No Power of Hell, No Scheme of Man

Time flies

2008-09-06T08:11:00.002Z

Well, been meaning to blog for a few weeks, but well, what with all the moving and stuff...Anyway, here we are! Can't believe it's 2 months since I last blogged - first then a quick round-up of the last 2 months:
Last blog was half-was through our summer holiday to Loch Lomond and Dingwall, camping.
After that, we were home for a week packing.
Then, we took the long journey down to Heathrow, first, to celebrate Ben's 6th birthday at Legoland. He went when he was 2 and couldn't remember any of it! It was a lovely time, staying in a really posh travel inn, and the kids enjoyed a great day at Legoland, with proper summer weather!
Next we went to Lucy and Dave's wedding, which was really exciting! I like weddings. I love to see people taking that step in their lives, and it's so rare these days anyway, isn't it? It was great to meet up with folks from Pill, and some others as well, and lovely to be part of their day.
Then it was back up to Wick to get ready for the big move.
We moved down to Aberdeen on 31st July, and for 2 weeks we stayed in another quarters across the city, while the workmen got our flat nice for us.
The kids had a lovely week at Granny's and my mum and dad went on a cruise of the baltic.
We've been in the flat now for a few weeks, and finally have broadband and freeview, so life's complete (joke!)

Right, there you are, 2 busy months. Ben's enjoying his new school, although it's huge. Ceitidh's loving her new nursery and would go every day if she could. And we're really enjoying being back in the city and we're looking forward to what God's got planned.

Two things that have happened over the past few weeks, to prompt me to blog:
I had to phone the gas company to get our change of address and supplier sorted for moving. In the process, for some reason, I had to give my e-mail address, and I only have my work one. And so the man on the phone does the usualy thing, you know, oh my dad loves The Salvation Army. he always gives to them. How did you get involved? etc. But then he said something that I've been thinking about ever since. He said 'it must be good to get up every day and know you're going to make a difference that day'. How do you answer that. I just said 'sometimes', and he laughed. But what a challenge eh?

The other thing was at the school gate the other day. I overheard a conversation about going to see a clairvoyant/medium. I'm nosey. I listen to everyone's conversations. Anyway, I'm always amazed at how seriously people take it. One woman was talking about one of them who's really good, and does her 'angel' thing and another one always manages to get her gran, and always says the same thing.....a consumer spirituality if you like. They go to the person they know will give them what they want to hear! Do we do that too though? Just ask the people we know will tell us what we want to hear?

Right well, there's a catch-up. Hopefully some photos to follow, once we get that organised.

A cruise ship or a lifeboat?

2008-07-07T18:20:00.000Z

Very quick blog - on my mobile - new trick! Question for you all - is the salvation army a cruise ship or a life boat? (from thoughts brought to us on a course this week)

Resolving issues!

2008-06-27T22:50:00.003Z

Bit of a blog out of the blue! Do you ever leave something or somewhere, and you're aware that there's unresolved issues? Andrew was doing school assemblies this morning, and he used the word END, and MEND, SPEND, FRIENDS and ASCEND.

And the connection? Well, he was telling them about mending broken friendships before they leave for the summer. There's someone I've met recently, and clearly I've upset this person in some way, but I don't know what I've done. I have no idea, but the person walks past me, and 'blanks' me, if you know what I mean. Do you ever get that? It's really frustrating, cos how do you bring it up when they haven't said anything? I think the worst thing is moving away, or leaving something and knowing you've left a relationship/friendship broken, a conversation you should have had, and you know you won't now, it's too late, or you'll never see that person again. So, I guess if you're reading this, please be encouraged to go and speak to that person.

Hopefully at some point I'll try the photo thing that my friend Louise has done on her blog. It's very clever.

The Government, etc!

2008-05-21T16:41:00.002Z

Well, I can't say I've ever watched the Parliament channel before, but I did last night, to see the final decision on the abortion bill. I was sad as I watched them vote for no change in the law. But, I was more sad, and sat crying, when I heard a mid-wife speaking on the radio this lunch-time. Warning, don't read further if it's likely to upset you, but if it's more likely to provoke righteous anger, then please do read.

She was speaking about how the hardest part of her job is seeing a late abortion, within the 20+ week stage, and she sees the baby being born, sometimes a living, breathing baby, and then can do nothing for it. Sometimes they live for 3 hours or so, and they place them in a room, in a basket. The radio presenter asked her what size the baby was: ' a finger, a hand..?' The mid-wife replied along these lines- 'No, bigger than that, a baby, very small, with fully-formed fingernails...breathing, not how we breathe, but breathing'. AND THEY CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT IT!!

The mother then has to go to the registry office to register a birth and a death. It took me a little bit of 'trawling' the internet just now to find this, from the website of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists:

'In the event of a child being born which shows signs of life but subsequently dies, both the birth and death need to be registered, irrespective of the gestation period of the child, and the Registrar will then issue a form to allow the funeral to proceed.'

And the woman thought it was a simple thing? The mid-wife speaking said it was a very difficult situation, to be in a profession aiming at saving, and protecting lives, not allowing babies to die. Clearly, late abortions are rare, but they happen.

