This is the day!

Throw away conversation

2011-08-31T11:42:00.003+01:00

The other day I saw a woman pick out the bin the finished water bottle I had just put in it. On asking her why she had taken it out agin she told me that she would take it home for recycling as this was her religion her part to "save the world". I smiled and told her that my faith was one to save the world too and one that had saved me. We had an easy conversation about God , his plan for us to love our world and of his love for us. I thanked her for reminding me of the bigger picture of caring for the planet by recycling then off she went with my empty bottle.
Im reading a book about mission just now it is full of new jargon words which Im finding irritating because Jesus did not need jargon or sociology to give himself to others in conversation or prayer

A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.
When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening.

They told him, Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.

He called out, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!

Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, Son of David, have mercy on me!

Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him,

What do you want me to do for you? Lord, I want to see, he replied.

Jesus said to him, Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.

Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

No jargon just giving!!

God's Wonderful Creation

2011-05-07T12:07:00.004+01:00

Psalm 104

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul.
O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendour and majesty.

2 He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent

3 and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind.

4 He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.

5He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.

6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.

7 But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight;

8 they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them.

9 You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth.

10He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains.

11 They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst.

12 The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.

13 He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work.

14 He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth:

15 wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart.

16 The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.

17 There the birds make their nests; the stork has its home in the pine trees.

18 The high mountains belong to the wild goats; the crags are a refuge for the conies.

19The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.

20 You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl.

21 The lions roar for their prey and seek their food fromGod.

22 The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens.

23 Then man goes out to his work, to his labour until evening.

24How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

25 There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small.

26 There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

27These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time.

28 When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.

29 When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust.

30 When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth.

31May the glory of the LORD endure for ever; may the LORD rejoice in his works—

32 he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

34 May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD.

35 But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more.

Praise the LORD, O my soul.

Praise the LORD.

Friday Five

2011-05-06T16:05:00.003+01:00

Im taking part in RevGals friday five giving me a break from reading for one of two essays due this week.
So its friday five word association this week, here goes!

1) Airport- not been on a plane too often but Iv a memorable airport memory. My hubby and I were returning from a holiday/late honeymoon. We had ran out of money on the last day, not enough to buy a bottle of water. The flight was 3am and by then I was so very very thirsty. We sat waiting in the airport for our flight to be called and I longing watched a man drink a bottle of coke then he place it half full in the bin!! I looked at the bin.... and then to my hubby, who obviously knew my thoughts "dont do it Andrea" he said in an understanding voice. I was so thirsty...but I didnt go to the bin. I did however have several tea refills on the plane.

2) Baseball- makes me think of 'rounders' and hours of playing with friends at the park as a kid. Screaming at each other ruuuuuun!! and using our jackets for the bases.

3) Art- drawing, painting , chalks. I love to draw but due to study Ive not done anything for a year or more. It the first thing to do on finishing my course.

4) Chocolate- yum! Cake, bars, buttons all things chocolate I love! Just now I find Im eating more of it with every essay I write so hoping to loose a few pounds after my last essay. I think I will associate chocolate with essays forever now!

5) Grill- well its food again this time grilled bacon sandwiches on a saturday morning.

Brief Contemplation on Motivation and Procrastination

2011-04-27T19:34:00.003+01:00

Only 5 week untill the end of term and I noticed I dont have one quote on motivation given to me this year! So if you pop by please feel free to leave me one or an encouraging bible verse.

Now here's a clip on procrastination, why is it there is always somthing else to be done when an essay is on the go?

