We've just moved our third (read "last") child out of our bedroom. The cot has moved to Doris' own room and she is in it - howling the house down in protest. No more babies in our room! A strange feeling of liberation but yet another sign of age, another era passed. Bring on the grey hair and wrinkles.
That Hideous Man posts his rather dull thoughts here. Watch this space, or indeed, go somewhere else.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Saturday, December 17, 2005
I'm Lost
Young Norris (aged 3) gave his mother the slip in a big electrical shop today, and she couldnt find him anywhere. Amazingly, he had marched himself to the customer services desk and announced, "I'm Lost".
Afterwards he said, "I was sad - but I wasn't frightened".
Afterwards he said, "I was sad - but I wasn't frightened".
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Monday, December 12, 2005
The frightening power of the Bible
I realised again this weekend how frightening the Bible actually is in practice. I have the job of doing some of the preaching at church, and the relationship between preaching and life is a curious one. What I have experienced over this last year is that whatever I am planning on preaching on, on the Sunday, I get tested on during the week running up to it. Preaching on Hannah (and on sacrificial giving) co-incided with a family financial crisis. Preaching on 'households' in Ephesians 5, meant disruption at home. The week I had to speak about pride was horrendous!!... and so it goes on. This wasn't some kind of self-fulfilling prophecy either! These were things which happened from outside my control.
There is a theory in the study of 'homiletics' that the preacher should first of all ensure that the word is applied first to the preacher. It is often spoken about as if this was some form of duty or task to complete. This is however far from the case. I am increasingly finding that the same God who calls you to preach, also inflicts the lessons of that word on you in unmistakable ways. Mr H. suggested that I preach a series on 'abundant blessing' therefore! It's a fine suggestion, perhaps I'll start with Song of Solomon! :-))
What I have discovered is that a mere theory of the inspiration of the Bible is only a start. You know the inspiration of scripture is real when you almost tremble opening its pages for the effects it will have on you and your family. This is no tame book - but a living word.
There is a theory in the study of 'homiletics' that the preacher should first of all ensure that the word is applied first to the preacher. It is often spoken about as if this was some form of duty or task to complete. This is however far from the case. I am increasingly finding that the same God who calls you to preach, also inflicts the lessons of that word on you in unmistakable ways. Mr H. suggested that I preach a series on 'abundant blessing' therefore! It's a fine suggestion, perhaps I'll start with Song of Solomon! :-))
What I have discovered is that a mere theory of the inspiration of the Bible is only a start. You know the inspiration of scripture is real when you almost tremble opening its pages for the effects it will have on you and your family. This is no tame book - but a living word.
Monday Thing
Beautiful cold winter's day.
Just as it should be in December!
But how can another week have gone past already? Having adjusted to a completely new routine in life, with Boris at school, Norris at nursery 4 days and Doris here with me, while 'she who must be obeyed' is at work - life seems to dissappear faster than I thought possible. Yikes! - that's what old folk say.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Renamed
For reasons as yet not fully understood even by those directly responsible, our three children shall henceforth be referred to as, "Boris, Norris and Doris" respectively. I trust that rules in any futher confusion.
Monday, December 05, 2005
The Monday Photo
An unremarkable week livened up only by my wife celebrating her birthday week by falling on the ice, hurting her back and then passing out. I have been experiencing all the joys of stomach bugs. (yuk)