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We're getting somewhere with the packing now. It's really not long til we move, and we're away for most of July too. It's difficult trying to talk to people about it. I think for me it's a lot to do with stepping out of my comfort zone. The model of corps officership we have here in Wick is pretty similar to what i saw growing up, and i guess what I signed up for, in a way. But we sense God is calling us to something very different, and we're looking forward to it.

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The other issue on the lunch-time news, was this

Good on him, I say. And, he was getting some support from the listeners too!

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Just realised the time. Band practice soon. Will blog another time.

2008-05-14T17:10:00.002Z

What to blog about? Well, we're really into the packing thing at the moment, and the house it a bit messy, but we'll get there in the end!

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My Dad's joined facebook!! Oh dear!! Lots of e-mails expected over the next few weeks/months, as he tries to work out how to add things, and how to reply to messages from people.

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I'm feeling very old these days, I can remember quite clearly things that happened 20 years ago, when I see someone on facebook that I haven't seen for a while, they look so much older than they should do. Ah, well, as long as I don't start insisting that 'things happen the way this way, because that's the way we've always done it, and we're not changing, so there', I'll be ok, I reckon!!

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I was at the Home League singers practice today, and organising the timbrels afterwards, and wondering what am I doing? Although, they do seem to sing some slightly more modern songs than in the songsters!?? Why??

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I wish I could put some photos on here of the children, but I can't find the cable to link the camera to the computer!! They are both growing very quickly. Ceitidh can say lots of words now, and Ben seems very grown-up!

Do blogs need a title for each post? I think not, so I won't bother today!!

Early Morning!

2008-05-13T05:50:00.002Z

Well, I'm up and about this morning before 7am, and not out of choice I might add!! So, since everyone else in my on-line world is clearly still in bed (ie no-one to talk to on facebook etc), I thought I'd write another blog - what another one?- you say - you only wrote 2 days ago - I know, I know, but anyway here goes.

I was at the Home League yesterday, as I tend to be on a Monday afternoon, and it just struck me as I was there that we've been doing this for a long time. What do I mean by that? Well, the format doesn't change, does it? Now, clearly this was not a new thought, I'm sure I already realised this. It was only as we were singing a song I remember singing at the Home League nearly 25 years ago, when I was taken along with my mum. Now, why am I writing about this? Well, only because there are loads of ladies who would never go to the Home League, because it's for old people, and maybe all the people that go now said that 25 years ago, but it hasn't changed. Here at Wick a lot of our 'corps folk', ie our soldiers, actually go to the Home League, which I was surprised at because at Pill very few soldiers went, because they thought they weren't old enough yet! Most ladies I know would never even consider going to the Home League. How long will it be until this format ceases to reach even the generation it's reaching now? Will it take 'til then for us to be able to change it?

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Went to songsters last night, and I don't think any of the songs were written in my life-time!! And that word 'gay' kept appearing in the songs, like it was a theme or something! I do struggle with words that have very different connotations today from when the songs were written!!

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I realised I haven't said anything about our new move yet, so thought I'd better mention it!! People in the corps keep coming up and trying to start a conversation about it, like 'so you're moving then?', or 'we'll miss you', and I just kinda say 'yep', and then stop, and they're expecting some more but there's not a lot more to be said. The general story for telling people is that we're too different to the corps, and what they need and are looking for. But, actually, when i think about it, I can do the regular corps officer thing. And I really think this is a step into the unknown, a step of faith if you like. I guess I always thought that when I became an officer, that was the doing God's will bit, and then you kinda sit back and let 'the Army' do the rest, but clearly, thankfully I guess, it doesn't work like that. We've taken the step and said it's not working here for us, and now we have to act on that. My mum was commenting on our small corps programme at Torry, and asking what I'm going to do all day, and the answer I guess is not fill it with meaningless 'stuff', just be in the community at first I reckon, and build up contacts and relationships. But that doesn't seem much does it? People think you have to be doing, doing, doing all the time. I think it was Phil Wall at Roots who was saying it's easy to think you've had a good day because you've been busy, but sometimes the business is not helpful is it? I'm like that. I usually think it's been a good day cos I've filled it with stuff, but most of the time the stuff is just that - stuff. Make any sense?

Anyway, I think today's 'stuff' is calling now, and I'd better get on with the day.

Stuff

2008-05-11T16:50:00.002Z

Well, I decided it was about time I did some blogging, especially after a gentle reminder from a friend! At the moment I can't think of a title for today's blog, since it will probably be about a lot of things!

There's lots of reasons I don;t blog very often I guess. Maybe not knowing what to write, or forgetting, can;t be bothered, sometimes a bit fearful as I don't handle criticism/confrontation very well, and I know Andrew gets a lot at times!

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It's Pentecost today, the birthday of the Church, and what has the Army managed to do? Designate it Candidates Sunday too! And Candidates Sunday is important, don't get me wrong. The Salvation Army needs Officers more than ever. But, which of those 2 subjects did 'The Salvationist' choose for its front cover and main focus this week? Yep, Candidates Sunday. I was interested in the 'strap line' for the front page - it said 'The Greatest Adventure' - there's a song in that Happiness and Harmony book, I think, that says 'Lord Jesus help me to discover you as the way, the truth and life, and to find for myself that following you is the greatest adventure of all'. And that kinda got me thinking about this whole clergy/laity- officer/soldier - 'two-tiered Christianity' conversation that's going on. Because I'm not quite sure whether officership is a higher calling than any other calling, debate! Surely anyone following the way that God has planned for them is on a great adventure, the greatest adventure.