Justice and Mercy

2011-04-25T20:23:00.002+01:00

Listening to the radio tonight and heard this song...its new to me so sharing

Great Grandfather

2011-04-25T00:42:00.003+01:00

Having had the most wonderful Easter day I am now feeling a little weary but more anxious as I try to complete my dissertation for this coming thursday.
I sit on the floor to do my work as I find it more comfortable that a desk and chair but tonight my back started to hurt as I lent over the laptop. I remembered the small yellow stool my mum had given me, made by her grand father for her as a child. It is the perfect desk for a floor dweller like me and it could have been made for my laptop, no more leaning over.
I never met my great granfather but it made me smile to think he is now giving me the means of support I need to get on with my work. Ive been told he was a man of great faith it has reminded me of Hebrews 12 which is just the encouragment I needed tonight.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

He is Risen

2011-04-24T03:40:00.002+01:00

For he lives, Christ has risen from the dead

Amazing love

2011-04-22T11:11:00.001+01:00

Lord Jesus, on this Good Friday we remember your amazing love in repentance, in gratitude, the agony and the shame, the darkness and desolation, that you endured on the Cross for us and for the salvation of humanity .
under the shadow of the cross we ask you to help us to understand something more of what it cost you, the Holy One, to bear away our sin, that we may love and serve you better, our Lord our Mediator , most merciful Redeemer.
Amen.

Feet Thoughts

2011-04-20T12:05:00.011+01:00

Feet
that walked in scorching sand
away from all temptation
Feet
that walked in humility
to heal, to love, to bring salvation
Feet
Dusty, tired, worn
washed in water, tears of love and
sweet smelling oil
Feet
clasped in joy, in worship
Kissed in the wonder and thankfullness of all
Feet
Broken,worn and bleeding
this is the feat of King Jesus over sin
at His feet every knee shall bow
every tounge confess in Him
that
He is Lord

Amazing Lord

2011-04-09T12:50:00.000+01:00

Meaning and Authenticity

2011-04-08T17:12:00.000+01:00

thought provoking and well worth a watch

RevGalpals Friday five

2011-04-08T12:00:00.004+01:00

so this week the five are your thoughts on that movement from darkness to light. Tell us five ways in which you are anticiping, or your life is moving towards light, joy, hope--new things: new ideas, new hobbies, new people...and so on.

1 the end of Honors yr at uni and the hope of passing all thats needed
2 Looking to Summer and the new people I will meet on placement and sharing in Christs light
3 Looking forward to a summer with our boys, cycling, painting and exploring in the freash air
4 Starting probation at Ness Church and knowing their joy of faith
5 Exploring differnt ways to worship in my life and a closer time in Christ.

Mhairi and Larry the Sheep

2011-04-08T11:32:00.004+01:00

For 10 days now we have had 2 sheep (Larry and Mhairi) in our garden and I couldnt get in touch with the farmer, then yesterday a few of their family turned up too. Ive enjoyed having them in the garden hearing them bleeting and eating the grass which is sprouting up. I was a little concerend they would lamb what would I do? even the info google gave me didnt really reassure me.
Anyway, today the farmer and his dog arrived and after a bit of a chase around the garden, then through the woods and paddock soon the 7 sheep were on their way back home. I was impressed which the farmers ability to calmly get them back, carrying one in his arms that was not sure which way to run and still all the while whistling to his collie. I really enjoyed watching every minute and I told the farmer they were welcome to the grass here anytime.

It all reminded me of the parable of the lost sheep. what really struck me was how this farmer had searched, woods ,fields and paddocks to find these sheep to carry then to saftey, good grass and his watching care again. I had thought the farmer had not bothered looking. So if this is what the farmer does to look for his sheep how much more will our Heavenly father hold out, watch and go out for us. so it helped me today to remember Im never forgotten perhaps I go off to other distracting places, not in my fathers presence.

Oh it turned out it was 2 girls we had with lambs on the way!!

Words

2011-04-07T11:09:00.004+01:00

Words take on a different meaning than perhaps they were first intended.I read this in exploring christians spirituality class yesterday.

I don't know where I'm goin
but I sure know where I've been
hanging on the promises in songs of yesterday.
An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time
but here I go again, here I go again.

Tho' I keep searching for an answer
I never seem to find what I'm looking for.
Oh Lord, I pray you give me strength to carry on
'cos I know what it means to walk along the lonely street of dreams.

Here I go again on my own
goin' down the only road I've ever known.
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone.
An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time.

