the world through short-sighted eyes.

2008-12-22T14:00:00.000Z

Granddad’s Tribute
Monday 22nd December 2008

The task I have in hand here is to summarise my Granddad’s life in a matter of three or four minutes, taking into account how our whole family feels about him. Not an easy task for such a man as Henry George Avis. I cannot do justice in this short time I have, but each of you who were lucky to cross paths with my Granddad will have your own stories and memories of him.

Whether that be the way he whisked you off your feet at the age of 18 at the local miner’s club,
or when he used to trail you around with the local cricket club every Saturday, or the way he would take the time to teach you something; like how to break into a house, as an example,
or when you met him in the street and were always meet with a warm and genuine welcome,
or the way you sat on his lap and he hung to every word you said, or as he stood and waited at the front door and waved you good bye as you drove out the street and gave the token horn-blow as you left,
or the way you saw him so focussed on one of his hobbies, like his tomatoes, his garden or his unbelievable wedding cakes (which required a spirit level to get it exactly perfect!),
or in his later years, while he was housebound, after a warm welcome he would take an genuine interest in you and want to know what was happening in your life.

It was refreshing when we complied the information for the back of the order of service to see how much of an ordinary man he was. No, he wasn’t a Noble Peace Prize-Winner, a prize-winning author or indeed a man who inspired thousands of people with clever rhetoric. My granddad, by this world’s standards, was no hero; but this world doesn’t need any more heroes, does it? What it needs is men and women like George Avis – an ordinary man who could love people extraordinarily.

When you were in George Avis’ presence you knew you were loved. By a smile, a tone of voice, a touch, or by the silence – who knows? But only you knew it was. If you knew him like I know him you know were loved. He was man who believed in love, who sought after love, who advocated for love. The way he swept his Sweet Pea of her feet and after 63 years loved her like that very first day, cared for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and even the way on his last days he was concerned that he couldn’t show the affection he wanted to is all testament to the extraordinary love he so believed in. His investment in love leaves his family, a family who he loved until it hurt, but was still able to love more. The way he loved others now becomes his legacy.

Mother Teresa said; “We can do no great things, just small things with great love. It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into doing it.”
Looking at my Granddad’s life he got it right. A man who did small things with great love. Although, my granddad’s body is no longer with us we can still see glimpses of him, if we catch of sight it. In the way that we love, in the way we show it, in the way we let others know, in the way we fight for it and believe in it. It would only be right for each of us who knew him to keep his legacy in this world, which so needs it.

George Henry Avis: an ordinary man who loved extraordinarily.

Today I shared this with a group of primary sevens...

2008-11-20T22:36:00.002Z

It's pretty cool.

Enjoy.

So, an update.

2008-11-20T10:20:00.001Z

I'm back from America. I'm not dead.

I will return soon.

Camp CONNRI

2008-07-20T19:20:00.000Z

Three weeks into camp and we've all finally worked out away to get onto blocked websites. Hence the scilence on the blogerooni.

Camp is going well so far - i've came to the conclusion it's not always great being a leader though. I'm working with the Camp as the Cheif Counselor, which means I look after 40 staff and 125 kids and their parents. They've given me a walky talky, a master key and a desk. I'm sure they'll soon realise that i'm not really up for the task.

It's serious hard work. My day begins around 7.45am where we meet for flag raising - i generally have that i'm-listening-but-not-really-bothered experession on my face when this happens. Saying that, it's really good thing to do every morning. After which it's a day of cabin checks, supervision and dealing with campers and staff who are home sick and don't behave! It's a really good job to have, I get to know everybody and I have a really good overveiw of the camp.
The bad thing is that i've been put in some difficult sitations where my head says yes and my heart says no, or otherwise. Of course the people I work with are my friends but I'm also their boss. It's a sometimes a difficult mix, but it's an important lesson to learn.

I've been really busy the last couple of weeks. The first week I had to deal a lot of children who show challenging behaviour. Many of which were Bi-Polar and had things like ADHD, most of which had a cocktail of issues. It was my job to send 13 kids home that week - let me tell you this, dealing witht he kids was the easy part. When I went to phone a parent I never knew who has on the other end. I've met and spoke to some intresting characters on the phone. Through all this week I was blessed to speak to these kids about themselves and why they behave the way they do. Hopefully, I provoked some thought in them and showed them God's love through all of it.

This week was pretty quiet. The kids where well behaved and were mostly wanting to stay. That was until - THE EPEDEMIC! We woke up on Thursday morning to find that 13 (again) kids had caught a sickness bug and where projectile vomiting all over camp. We all worked together and had to totally the plans for the day. It was my job to coordinate the cleaning of 20 cabins from top to bottom, to coordinate the supervision of the sick kids and to assist in getting the sick kids of camp. It was nice to see everyone pull together and help in the massive clean up.

Today is break day, I've had my first proper lie in in three weeks - it was emmence! Later of i'll be planning some traveling. Some of us are going to Philadelphia, Washington and New york - i'm really looking forward to that. After camp a couple of us will retunr to New York. I've bought a book yesterday and I'm looking at places to visit.

All-in-all it's been a good but challenging expereince so far. I'm kinda missing home, the people and the places. I miss having my own freedom a little. But it will only be a few weeks until i'm in Scotland complaining that I miss America!

Everyone keep in touch. :)

Grannies are great.

2008-05-11T22:36:00.004Z

Excuse the silence. I've been working away on some stuff over the past few weeks and not had a chance to sit down and write anything proper.

This week I've seen a different side to life. I'm quite lucky, if you can say that, to have any close family die. All my aunties and uncle's are alive, same with my grannies or grandad's. I've not really had to cope with any serious illnesses in the family. That was until this week.

Last Friday my Granny Mary had a fall. She broke her nose and seriously bruised her face. Since then she has been a bit mental. yes, mental - it's the only way I can describe it.
I went to visit her on Tuesday and noticed some strange things about her behaviour - she had left the milk sitting out and the stuff from the lunch was still out. Usually she would have something cleaned up before you had the chance to actually eat it. Later in the day we took a drive round Midlothian and went to a Garden Centre and it wasn't until then I realised the severity of her behaviour. She was angry, paranoid, disoriented, confused and so much more. My Grandad, Dad and I put it down to some sort of concussion.

Today, however, we've found out she's got the begging of dementia. She's been in hospital over the weekend and won't be out until she can be fully checked over. I'm honestly shocked at how someone can change so much in a day, the person who I speak to isn't my Granny - but she is if you get my drift. I thought to myself that if my Granny is going to be like this for the rest of her life, is her life worth living; would she be better off dead? It's a horrible thing to think, but it's the only thing I can think at the moment.

This whole episode has got me thinking about the 'end times' of life. I've spent so much thinking about the beginning of life, and how amazing that really is. Now, I've seen just the beginnings of the the end times can be really like. What a way to life your life.

I ask myself at the moment, why am I writing? Honestly, I don't know. Maybe it's a form of therapy, or for accountability - I don't know. I do know this however, I want to remember my Gran for the way she was, the Gran I was lucky to know when growing up.
The Gran who would would make sure you were fed until you couldn't eat no more, the Gran who gave you a sneaky 50p so you could buy the marbles you didn't really need, the Gran who would sacrifice anything to be with her family, the Gran that would show me things I wouldn't of never of seen, the Gran that overused the word 'bugger' and always apologise afterwords, the Gran that wouldn't be frighted to fart in the right and wrong places and the Gran who loves her husband uncontrollably. This is the Gran I want to remember, before I forget who she really is.

Have you ever googled your name?

2008-04-01T14:31:00.001Z

I did...

I found this.

Is this a glimpse of the future?

Wow!

2008-03-18T22:06:00.009Z

In my role I'm always asking people to do things. People have got to know the I'm-coming-to-ask-you-do-something walk, and the can-just-ask-you-a-small-favour chat and so on and so on.

I'm really taken back by some people's responses (in both ways, mostly positive).

Recently I asked my good friend Adam to draw me some pictures to help me teach about from when Jesus rose to the great commission. He came up with this:

This is AMAZING!

Can I just add the Adam does run his own design company Illusionary Constructs - check it out!

How Firghtfully British

2008-03-12T11:43:00.003Z

Today is Sunny.

Therefore, today I am now wearing shorts. Does this mean Summer is here!?

(Please note: it's not warm enough for flip flops... YET!)

"Danger, Danger"

2008-02-26T18:33:00.004Z

I've written an article for the Corps Newsletter about the firewalk. Here's what I wrote.

I'm also made a wee video diary which will be hopefully be posted online in the next few weeks.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the last few months I’ve did things I thought I’d never do. Jumping from a plane at an altitude of 10, 000 ft, driving a military tank, running 2 miles in full combat gear while holding extremely heavy miscellaneous objects… and now, walking over hot burning coals. I think this might just take the biscuit.

A few months back an organisation approached the Corps asking to rent the premises for a firewalk. While showing them around the hall they posed the question; ‘would you like to do it too?” Being a bit of an amber-gambler in life I decided to grab the opportunity with both hands and said yes in my usual haven’t-really-thought-about-it kind of way.

The Christmas season passed, the grey month of January passed and as we entered February, my diary was graffitied with “4 weeks to go… 3 weeks to go… 2 weeks… 6 days… 5 days… 4… 3… 2…”. During this time I was running around asking for donations, with varying responses. Those firmly believe in the power of the risk assessment were reluctant to sponsor, although I did manage to raise over £300 for the children’s and youth ministries retreat which the corps will be hosting later this year.
In my usual nature I didn’t really think about it until the actual day. I took a video camera to diarise the time up until the actual event. It wasn’t until 1 hour before I actually realised what I let my self in for. I was going to walk 20feet across burning embers at 1200 Fahrenheit in my bare feet with out any pain or injury. In my bare feet. With out any pain or injury. What had I let myself in for?