We were out on our usual Saturday afternoon escape yesterday, and we went to a place called Falls of Shin, which is a little 'out-post' of Harrods about an hour and a half away (we measure everything up here by time rather than distance, which makes sense really, since Inverness is 100 miles away, but always takes 2 hours). As well as lovely visitor centre and shop there's a good play area, crazy golf bit, and long walks through the woods (so the information board informs me). Well why am I telling you all this? Well, yesterday there were some funnily-dressed people about, who looked rather like Druids to me, but my husband reassured me they were quite harmless. I understand they were conservationists. The lady who seemed to be organising things was calling people to 'an adventure to change the world, lasting an hour'. It seemed like a good invitation to me.
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I've been keeping up with my reading. I'm very proud of myself (if pride is allowed!?). At the moment I'm in the middle of reading Shame Claiborne's 'The Irresistible Revolution- living as an ordinary radical'. Shane was speaking at Roots last weekend, and it would take too long to explain fully who he is and where he's coming from, so google it and see what comes up, but he lives in community with other Christians, who...oh I don't know how to describe it without totally giving the wrong idea, or impression. They live as much like Acts 2 community as they've been able to, I guess, sharing with others who don't live with them, but are in need. You should read the book. After he'd spoken in an afternoon seminar session, as I was queueing for the evening session, someone said to me, 'but he doesn't live in the real world does he? You can't live like that really' Well, I guess you can because that's how he lives, and it's real for him.

I would say the book's the most radical I've ever read, but then you can't say that can you? Because all he, and many others are really doing is living like the New Testament tells us to. So, the Bible, that's the most radical book you'll ever read, if you read it all, and don't juts high-light the bits you like, or block out the bits you don't. The early Christian church had all sorts of splits over people taking parts out of the Bible, discrediting certain bits, and I think we all do it today, but not quite to openly! Anyway, I'll leave this first blog that i've actually managed to write in 3 months with a thought from Shane (paraphrased as the book's upstairs) - if you have 2 coats in your wardrobe you've stolen one, because it really belongs to the poor, someone without a coat. Think on it!

Hopefully it won't be 3 months til the next instalment!!

MY BIRTHDAY!!

2008-02-07T09:04:00.000Z

Well, the subject says it all, I guess! I'm very excited as it's my birthday today.

I've always been excited about birthdays. I can remember counting down the days, as soon as we went back to school after Christmas.

And, as always on this day of the year I've been reflecting on the past 27 birthdays (one year nearer to 30 :o( ) Obviously, I can't remember them all, and you'd be bored reading about them all. But, one or two stand out for me. When I was growing up, we collected for self-denial (annual Salvation Army door-to-door collection) the 1st 2 weeks in February, which usually impacted on my party in some way, either having it at the weekend, or early enough after school for mum and dad to go out collecting later. I can think about: a my little pony birthday cake, sleep-overs, swimming, McDonalds, big parties, small family meals, parties at the hall, a party at a hotel, weekends away, birthdays where I went to music practices, guides, brownies, Sunday meetings (YP Annual -Sunday School prizegiving one year), a surprise visit from mum and dad a few years ago, snow, coughs and colds, people who have birthdays near mine, pancake day one year... and lots more if I sat for longer!

But, one year stands out for me. I think I must have had a party a different day with my friends, but on my birthday I was going out with mum and dad for tea. But, just before we were going to go out, they had a phone call from someone needing some help, as they had no money for electricity (on a meter I assume), and I spent half an hour of my birthday sitting in the car waiting for them to sort this family out. And as I sit and reflect on that day now, I wonder what I would do now, if it was one of my kids' birthdays? Where are my priorities, would I for that one day of the year put them first, and should I? I wouldn't like to be sitting here years later (I think it was my 12th birthday?) wondering what happened to the family if my mum and dad had said they were too busy. Nearly every day in officership there's a choice to be made about the best use of my time, and factors of corps, community and family all come into that. Most of the time we make what we feel is the right decision at the time. I don't agree with putting family before the corps (shoot me down on this one if you want), but there has to be a level of balance, of give and take, between all the things God has called me to: wife, mother, officer, friend, daughter, etc.

If you're looking for more thoughts on this, as a woman in ministry, I'd recommend 'Seasons' by JoAnn Shade. You can get it at SP&S.

Well, time to get dressed. I joined a facebook group a few weeks ago called 'petition for a day off for your birthday'. I'll not be getting a day off, as we're going away tomorrow for the weekend. But today will be as relaxing as I can let it be.

Wee Sleekit, couring, timorous beastie

2008-01-24T09:47:00.000Z

Or a mouse, to anyone else! One came to visit our kitchen this week, ready for Burns' Night at the end of the week, but seems to have gone now. I was going to put a picture up, but I don't think I could stand looking at one again. I did the very typical girly thing, and ran through the house screaming in a very high-pitched voice, and left my lovely brave kind husband to sort it all out. He did see it as well, so I didn't just imagine it. He said it was just passing through. And our quartermaster says it's more scared of me than I am of it. Some less helpful comments were around the subject of usually seeing more than one at a time, and it could still be hiding. I don't think it likes peanut butter. One of my worst nightmares come true this week.

