New Bike Please

It the boys birthday at the end of the month so the discussions have been on "Mum what am I getting for my Birthday" As much as my account wants to say a balloon and an orange I dare say it will be a bit more!
Andrew was desparate to show me this guy Danny Macaskil who has inspired him to start biking in a different way,it was after the LP festival that hes got interested, so I guess hed like the bike too. Have a look pretty amazing stuff!

">

The next generation of square eyes

There is a new Tv comng out have a listen

Now how will anyone get any work, done at,never mind have a conversation with the real world

Joy

Psalm 30
You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

A friend emailed me this video clip and as youll see its for a mobile phone company with the strap line "life is for sharing".Ive watched this clip several times now and love the expressions of delight, surprise and joy on the people who are just going about their everyday life.
knowing Chist as my saviour makes my heart full of delight ,joy and surprise. I dont mean the kind of joy that has me smiling 12hrs aday even when things are going wrong, but its in the joy of the deepest satisfaction of knowing Jesus. So Ill change the strapline to the Gospel is for sharing

">

No X -factor for me

On the way home from Hilton church this morning I commented to my hubby that "I thought I was singing really well today" to which he mummbled "uh huh!" then I explained " but the thing is, when I stopped for a moment I realised it was the lady behind me who had the great voice and it wasnt me at all!" I was a bit deflated.

It made me think,this is what church is about building each other up in worship and in Jesus. When we cant sing/pray/worship/teach God provides someone to lead or do it with or for us in fellowship.

Female Theologians

Ive been thinking about how many female theologians Ive not read or even heard of,and Im sure there are many out there!! So Ive decided to have a look for myself for some who I may share views with and even those I may not. So heres a lady Ive recently read some of her stuff and a video of her return to the Semminary she was educated in. Carolyn James tell of being one of the first 5 women to be allowed to learn at Dallas Semminary.
">


If you have any reading suggestions let me know

Be the Change

I was watching a news programme the other night it was telling of the child sexual abuse on the coast of Kenya. Hungry children as young as 4 having sex with tourists who are mainly white men. Having nursed and counselled many survivors who have experienced childhood abuse and heard the hurt and trauma these individuals persevere with many years on in their life I was angry and shocked to hear this news. I ask that you pray for this situation and the Government work to end this abuse with integrity and justice.
I have just read Zach Hunters book Be the Change, he is 15, a modern-day abolitionist. The Atlanta teen has been fighting to free slaves around the world since he was 12. "We were studying slavery in school," he says. "I told my mom if I was alive back then, I would have done something about it." Zach was shocked when his mom told him that slavery still exists. "That's when I knew I had to do something," he says.

Zach started praying, studying and researching about slavery around the world. "When I discovered there are more slaves today than during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, I couldn't believe it," he says. "My heart hurt for these 27 million kids and adult After seeing the full picture of modern-day slavery, Zach felt led to launch a campaign he called "Loose Change to Loosen Chains" (LC2LC). He began speaking at schools, churches and other organizations to raise both money and teen awareness.

This is his vision for his and future generations "I wanted kids my age to get on board to help," he says. "I want us to make history—and I don't mean to get our names in some history book, but to be known as a generation that did something for God, cared for the poor, and totally stopped slavery."

I give thanks to God that he continues to raise up young people like Zack.
Have a listen to Zach tell his own story here



">

Things to click

Ive been asked by my friend Eilidh to get the blogging updated. Following in her blogging way, Ive called this post thingS to click and also Ive not got organised to put my own thought down but why should I went others have better thoughts!
so heres a few things to click ...
I really enjoyed Scott McKnights book The Blue Parraket well worth a read but this is on the Jesus creed
">

and I as I browsed on Hosea for my project found this hymn Id never heard before

">

and finally as I start my placement next week at Hilton Church Im sure they will raise me up but dont think my singing will be this good . All the best for your placement in Nairn Scott.
">

The revving Revs

This is the article form the ross-shire of Iain my last supervising minister, go rev go!!


A DYNAMIC duo of Ross-shire ministers revved up and hit the road in support of a well-respected charity which offers a potential lifeline to scores of people.

Inspired by a talk they heard on the work carried out by Morning Call volunteers, the Rev Iain Ramsden (Killearnan) and his biking buddy, Rev Ivan Warwick (Fodderty and Strathpeffer), decided to devote a planned pan-Scotland road trip to raise funds for the charity.

Rev Ramsden said, "We had planned this round-Scotland trip and after hearing this really dynamic speaker decided we could combine it with trying to raise some funds." Members of their congregations, Rotarians and a number of other well-wishers rallied to the cause, between them pledging an impressive £900-plus.