Before the actual walk we were prepped with a two hours motivational talk, I thought to myself, ‘two hours is that all?’ During the actual session we had to act like complete fools to ‘fight the fear’. It consisted of pretending you’re extremely happy, the happiest you could be; by screaming, jumping and shouting the occasional “Yes!” or “Woo!” All in a room with 20 other strangers. This was supposed to motivate me to do the walk? I’d rather just get it over and done with.

After watching them light walkway, it was time. We were previously warned that the last person who completed the walk would get fresh coals to walk on, meaning the walk would be hotter than the standard 1200 Fahrenheit. Where was I? At the end of the queue! I quickly swapped and was second-last. I was surrounded by cheers and whoops but they didn’t mean anything, they were deafened by my anticipation.
And when it came to the actual walk? It was fine. No bother. I did it! My feet didn’t melt, they just got a bit dirty and warm, just a bit like in summer.

I just completed the shortest sponsor walk in the world! I would do it again, it was well worth the aguish, exhilaration and having to do stupid pretending-you’re-happy exercises. Plus, I’ve raised around £300 for the corps for the retreat which brings us closer to the £3000 target.

I can now add Firewalking to my CV. I wonder what’s next?

Camp America

2008-02-22T10:26:00.003Z

You heard it here first: Kevin Avis will be going to Camp America this year!

I received confirmation that I'll be attending Camp Connri in Connecticut, USA this year as a Senior Counsellor. I'll be leaving on the 19th of June, which is great as I'll only miss a couple of weeks at the end of term, and returning on the 30th August.

The camp leader, Denise Knee, has added me on facebook already, which is cool. Also, she already knows someone who I know! The world is a bit smaller when you're in The Salvation Army.

Thanks must be said to Gorgie for letting me have this time off... it's really cool of them.

Erm, that is all!

Facebook

2008-02-21T21:33:00.000Z

Baby Bible Bashers

2008-02-19T21:45:00.002Z

I finally got a chance to watch Baby Bible Bashers this morning. As I thought it was in similar vein to Jesus Camp.

I searched Google for some responses from the documentary and this jumped out at the screen at me;

"'I'm beginning to see why Christians were fed to the lions."

I also searched you tube for some responses and the common theme was that this film was representative of all evangelical Christians.

Oh Dear.

I am someone who believes in Jesus; in his teachings from his life, in the mystery of his death and the power of his resurrection.
I am also someone who wants children to know and to understand for themselves what this can mean.

What I can say is this; it was my choice to follow Christ. I was not pushed, shoved, bribed or bullied into anything. Now, I want to give children the same choice that I was given; I don't intend or nor do I push, shove, bribe or bully kids into faith.
A common theme in Christian Thought in bringing up children is "breaking the will of the child", this idea comes from Augustine’s theology that everyone is a sinner. Pullman in his Dark Materials alludes to this. Breaking the will of a child involves physically, mentally and emotionally breaking them so they can understand Sin and submit to 'authorities'. There are some Christians who believe that this is what is right and what should be done. I do not. A suggestion can be made that the children in this film have had their wills broken. That in fact they are living according to their parent’s wishes and not their own.
Children's Work within the church should be about the child as they are and not fundamentally about their potential. It focuses on the here and now and not the future and the maybes. Children's work focuses on responding to children's needs and helping them follow Jesus in a way they find appropriate. I want to make a suggestion that training children, as the film had shown, is dangerous to their development.

This film is not representative of all evangelical Christians in anyway shape or form. I'll give you £10 if you can find me three Christians who think and act exactly the same.

faith like a child?

2008-02-08T14:17:00.000Z

Channel 4 will be showing the documentary 'Baby Bible Bashers' next week.

It follows three child evangelists Sam (7), an ordained minister Terry (6) & Anna who began preaching at the age of three years old. You'll not be shocked to know that this was filmed in America.
Channel 4 poses the question are these children are they God's chosen children? Or are they innocent, if talented, performers whose childhood has been sacrificed to satisfy zealous parents and

and congregations in need of a miracle?

I have a feeling this film will be in the similar vein of Jesus Camp which I previously blogged about. It's definitely worth a look.

Hasn't this been a big day!

2008-02-07T17:23:00.000Z

Today some exciting things happened.

This morning I went to a seminar for health proffesionals run by NHS, Families Outside, SPS and The Salvation Army about 'children affected by imprisionment'.

Looks like I will be working with The Salvation Army's Prision Vistors Centre developing a youth provision for both children and teenagers who visit the prision.

That's exciting.

This afternoon I spent the day with my pal Annie. We had a nice lunch and I even drunk earl grey for the first time (I prefer it with lemon).

Both those things were excting.

Today I found out my current Divisional Youth Officer, and good friend, Janet Robson will be the Territorial Youth Secretary for The Salvation Army in the UKT. I think this is the best appointment in the whole of The Salvation Army becuase the person who does this job heads-up and motivates the children's ministries for the whole of TSA in the UKT.

Even better, I will have an even better excuse to go and visit Janet.

That IS exciting.

Lastly, a bus conductor asked to see my ticket today. The last time that happened I don't think the supermarkets were open 24hrs.

That was exciting.

All in all an excting day.

back into the swing of things

2008-02-06T11:32:00.001Z

It's only taken about 4 weeks but I’m officially back into 'work mode'. My to-do list is mounting up and i'm at the point where I am starting to say no to things. Yes, I might say no to something.

I'm looking forward to some exciting stuff this term.

One of which is The Singing Company Reunion. A few of us at the corps are organising a wee get-together for the members of Gorgie Singing Company from the last 25 years.

The Singing Company is a really special part of Gorgie Corps, alot of young people in the Corps have been part of it at some point. To be honest there is nothing that that special about how it works; all it is a group of young people and dedicated adults, singing. Some of the songs that have been sung in these years have been cheesy and ridiculous and others have a meant a lot to people. What does make this group special is that God has used it bless, encourage and challenge both it's members and the recipients of this ministy. Amazing!

One songs that I used to sing in The Singing Company was this:

My Jesus knows,
My Jesus cares,
He understands and wants to
share,
Just what I am, the way I feel.
His Spirit moves, he loves me
still.

Astounding words! They still encourage to me today.

The Singing Company Reunion. It's going to be great!

Another thing that i'm really looking forward is working with Hannah on the kids and youth venue for the Edinburgh Easter Convention (all the SA Corps in Edinburgh get together to have a big barny for Easter) this year.

Hannah is one of those people I just get along with, there is nothing complicated about it. We just get along.

She's one of my favourite people to work with too. We just kinda' bounce of each other. It's cool. She's cool.

We're working together on making this venue a really cool and meaningful experience for the young people we're going to work with. We're going to focus on the verse "...and i will be with you until the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b) looking at the Great Commission and what it means for these kids.

We've got some really exciting teaching and are looking at some really amazing worship. Overall I'm positive about this wee venue and expecting great things!

After a really negative start to the new year, to the point I said to Iain (by Boss) that I was going to hand my notice in, I'm distinctly positive. Woo!

E4: I love you

2008-02-04T12:34:00.000Z

E4 is my favourite TV channel. I don't often watch TV but I do take time to watch the E4 showing of Shameless every week and, of course, Hollyoaks.

After such a long wait Skins is back on next week with a brand new series! For those of you not quite with it, the show is about showing the gritty life on teenagers is britian today. This is an honest potrail of teenage life in the 21st Centuary, it's truly amazing. For all of you wanting to keep in touch with youth culture, this is a must see. So keep next Monday night free!

"I really just want to be Jesus to people"

2008-01-31T16:12:00.000Z

How many times have you heard people say that? I know I have. In fact my personal mission statement is based on that: I want to be the 'fragrance of Christ' to people (2 Cor 2: 15). I do try really hard sometimes, but I enviably fail. Today was one of those days.

Meet my sister, she's sitting here with my mum at my 21st party. She's the youngest out of the three of us. She is actually great, a real laugh, really creative, a real randomer and she can do those puzz-3d's in a matter of hours: a genius!

I often have to be in the house for her coming home from school, as both my Mum and Dad work late sometimes. Today I had to look after her; the plan was for me to be in the house for her coming home at 3.15pm. But where was I at 3.15pm? Happily drinking a cup of tea at my friends house totally oblivious to the fact that my sister was sitting on the doorstep in the freezing cold and the unbearable blizzard. At just after 4.00pm my head suddenly clicked; I picked up my things, bolted along the road to find my wee sis huddled under her jacket trying to fight of the cold and the snow. Infact, this is the second time this week i've forgotten about her like this. The frist time was an accident, today was one of those days I failed.

I know I failed my sister, that's awful. But I have I also failed what I fight and believe for.

Within my role I feel it is my duty to be an advocate for children, in the church and in society as a whole. I take great effort to try and think about how children would respond to things or to ensure they are nurtured appropriately and looked after in the best way they can be.

When the disciples rebuked the little children (who were most probably infants) coming to Jesus, Jesus was 'indigant'* towards the disciples (Mark 10: 14). Indigant. The commentator Weber exposes that this was the only time that Jesus was indigant during this ministry. Why? Jesus knew how God feels about children. Psalm 127 says this "Don't you see that children are God's best gift?" ( The Message).

Here I am fighting for one thing, but forgetting about the things right on my front door step (literally). Oh dear. I'm not perfect, and I’m glad I’m not - but I want strive to be the best I can be. There is still along way to go.

By the way, Georgi got warmed up when she got in and I made (well, heated up) her yorkshire puddings and gravy as a peace offering. She was happy, but still is holding it against me until a later date.