Life!

2008-01-21T17:53:00.000Z

Well, it's been a pretty busy week! I was going to blog something well-thought out last week, but then everything got so busy, and time just ran away! One event that made me smile last week was the 'Senior Citizen's Treat', where the local ministers are the specially invited guests. Really no idea why, but there you go! We were sitting at the front of this hall, having our dinner, and then we had entertainment' in the form of the local big band, pipe band and ceilidh band. What strange things you get invited to! It made me think about the role of an officer I suppose, and how we're seen in the community. As blogged before, officership is a varied job, for sure. In the past week I've done 2 funerals, led 2 meetings in nursing homes, taken Ceitidh to toddlers twice, been to home league and over sixties, led 2 meetings and helped at Sunday School yesterday, as well as various phone calls, e-mails, cash books, etc. The funeral today was sad, as there was no family there at all. The bloke had a sister, but she couldn't get up here as she was ill. Oh, and now I'm playing 'nurse' to all the poorly people in my house, as well as keeping on top of 2 people's worth of diary events and programme!

So, the point of this post? I'm not sure, just to say that life's pretty hectic, and one of these days I'll post something deep and thoughtful lol

Snow!!

2008-01-05T22:45:00.000Z

No, not in Wick, but we drove to find it on Thursday this week. We took Ben to Inverness for a holiday treat. We went round the shops in town first, and spent some money, then we drove south to the Cairngorms, and took a train ride to the top of the mountain. This is Ben & me at the top, feeling very, very cold!!

Christmas photos

2007-12-30T13:29:00.001Z

A few Christmas photos, as promised!!

Christmas

2007-12-27T10:33:00.000Z

Well, all the carolling's over for another year, the turkey sandwiches are the staple diet for a few days, the sitting room floor has emerged from under the wrapped toys (since they take up a lot less space out of the boxes), the tree is still up for a few days yet, there's piles of chocolates and biscuits in the dining room, Ben's eventually dragged himself away from his new ds to build some lego with grandad, Ceitidh's exploring all her toys, and is currently hoovering, and looking after her dolly, and it's nearly time for the reflections on the year. Photos to follow, I promise. But first some reflections on December. As our first year in Wick, I've felt like we're going from one event to the next, ticking them off on the list, and breathing a sigh of relief when something's finished and worked out ok. Carolling in Tesco was a big highlight, especially with the kids choir in the afternoon, and the staff were really helpful and encouraging (and we raised a bit of money too). The hall was packed for the corps carol service last Sunday, with kids and mums and dads. See Andrew's blog for one comment on the evening from one of our soldiers! A few weeks ago, we travelled 40 miles south to lead a carol service in Helmsdale for the women's guild. They seemed to think it was amazing, the highlight of their Christmas (they don't get out much, bless them!) Christmas day carolling at the hospital was lovely, from the older folks who couldn't get home, to the new born babies up in the maternity ward. That was very sad, though. One little baby lost his mother an hour after he was born, the post-mortem is still going through yet, and another little baby is the nephew of Dale, the 11 year old we buried a few weeks ago. Dale would have loved Christmas, especially the kids choir carolling, and the horse riding Christmas presentation. So there were a few tears shed on Tuesday morning. Ceitidh has been great to watch the last few days. She still hasn't opened all her presents, cos she wants to play with everything as she opens it.

Well, that's a bit of a run-down. Will put some photos up soon.

Reading more

2007-12-03T11:38:00.000Z

Well, as an update on my new-found love of reading, I've finally finished reading 'The Beginners Guide to Intercession', by Dutch Sheets. If God is challenging you to prayer, to intercede for others, to commit to getting to know what's on God's heart and bringing it before God, then you'd better read this book!

Reading

2007-11-15T14:07:00.000Z

Well, I figured that since I get annoyed at people who have a blog and then don't blog for months on end (oh, and the spell-check doesn't like 'blog' lol) that I'd better try and keep it up for a change.

I used to read a lot when I was at school and uni, but it became a chore more than a joy. Recently, I've felt the challenge to read more, so this is what I've read over the past few weeks: Seasons by Jo Ann Shade, Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels and a book about Eden in Manchester (book's upstairs and I can't remember who wrote it).

Ceitidh just woke up, so I'll write more about them later.

Funerals!!

2007-11-10T16:00:00.000Z

Ok, so not really sure why I'm restarting this blogging thing by talking about death, but there you go!

Yesterday 2 people died in our town (well 2 that I know of), and we're doing both the funerals at The Salvation Army in the next couple of weeks. Why is that of note? Well, Cathie was 95, had lived a good full life, saw a lot of the UK, did a variety of jobs and found the Lord, I believe, in The Salvation Army, here in Wick. But, Dale was 9. He had epilepsy, which was recently diagnosed, and hadn't been treated yet. He had been attending our kids choir that we started 3 weeks ago, and, I believe, was beginning to learn about the Lord there.

There are people grieving in our community, and they've asked The Salvation Army to be with them in this time. What a privilege.

Oh, and please pray for Andrew. We're doing Cathie's funeral between us, but he'll have most of the responsibility for Dale's.

Officership- every day's different!!