Rev Ramsden, riding his retro-look 800cc Triumph Bonneville was joined by his friend astride a powerful BMW for the road trip with a difference. "Support came from some unexpected sources and from well-wishers en route," explained the Rev Ramsden. "I think a lot of people have warmed to the idea of Morning Call which helps explain the great response."

He said of his biking hobby, "I try to get out every now and then for a day out. I'll sometimes give Ivan a phone and see if he is able to come out to play!"


Morning call founder Alan Michael flanked by revving Revs Iain Ramsden, left, and Ivan Warwick. Bobby Nelson

Alan Michael, who gratefully accepted the donation, said the charity — whose volunteers make daily phone calls to older folk, many of whom live alone — had gone from strength to strength since being set up 20 years ago. "It gives people who like to get the calls reassurance. We are now making about 60 calls a day, every day of the year. The service is free to whoever requires it. If a call is not answered, we will then call an agreed contact and take it from there." It has been estimated that in addition to providing a source of reassurance, the service is typically responsible for saving at least one life every year.

Mr Michael said a get-together of volunteers and clients this year had been a huge success. "People attending were delighted to be able to put faces to names," he said. "It was tremendous. I was delighted when Rev Ramsden offered to raise funds for us."

A few things that made me go WoW!

A 16OOyr old bible text have a look here http://www.codexsinaiticus.org/en/manuscript.aspx?=Submit%20Query&book=40&chapter=3&lid=en&side=r&verse=28&zoomSlider

A new hymn I heard at the begining of summer by amazing singers of Duncan Forbes Choir have a listen here to this version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC617kE1maU

The great people who love and praise God here http://www.barnchurch.org.uk/

and finally this wedding video what an entrance!!

ahttp://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=de21def092b9406b0284&utm_source=newsletter0729&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weeklytopvideosnd

I dont know how to do links yet so youll have to copy paste, sorry but hope you enjoy

Take the Call

Today I picked up the phone in the church office to be answered with the automated message which went like this
" This is talk time we are giving you a life time offer to have all your debts cancelled , now doesn't that sound great"
I placed the handset back down to an amen!
I thought what a great call Jesus has already made to me paying all my debt of sin not that doest sound great it is and so much more

Learning to swim in the word

Last night I was still preparing for an all age talk ,somthing I havent done before so a new learning and test to my faith in the spirit. I found it difficult where do I go, how do I make it interesting for the kids and not dumb anything down for the adults and asking what is the text saying then and for today. I managed to finish by midnight but this morning was a prayer filled car journey to church.

This afternoon Ive been thinking futher on the different styles of preaching. I can see the purpose in topical sermons ,whats gong on at the time in the church /society /world and I think that does give a message but must mean that the preacher first has to think what does this church need to hear.
As Ive said earlier I really enjoy exegesis and I think this is the best way to learn and teach what scripture has to say to us ,being led by the meaning of the word rather than choosing where it should go.
Anyway this is just a short rambling of a student who has a lot to learn and only just dipping my toes in the water of the bible, although when the tide comes in I need my waterwings of prayer

Getting the picture

I was out and about today visiting so had quite a bit of thinking and praying time in the car whilst taking in the fantastic sky (I did have my eyes on the road too!).
Anyway my daughter is taking Higher RE although its called somthing else but cant remember the abbreviation. She is loving doing exegesis of Genesis at the moment and lots of great questions. I was praying that this reading of scripture will help her consider Gods greatness and his reality.
I too enjoy exegesis and as I contemplated doing some painting this summer ,I thought biblical exegesis is a bit like painting by numbers its not until you have have finished each colour, the you can stand back and see Gods word revealed in all His beauty

Blog Vacation

I havent blogged since mothers day,although have thought of several things to say but just busy up to placement, college, kids and all the other things that seem to need time.I was telling my friend the other day I sometimes feel like Im on one of those moving escalators jumping off to pray and rest in Christ a while and how wonderful it is to know that he is traveling along with me and I with Him.
So this blog is on holiday till the escalator resumes to normal speed without pressing the emergency stop button, yips!
But lets keep moving with, in and for Him
God bless

Mothers day

I was wakened this morning 7am with a poched egg and toast. Mmmm I said as the kids delighted in their surprise. I ate still asleep, every mouthful being watched by 2 boys, as goth teen was still gaining her beauty sleep next door.