*feeling, characterized by, or expressing strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting, or base (Dictionary.com)

"Fire in the Disco"

2008-01-30T12:16:00.000Z

News of the Press

Remember this date: 23rd February 2008

This will be the date that I will be fire walking!!! Yes, fire walking. I'm going to be doing some fundraising for our children's and youth retreat later in the year and I thought this would be the shortest sponsored walk I could do. I'm not really a fan of exercise and such like!

Considering that it's more than a month away at the moment I'm quite hopeful. However, I'm sure that I feel much different on the 22nd.

Here's the plug. It'd be great if you could sponsor my some shiny coins or some crisp notes to do this. We need to raise about £2000 to take our kids away and this is the first step (!) towards this target. Please feel free to e-mail me (kevin.avis@salvationarmy.org.uk) or phone me at the office (0131 346 2753) if you want to sponsor me.

While you contemplate how much you would like to sponsor why not enjoy this nostalgic number from none other than Take That. 50p for anyone who can guess the cheesy link...

Quote, Unquote...

2008-01-30T12:00:00.000Z

While I was making Jelly this morning my friend Paul Harvey asked if he could quote me in a sermon he is perparing for a few months time.

Now, I do say alot. Which the majority of it is crap anyway. I am honoured that someone sees a tiny glimpse of wisdom in the crap that I do say.

As a mark of respect to my friend I have added him to my "blogs i read" section. Why not go and have a peek at his page?

The Dentist...

2008-01-29T14:17:00.000Z

I'm currently on a course of treatment from the Dentist. I hadn't been to the dentist since 1998, so I was in for a wee shock when I did pluck up the courage to go.

Yesterday I had my 3rd appointment out of 4 to put in two more fillings. I'm a little scared of my dentist because she doesn't beat around the bush... she's right in there. So if she tells me to do something I will, cause I know what will happen if I don't. She's a meanie. Yesterday, I decided to try and bargin with her.

Yesterday she asked if I wanted some root treatment done and I responded fearfully with;
"What would happen if I didn't?"

She replied with a oh-shut-up-and-get-on-with-it tone;
"But why wouldn't you get it done, we've already numbed the tooth?

"Because I am a wimp" I said, hoping for some sympathy and a wee smile, but she was silent and her face didn't crack.
I could hear the whirrs and tizzes in the background from the dental instruments that were obviously on the her side, because they were making me more nervous as the unbearable silence went on.

"OK then" I said.

So now, I've got this jolly great filling, one of the painful ones, at the front of my mouth. What's even worse I'm hungry and it's painful to eat.

The lesson from this story: don't upset your dentist!

Hrm... Time for an update!

2008-01-27T01:25:00.000Z

So, new year. New Challenges. Same Old Blog.

I've decided to change it a wee bit, and write more.

Let's see how long this'll go on for?

I give it a month.

The Golden Compass... The Verdict

2008-01-07T23:10:00.000Z

I finished the book 'The Golden Compass' on New Years Day and I began to write a wee blog about it then:

Here's what I wrote...

"With some money from granny-santa I bought Philip Pullmans '... Dark Materials'. When I was buying them I felt like a wee heretic. It was like I was eating the last chocolate in the chocolate box. As the first book has been made into a film in the last few months the church has been giving it alot of negative press. What do I have to say about this book?

I was really excited to read the book for myself. There have been people, articles and websites giving their opinion on it and giving it a generally a negative response. I wanted to read the book and watch the film before I made up my mind. So here goes;

The first chapter crashes into the plot with excitement and each chapter builds on it with twists, cliffhangers and heart-stopping moments. Each page is ironed out with clever imagery and the strong characters, each with their inquisitive back-story, leaves the book breathing in your hands. This is a good story! Many-a-time I reluntantly left it by my bed-side to see that or 4 hours had gone by, when only 1 or 2 was intended."

I decided to wait until I'd seen the film before I finished my original post. I've just come back from the cinema just now and here's my opinion.

The Golden Compass does not do any justice to the book what-so-ever. If it was possible I would demand a refund of my time wated watching this. It put's such a well-built story to shame. I'm so disapointed. I don't see why the Church has to worry about the film; I don't know what they are going on about. I would be suprised if anyone could pick-up on the underlying messages in the film if they were given to you on hand-out.

Stars out 10? 1... for turning up.

Yawn...

2007-12-20T00:50:00.000Z

Tonight, I went to a carol service. It followed the theme of nine carols and nine lessons (bible readings). And can I tell you, it was sooooo boring.

I admit, I come from a generation where I think church should be a bit messy and fluid - but i'd sit in any brass band concert over this. The service was so regulated and stiff. Stand up here, sit down there, wait 4 bars, amen here, bless you there. It drove me insane.

Can I ask church ministers/leaders out there in cyber world... to make church fun, intresting and real.

Thank you please. Rant over.

Me? Really?

2007-12-12T23:42:00.000Z

This was the response when God asked me to work with children within His church. After a few, well, moments pondering I said 'here I am...'.

I've reflected on the past few years and months since that day and thought what a journey I've been on. In the past, When I've told kids about God and his attributes I would sometimes curl-up inside. I used to think I was turning into this uber-liberal-american-preacher-person who was only interested in souls to save, treating them like figures on a sheet of paper and nothing else. But over the past few months I've come to this wee conclusion;

1) Ministry (in any context) is not about souls to save. I (Kevin Avis) cannot save souls, only God can. He is Creator and Redeemer - I am a bit of a fanny sometimes. Ministry, or life, is part of the great story and I am a story teller with in that story.

2) Telling kids about God, (as Jonah put it - I love this phrase) of the Heavens and Earth, is really really really important. My job is to tell a story and let the Holy Spirit do the rest. I was shaken a few weeks back when I heard that the BNP were running summer camps similar to those that churches and christian organisations such as SU run. Children not just plastercine to be moulded into adulthood - they have free will and can be social actors within their communites. Adults need to, as best as they can, let them express these things. Talking to kids about Jesus should not be about iposing values, morals or just saving souls. It's about letting them express their free will to let them meet with their Creator and Redeemer.

Well, I think so.

Welcome to the Season of Peace and Joy...

2007-11-27T22:10:00.000Z

So this is my second Christmas in my appointment as Children's Worker at Gorgie. I would say this is the one where I have been left to my own divises, i'm getting a bit stressed oot. So I thought I share my yoke (to do list) with you;

1 x Panto Trip to oraganise (Deadline: 1st December)
1 x Evening worship to prepare for (Deadline: 2nd Novmeber)
1 x Interview to preare for, which includes a 6 - 7 minute presentation (Deadline: 4th December)
1 x Job for THQ (Deadline: 9th Decmeber)
1 x Children's Carol Service to finish off (Deadline: 9th December)
1 x Christmas Assembly to orgnasie for (Deadline: 10th December)
2 x Class Visits to prepare for (Deadline: 11th December)
3 x weeks of clubs to prepare and run (Deadline: 12th December)
130 x Christmas Cards to write (Deadline: 20th December)
? x Admin jobs to do

ARGH!

I'm not complaining, or I wouldn't do it.

I better start thinking about Christmas Shopping too...

Schools Work

2007-11-20T11:48:00.000Z

I've just had an amazing time at the school this morning. As a crawled into my bed around 1:30am this morning, I thought to myself that 'oh, I wonder if it's tomorrow that I have to do the RE lesson at school and not Thursday' (as I was telling myself in my head). I quickly got out of bed and checked my diary and yes it was. I was sooooooo under-prepared. I had no clue what I had to do or say or whatever.

I got into the office this morning and quickly scrambled something together, which was to be honest not great or creative or inspiring in the least. I got down to the school and got told I had 45 minutes less than I expected: this was going to be the worst lesson ever! The lesson which I prepared, which had only been put together an hour before hand, was all about Characters and how each person has one and God has one too.

After doing a wee acting exercise with the kids, I asked them to draw their idea of God. After which i asked them to share if the wanted their ideas. From kids you wouldn't expect any great theological ideas, but you should heard what they said. It was amazing.

"Without God we're nothing"

"God made us all"

"He is always been around and always will be around"

This came from 7 y/o kids. They are spiritual giants. This is what I learnt from today: we need to listen, and value our kids opinions. The idea of God is not a closed-issue with kids; in fact they are more open to it. Encourage their spiritual development in any way we can.

AMAZING!

I suppose so...

2007-11-16T02:28:00.000Z

Well for the last few months I've pestered my line manager / pastor / officer / friend Iain to get his own wee blog and he's done it. Although be it two years too late! So I thought I would try and keep this regulary updated... hrm?!

This last few week I've spent the most of it making exciting adverts for Youth Councils this weekend. They will be posted on YouTube this weekend so you can have a peep for them.

Beligh... I'm tired and have just realised it's 2:30 in the morn'.

Make a noice; but be quiet about it!

2007-10-26T23:42:00.000Z

Sir-blog-not-so-often has appeared again. This might be a wee bit of a surprise for you :)

A lot of my thinking has been based around a Child's place within the Church. I'm beginning to formulate some of my thoughts on to paper which I hope to stick on here or hopefully in a publication. To start some of you thinking I would like to bring you something challenging that I found;

"Towards for Children in the Church" (United Remformed Church).

"1. Children are equal partners with adults in the life of the Church.

2. The full diet of Christian worship if for children as well as adults.

3. Learning is for the whole church, adults and children.

4. Fellowship [urgh!] is for all - each belonging meaningfully to the rest. (My urgh!)

5. Service is for children to give, as well as adults.

6. The call to evangelism comes to all God's people of whatever age.

7. The Holy Spirit speaks powerful through children as well as adults.

8. The discovery and development of gifts in children and adults is a key function.

9. As a church community we must learn to do only those things in separate age groups which we cannot in all conscience do together.

10. The concept of the priesthood of all believers includes children."

Could you nail this to the door of your church?