2007-05-16T20:24:00.000Z

Was in a conversation at lunch time with Lucy and Amy, our youth ward sergeant and her assistant, who are each at various stages of thinking about officership.

Amy asked me something along the lines of 'do you enjoy being an officer?' and I said something like, 'well yeah, and there's always those days when you get up and you think you know what's going to happen and it looks really different.'

I said this because yesterday I got up expecting to be going to the AFM Rally in a minibus, but, due to the minibus failing to start, Andrew ended up going to the AFM Rally, taking some of our home league members in the car. Also, after I popped out in the car last night to the co-op, there was a funny noise to the car and an even funnier smell! This resulted, eventually, in the car going to the garage, and us having a hire car for 2 days!

Hmm, so yeah every day's different.

And today?

Well, we went down to home league as usual, but, before we started, 2 men appeared; one of them had just moved to the village and was looking for food, clothes, furniture etc!! The next half an hour was then spent, not singing lovely songs with the home league as expected, but in the loft, on the phone, in the charity shop and food shop, starting to meet some of their needs.

Matthew 25:40 came to mind. 3 years ago (in a couple of weeks) I signed my officers' covenant:

MY COVENANT CALLED BY GOD to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as an officer of The Salvation Army I BIND MYSELF TO HIM IN THIS SOLEMN COVENANT
	to love and serve him supremely all my days, to live to win souls and make their salvation the first purpose of my life, to care for the poor, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, love the unlovable, and befriend those who have no friends, to maintain the doctrines and principles of The Salvation Army, and, by God's grace to prove myself a worthy officer.

Those highlighted words are ones I don't really find myself doing very often, but I thank God for sending them to me today.

Let's see what tomorrow brings, shall we? I've got a few things in my diary, but I wonder what God's got in his!?

Roots 2007

2007-05-10T20:11:00.000Z

Ok, well figured it was my turn to 'put in my tuppence worth' on Roots this year.

Right from the start of the weekend, I guess God was just teaching me about faithfulness really.

Up to about 2 weeks ago, I was still undecided on whether I would go this year. I toyed with Andrew and Ben just going. Basically, unfortunately, although Andrew was getting his ticket for free, due to various complications in the way the prices are set up, we realised we weren't going to save any money! But, anyway, having heard quite a lot in about 2 or 3 days about relying on God for finances and doing things as a family, I decided I should go, and trusted God for the rest.

When we arrived, and Andrew registered, he received 2 things: £20 worth of vouchers for food for the weekend, and a form to claim back £30 towards travel costs! GOD IS GOOD!

And I saw, throughout the weekend, that God rewarded me, not just financially, but spiritually, for the step of faith we took.

He taught me loads about holiness, needing to model it, before I can preach it.
He taught me about his faithfulness.
He taught me about relying and focussing on him.
He taught me that if I look at people from the perspective that He loves them, they look very different - who do you find it hard to love??
Not really sure where any of that comes into what was being taught, but anyway!

And from what was taught, or what I went to (!):

Didn't go to Chick's Bible Studies, so no comments on that, although I might get into that another time!
Nick Park was good, relaxing
Praise Party was a good time of worship, really needed it after the inspiring message from Steve Chalke
Someone needs to give Steve Chalke a copy of TSA doctrines!
Hope 2008 sounds inspiring
I'm really interested in 'the ultimate church visit' - might blog about that sometime
Geoff Ryan was really inspiring on Monday morning- real church!?
Oh, and I liked the puppet workshop! People pay good money for that kind of training!!

Ben enjoyed the weekend, once he got used to the size of the venue etc, and I think he learnt a lot.
Ceitidh survived the time away from us, and seemed to enjoy herself, I think!

Well, that's my run-down on the weekend.

Might blog some more when I think about it!

Andrew & Ben's camping trip

2007-04-12T22:41:00.000Z

Yeah, so if you don't read the comments on my blog (and even if you do!), big apologies to my hubby for any implication on here that he's been on holiday. Meeting prep can be done anywhere!

Here is Ben, and the tent!

Ceitidh's birthday

2007-04-12T22:35:00.000Z

Just getting round to putting some pics up from Ceitidh's birthday!

Can't believe it was 2 weeks ago already. We had a nice day on her actual birthday, with my mum and dad, and Lucy. And then on the Saturday, we went to the zoo. I haven't got any pics of that, but hopefully mum and dad will have some.

Things that make my life complete (please understand this is not serious!!)

2007-04-10T21:53:00.001Z

Well, I'm not very good at this blogging thing, I keep forgetting!! But, seeing as Andrew and Ben are off in a tent somewhere, and the house is very quiet, I thought I'd write something!

I will soon get round to putting some more photos on, from Ceitidh's birthday etc, but thought I'd share 2 cool things!

1. Digital banking! I have been doing on-line banking for a few months (slow, yeah I know!) and it makes such a difference to my life. I can now look at my bank statement whenever I want to. I was so excited a few months ago!!

2. I have discovered there is a search facility on the song book on www.salvationist.org.!! For years, I've been wanting a concordance to the song book, then I read Steve Court's blog and discover there's an on-line version!! There, see, my life is complete!!

Anyway, that's enough of that. Will try and post more often and more deep and helpful, constructive stuff from now on!

time flies!