Just another heart in need of rescue
waiting on love's sweet charity
an' I'm gonna hold on for the rest of my days
'cos I know what it means to walk along the lonely street of dreams

I explained that times are longing for God , for his strenght as I know the road alone without Christ. Waiting on Loves sweet charity?
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16...what love

So I was asked who wrote the words Id read and I said Whitesnake a rock band ..are they a christian band? erm no I really dont think so. Its all about stepping along in faith really.

Education, Education, Education

2011-04-05T20:46:00.002+01:00

Today has not been a good day for me. I have spent the day between feeling angry and crying because of an essingment result! Im annoyed as I had worked hard on this report and for the first time in a while had enjoyed an assingment, thinking it was a good piece of work. Im discovering Im not an academic as my grammar is not up to it and for now my heart is not in it. I miss painting ,I miss getting chalk under my fingernails and mixing worderful colours.

Tonight I am thankful to God that he loves me "the average" and I give thanks to God that I still look and see his colours in nature that remind me Im loved and makes me yearn to lift my chalks.(dissertation first!)

So that was my day, then once home and had a look at Hilton Church's Blog and this was posted...its cheered me up that Im not the only person who is thinking about the pitfalls of acedemia.

Happy Mothers Day !?!

2011-04-03T20:55:00.005+01:00

Its been a good mothers day chocs, flowers and the dishes done what more could I want? So I think this video is guite appropriate for today, you have probably seen it but it does make me smile for the things I say to my children and the things I can hear in it my mum said to me.

Mothers day is mostly a day of celebration of the care and love that a mother has shown to her child.However, for many people this is not day of celebration, because mum has left or died or been too ill to be there or a mum who has been unable to know how to love.
Perhaps as a church family it would be loving and healing to consider all kinds of mothering and grieve with those who are hurt because of the mothering lost or being unable to become a mum, alongside the thanksgiving for love recieved

John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

Thinking of change:how bad how good does it need to get?

2011-04-02T11:17:00.000+01:00

Friday Five

2011-04-01T14:32:00.000+01:00

Over at RevGalPals Blog they always have a friday 5. This week its 5 things that are good in my life and 1 thing I can do without, so here goes

The good
the quite times with God
a patient hubby who makes me laugh
a friend that I can share anything with
children that make life full
looking out the window to fields,hills,trees and sun (well this morning anyway)

The thing I could do without
the housework !

Splash!

2011-03-31T23:03:00.000+01:00

On getting home last night I was excited to open the a birthday parcel from amazon, it was a good end to the uni day and a good start to the evening. The decision after dinner was, do I read what I have to read for uni? or do I open the new book "Barefoot Disciple by Stephen Cherry"? I went to my room feeling a bit naughty to read the first chapter Christlike wisdom. Id been reading at uni most of the day ,pages of words that I couldnt pronounce and with dictionary at hand but this book was like jumping into a paddling pool on a hot day.
The first chapter is on humility somthing I stuggle with taking the self out of decisions.
Here's 4 points I soaked in, in my 20 minutes of splashing in that pool

"the journey of discipleship involves crossing the boundaries of our comfort zone again and again"

"we are true disciples when we latch on to Jesus way of life by being open to the adventures that God has given us"

"learning from scripture, learing from Christs traveling companions and learing from our own experiece on the journey, that we open ourselves to being constantly renewed"

and on being humble Cherry quoted Wothington

"Being humble, then, is like trying to catch air in our hands. The faster we close our fingers around it,the faster the air spurts away. The slower we close our hands , the slower the air spurts away. But if we hold our hands, palms up, arms out streached , then the air will come and rest on them. To experience humility, then is not to grasp or strive towards it , but to rest as we seek to bless others. When we are moved from within, a humble spirit can descend upon us like air on the open hand."

Earth Hour Tonight

2011-03-26T15:34:00.000Z

The lights will be off in the Boyes house tonight wonder what conversations we will have ??