When I'm Sixty Four...

2007-09-27T00:56:00.000Z

Today I officially feel like a grown-up. If you could hear me speak you would hear my voice drone on, but when I come to think about it really does have it's benefits. I mean, I like how people listen to me and take my opinion seriously, because, you know, I'm of that kind of age now. But that has also made me think of to what extent do we value children's and young peoples voices and opinions.

Anyway, back to the chat. A serious incident happened at club tonight which mean some staff and I have to spend some time trying to resolve things and fix stuff. This is the first time I've ever had to do this sort of thing, it's quite scary when I think about it. Oh dear!

Being and adult is fun, but don't you ever think it's more fun playing with the sand pit and the water?

A wee catch up...

2007-09-25T16:06:00.000Z

I'm rubbish! I know I never update my blogerooni... get over it.

So in the past few weeks i've been up to exciting things. I've been to the Church of Scotland National Youth Assembly. I went as a Sally Anne rep to see how things go down the the CoS. It was a really good weekend. Not only because we (Naomi and I) were put up in a four star hotel with full access to the gym and spa. But, I met some cool people. One to mention would be my new bestest friend Ishbel. She's a pure dead hoot!

I've been organising my 21st Birthday party... 2 months late I know. But i was never good for time-keeping.

COLLECTING! ARGH! BOO! HISS!

Work has been pretty exciting. I've been taking a really active part in my local schools life. I'm going into tell a story in my class next week. I'm going to be using a Godly Play story with them. I'm really excited about it because this will be the first time I have used it since my training. A very nice lady at my church is making a couple of my materials for me. If you are invloved in any form of Christian Ministry I would totally urge you to use Godly Play in your setting. Even more I'd be happy to come and show you what it's all about.

This weekend I'm having a really busy weekend. On Friday it's my wee party, on Saturday I'll be in gartmore with the Chruch of Scotland (again!!!) and on Sunday I've got a suprise day out that Naomi has organised for me. I'll keep you up-dated (promise!).

That is all.

I really do love my job...

2007-08-30T11:15:00.000Z

For those of you who know me, you are aware that I'm partial to a bit of moaning and groaning sometimes. Last night was our weekly kidz club... It kinda brought me back home a little last night.

I loved the time I spent with the kids. First the wee ones - it was great to see how unpredictable they are. For example, we were playing dogey ball last night and two minutes in to the game i was out... I turned to one of the kids and said 'I was rubbish' he was in total fits of laughter for about 5 minutes. He was roaring with laughter, which in turn made me pee my pants with laughing and a group of about 6 kids. Hilarious!

Our second club we've been having some behavioural issues, so to combat this we decided to split the group up. I was in charge of the craft for last night, which (here comes the moaning) is my least favourite activity to lead... it's just plain boring! But, one thing I love about craft is that it give you an opportunity to get to know the kids that little bit better. It's really up-lifting.

At the end of our club we pray, and this week I was a little moved. I was teaching them how to clear their minds and focus on God... I told them that closing our eyes helps us concentrate and to imagine that they were in a comfortable place with just them and God.
Obviously some kids were like 'I'm no havin' any of this' and just farted about, but other kids were really getting into it... It reminded me of like a roaring stream with stepping stones that never move.

I've heard some people say, in the context of children's ministry, that 'we don't do babysitting, we only do ministry' implying that when the church work with children there is a compartmentalisation process of what is work and what is ministry. Some people may look at our club and say 'this is just babysitting', 'where is the overt Christian message?', 'why are you not letting them explore there faith?'. What I would say to those people is children express their faith in the relationships they build with adults. They begin to trust, or not to trust, adults. Over time, this can be developed, depending on the trust they have previously built, into a living relationship with Christ. Babysitting is an essential part of ministry... It let's children build their faith into Christian people, in a Christian environment. Praise be to babysitting!

Shhhhh

2007-08-15T14:30:00.001Z

For those of you have been around me the last few weeks you would of heard me talking about the silent disco... Sam, Hannah, Steph, Naomi and I all went on Sunday and it was BRILLIANT!

I danced for 4 hours non-stop! Here are some pics and videos. They don't do it any justice, but you should all defiantly get yourself down there!

A new year, a new start!

2007-08-15T14:18:00.000Z

Today is the beginning of the academic year for Primary and High Schools. It also marks the beginning of the new SA year. So the programme kicks in again with new exciting challenges and opportunities!

Today I popped into my new class that I will be the Chaplin for. They look like a bunch of rebels... which is always good ;) I went to go introduce myself and a very inconvenient time, whoops! Both teachers are probationary teachers (i.e. have just completed their Bed or PGDE) and this was their first day... Oh well, I have learnt my lesson (!!!). I'm really looking forward to pastoring both P4's; I've come up with some really good ideas. Watch this space.

Also this term i have the unfortunate job to spend £20, 000! We recently applied to a organisation for a grant and we got all we asked for. So the building id going to look minted! What a hard job I have, eh?

;)

Book Search!!!

2007-08-12T14:42:00.000Z

I'm trying to find a book, that is now out of print, can any body help!?

It's one of Karl Rahners theological Investigations - volume 8. If you have a copy or know anyone who has a copy can you please let me know!?

That would be GREAT!

Inclusion: a response

2007-08-04T13:59:00.000Z

Now, I have recently by another blogger that out of his friends who blog, I am the worst for keeping my blog up-to-date. So, I thought I would post just about my Sermon and how it went.

I managed to speak for 30 minutes! It seemed to go down well and I received some really good feedback. All in all, it went well. The message was on inclusion: if we really wanted to 'be like Jesus' we must, as a church and individually, be socially inclusive.

I was at the granton prayer week last night and I was just thinking about this kinda stuff stuff and this came to me; I don't think it's finished and I don't really understand it. But take from it what you will. If you have any comments please feel free to make them:

"Meaningless! Meaningless... utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!

I look at god's army and what do I see?
Out-of-step marches; drums that are past beating; ripped and torn flags and regiments that have lost their coordinates. When I look at god's army I see no fight being fought, no war being won. What war are they fighting?

It's a war of politics, tradition, personal style and personal theologies. It's not a war that stands for the oppressed, sees for the blind or frees the imprisoned. Orders, regulations, rules: they suffocate their words and deeds. Their actions are determined and shaped by apathy and convenience. Every is move is strategic and so meticulously organised that when it comes to the crunch they have forgot what their original mission was.

The crest they stand for stands nowhere but in their own ideology. The mercy seat - it stands among the prophets. The flag - Christ wiped it on his own brow. Can they not see that their weapons are merely cloth, wood and metal?

The general said to them "I will fight... I will fight... I will fight to the very end". Have they reached the end already?""

So

2007-07-20T20:14:00.001Z

I'm doing my very first 'message' on Sunday.

I'm rather nervous, I'll let you how it goes on sunday.

:)

May I be a bright star shining

2007-07-13T22:08:00.000Z

I've Just arrived back from Junior Camp (A kids camp that The Salvation Army runs for kids in East Scotland) I'm lethargic, bitten to death by midges, I have a coarse throat but totally on a high! This post is a total mess, but I hope it makes sense...

This years camp was wicked. The main aim of the camp is to let kids know Jesus a bit more - and God totally was present during everything we done. If I said to you kids know how to worship, you probably wouldn't believe me. Usually, in usual Sunday meetings they are noisy in all the 'wrong' times, inappropriate, drop their collection and play with their game-boys. However, kids DO know how to worship. Totally praising God with their voices and with their dancing. AMAZING! The Holy Spirit swept the place, through peaks of over-excitement and in the hill-top, heart-stopping, moments of silence.

I love when kids say they are bored, and hate camp. But when you actually ask if they will be coming back next year they will say, TOTALLY. Kids are walking contradictions - I love it!

We sang this song;

"May I be a bright star shining,
Helping people finding,
their way to you,
Today, Today, Today!"

This is a brilliant song. This is my prayer for when I I am involved with kids. It's so important that we (as the church and more specifically children's leaders etc.) are a shining example of Christ. If you pray, pray that the people who work with kids are these bright stars.

YEAH!

The bible IS a serious book you know

2007-06-30T14:26:00.000Z

At the moment I am preparing a sermon for Gorgie. I am going to be discussing what Mark 10: 13 - 16 means for the church today.

I am just doing some background reading on it and found this, which amused me, I thought I would share this with you.

2 Kings 2:23-24 (New International Version)

Elisha Is Jeered

From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some youths came out of the town and jeered at him. "Go on up, you baldhead!" they said. "Go on up, you baldhead!" He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I love my job because...

2007-06-27T22:30:00.000Z

many reasons; one being the benefits. Mainly, the freebies - such as the bouncy castle I spent all evening on...

However, don't jump too high!

(n.b. there should be a movie in here from you tube - it's doesn't seem to be here at the moment so have a look at... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc3qPfFn_UA)

Prayers

2007-06-18T20:38:00.000Z

Today I asked God tht 'we have a laugh until we pee our pants'.

Is this wrong?

What is our world coming to?

2007-06-05T12:46:00.000Z

I was in my old high school the other day speaking to an old PE teacher and she informed me that instead of issuing the children with 'punishment exercises' they now issue 'reflective exercises'.

I despair... Why do we bother sugar-coating life sometimes?

Today, I read on the BBC news site that a survey was taken asking when parents are happy for their children to go and play in the street. 43% of parents are reluctant to let their children play outside until they each the grand old age of 14.

I'm not a prophet or anything, but I can see that the generation that are growing up under this climate of sugar-coated discipline and play are going to get into the adult hood and suddenly realise that the world is not covered in cotton wool - they will have a fit.

I conclude with saying this... BOOOOOOOOOOOO!

P161...