2007-03-14T21:04:00.000Z

Looked at my blog earlier, to show someone else, and I realised it's over 2 weeks since I last blogged, and it doesn't even seem like 2 days!

What's happened in 2 weeks? Nothing overly exciting I don't think!

To answer Louise's question about how our mums are feeling now about the imminent move, not sure about Andrew's mum- I guess she's probably ok with it, but bizzarely enough it's my mum that seems to be having the problems! I think she's fallen out with our DC for sending us to Wick. Lucy said she must have fallen out with God as well!

Sunday meetings went ok. One of those days where everything that could possibly go wrong does, or so it seems!
Andrew was away at youth councils,
Pauline (who I'd asked to look after Ceitidh cos Lucy was at youth councils as well) fell over as she was coming out to the meeting, and didn't make either of the meetings,
Pete (CSM) had to go home and see if she was ok,
Ceitidh cried for most of the morning meeting and all the way through the announcements in the evening meeting
Quite a lot of people were away, including a few who are always really supportive,

But, hey, apart from that it went well!

Anyway, that's a sort-of a catch-up!

'Drive as far as you can go, and then a bit further'

2007-02-25T21:28:00.000Z

Well, that's Andrew's description of how to get to Wick. People keep asking how Wick is, and I have to answer: 'it's a long way'! There must be about 14 hours of driving from here to Wick! (Including stops)

When you get there, you don't really think you're far away from civilisation. The town is not too small, and certainly has everything you would need.

The one thing I'm struggling with right now is how distraught both my mother and my mother-in-law are about the whole situation. I think mother-in-law was hoping we were going to be moving up the road, about an hour away, and my mother is going to be 640 miles away, with 12 hours of driving. Multimap is fast becoming my favourite website! My only problem is that we're not really upset about the appointment. Yes, it's far away, but it must be where the Lord (and the Army) want us to be at this time. But then I feel guilty for not being upset!

Oh, I promised to share the story of my first visit to Wick, so here goes: In October 1993, the singing company at Edinburgh Gorgie did a weekend specialling at Wick, and this is the sum total of my memories from that weekend:

1. I billeted with Louise, and we stayed with this family who had 2 girls, and the youngest liked Louise and made her put her to bed.
2. We stayed til the Monday and visited John O'Groats and the Caithness Glass Factory (when it was still there).
3. The singing company sang 'Jonah Man Jazz'.
4. The coach kept breaking down. On the way back we had to go back to Inverness from Aviemore and sit in a car showroom, eating chips, and trying to get hold of my mum and dad who had gone out shopping and were supposed to be the contacts for the other families!

Well, that's about it, rather worryingly. I wish I paid more attention to things when I was younger, but I don't suppose I expected to be moving there!

Oh, well I better go. Pizza for supper yeah (!), in honour of Lucy & Dave's engagement. Congratulations you guys!

Some more distances

2007-02-14T22:05:00.000Z

....Nearest...

Frankie & Benny's is 212 miles (Aberdeen)

Chiquitos is 210 miles (Aberdeen)

Dominos Pizza is 105 miles (Inverness)

Brewers Fayre is 106 miles (Inverness)

Nandos is 270 miles (Glasgow)

Yeah so I like my food, and I'm getting the feeling living in Wick isn't necessarily going to have the increased living costs I was expecting!

And you will be my witnesses...the ends of the earth !!

2007-02-10T22:12:00.000Z

Well, Wick, to be precise! I'm assuming everyone (anyone?) who reads this reads Andrew's blog and there's no-one been waiting since Thursday to find out where we're going. Not really sure what I think about our appointment yet- will let you know!

But, here's some statistics I've researched for you (well, for me, but I thought I'd share them!)

From Wick, the nearest

IKEA is 265 miles (Edinburgh)

ASDA is 145 miles (Elgin)

M&S is 105 miles (Inverness)

WESLEY OWEN is 105 miles (Inverness)

And if one more person says to me 'Andrew will be happy to be going home, I think I'll get very cross'- people just don't understand Scottish geography- it's 300 miles from Wick to Irvine and multimap says it takes 6 hours 6 minutes), compared to 381 miles at the moment (6 hours 17 minutes)!!!

So, in 6 months time a new chapter of the Clark adventure will begin!

Where is home?

2007-02-04T21:35:00.000Z

This has to be one of the hardest times in Salvation Army officership!! You know: forget the funerals, the difficult pastoral situations, the big annual events, like Christmas. NO, this week is the worst- waiting for that letter to land on the door mat on Thursday morning. I just wish they could do this another way, but I don't know how. I just seems so cruel, for so many people to know our future, but we don't!

A few weeks ago, it wasn't so nerve-wracking. Andrew was chairing our corps council, and planning for Christmas. Half the people on the corps council knew we wouldn't be at Pill by Christmas, but half didn't, so it was quite fun.

But, now I just want to know where we'll be by Christmas. God has been very gracious, and really helped me with peace and patience over the past week or so, but it's waining a bit now, so if you're reading this, please pray that I will concentrate on the next 3 days, and use them wisely!

Oh, and Wednesday's my birthday, which I keep forgetting about, because Thursday seems so much more important, but then I suppose it's not every day you turn 27, and realise you're really getting into your late 20s, is it?