Grace

2011-03-25T16:48:00.000Z

Music

2011-03-16T22:10:00.000Z

In exploring spirituality class today we watched Jonny Cash video Hurt before a seminar on Reformed and Evangelical spirituality. Ive heard the song before but never focused on the words. I was moved as he sang about giving the pile of dirt giving his all and it reminded me of life being that puff of smoke in Ecc what meaning does life have if it is not lived for God. Anyway heres the song and words

Tonight Im still working on a seminar for tomorrow on Calvins Institutes. Im surprised at the spirituality, the words have given me cause for some self-examination, but Ill post more on this at the weekend.

This day!

2011-03-14T15:10:00.000Z

One radio programme I listen to often cooking the dinner or studying is Bryan Burnet on Radio Scotland. The programme is a request show with a new theme every day and todays theme is :What kind of day have you had? Bryan's looking for a track that sums up your day. I might make a couple of suggestions and here they are

and here

Hows your day in song?

Class work

2011-03-10T15:00:00.000Z

As Im really pretty awful at keeping this blog. I thought Id post some of my semminar work for my final term classes: Exploring Christian Spirituality,Quest for the Historical Jesus , Worship, Reformed Theology and my disertation. So last week I spent way too much time preparing a powerpoint to lead the Spirituality class. We are looking at the christian traditions in spirituality. One part of the class Im really enjoying is at the begining one person shares a video, music, poes, picture or story that has helped them in spending time close to God. Anyway heres the powerpoint with some good pictures
A brief history of spirituality

View more presentations from pollydoodle.

Is there meaning in the Text

2010-10-26T13:22:00.000+01:00

My essay/book review for Hermenutics is due this thurday all 3000 words and Im still working my way through Kevin Vanhoozer's book. Im finding it pretty tough going to be honest, perhaps Ill blog a little more once Ive finished. This is a link to the man himself who seem to be able to do a book review at the drop of a hat, speaking of books that have influenced him.

Best get to it then!

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Praise Him

2010-10-01T10:47:00.000+01:00

here
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Conference Prayer

2010-09-01T20:17:00.000+01:00

Just returned from my final candidates conference at St Andrews tonight after 6 days. It has been days and evenings packed with learning, friendship and worship, and several late nights talking.
One marathon full day on Preaching on Sunday led us all to seek sanctuary in sunny Anstruther our heads cleared with the view , fresh air and of course the famous fish and chips which I can highly recommend.
Our final session today spoke of some Celtic spirituality and as part of this we had a few moments to write a prayer around something we did everyday , thought Id share my prayer

I wash my face this morning in the cool running water
Lord cleanse me more than skin deep
wash my heart that I may thirst for your waters of life

I wash my hands this morning in the cool running water
Lord let them be cleansed that I may only do your work in love

I wash my feet this morning in the cool running water
Lord let them be cleansed that I may only walk in the footsteps of my God
Guide me this morning
Wash over me in your spirit this morning
In Jesus name I pray
Amen

New Blog

2010-08-23T15:45:00.000+01:00

As my last post on this blog was to wish all a happy new year I thought it was about time to have a clean sweep! So a new design selected and with all the intentions to blog on a monthly basis for my final year at HTC I will see how it goes.
So this semmester my modules shall be Hermaneutics, Guided reading , Dissertation and Hebrews. I hope to share some of what I will learn along the way, pencils are sharpened and highlighters are at the ready. I also have the perpetual thought of how did I make it to Honours and the awesome grace of God. Let the semmester commence!

catch up with you in 4 weeks!

Happy New Year !!

2010-01-09T11:52:00.000Z

Well I didnt manage to do the traditional first footing this year due to being snow bound but I wish all a blessed year.
Off to buy the boys new boots today as travel expeces have arrived and you sure cant go anywhere with out boots!

The Winter Boots
(Anyone who has ever dressed a child will love this)

Did you hear about the teacher who was helping one of her
reception class pupils put on his boots?

He asked for help and she could see why.

Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots
still didn't want to go on.

By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up
a sweat.

She almost cried when the little boy said, 'Teacher,
they're on the wrong feet.'

She looked, and sure enough, they were.

It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was
putting them on.

She managed to keep her cool as, together, they worked to
get the boots back on, this time on the correct feet.