Today I had a children address to do and it took me some time to think of how I could tackle mothers day to children I knew so little about. Many in the church today would have had wonderful mums ,some may have lost their mums or did not have relationship for various good reason.
However as I read on how mothers day came about which was
17c break of fasting on the 4th sunday of lent to return to your own church and feast with mums as the special guest

then in 1908 Anna Jarvis requested that her minister have a mothers day service to celebrate the faith and teaching her mum had show as a sunday school teacher for 20years

So in church today I told the children about Paul letter to Timothy in him remembering the stong women of faith Timothy's grandmother and mother Lois and Eunice.

I think mothers day should be a celebrations not only for mums but in our christian family include aunties, teachers ,cousins and all the women who bring not just physical care and love but the spiritual care in sharing their faith and love for our Lord, to His children young and old.

I have a dear aunt, my auntie Peggy who for all the time I was away from the Lord would tell me "Im still praying for you hen". What a blessing to have this women of faith in my life that coninues to pray for my family and I.

I hope you too can celebrate today, having learned from the example of a womens faith in Christ.

Saturday stock take

Well its Saturday and usually I love this day of the week,but recently Saturday's are coming around all too soon and seem as busy as the rest of the week.
So here's what this saturday brought
7am rise to start 7 loads of washing(why do teenagers where so many clothes)
Breakfast and much calling to get the boys on the move for guitar lesson oh and then the usual morning game of "hunt the boxers"
Boys all out including the grown up one called Jimmy
So at 10;30 started childrens address for tomorrow and thought about prayer of intersession.
11;30 Hounded by Goth teen to take her to town,so relented on the condition that goth teen take of wholly tights (apparently its the look ,well its a look)so her drove to Inverness. Of course I had to pop in to Wesley Owen for a book Id ordered some time ago
I used the last of my voucher on John MacArthers How to Counsel Biblically.Then I decided to buy a book on Prayer by Susan Sayers which has some lovely prayers. However the most important purchase was a bible for my hubby who has just accepted Christ as his lord and saviour. So I got him the Mens NIV devotional bible it even had a picture of a coffee mug on the front (I know not what I should be looking for)which is my hubbys 2nd love after me, yes coffee!
back home to finish preparation for tomorrow , finish the washing ,cook the tea, feed the horse and tell off two boys for rolling about the kitchen floor trying wrestle each other.
Now Im off to watch Casuality,then read somthing on the Reformation as an essay due on thursday.
Hope your having a happy saturday,Im so glad its mothers day tomorrow!! God Bless

Slow Blog Day

Im just in from the bible study group which was a really fun night with quite a few giggles after we had finished our study. Anyway Im a bit dissapointed none of my blogger friends have been blogging.
So I thought Id share a verse given to me tonight Proverb 15:30
"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news brings health to the bones"

So Im sending you a cheerful smile (cheesy I know)
the goodnews is Jesus loves you

Does God reply by txt?

I found this news article which the artist says highlights the ability to pray anytime and anywhere. Wonder if it would encourage mobile phone users to pray?
hope the link works http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7929799.stm

The mediocrity of me

Luther in a letter to Erasmus spoke of the mediocrity of his theology, it is a word I resolve to describe the mood I find myself in. As a psych nurse I used the analogy ,that a bottle of lemonade can only be bumped,shaken and dropped so many times before you have to let the gas out.The last few weeks I have felt bumped for what I eat and my size,somthing that has not happened since primary school.Shaken by stinging remarks and dropped at being unable to hear of a women's call into ministry.
You may think it a little strange that I turn to Paul for encouragement but he is an example of rejoicing in the love of Christ in a time when others would loose hope in their suffering,do not think for a minute that in my grumblings I compare myself to pauls suffering, but it is in this, I recognise the mediocrity of me in intellect,grades,patience.Yet can rejoice in Christ with the comfort of a full heart for Him now.

Paul writes to the philipians
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[d] 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

27Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.

Songs that bring a smile

We were talking about songs tonight that make us smile so heres a few that came to mind. I dont know how to put the video in so sorry had to make do witha link


smiling with your coffee!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0wDYWyYRQo">


and this would wake our worship up ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLY7yI1xV-M">


and theres this one for my boys http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB2gPZRsz0Q">

Valanintes Day

Since this is valentines day and people across Scotland will be celebrating the love they have for each other, I though it apt to quote a little scripture about Gods Love, of course whilst I'm munching on the lovely chocolates my much loved hubby gave me this morning(except the yuchie praline!)

1 John 4:7-16

God Is Love
7-10My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can't know him if you don't love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God.
11-12My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!

13-16This is how we know we're living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He's given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we've seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God.