2007-06-04T11:51:00.000Z

The rules are: grab the book closest to you. Turn to page 161. Print the 5th complete sentence on your blog. Tag 5 others.

"...But can success in your proffession compensate for a broken marriage, runied health or weakness in personal character?"
- The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven Covey 'Habit 3 - put things first'

Here are my 5:

Sam, Rosie, Steph, Hannah and Annie...

On a pedestal

2007-05-27T14:06:00.000Z

I remember I when I studied Church History at ICC that is was incredibly boring. This is not a reflection on the subject or on the college or the lecturer, it just wasn't my thing.
However, I do remember hearing this that there were some monks in the early church days who believed the closer you were to God, the more holy you were or God looked towards you better than the others. The rest of the population believed the same. When I say closer, I mean actually geographically closer! So monks would sit on these tall stone pillars all day praying and meditating.
We all know that isn't the case... well, I hope so. But things haven't changed that much really, we still try and put people on these (metaphorical) tall stone pillars; because it seems they have it sorted.

The reason I'm saying this is because people have said to me recently, I really admire you, Your a real role model and so on. This is really nice when people say that; It's a real privilege when people respect you and your judgement. However, It's really scary. That I am sitting on this pillar, but sometimes I feel like jumping off.

The thing is sometimes I think to myself, if people really knew who I was they would never say that. But now I think about it, David for example was 'a man after God's heart', but he was also a cheat, murderer and an adulterer. I know this can lead into a healthy debate, which I am likely to start talking about; so I'll stop my self and just say this thing: No-one is perfect.

However much we look up to people we must remember that they are not perfect. When I think about me yes I am good at a small number of things but not so good at others. I'm sometimes a hypocrite, sometimes let people down, go through huge 'issues' but still people look up to me.

This is scary biscuits.

Schools and stuff

2007-05-24T16:39:00.000Z

Hannah and I, along with some others from round Scotland, were at a Territorial Headquarters Training and Information Day today. This three of the departments (Children's Unit, Schools Unit and Kids Alive (The SA weekly children's comic) from the London Head Office coming to offer and share what resources they provide for corps and centres doing ground-level work with children.

It was good to catch up with an old friend, well one of my old children's leaders, Richard Knott who has taken on the role of Divisional Children' Officer in Glasgow. It was also nice to catch up with my mates Roger Batt (His jokes are hilarious, by the way) and Andrea Harrison from London.

So anyway, apart from dressing-up in Victorian era salvation army uniforms; The schools Information Service offered a new resource called the 'ultimate church visit'. The resource was a brilliant and imaginative way to introduce children to The Salvation Army, what it was established for, what it does today and most importantly why.

Through my work as Children's Development Worker here at Gorgie I am increasingly convinced the effect that schools-based work has. My favourite part of my role is going into the schools, doing detached work, speaking in classes, helping with stuff... it's pure dead brilliant.
In the recent Scottish election alot of the focus was on education and in particular early years provision. All parties were in agreement that schools in Scotland should be community-based. So in effect, the schools become more and more part of the local community life.

In the increasingly secular and pluralistic culture the church and chrisitians find themselves in we need to be more creative in our ministry. In my opinion this means more 'out-there' ministry. You may be thinking, that when I say that i mean wacky, crazy, messy but no... I mean actually out from the constraints of a church building. Meet people in their environment.
As I work with children this means, for me, taking an active part in the local schools life and development.

Hannah and I are going to meet tomorrow to discuss the possibility of starting a Salvation Army Edinburgh Schools Team. I'm excited at the prospect of this ministry and what it may bring. I am excited that I am 'out-there'.

Please pray for this venture, if you don't pray send out some good thoughts.

:)

I had a dream that time went by...

2007-05-21T10:49:00.000Z

My dreams have become really vivid recently. I have decided to write this one down before I forget it.

I was in the Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow with my pal Naomi and we were sitting in the food court bit, that looked like the princess mall in Edinburgh. At the other table across from us was our friend Gavin, Naomi went to go and speak to him and I went to go to the food counters to look for a Chai Latte. I wandered round for minutes asking all the attendants if they made these. Unfortunately, none of the fine outlets did... so I went to ask Gavin were the nearest Starbucks was and he told me.

The next I knew I was in a lift, still in Buchanan Galleries , but it was more like the lift from Jenners! The bell rang and I got out to find I entered Hogwarts, but still in Buchanan galleries! I was in the finest of school uniforms but decided to play up and muck around in the corridors. The home economics teacher, who now i realised was the man who used to own the local shop near Currie high, shouted at me and asked me to get into his class room.

He said I had to apologise, or he would eat me. So i decided to run... he couldn't catch up. I got into the lift, and pressed the button for the ground floor. As the doors started to close, his fingers gripped the door and slowly started pushing it back. In a kung-fu style I kicked him away and the doors closed.

Kirsty Wark started to tell the rest of the dream in 3-rd person. I eventually escaped by getting out at level two and jumping form the second story. I got away... with my legs, although no chai latte. The Home Economics Teacher was blazing that he didn't catch me. So much so he tied a rock to the back of his car and drove of the convenient cliff that just happened to be there.

Street Work

2007-05-01T17:45:00.000Z

URGH!

It's so hard!

Why do teenagers need to be so difficult?

On the enviromentally friendly bandwagon...

2007-04-24T20:28:00.000Z

I've got a training course (Godly Play, for those of you of interest) for the next few days in the centre of Edinburgh.

I decided instead of getting the bus or walking, I've decided to cycle into town. I've let myself 45 minutes to get from here to the centre of town.

Of course this has everything to do with looking after the earth, and nothing of trying to loose weight. (It just so happens that I found out the other day that I'm near to being obese).

Well done me, for not being so self-obsessed!

"Kids say the funniest things"

2007-04-22T17:29:00.000Z

"If god only had two ears he wouldn't be able to hear all the prayer that we pray"
Kid aged 9

profound!

Training

2007-04-20T13:05:00.000Z

I love going on training... I love streaching my mind and learning something new. I love reading books that I don't understand.

I got this phone call from Iain (my boss) asking me if I wanted to go on an Army training weekend. He thought it would be good to increase my leadership skills etc. Now, bear in mind when people say 'Army' it is often meant 'The Salvation Army'. He went onto say how beneficial it would be, but how taxing it could be.

'Just for me' I thought. However, when he starting talking about problem solving, camping, assault courses and stuff my mind got a little confused. Iain wasn't talking about The Salvation Army, was talking about The Real Army.

For any you who know me physical exercise and I don't mix. I've had a look at what it involves and he wants to send me on this.

How funny!

back to normal...

2007-04-19T10:18:00.000Z

While I was away I really missed the kids and the clubs etc. It was nice to see that one kid missed me too, by saying, 'can you give me the biggest hug you can?'.

However, I remembered I didn't missed when they mucked about, were cheeky and talked back to you. Last night the second club ended up with me standing infront of them saying, 'frankly, I'm not impressed (giving obligatory teacher look and making the room fall silent)' after which there was an audible gasp from a couple of the kids...

Yes, life has returned to normal - it's no picnic, but worth it.

Balgreen Primary School

2007-04-18T14:45:00.000Z

As part of my work I have the opportunity to work with Balgreen Primary School. Once a week I go into the playground to play games an talk to the kids.

It's a real privilege and opportunity to build relationships with kids who wouldn't normally come to a club setting.

Over the next few months I will be writing a report on the youth issues in the area and how The Salvation Army could respond to it. As part of this report I will be holding a children's forum in Balgreen were children were get to voice their opinions. They will get to talk about how safe they feel, if the services that are provided are suitable and what things they would like to see in the area.

This will be an amazing opportunity to get some ground-level work done, something (I think) that needs to happen more often.

Gorgie Corps has crawled into the 21st Centuary...

2007-04-18T12:18:00.000Z

We'll I am blogging from my office...

We now have broadband at the hall. Which means I don't have to wait YEARS for my e-mails to download and I don't have to check things at my home anymore!

Woop! Although, it obviously has its bad point... procrastinating being the main one!

Although, I think I will end up bloggin about my work a bit more, which will be good, of course.

Guess What?

2007-04-09T10:47:00.000Z

I'm on Holiday!!!

YES!

Chicken

2007-04-03T21:49:00.000Z

Do you remember playing chicken when you were younger? Even though we knew you weren't allowed to, and even though you and your friends would invent more dangerous versions of it every time you played it.

Like, you would put a empty can of juice on the road, then use a full can... then you would lie down on the road and get up at the last minute. Or was that just me? It's OK, I lived in a cul-de-sac.

So, I was sitting in the Wee Church waiting to start street work tonight and heard this 'quack'. It was getting louder and more frequent. I had a wee peep outside and there was a duck on the lawn, although I have been reliably informed it was actually a Mallard. (Don't know what it is, look it up).

I don't usually get emotionally attached to animals, hence my hamster and goldfish died because of my lack of care for them, but I feel because of my past experience with ducks had to make it up to them. For those of you interested, me and my friend Sam stole eggs from a duck's nest, while we poked the mother with a stick and then went to the RSPCA and said we found them. We never got a reward like we expected.

Back to the duck story... so there it was walking about on the garden and then began walking towards the main road. Now, Gorgie Road (the A71) is a very busy road... a road you don't play chicken on... believe me.

It started walking towards the main road when I started screaming 'no' (like it was going to understand me). So, failing that I ran to stop the traffic were I was shouting 'Stop, Duck, No. At this point my friend Adam just happened to walk round the corner and unsurprisingly didn't question why I was shouting 'Stop, Duck, No' to the traffic.

The traffic on my side of the road did stop... but the other side didn't. Now, I didn't want to risk my life by actually stepping out on the road - I didn't feel that bad about it. So, I just shouted louder. Eventually the traffic stopped. The duck took it's time crossing to the road, so much so that the traffic was piled back at a stand still. The duck looked round, basically stuck its two fingers up at everyone, and then just flew away.