He then announced, 'These aren't my boots.'

She bit her tongue, rather than get right in his face and
scream, 'Why didn't you say so? ' like she wanted to.

Once again she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting
boots off his little feet.

No sooner had they got the boots off when he said,
'They're my brother's boots. My Mum made me wear 'em.'

Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry.

But she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to
wrestle the boots on his feet again.

Helping him into his coat, she asked, 'Now, where are your
mittens?'

He said, 'I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots.'

She will be eligible for parole in three years.

New Bike Please

2009-10-10T14:22:00.000+01:00

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!

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The next generation of square eyes

2009-10-07T17:12:00.000+01:00

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

2009-10-05T11:13:00.000+01:00

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

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No X -factor for me

2009-09-27T16:38:00.000+01:00

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

2009-09-27T15:03:00.000+01:00

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.
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If you have any reading suggestions let me know

Be the Change

2009-09-26T18:36:00.000+01:00

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

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Things to click

2009-09-26T12:12:00.000+01:00

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

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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.
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The revving Revs

2009-08-10T09:06:00.000+01:00

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!

2009-07-30T20:42:00.000+01:00

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

2009-07-10T21:48:00.000+01:00

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

2009-07-05T17:23:00.000+01:00

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

2009-06-27T00:02:00.000+01:00

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

2009-05-13T19:33:00.000+01:00

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

2009-03-22T19:06:00.000Z

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

2009-03-21T20:10:00.000Z

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

2009-03-11T23:36:00.000Z

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?

2009-03-07T11:22:00.000Z

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

2009-03-06T01:15:00.000Z

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

2009-02-17T00:21:00.000Z

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

2009-02-14T15:38:00.000Z

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

2009-02-14T15:01:00.000Z

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!

2009-01-20T20:39:00.000Z

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

2009-01-19T23:51:00.000Z

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.

Summer Sun and Dr Needham

2008-08-18T10:40:00.000+01:00

Well having no internet connection for 5 weeks now I have had some withdrawal symptoms from surfing the net, so much so Im driving the kids crazy with my rapid Tv channel changing to find somthing of interest! Anyway I brought the laptop to my husbands office and spending time drinking coffee and reliving office life with Jimmy and John who I worked with 14 years ago !!! Obviously I got on so well with Jimmy we got married.
Well summer has passed very quickly read a few books, but the pre season college training is not quite gone to plan, what with work and Kids and a visit from my mum.
Mum and I spent time chatting and a lovely day out to Brodie by ourselves, so I have a bit of work to do. Thens theres the Candidates conference at the end of this month, Im so excited but a little terrified! I was at the east church in Inverness yesterday and the minister there spoke of recognising God working in our lives I think more so than ever do I see God this .

So heres what Ive been doing on my first Student Summer ! and one of the Kids and I off to the Beach

Lentil Soup

2008-07-19T23:44:00.000+01:00

I have heard that Jewish mother are renowned for chicken soup to comfort and fix all that ails.Well being a Scottish mother its lentil soup that I produce by the pot load in the winter,to which my teenage rebel without a cause daughter turns her ickle vegetarian nose up at.
Yesterday I received a text from my daughter saying "call me now" so in the pursuing moments of thinking whats wrong ,is she hurt or in trouble. No my daughter just wanted to let me know very some exciting news "Mum I like lentil soup its great"!!

Now if you are reading this thinking whats the big deal,Ill explain. You see Ive been praying about my daughter and I and our relationship as communications can be a little difficult,and that little moment of lentil soup I believe is comfort and love from my Father in Heaven.

John 6:26-28 (NIV)
Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.

Christs Humanity

2008-07-18T14:48:00.000+01:00

Jimmy and I have been painting our living room this week and doing some very late spring cleaning. However Ive returned to reading (in a very nicly painted room!)Jesus both man and God buy Steve Olyott,in preparation for next semmester.Jimmy informed me its all about the pre-season training!Only he could try to inspire me to read more using a football analogy.
The book has given me alot to think about over the last few days about Jesus as man both in body and nature and what this has meant for me and the world

Anyway I think this hymn from the fifteenth century says it better than I can (the football analogy here is "bring on the sub")

O Love ,how deep,how broad,how high!
it fills the heart with ecstasy,
That God ,the Son of God ,should take
Our mortal form ,for mortals sake.

