Learning to Walk

looking back

We are already about half way through the term and it is proving to be a very interesting term in many ways: 'Christology' is exciting, mind-blowing, challenging and much more all at once; 'Using the Bible with Children' is interesting (I don't feel that the principles are actually much - if at all - different to using the bible with adults yet whenever I raise that point, although people seem to agree generally with what I am saying, they also say "but it doesn't happen like that"); 'Pastoral Care' is proving to open up a lot of areas which over the coming years I will endeavour to research more; 'Paul's Gospel and Mission' is fascinating.  But probably the most exciting thing about this term is that what I am learning is really impacting my Christian walk and I am also seeing elements of what I learn (in all subject areas) emerge in my practical work through my job at St Silas.

It is also interesting meeting new students.  Looking back the two years since I started the course is a bit like night and day.  I see great value in the course of study that I have gone through over the past 6 terms and I know that it will impact me as I serve in the future.  But I am incredibly glad that I am at this point (3rd and probably/hopefully final year) rather than the setting out stage.  If there is one thing that I have become more and more convinced of it is the fact that I am a practitioner.  A practitioner who recognises that theology and study does and must inform praxis, but a practitioner nonetheless.

giving and growing

Today we are launching our church building project.  You can see more about it here (well worth a look if you haven't already.)  Unless someone has come into a huge amount of money in the last 48 hours or so then we will all be called to give in order for this project to be realised.

I have a feeling that this could be a great time in the life of St Silas:  Giving generates joy - we will all need to give in some way or other; so does receiving - we will all receive as the finished project will benefit each of us (and more we don't even know); and there is something bonding about pulling together to achieve a goal - and we will certainly have to pull together and work as a team if we are to see this happen.  My prayer is that we will know all of these things as we see God working in extraordinary ways amongst us.

Bring it on...

a slice of luck

It has been a leisurely day.  Starting with the gym, watching rugby in the afternoon and going out for dinner with friends this evening.  There was also a trip to the driving range with a couple of friends, from where this post takes its name.

I have been playing golf since around the age of 14 and when I was 15 or 16 my Dad bought me a cheap set of clubs from Argos.  They have served me well (or as well as I can imagine any clubs could serve someone with as little ability as me!) but they are old.  At the range this morning we took it in turns to hit shots, often slicing and hooking but occasionally hitting some nice shots.  Then, as one of us pulled back to fire a shot 300 yards up the range, there was a strange "whooshing" noise followed by a "clunk" as the head of the club came off, flying between the two spectators, but missing everyone (and everything - there was a mirror just behind where we were playing!)

Needless to say the shot taker and the club owner were a little shaken up.  It certainly wasn't his fault and I am assured (that as the owner) it wasn't mine either, as there is no way of telling that the welding is about to give.  But I think, coupled with the fact that I had a few hits with a much nicer and newer set of clubs than mine, that it may be time to start smiling nicely at YKW in an attempt to get a better set!

not alone

It looks like I am not the only Take That fan in the Scottish Episcopal Church.  I wonder if this fan has ever managed to drop some lyrics into a sermon!

daily devotions

I met with some people earlier this week who very much recognised the importance of church small groups in helping people in their walk with Jesus.  I (probably somewhat obviously - given my job) believe that small groups - be they along the lines of a more traditional bible study or a group that is serving out in the community in some way - play a great part in the lives of the leaders, members and (in instances where it is the case) those they 'touch.'

I also believe and know - from personal experience - that ones devotional life is incredibly important.  In the years that I have been following Christ I have had a somewhat mixed experience when it comes to devotions, especially in terms of the 'quiet time' approach favoured by many.  It is either something that I will manage very well or very badly, there is not often a middle ground of 'OK-ness.'

I remember a few years back being at a leaders conference where the speaker said something along the lines of "if it takes being organised about daily devotions to get to heaven, I will not be there!"  This greatly encouraged me.  Not because I interpreted what he said in terms of "it's OK for me not to bother" but because it helped me to realise that there were those in Christian leadership for whom it was a struggle too and that I didn't have to be the perfect person that I had in my head before God would use me!  Since then I have trialled different methods of personal devotions; from daily bible notes, to books, to trying to make everything my devotion (good idea - harder in practice and easy to forget about,) and I currently find myself with another approach and one which I must say, for me at least, is proving most successful.

Basically I simply work prayerfully through a passage of scripture.  It might be with a view to reading a whole book or it might be a section within a book.  But I am staying with the same passage for a few days, writing my own thoughts down, thinking about what other areas of scripture I know that are saying similar things, different things or simply that add to the theme that the passage is looking at.

I am really enjoying this way of study and find it incredibly exciting as I learn more of God's written word and through that know more of the living Word, Christ.

still trying!

I am still trying to figure out how to get video clips to fit into the size of the column that posts fill, so for now you will have to watch this clip by clicking on the link.  It is worth doing!

patience

I have a meeting tomorrow evening and, when I phoned the person to arrange it, rather than the normal "ring-ring" as I waited for him to answer I was greeted with the Take That song Patience.  He said that it was because often people have to be patient when trying to get hold of him.  Unfortunately for me he was very quick to answer and so I am going to have to dig out the album if I want a better listen!

did you notice?

Did you notice how I didn't mention the rugby?!  For the record I thought England would win but as we were at the wedding I wasn't able to blog my prediction.

journeying

We spent an enjoyable few days down in Englandshire and then endured a terrible journey back.  We left before 12.30 in order to be back for church more than 6 hours later; we didn't make it.  It is the worst trip that I have ever had over that distance and I am sorely tempted to make it one of the last that I will do by car (although I am sure that unless the cost of flying goes down even further we will continue to drive!)

So back into the swing of things.  A lunchtime meeting today followed by a full week of college and work should keep me busy.  If you are into praying then please pray for our family at the moment.  Without wanting to give out any more details it is going to be quite a tough week.  Thanks.

going south

We are heading down to England tomorrow to stay at my parent's home for a few days.  On Saturday a good friend of mine is getting married so we will be going to that and the rest of the time we will be catching up with family and putting our feet up a bit.  We are really looking forward to a change of scenery, routine and returning back to our home refreshed.