What an attention seeker.

Parents

2007-04-02T20:05:00.000Z

Don't you just hate it when your parents look over your shoulder all the time?

Or, ask for their help with something and then they take over?

Or, try to make a point by making sure you fail?

Or, 'sigh' when they you do something they don't approve of, although never actually tell you why?

Or, don't trust your judgment becuase you are young?

Or, forget that you have an proper job and make important descisons?

Or, forget your not actually a kid anymore?

I should be in bed

2007-03-31T00:25:00.000Z

Well it is 01:27 am and I need to get up in 6 hours.

Do you know when your head is spinning and you just can't sleep. That's me.

I've got a big weekend ahead of me. I need to be prepared. I need sleep.

Kevin

Ear-candeling

2007-03-25T13:30:00.000Z

I've expereinced something rather exciting and new in the past few weeks, let me tell you how it went...

Don't we just look the part?

They were BOGOF... look how happy we are!

How is going for you Naomi?

That's nice...

In conclusion these ear candles are worth the invesment, and of course really relaxing. So Naomi, how did they effect your hearing?

God 'hates' fags

2007-03-05T15:17:00.000Z

In the news recently has been the yawn-fest of a debate about homosexuals. In particular the provision of good and services to homosexual and bisexual people.

I know this is a very dodgy issue, one that will create a huge amount of debate. But the question I ask is, why?

I'm starting to get ticked of at the 'church' (and I use this in a very loose term) and why the minute anything homosexual is mentioned they get on their high-horse. However, we (the church) fail to notice the very blatant things with-in our own community. For example, social in-justice, the rise of the sex industry, the amount of teenage pregnancies on the rise, youth crime, the elderly who are lonley - I could go on and so could you.

I can understand when the church argues that it contradicts their doctrinal basis for marriage. I understand the bible is clear about homosexual relationships. However, the bible is also clear about homosexual people. The church is to show compassion and love to everyone regardless of their background, creed, colour, age, race, sex, or sexual-orientation. To use the bible to fight, or to put-down homosexual people would be contradictory to the whole canonical message.

Sadly people are raising their voice in this subject and is creating 'bad-press' for Christians. If you look at websites such as God Hates Fags it repels me to think that when people look at this they think this is what 'christians (with a small c)' believe. May I suggest you look at this website too, using the same exegetical and biblical techniques we can prove that God not only hates fags but figs too... (now I see any of you christians eating figs ever again, i expect you all to sacrafice your best sheep or cow).

I have been speaking to some ministers recently and they have advised me that if they received a practising a homosexual in their flock and the first question they would ask 'are you having sex with your partner?'.
I am reminded when Jesus met the Samartiain Women at the well. Jesus clearly knew that she was involved with in the sex industry of the time.
The questions I asked myself when I read this was;

What was Jesus' response when he met her?
Who made the initial contact?
What message did Jesus bring to this women; was this a message of judgment and repentance, or a message of welcome and understanding?

OK, this was a bit of a rant; but I think it is necessary. Let me know what you think.

Exterminate

2007-03-03T17:24:00.000Z

Today I should of been on challenge Anica (I wish they would bring back that).

I was looking for a Shirt - High Collar, 151/2 Neck, Double Cuff, Plain white. Did I find it no...

but when I was in the Gyle Shopping Centre I did find this...

So i followed...

RANDOM!!!

Targets

2007-02-23T13:04:00.000Z

It's always been plumbed into me from my childhood 'know where you are going'; 'know what targets you want to achieve'.

I can remember when I was being toilet trained that my granny used to put a ping pong ball into the toilet and I would have to hit it. It worked! (although I'm sure this is were the female race would put their hand up and make some comment about men and toilet behaviour at this point).

I can remember when I learnt to play football (yes, I did try), you were told to focus on the where the ball was to go.

I can remember when I learnt to play an instrument, i was told to hear the note I wanted to play in my head before I played it. (sound advice, ladies and gentlemen).

I can remember at school I had to write at the end of every year a crit of my work, looking at where i originally wanted to be and where i was.

And it carries on of course. With work, personal and family 'achievements'.

Now here's the thing... last night I was drained. Work stuff was really crazy, I just seriously wanted to shout at someone (anyone) very loud and maybe punch a wall or two. Yes, I was that annoyed. :)

So after a few hours contemplating stuff I eventually got home at 1am. There was a letter waiting for me with my writing on it. Inside it was the letter I wrote to myself in a youth group bout a year and half ago. It was just before I went to ICC. The letter was this;

"Dear Kevin

How are you? At this moment I feel I am not faithful enough and give into temptation so easily. I am also crap at personal devotions, I find it really hard to believe sometimes. When you read this letter hopefully the following things have changed;

- To be living example for God,

- To better at personal devotions,

- Not to give into temptation

- For Gorgie to be the 'heart' of the community."

Before I read this letter my head was buzzing with anger and manipulative thoughts. After, I was brought back home.

What is my target... to be like Jesus, to show to others and to share His story. I have not been asked work towards anything else. There are times I can forget this, which yesterday was one of them.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:2

Lent Sment

2007-02-20T15:51:00.000Z

I just realised today is Lent. I have had no preperation for giving something up. I have no idea what to give up.

I could give up chocolate, but i really don't eat that much.
I could give up drinking fizzy juice, but i don't drink it.
I could give up tea, but i'm not really a fan.
I could up buying new clothes, but i never have money to buy then in the first place.

What should I give up?

any suggestions?

Youth Rally

2007-02-13T12:34:00.000Z

I've always laughed at the grannies at the corps when they get excited about the 'Home League,' sorry, 'The Home and Family Rally'. (For those not the the Army Loop the Home League is the Women's (usually older women) Group in the church.)
But this time I got experience my first 'Youth Rally'. There where no complaints about the colour of the cups, although it was joked about, or complaints about how you couldn't hear the speaker. In effect, the rally was a true experience of worship.
Even better, I didn't have to pay a penny. I ended up going through early with a couple of my friends and because i moved a few chairs i didn't have to pay, and even got a free lunch! Waaaeey!
The event was fronted by Russell Rook (Alove UK), Electralyte and our Divisional Youth Officers.

The 1st session really spoke to me... I got really emotional. Usually at these types of events I am usually thinking about my own relationships, my own work, my place with in my church. Get the theme? But after being informed about the recent issue of Human Trafficking they showed some slides and played a song:

I have a maker
He formed my heart,
before even time began
My life was in his hands

He knows my name
He knows my every thought,
He sees each tear that falls
and hears me when I call

I have a father,
he calls me his own
He'll never leave me,
no matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought,
He sees each tear that falls
and hears me when I call

Based on Psalm 139, Isaiah 43

When I was listening to this song it brought back to me what my calling was. What I have been commissioned to do.

Firsty, I was thinking about the human trafficking victims and how sometimes we can read these sort of passages and listen to these songs and think - aww, that's nice. But infact, really the victims have been sexually abused, physically attacked, emotionally wrecked, spiritually starved... and they can't of themselves as 'fearfully or wonderfully made' or called 'by name'.
Then i started to think about my community. People in hear, although in a nice house, and safe are hurting too. How dare we (as a salvation army) complain about the colour and size of chairs, or the way we wear our uniforms when people are hurting on our very door step.
I can remember when I first took on my responsibilities at Gorgie, I promised myself i would never worry about admin or uniforms and unfortunately i have! I now am reminded that I am called to work with the hungry and the sick, the young and the old, the needy and oppressed.

That's what I learnt from the rally.

Toes

2007-01-25T16:36:00.000Z

The NHS isn't all that bad.

I have had an ingrowing toenail for the past year and finally after coming to conclusion that I wouldn't be able to fix it my self (hence the lack of any medical training) I went and registered at the local podiatry clinic. Well... only two days later I got an appointment.

So, I had my appointment today and was sitting in the waiting room, hearing the clips of cutting toenails. If that wasn't bad enough i heard a 'sawing' sound. Could this be a sound of toes being cut off? I never saw any spare toes going jumping around the room, or any Transylvanian doctors, or any screams... but i suppose that's what general anesthetic is for.

So after much sqirming and yelping in my appointment it came to the conclusion that i might need surgery. What happens in this surgery they 'just happen' to take my whole toe off. I dont want to loose one - I like all my toes.

Maybe the NHS are running a conspiricy theory to take toes from people and sell them over the internet?

I think we should watch this space.

Church: a noun

2007-01-21T21:58:00.000Z

I have a problem with the Church (I think). I have looked in my 'Collins English Dictionary' and looked up the word chuch. To my shock, or not, it is described as a noun. A noun! The Church is (according to the dicitonary) a place, a group, a name.
Pete ward in his book 'liquid church' says something like this (it's a paraphrase - I no longer have the book). 'Church should be a verb. When people are on the phone they are 'doing church'. when people are out for coffee, they are 'doing church', when people are running events they are 'doing church'. In effect you church, I church and we all church.'

It made me think this question...

How often do i 'church' rather than go to Church?

This has been going through my head...

2007-01-14T01:37:00.001Z

"What do you know about life?"

"What I know is this - I am an advocate of failure"

Officership, Callings and such like

2007-01-06T22:18:00.000Z

Now,

I have recently returned from a Salvation Army New Year Service. This is a special service for celebrating the past year and to motivate us for the coming year. It was really good, a bit long, but good. There was a point when a young man (just a few years younger than myself) stated that he had two choices after his last year at school - 1. To go to university and 2. To become a Salvation Army Officer (minister). He had put out his Gideons Fleece and said if I he was to become an officer if he never got into his chosen universities.