He sent no angel to our race,
Of higher or lower place,
But wore the robe of human frame
Himself,and to this lost world came.

For us He was baptised and bore,
His Holy fast and hungered sore
For us temptation sharp he knew,
For us the tempter overthrew.

For us he prayed,for us he taught,
For us His daily works He wroght,
By words and signs and actions thus,
Still seeking ,not Him ,but us.

For us to wicked men betrayed,
Scourged,mocked,in purple robe arrayed,
He bore the shameful cross abd death,
For us at lenght gave up His breath.

For us He rose from death again,
For us He went on high to reign,
For us He sent His spirit here.
To guide ,to strenghen and to cheer.

To Him whose boundless love has won
Salvation for us through His son,
To God the Father ,Glory be,
Both now and through eternity.

Amen

Dunvisitin at Dunrobin

2008-07-08T21:12:00.000+01:00

Just home after a lovely day out with the kids to Golspie. Went on a surprise visit to my friend Liz, which was great. We saw round Dunrobin Castle and Liz gave us the tour and knew all about the castle and its history.Then we went for tea we had great fish and chips and a stroll down the beach.It felt like summer had arrived.My boys are happily creating cartoon scripts on their new pads which they think they will print and sell for pocket money!!
I have that sleepy content feeling after a great day,hope we have more of these summer days in store.
Hope you are having a good summer too
Every Blessing
Andrea

The Good The Bad and The Ugly

2008-07-04T00:10:00.000+01:00

This week has been a really difficult one with Sunday,Monday and Tuesday all having huge disappointments and hurt, but nothing is insurmountable with God.
However on a lighter note tonight I found out Id passed my Greek module, this was the module that was worrying me.
So celebrated with a little dance around the living room, to my daughters embarrassment. Not a jot did I bother! So the paradigms are off the wall now.
I'm helping out at the kids club this week at Church and having some great fun ,especially playing Dr Potty in the drama( move over Cameron Diaz!!)
Anyway here's a link to the kids(not the kids at our church)and my favourite song of the week
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mMZy05ooFY&feature=related

by the by
the good is my pass
the bad was the beginning of this week
the ugly... my acting skills

Every Blessing for you week

Awakening to Call

2008-06-26T17:41:00.000+01:00

Over the last year I have been reflecting on my personal call from God .This is a Thomas Merton passage I read and found quite beautiful about the universal call of God for every human being inviting you to offer your song
"The first chirps of the waking day birds mark the point vierge of the dawn under a sky as yet without real light,a moment of awe and inexpressible innocence,when the Father in perfect silence opens their eyes.They begin to speak to him,not with fluent song,but with an awakening question that is their dawn state,their state at the point vierge. Their condition asks if it is time for them to be.He answers yes.Then,they one by one waken and become birds.They manifest themselves as birds,beginning to sing.Presently the will be full themselves and begin to fly...All wisdom seeks to collect and manifest itself at that blind sweet point, the virgin point between darkness and light ,between non-being and being."
Called or Collard Francis Dewar p39

Prayer

2008-06-26T13:47:00.000+01:00

Im half way through reading Yanceys book on prayer and Im really enjoying reading how with prayer God changes our lives and the world, he describes a two way process of speaking and listening to God. I'm not writing a book review just some thoughts

I have been praying recently about the horrendous situation in Zimbabwe and for Gods hand to restore peace ,Mugabe believes it is only God that will remove him from power.

In the book Barth is quoted as writing "to clasp our hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world " Sitting in my home a thousand miles away from Zimbabwe watching the news, I know the most powerful thing I could ever do is speak to God.