Anyway, back to the title of this blog- where is home? My answer is:'home is where your stuff is'. You see, I never get used to this moving thing. Even though I've lived in...18 (I think) houses in my life, it still doesn't get any easier. I laughed yesterday when I heard an Officers' Kid saying he came from 'lots of places, but most recently, London'. I never have an answer for people when they ask me where I come from!

So, we wait patiently for the letter to arrive.

Today's theme song:

I'm in his hands,
Whate'er the future holds,
I'm in his hands.
The days I cannot see
Have all been planned for me
His way is best, you see,
I'm in his hands.

And as for whether being in the Army's hands is the same as being in God's hands, I have to believe it is. There is no other possibility. If we start to wonder whether some decisions are made without God's direction, then we lose faith in our leaders, so I have to believe that wherever the letter tells us we're going, it's God's will. Please pray for us as we wait.

Exorcism

2007-01-18T10:45:00.000Z

Ok, I was going to post last night because I had loads of time and then couldn't think of anything to write! And then, once I'd gone to bad I remembered what I want to rant about today! There's been a 'conversation' recently. If you read these 'conversations' you'll know what it is, but I won't give away any names!! There was a discussion as an officer had been asked to pray in the house of someone who was being 'visited' and was asking for help and advice.

Now, wait for the responses...

...

find someone else who is qualified and trained

...

Call the local bishop

...

the person is probably mentally or pscychologically ill

...

don't assume it's demonic, there's probably a rational explanation

I couldn't believe it, well I could, but then I couldn't. How can people be so blind to what the devil is doing in these times? Especially when he is working in those very open and blatant ways?

Just to say, there were also some very helpful comments and offers of support and advice for this officer, and assurance that the issues were a reality.

Jesus said:

"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

Where are those signs today, then, if we believe, or do we? He didn't say some people who are trained and authorised by the church will do these things, but 'those who believe'!

Daily 'Theme Song'

2007-01-15T16:37:00.000Z

Not really managing to keep up with this blogging thing, but got a few spare minutes right now. (I wrote a whole long post the other day- but wih Ceitidh on my knee- big mistake- it went to the big rubbish bin!)

Anyway, theme song- spent a lot of time today with the song 'Storm the forts of darkness' in my head, but not in an annoying way, but in a positive way! It's amazing what a difference it makes when you make this the context to everything you do in a day:

Soldiers of our God arise
The day is drawing nearer
Shake the slumber from your eyes,
the light is drawing clearer
Sit no longer idly by
While the heedlees millions die
Lift the blood-stained banner high
And take the field for Jesus

Storm the forts of darkness, bring them down
Bring down the devil's kingdom
Where'er he holds dominion
Storm the forts of darkness bring them down

(from memory so apologies for a wrong word here and there)

And then God shows you where he (devil) holds dominion and you can pray about that too!

What's your theme song? Any suggestions for tomorrow's?

Casino Royale

2007-01-11T00:18:00.000Z

As the title suggests, we went to see the new James Bond film tonight. It was amazing! Eaten much too much popcorn. Will post some more tomorrow when I'm more awake. That film is very long!

Fundraising

2007-01-10T17:46:00.000Z

Sorry for lack of posting. Would have written something last night, but was busy trying to raise some much-needed funds for the corps. The latest initiative, which I hope will bring in some decent money is by linking with the Invitation Book people.

Some of you COs (or others!) might find it useful for fundraising for yourselves. Basically it works like this: we get 100 books (or how many you choose) full of vouchers for restaurants, shops, cinema etc in Bristol, and give them out to all the people linked to the corps who then get 3 weeks to decide whether or not to keep it, for £19.99, or they can bring it back. For every book we sell we get £4! All Pill corps folk, you can get a copy from me!

So, I spent all of yesterday evening putting 68 books and letters into envelopes, and writing down reference numbers! Fun, eh?

Got an amazing Christmas present from my friend. £15 in cinema vouchers, so we're going to the cinema tonight. Not sure what we're going to see, but will let you know if it's any good.

Flickr again and other stuff!

2007-01-08T22:37:00.000Z

Ok so I haven't really got into this blogging thing yet, but I will, I promise! And I'm also rubbish at taking a photo every day it seems. (even the ones I've taken have come into criticism!) But I have put a photo on today. Interesting one I reckon. Was going to take a photo of our ward leaders as we met this evening, but then I forgot. Told you I wasn't good at this!

But anyway, talking about the wards, they seem to be going really well. There's encouraging stories coming out of the meetings, and individual conversations I've had have been very positive. It's been amazing to see a dream come into a reality!

There's a few things been going round my head this week, and I keep thinking 'I'll put that on my blog'. One of them is this song from Keith Green:

People smile at me and ask me what it is,

That makes them want to be just like I am,

So I just point to you and tell them, yes it's true,

I'm no special one, I'm just one man.

It's because of you, people smile at me and say, what a lucky guy,

It's because of you, I can raise my hands and reply,

And say I'm happy because of you.

Does that sound like your experience? No, me neither. It's a challenge, isn't it?

Eastenders

2007-01-04T22:44:00.000Z

In my house I often get criticised for watching the soaps. I follow the story-lines for Corrie, 'Stenders, and Emmerdale most of the time. I have a few excuses, which include: they're quite realistic so it keeps you in touch with issues going on in people's lives and lots of people watch them and it's often the topic of conversation at toddlers, so I need to keep up with what people are talking about don't I?

