quality. But you’ve gotta allow me some artistic interpretation here. Carole (today’s photographer) and I had an enlightening discussion about how challenges; how we get to experience something a little beyond our comfort zone. This brought to mind all the times, when I’ve been reliant on myself, it's rare that I experience anything that challenges me. But there have also been times when I’ve had nothing; no money, no ability to speak the language. And so there's nothing for it but to rely on but the kindness of strangers. And that’s when I’ve had the chance to see overwhelming blessings. To receive signs of friendship from people I barely know or might never see again is altogether amazing.
I can’t quite find a word for that. But I think there should be a special one.
Anyone for celeriac?
I am now proud co-owner of an Abel & Cole fruit and veg box. I did warn you I would get excited. And yep, it’s blown the $2 a day budget, even before I’ve started. But with these things, you gotta be a bit creative. And so, the fact that I live in a commune is a big help.
Well, it’s not quite a commune, I'm prone to exaggeration. But I’m banana splitting with lovely Lizzie. And so, my half of the treasure trove is as follows:
3 onions, 2 spuds, 3 ‘nanas, 4 carrots, 1 ½ leeks, 3 neeps, 6 apples, 4 oranges … and that all comes to 8 squid.
Then I also got a few extra bits and pieces: baked beans, tin of tomatoes, cheese. And they’re all organic. So here we go. I’m all ready to start in’t morning. With a bowl of porridge. And half a banana.
Oh and yes. Celeriac. It just looks like a brain. Am I meant to do something with this?
Scoop from the Coop
I love my housemates. Lizzie endured a 1 hour road trip around Brentford, the M4 and a certain roundabout and its 3 exits, in fruitless pursuit of the nearest Co-op supermarket. Clare persevered my chronic indecisiveness and helpfully provided impressive factual knowledge relating to the working practises of FTO.
Which, I might add, is not how I usually spend my wednesday evenings. However. It was all fine in the end.
I was able to get some good local produce from the Co-op to help supplement my diet for the next week. Tasty porridge oats… in the basket. They're UK sourced and the Co-op are good for ethical trade too.
Then I froze mid aisle, caught by the dazzle of Fairtrade brownies... but not matter how much they begged to come home with me, I wasn’t going to let them. I’d blow the budget in one sitting.
So all in all, a healthy selection of foods in me reusable bag.
And for anyone interested in knowing when I’m going to get on and actually start…
I’ve finally decided there is no time like Friday.
Good people of blogland. i might treat you to a flim here soon. Thank you.
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