Justification and Martin Luther

2008-05-24T17:41:00.000+01:00

My recent essay was on on the wonderful Doctrine of Justification ,Gods saving righteousness through our faith in Christ. Justification by faith alone was Martin Luther's great spiritual and theological breakthrough. It did not come easily. He had tried everything from sleeping on hard floors and fasting to climbing a staircase in Rome while kneeling in prayer. Monasteries, disciplines, confessions, masses, absolutions, good works-all proved fruitless. Peace with God eluded him. The thought of the righteousness of God pursued him. He hated the very word "righteousness," which he believed provided a divine mandate to condemn him.
Light finally dawned for Luther as he mediated on Romans 1:17, "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." He saw for the first time that the righteousness Paul had here in mind was not a punitive justice which condemns sinners but a perfect righteousness which God freely grants to sinners on the basis of Christ's merits, and which sinners receive by faith. Luther saw that the doctrine of justification by grace alone (sola gratia) through faith alone (per solam fidem) because of Christ alone solus Christus) was the heart of the gospel and became for him "an open door into paradise.... a gate to heaven."

This life changing grace and righteousness is free to you and I, through Christ on the cross for us

2008-05-15T20:30:00.000+01:00

The organisation of the Church of Scotland
WOMEN IN THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
An open letter to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland 1967:
This appeal comes from six women who believe that they have been called to the ministry of word and sacraments, and that the time has come for the Church of Scotland to take a decision on this question. We believe that the theological principle at issue is quite simply the following: that God can and does call on women to the ordained ministry of his church.
We do not intend to argue the theological case here: that has been done many times before, and there would appear to be an increasing consensus of opinion in the churches that there is no valid theological reason against the admission of women to the ministry.
If that is so, then we venture to suggest that the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland should not delay further by merely sending the report of the Panel on Doctrine to presbyteries 'for their information.' Rather, the General Assembly itself should initiate action now, for the following reasons:
(a) The Present situation in which the Church of Scotand both ordains women to the eldership and licenses women to preach the word, but refuses to ordain women to the ministry of world and sacraments, is clearly anomalous.
(b) Within the Presbyterian tradition an increasing number of churches admits women to the ministry; twenty-two member churches of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches now ordain women.
(c) In the meantime, candidates are being lost to the Church of Scotland. At least eight women members of the Church of Scotland have become ministers of other churches; there are at the moment a number of women in the theologcial colleges, and it is not know how many others may be called.
(d) The question of the relation between the Church of Scotland and other denominations must not be allowed to obscure this issue. If the Church of Scotland is persuaded that the theological case is sound she should act, possibly in consultation with churches with whom she is aldready in conversation. Further, is not action necessary in order to avoid the anomalous situation described in the proposed Plan of Union with the Congregational Union of Scotland?
If the Church of Scotland were to reach a positive decision on this issue, then not only would individual candidates be available to her ministry, but we believe that a new freedom might be experienced at all levels of the church's life, and new patterns of ministry be worked out by men and women in partnership.
We beg that the General Assembly face the basic question - submitted in a petition in 1963, referred to the Panel on Doctrine for consideration, but not answered in their reports - viz. the reality of God's call of a woman to the ministry. If we are in error, show us our error. But if our belief is sound, then we ask that the church should take steps to remove the barrier, in order that the call may be tested of any women who may present themselves to the church as candidates for the ministry.
Claude Barbour, Ministere Feminin, Certificat d'Etudes Religieuses
Margaret Forrester, MA, BD, DCS
Elizabeth Hewat, MA, BD, PhD, DD
Mary Levison, BA, BD, DCS
Mary Weir, BA, BD
Sheila White, MA, BD, DCS

It is now 40 years since women have been ordained in the Church of Scotland. I have been looking at my call to serve Christ over the last 11 months and by Gods grace I hope to continue, learning and growing in my faith through his word . I long to serve Christ to teach of his love, compassion and greatness and answer the Gods call , even though I ask why me? In my heart it is about serving not changing opinion about women that has been done before I was born.