This got me thinking. I am one who said he has been called by God to do His work. I have been called to a certain area at a certain place. This calling that I have is not secondary in my life. To my knowledge I have never said no or bargained with God about what he wants me to do.

Now, I am not saying I am a perfect example or in fact that the Gideons fleece boy is wrong. I am trying to say that callings are ones of urgency - you know when you have to do something. You can look at it like this;

I was round at my friends house for a wee party the other night and it came to the point of everyone leaving. By this point empty plates and glasses were over the house, food on the floor, the kitchen a complete state... So the host of the party was a little bit stressed and didn't know where to start cleaning up. Inside I felt like I had to help because it would of helped the host. I could of sat there and watch her stress out at the mess. But there was a sense of urgency - I knew what I had to do.

Callings from God - we need to be sure of them by constantly seek the will of God. God needs people who work for the church, for binmen and doctors, for psychologists and shop assistants. He needs his people to know themselves so they can know Him and what He wants them to do.

Rant Over.

This struck me...

2007-01-05T18:14:00.000Z

"Faith unites the soul with Christ as a bride is united with her bridegroom. As Paul teaches us, Christ and the soul become one flesh by this mystery (Eph 5:31-2). And if they are one flesh, and the marriage is for real - indeed, it is the most perfect of all marriages, and human marriages are poor examples of this one true marriage - then it follows that everything that they have is held in common, whether good or evil. So the beliver can boast of glory of whatever Christ possesses, as though it were his or her own; and what ever the beliver has, Christ claims as his own. Let us see how this works out, and see how it benifits us. Christ is full of grace, life and salvation. The human soul is full of sin, death and damnation. Now let faith come between them. Sin, death and damnation will be Christ's. And grace, life and salvation will be the belivers."

Martin Luther, The Libierty of a Christian.

2006

2006-12-31T20:30:00.000Z

Due to a recent influx of complaints from my blog readers that i haven't blogged recently i have decided to blog.

Here's a few things that have happened to me in the last year:

Bible College - great times, learnt loads - I also learnt I like Edinburgh much better than 'The big G'
Morrisons - Hrmp, I left in may - that was sad! The Banter was great... "more reasons, more reasons, mores reasons..."
Church - Loads happened there - I've been employed... My first 'proper' job. I have learnt that i don't like been grown up... enough of this responsibility! Although, I suppose it's quite fun... BRING IT ON!
The Flat - Oh, I loved that place... Naomi and I had a blast... thanks to Naomi for putting up with me... well done!
Friends - Made some new ones (woo!), aren't friends the best? Friends take you to the pant's tree, go for midnight chippies, Go for random days to cramond beach and Arther seat, sit talking to you until it's all OK... just brill.
Family - we'll moved back with the rent's... cheesy feet, menopausal mum's, hormonal sisters... canny beat it.
The Net - This year is the year of when i became addicted to the Internet. Blogs, Myspace, Bebo... anymore? please no...
Sex - is the whole obsessed with sex? I have noticed that the whole world is obsessed with sex... maybe Freud had a point... As a result i have became more interested in this whole thing (not sex - why people are interested with sex) - I think i might write a book about it.
Cars - The car scenario, that was exciting.
Tea - I am now drinking tea - milk and two sugars please.
Kids - They're great... they amaze me the things they do - they also stress me out. Kids Roots, Mission Week, Junior Camp was fun.

Och, 2006 was a brill year...

:)

How wise am I?

2006-12-18T16:00:00.000Z

My wisdom teeth are coming through,

and my gum's are very sore.

I just don't know what to do,

and can't handle it any more.

Quote

2006-12-18T15:55:00.000Z

If Christ were here now there is one thing he would not be — a Christian.

Mark Twain

Being Bald

2006-12-15T00:50:00.000Z

My Dad is bald, His Dad and my Mothers Dad are bald and from photo's I've seen both my grandads fathers are bald. I'm no Genealogist but the chances of me being bald is highly likely! (I must look up my standard grade biology text book to look at that whole black and white mouse thing again...)

Anyway! I got a new razor today... the Gillette Fusion Power It has a total of six blades and even has a battery for some strange reason. I have never enjoyed shaving so in my life time, possibly of the best shaves I've had in my wee life! It shaved my bum fluff of in a matter of minutes.

Over this winter season my face has been kept warm by my bum fluff, but now it is shaved off I am muchios coldios. I think this will be the same feeling I will have when I am bald. I think I will invest in many a beanie hat for the cold winter months (unless I am asked to move to the Bahamas or somewhere warm like that).

Woo

2006-12-11T11:10:00.000Z

it's snowing!!!

no. 36 - start your own blog

2006-12-09T23:56:00.001Z

done!

:)

101 things to do before you're old and boring

2006-12-09T20:35:00.000Z

Hannah and I bought each other a book (the same book). It's '101 things Things to do before

you're old and boring'.

Concidering I am 21 (the last birthday before you're offically old - no offence to all you's all over 21) next year I think I should make a start soon.

My weeks and days will be filled with excitment now!

YEAH!

If your intrested in what i'm going to be doing have a look at this...

Jesus Camp

2006-12-08T18:35:00.000Z

I often get e-mail's in my inbox from external organisation about Children's Ministry. A new film has been released in america called 'Jesus Camp'. It's a film about how churches minister to their children in Summer Bible Camps. I had a look at the trailer, I don't know what I think just yet - I am only have inital thought at the moment. I'm going to follow it carefully until i have reached my conclusion. Let me know what you think...

I got over it

2006-12-07T15:54:00.000Z

I am starting to read the God Delusion. Darkwins is a very engaging and clever writer. He is making some interesting points... so far, so good (soley, in a literacy sense). I may comment my thoughts a little later.

:)

For some of you theologians out there I found this book. It is Alister McGraths (Author of 'Introduction to Christian Theology' and 'Theology: The Basics') reponse to, what is now called, darkwinism. I do like McGrath and the way he presents stuff, so I have a high expectation for his publication. Although it's not out until February 2007 - so it will give me time to gather my thoughts, i suppose.

My Generation...

2006-12-04T22:31:00.000Z

Life is like a soap opera.

A friend said to me the other day, while we were sitting looking at all the people hustling and bustling across princess street ;

"each person is going through their own personal crisis".

I know friends who are dealing with deaths, relationship problems, self-harming issues, sexual identity issues, self-harming issues, easting disorders, unwanted pregnancy's, abortions, rapes, identity crises, panic attacks, addicted to pornography, alcohol problem, drugs problems, gambling problems, parental issues, family issues, people who are suicidal, people who are poverty stricken, in serious debts... the list can and does goes on.
(Can I remind you: I've seen this and I'm only 20)

All of that and we have the cheek to complain about bus fairs rising or the chairs we sit on in a Church.

The world is fucked up.*

"My generation is acking for real" (Starfeild - My Generation)

*For those of you who think i am trying to be rude. I'm not! (read between the lines)

Dillusional

2006-12-03T00:05:00.000Z

I was in Waterstones (Although, I do prefer amazon.co.uk, although i needed a book quickly) the other day getting a book. I was in a rush - I had decided my movements even before i went into the shop;

- Go straight down stairs,
- Straight to the Education Section,
- Straight to the till,
- Pay,
- Out.

Did that happen? no! A slight diverson to the children's books and to the philosophy and religion sections occurred. Anyway... I got the book I was in for and was standing in the queues. In the corner of my eye I saw this book - The God Delusion. It's had good reviews and had asked my parents to get it me for Christmas. Suddenly I had an impulse to buy it (boo to consumerism). '

'Should I or Should I not' I thought to myself.
Time was ticking -
"next please" I heard.
What should I do? I spoke to the angel on my shoulder and she was saying money, Christmas, overdraft. Although, the devil of consumerism said go-on.
I fell into temptation. I bought it.
"£16 pounds please"

So i got it home. I went to bed. Got comfy. Opened the book. I couldn't read it. Why?

I don't know if I'm ready to hear what the author is going to say. So... it's sitting staring at me at the moment. All that bother for not even wanting to read it yet.

Urgh!

I think the world is a friendlier place at 2.00 o'clock in the morning

2006-11-25T03:05:00.000Z

I've just come in from a banterful night with my friend annie and tonight included:

Chips with curry sauce,
An empty pub with a guy singing, whistling and banging a box (I presume for money),
A group of old baldy men in a student pub,
A group of football chanting kids,
A kiss from a man who tried to commit sucide,
3 Crepes from the crepes van,
An old friend who i think is now a lap dancer,
A midnight showing of a film (with popcorn),
A random from school,
A man who just had his first baby boy (obviously... his partner did!) - his name was Josh.

Good times. Annie reminded me of the time of when we sat outside the 24hr pie shop for over 2 hours. Met lots of different people; actors, drunks, computer people, spanish people. We even got offered sausage!

Why is that the best things always seem to happen at this time of night?

Are horses cannibals?

2006-11-23T11:56:00.000Z

I had the weirdest dream last night...

I dreamt that i was back at ICC on a weekend away with all the students. Although, I had a specific duty of looking after a horse.

Now this horse is known for being friendly and loving. However don't get too close or it will start to bite your nose, and any other parts of your body, off.

This horse will eat anyone and anything... not only did i have to look after it, i had to sleep in a stable opposite it.

Do you know what I woke up feeling?

That I miss bible college!

Hrmp?

Oooooooooooh!

2006-11-21T15:10:00.000Z

I have recently cleaned up my computer and put on updates that i should of ages and ages ago. One of which was Internet Explorer 7. It comes with this thing called RSS.

So now I don't have to look at your blogs every day to see if you have updated them - it tells me automatically if you have or not. HOW AMAZING IS THAT!!!

That means now that i am spending less time trailing round the web looking at blogs etc. you have to update your blogs more often to replace that time.