Taken from the message translation

Celtic Prayer

When I was staying St Andrews in June I bought a couple of postcards with Celtic prayers on them. So Ive been having a look today on the net at different prayers and blessing some of the words are so uplifting. Relationships with people in this life can bring the blessing of love and joy, a small piece of heaven on earth or sometimes leave us feeling a little bruised when humanity gets in the way, grace and humility left behind, either way Christ is always there ,comforter ,healer, intercessor,friend and saviour. So this old Celtic prayer lifted my heart to the Lord today,may it bring you closer in prayer to our loving saviour.





You are the peace of all things calm
You are the place to hide from harm
You are the light that shines in dark
You are the heart's eternal spark
You are the door that's open wide
You are the guest who waits inside
You are the stranger at the door
You are the calling of the poor
You are my Lord and with me from ill
You are the light, the truth, the way
You are my Saviour this very day.
celtic oral tradition - 1st millennium

out of the mouth of children!

Today my Hubby took a day of work as we planned to have a day for the two of us, maybe see a movie ,lunch and chat. Well as were enjoying our slow moring,the school called to say our son was ill and could we pick him up. So the plans changed we rushed to the school hair still wet to find a pink face child poor thing.

Said child was not so ill and thought he would manage lunch at Brodie. As we chatted and told jokes the conversation turned to what happens when I finish college(which seems so far away but then so did becoming 40 for so long) My son asked would we be leaving our home? I told him we just dont know ,maybe, it depends what Gods plans are for us all. My son thought for a moment and said Ill be 16 and wouldnt need to move with you if I didnt want to. Hubby said we would want you to be with us and my son reply was "but Ill be legally emancipated"
I thought I was going to fall off the chair, where on earth did he pick this up. We reassure our son he was not a captive and doing the dishes twice a week or making dads coffee did not mean he was experiencing any kind of child labour!
I hope God blessed you today with love and laughter.

The Boyes are back in town

This is the first post for a very long time, for various reasons primarily having no Internet connection thanks to AOL and BT,I couldn't bare to tell you the whole story ,except I have spent many many hours speaking to people the other side of the world,many departments and with much frustration. The funniest part was asking for the complaints department to be told we don't have one and then given an email address! I had to remind the helpful man on the other end of the phone the reason for calling I had no Internet to send an email!! But if all I have to complain about is lack of Internet then it a good life.
started back to HTC in September for 2nd year and it was great to see some old faces and new but I have found this semester pretty hard on the brain, so many books to read and so many I should have read! I also started my first placement with the church of Scotland for ministry training and feel so blessed with this placement both churches have been very welcoming and supportive. I have learned that preparation is essential and this always takes me longer than I think. I have also learned never to wear a skirt when assisting in a windy outdoors service, a little quick thinking averted any horror!
The semester at college finished last week with a climax of exams and a Medieval Church History essay on the East/West Schism of 1054, its a really interesting topic and hopefully my essay will reflect my enthusiasm . The kids enjoyed my telling of it after dinner one night especially of Cerarlius plucking out the eyes of a chap he didnt like, its good to know I can beat the Simpson's on somethings! They have also found it interesting that their mum it studying Buddhism,Islam and Judaism,as they are doing the same at school.So the Exploring other faith module has led to some animated teenage chats. The other modules have been OT Prophet our lecturer Hector Morrison is fantastic , I found the book of Hosea so moving reading of Gods love and the comparison of Yahweh and Israel to that of Hosea and Gomer. Finally the real brain buster for me was The person and work of Christ now at the start of semester this was the module I looked forward too,but I really struggled with systematics to the point where the tears were there on more than one occasion.My mum arrived for a christmas on the 22nd of December to be given the job of decorating the tree with 2 over enthusiastic boys where connor told his old joke of loosing his voice at Christmas due to tinselitis! Anyway I got on with the systematics essay on Aulens Christos Victor as the tree went up only to stop to advice on why it is not pleasing to the eye to have all the bobbles on one side of the tree!
I now have a short break before the next semester start which will consist of ;Pauline Theology,The Reformation,Theology of mission and a module on Worship. Im feeling more geared up for this semester but theres a lot to be done between then and now. However this week looking forward to attending Deep Impact in Avimore and a wee visit to mums and preparing a sermon, possibly another week will go by with no ironing done.
I was informed at college today by a couple of the girls that "middle aged women know everything" or the one they work with .I was delighted to hear this as I will soon be that horrible middle age in spring so this semester should go well as I will know everything !!!!! This has to go in the motivational line for 2nd year.