This morning with C.H.Spurgeon

2008-05-15T19:46:00.000+01:00

Up early this morning about 5am it was very peaceful so had plenty of time to start the day with prayer and reflection. Read Spurgeon and just wanted to share his thoughts as it lifted my spirit and fixed my eyes on Jesus.
Isaiah 40;11
"He shall gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosom"
He carries his lambs in his bosom,Here is boundless affection.Would he put them to his bosom if he did not love them much? Here is the tender nearness so near are they that they could not possibly be nearer.These are precious love passages between Christ and his weak ones.Here is perfect saftey in his bosom who can hurt them? They must hurt the shepherd first. Here is perfect rest and sweetest comfort. Surely we are not sufficiently sensible of the infinite tenderness of Jesus!
Spurgeons daily readings (287)

After those wonderful soothing words it was time for a chapter of Greek verbs,horse fed ,last nights dishes done,rhubarb picked for a few students,kids lunches made ,porridge on,breakfast and then the rush of our family to get to school ,college and work.

I hope you know our saviours love ,his rest and comfort today and you have time to be nearer to him

Blast from the past

2008-05-12T15:08:00.000+01:00

Ive been listening to Tracy Chapman again after finding it ,whilst looking for a CD for my daughter. It took me back to my late teens going on a bus trip to London with my friend where the bus driver agreed to play the cassette I had. This isnt one of the songs from then but its a great song

heres the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSO3ZW3hL1Q&feature=related

Counting blessings

2008-05-09T18:27:00.000+01:00

We used to sing a great chorus at sunday school its a pretty old one .( not that I am!!) " Count your blessing name them one by one, count your blessings see what God has done"

So not having had the best couple of days with one thing and another , I thought Id share a few blessings Ive had this week

The freedom to pray with friends in the wonderful sunshine we are getting just now.
A loving husband who encourages my study and listens when I get excited about a bible passage
Money to pay the rent
Sleep and food
Kids that make my life interesting and fun
A wonderful letter of encouragment and support that came on a day when tears werent too far away
the oppertunity to speak to a friend about Jesus and try to answer her questions

This list is endless really as Gods love is endless

My salvation and my honour depend on God. Trust in him at all times ,O people pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge

Psalm 63;7-8

Essay stress

2008-05-01T13:46:00.000+01:00

Im trying to finish off an essay due in today the question "compare and contrast the kingship of David and Solomon"so Im having a 10 minute break to share some valuable advice given to me this morning !
I believe it may possibly be an Ancient Australian proverb

"if you bite of more than you can chew ,keep on chewing"

Well in reference to my essay I might be chewin this for many hours and just pray I get it over my neck before midnight!

G day !

Time Patience and Children

2008-03-25T19:16:00.000Z

As I sit and prepare for a service on sunday I am struck by my lack of time and patience but an over abundence of Children .Now I love them dearly but I really need to get the balance of time and patience with them sorted out
so my verse for today and reminder to us all is Galations 5;22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Easter Monday

2008-03-24T18:28:00.000Z

This is my first attempt at blogging after being encouraged to blog by friends. So here goes ,enjoy the spelling mistakes.
Well, it being Easter and the celebration of our risen Lord its been a busy couple of days. We had a fantastic sunrise service(7 am) on the beach this year and breafasted later on bacon rolls .It was rather cold but the snow stayed away, my boys told me they couldnt feel their toes when the service finished. When my hubby and I returned home from Church ,to catch the end of the Passion on the BBC , which was pretty good .we tuned in munching on the kids easter eggs to Channel 4 ,to see the second half of Robert Beckfords documentary " The secrets of the 12 Disciples ". It was reallly interesting , we only saw from the discussionof Judas onwards ,which created a discussion in the living room on :was Judas the evil guy of the bible ? The progamme also showed that there would have probably been female apostles ,another hot potatoe ! How the early church would not have taken to Jesus equaltiy of women.
The conclusion was very encouraging to be disciples of today,possibly just enought to create an interest in finding out more about this Jesus and what he it all about.
Anyway best get off and do some reading and plod on with the Greek.
You can read more here http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/C/can_you_believe_it/debates/disciples.html