A few months ago I did Home League about TV and what people watch etc. I was talking to them about how Christians are portrayed in the soaps and I've been watching Dot recently. Don't know if anyone else has, but she really makes me cringe. She is everything I despise in the stereotyped Christian. She was telling Rebecca how Jesus had come to take Pauline away. She's always quoting the Bible at people, usually totally out of context, and it just really frustrates me. How can we show people a different side to Christianity, to our faith? We need to present people with a faith that is real, that is relevant. Easisr said than done, eh?

Flickr

2007-01-02T23:58:00.000Z

Just to say I've added a link to my flickr photos on the tool bar on the left, so people can see if I actually manage to keep up with it every day!

Happy New Year

2007-01-01T20:46:00.000Z

As the title says, 'Happy New Year' to anyone who's reading this! As promised some more photos of Christmas. Andrew just spent ages getting these to come up on the new laptop, the one with the wireless internet, so here they are!!

I've decided to do one of those flickr things with a photo a day. No idea if I'll be able to keep it up, but here goes. Here's the link to today's: January 1st
Not sure if I'm doing it the best way, so if anyone has any tips etc, let me know!!

Well, there's lots to write about, but here's a start:

New Year, Old Year.

Saw a list on Sam's blog about things she's done this year, so thought I'd come up with my own:

What I've done in 2006:

Had a little girl, Ceitidh (born 29th March), and dedicated her that day in the hospital, and 6 months later, officially
Started driving (passed my test in 2002, but got into it properly this year: recommend it to everyone)
Gained a dog, Brengle (born in July, came to live with us in September)
Bought and sold a VW camper (it was good while it lasted)
Had a son who started school (scary, makes me feel old!)
Visited the Isle of Lewis

Ok, so that's about all the things of note that I can remember!

From a corps perspective, it's been exciting too.

We started the year with a month of prayer, which became a strong basis for our corps review, which eventually seemed to take most of the year to come to completion. Some exciting stuff to come from it.

We started our wards this year in the corps. Not sure on the totals attended so far. The first 'round' there was 23 people altogether, but I've heard of quite a few others who've been coming along over the first few meetings. I reckon we're up to about 30 by now.

And so looking forward to 2007. What will the next 12 months have in store? I'm always glad that we don't know what will happen. I've not made any 'New Year's Resolutions'. There's lots of things that I know I should be resolving to do: pray more, read the Bible more, read more books, be kinder to Andrew, have more patience with my kids, balance work/home life, cook better, lose weight...

But, the problem with New Year's resolutions is that we get this idea in our heads that from 1st January, everything will be different. And, there's a few reasons I don't like that idea:

Firstly, there's nothing magical about that second when the bells start to chim at midnight. Nothing happens, the problems we had on 31st December are still there on 1st January.

Secondly, we get this idea that it's only on 1st January that we can change things in our lives. Every day, every minute, we can make that decision to change.

Thirdly, if we break a New Years' Resolution, we give up, don't we? (til the next year.)

Fourthly, the focus of New Year's Resolutions doesn't tend to be on God's power to help us in our resolves, and more on our own ability to achieve what we need to do.

So, yeah, I need to do all those things on the list above and many more! I won't be making them into New Year's Resolutions, but you can hold me accountable if you want.

So, yeah Happy New Year to everyone, and God's blessings on you and yours.

Ceitidh's First Christmas

2006-12-27T10:26:00.000Z

Here is a photo of Ceitidh on Monday. How cute! Will put some more photos on when I get some time.

Christmas Eve

2006-12-24T20:23:00.000Z

I like Christmas Eve. There's a real sense of anticipation in the air. Everyone's finishing their last minute preparations. In our house, Mum's peeling sprouts and putting the little crosses on the top. What are they for? Andrew's wrapping presents upstairs and Dad's sorting out the turkey. In a minute, I need to move and put up the Christmas cards, because they're all in a pile at the moment!!

Andrew read the Christmas story to Ben before he went to bed, the alternative 'Night Before Christmas', just to make sure he understands what it's really all about. Ben's really funny. I reckon this Christmas is the first he really understands what's going on all the time. He understands that Christmas is about Jesus being born, but can't understand why we get all the presents! He understands that Jesus had '2 dads'! Joseph & God. We decided Joseph is like Jesus' step-dad. It's the easiest way to explain it in the way the world is these days! When asked 2 weeks ago who was coming to visit soon, he said 'Grandma and Grandad'! I think so far we're managing to keep off most of the Santa superstition!

Still not sure whether I'll be able to get on with the blogging thing, but maybe when I tell people I'm blogging and I know people are reading it, I might think of what to write.

Well, Merry Christmas (CSM says it should be 'Merry') to anyone who's reading!

Starting off

2006-12-21T22:37:00.000Z

Well, a few weeks ago, Andrew asked me why I don't do blogging, and I thought, 'well cos I'd be no good at that kind of thing', but I've decided to give it a go, so here goes. Not really surely yet what this will look like, or what sort of stuff I'll write about yet, but all will be revealed (to me as well, I guess!) Hopefully with Christmas coming up, I'll have some time to get on with some of this!!