I bow down to the techyness of this world. Although don't get too big headed all you techys out there!!!

:)

Love...

2006-11-17T23:07:00.000Z

Love... love lifts up where we belong... all we need is love... etc. etc.

you can have sexy love

you can have love for your family

you can have love for your things (although, this is debatable)

you can have love for your God

what else? yes, of course...

you can have love for your friends. But what is this love? Can we define this?

Sam and I have spent a huge amount of time(1) and money(2) thinking about this idea of friends. We are now launching our new message and our new brand for friendship love:

I bring you...

1. Time: 3 Minutes on MSN
2. Money: 45p from Sam to help fund this project.

I found this outside a pub...

2006-11-02T15:01:00.000Z

If the road gets a wee bit bumpy,

don't get grumpy;

just smile, smile, smile!

Honesty

2006-10-24T16:34:00.000Z

My friend Sharon has this (one of many) philosophy on life - "connected thinking". However, the phrase is not original and she stole it from her work (thief). Part of this ideal is that everyone would be honest with each other... say what your thinking... with out fear of being burned at the stake.

I'm quite skeptical about this... although I'm beginning to see her point. imagine a world with no lies and people talking honestly about what they feel.

Hrm, part of me thinks that that everyone would be walking around cuddling each other and singing 'kum by yah'. Urgh!

Although, it would be brilliant! You wouldn't have to hide anything... just be honest! I think I've bought my ticket to the "connected thinking" train (although I've not got to the platform yet).

I'm for sale..

2006-10-19T17:22:00.000Z

My friend Hannah is selling me on ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=015&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=250040752583&rd=1&rd=1

How much am I worth?

:)

I'm a published author...

2006-10-13T22:16:00.000Z

In the Salvationist.

We'll wasn't that a disappointment! No not a book, or a journal, or even a well renowned magazine... The Salvation Army weekly publication.

My Letter was published. (see:http://reverendmavis.blogspot.com/2006/09/salvationist.html)I wonder if it will spark debate?

Whats your shoe size?

2006-10-12T08:48:00.000Z

I have a new blog:

http://actingmyshoesizeandproud.blogspot.com

It's all about my work for God... go and read.

:)

I won...

2006-10-04T08:39:00.000Z

YEAH!!!

I won a colouring competition at McDonalds!!!

I won a free meal!!!

COME ON!!!

The church...

2006-10-01T22:19:00.000Z

It has it bad sides... it has it good sides...

Although, in what other enviroment would you be able to meet an 24 year old, 59 year old and a 91 year old and go to the pub... and it actually be really fun?

The Salvationist

2006-09-23T11:40:00.000Z

The Salvationist is a weekly publication by The Salvation Army. It includes veiws, reviews, news.. all the usual stuff. Generally each week I flick through the pages looking at the pictures to see if I know anyone then put it down. This week I found this in the 'letters' page:

"Very Disappoiting

My Daughter was enrolled as a junior soilder recently am I am cocnerend about the new layout of the certificate. There is a picture of the world and the promise is on it but, apart from a faint wantermark you cannot clearly se, no one would know she has just joined The Salvation Army.

Was there a specific reason that the designers that the blod display of The Salvation Army should be removed? As it now stands it could be thought she has joined any church. My other daughters have the old design that clearly shows The Salvation Army's Name and flag.

I am very disapointed.

Melanie Cawkell,
Boston"

Here is my response:

In reply to MC’s response to the Junior Soldiers Certificate I would like to offer this reply.

There could be many reasons why the certificate had changed. It may be a response to Children’s Culture; that children today respond and relate to things if they are bright, bold and colourful. It may be because children feel like they are getting something “more official” when they sign their promise. It may be, so it looks better on the hallway wall in that nice-wooden-frame from IKEA.

I remember the day I received my Junior Solider Certificate. The thing I knew once I signed it was I had made a promise to God. Not that I had joined an organisation, not that I could now be an ‘official Christian’. But a promise; the certificate was merely a symbol of that promise. An added extra.

What we need to see the certificate of enrolment, or any commission or warrant, as is exactly that. It is only a certificate – a piece of paper. It is a symbol, a reminder of our covenant – not with The Salvation Army, but with our Heavenly Father.

When I say this I am not rubbishing The Salvation Army. I am reminded of when Jesus taught that our lives should be pointing heaven word. We need to constantly reconsider what we value in our lives and where our heart lies. We are reminded from the same passage “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt 6: 21)

Do we value the organisation more than we value the LORD? It’s sad to say, but some people I have met in The Salvation Army do. We need to keep our lives focussed heaven word and hearts beating in rhythm with God’s Kingdom. Only when we do this will He continue to bless our ministry and work we do in His name.

Who is 'da House?

2006-09-22T12:21:00.000Z

Some amazing things have been happening in the last few weeks...

God seems to be present in alot of my coversations this week, and i'm not leading the conversation... it just kid of happens. Informal witnessing... It's the way forward.

We have had an influx in our Kidz Club at Gorgie recently. So much so that we are having to change the format completely... I'm kind of scared! Mean i'm going to have spend some money though... which I like!

Kidz Church has now began - God is mega present there! YEAH!

I'm going to blog about this stuff when more stuff develops... but keep praying for these things! Thank you please!

These are the questions I have been asking myself recently...

2006-09-12T18:20:00.000Z

Is maths truth, or is a construction of the human mind?

Does 2 + 2 actually amount to 4?

Are the rules of lanuguage or correct english truth - or is someones opinion on what is best?

Can science actually prove things? Is science actually real? Do we just see conclusions because it is rational and we can justify things by what we can see?

Is there always a right answer?

Are the 'abnormal' just misunderstood?

Answers on a postcard please...

Gunge...

2006-09-05T13:45:00.000Z

Does anyone know how I can make a gunge tank?

Genius!!

2006-09-04T20:37:00.000Z

Here's some news...

2006-09-02T13:04:00.000Z

Things have gone back to normal... getting up early and all that jazz.

I have enrolled at college this week and I am doing some highers - I am studying Advanced Higher English / Higher Sociology / Higer Care. It's rather fun - i like being at a college where not everyone's a christian. I get to speak to people about my religion with out it turning into a big theological debate! YEAH! So, it's rather fun. But, I havn't really learnt anything yet.

My car got tanned in the other week. The front and back windows were smashed - as a result my dad shouted at me alot for parking it in a stupid place, i went for a drive (in hannahs car), ended up not going home and the atmosphere in the house being a bit pants. And on top of that he took me off the insurance so i can't drive it! However, this morning my mum went to use her car and found it had gone missing.

I found this rather halarious, but it looks like it's been stolen. So the ball is now my court - did my dad lock the car? we're now equal with car incidents!!!!

It is funny how someone wanted to steal our car above all the rest. Our car smells of feet, and has crumbs all over the place. I feel a personal vendeta against the avis family is happening. I wonder what will happen next? will our house go on fire?

On the fringe of society

2006-08-30T20:57:00.000Z

Look who I met on a night on out the fringe! BLAST FROM THE PAST!!!

The Tin Man

2006-08-15T20:09:00.000Z

So this ordinary guy fell in love with a munchcian girl... It was never seen of before but they where totally in love. They knew they where supposed to be with each other - do you that feeling you get when you just know it's right? You can't explain it, but you know.
Happiness was not what the wicked witch of the west wanted in her land... hearing of this 'peice of nonsence' she decided to do something about it. She was raging with anger and wanted to stop it!
One day when the tin man was skipping down the road (it could of possibly been that yellow brick one) she caught him by supprise. She hovered above him with bitter and angry words flaming out her mouth. She screamed that he would never be happy again - and in a second he was split in two. The witch quickly flew off taking this man heart with him. This man was no more.
The Tin Man asked his friend to fix him by putting him back together with tin. He was spanking new - all new and shiny. He took pride in the way he looked, shinning his tin every day, oiling the joints, tightening the screws. He was proud of who he was.
His munchkin girl was out of the picture, he forgot her, he forgot that he loved her.

His life was timetabled to the dot. Every morning he would get up at the same time (08.45), eat a hearty breakfast of porridge, half a grapefruit and glass of orange juice. He would then leave the house to go walking. He spent most of the day walking, saying hello to everyone he passed, listening to the sweet sounds of the birds, feeling the wind across his face. However, this day was different. It began to rain, he reached for his oil can that he usually cliped onto the back of his belt but on this day he had forgot it. As the rain began to fall heavier and heavier his joints became rustier and rustier. He was stuck, he couldn't move! If only he remembered his oil can...

As he stood there he began to think about his past. He was happy then, he thought to himself, what was so different now? was it his new suit of armour? was it that he had become rather forgetful?
He began to remember his munckin girl friend, he was reminded that he once loved and was completley devoted to her. The tin man had lost his heart, he wanted it back. He wanted to love again.

"for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"

O where is my hair...

2006-08-03T18:02:00.000Z

I have short hair now... :(

and i quote

2006-08-01T21:26:00.000Z

"War is just the backdrop for our story"

John Eldridge, Waking the Dead

Prayer

2006-07-30T17:37:00.000Z

It's a funny thing.... When i was younger I had I thought you had to be clever to pray to God - using all these big words and allt hat jazz. However I can remember as an eleven year old boy going away with the singing company (church choir, for all you non salvo's) to another church for a weekend and sitting in a toilet cubicale crying my eye's out and wailing (inside!) to God about how much time I spent with him and how I was longing to spend more time with him - I then realised that it was down to me.

As I have grown older I have had ups and downs. Mostly downs to be honest. The times i have spent with God speaking, listening and seeking Him has been the most powerful times in my life.

Granton this week will be holidng a week of prayer. Helping me to find these moments with God that I desire and need. I find myslef in that toilet cubicale again... it's down to me.