NotforProphet

On the move

2010-10-01T18:05:00.000Z

No, we're not moving from Hawick - at least we haven't been told so just yet. Although Blogger is a great place to host a blog, the only way to blog on the move is by e-mail. This doesn't allow for links and tags. Since acquiring a BlackBerry, I discover that WordPress has an application that allows better control of the blogosphere. Hence I've moved my blogs over there. Don't expect anymore

Rainy day in the Lake District

2010-08-12T20:46:00.001Z

Walking in The Lakes with our friends John & Pauline seems to be quite eventful. Four years ago we encountered a field of mad cows near Caldbeck. Today we walked Cat's Bells near Keswick. There is a steep climb up from the car park to what looks like the summit. Once over the crest there is another summit. This requires another steep climb and a bit of a scramble, but it's nothing compared to

The folly of preaching

2010-08-10T15:49:00.001Z

Lately I have found preaching a real struggle. This is something that happens to me from time to time. Speaking to a congregation composed largely of long-standing (or should that be long-sitting) Salvationists, I wonder if I am simply repeating messages they have heard many times before. There is also the risk of repeating my favourite themes yet again. To avoid these problems as much as

Encouraging podcasts from The Salvation Army

2010-05-28T17:46:00.000Z

Some time ago I subscribed to a Heart2Heart on Ministry Matters, a podcast from The Salvation Army but didn't listen to any of them. I've been trying to catch up on podcasts as well as checking out some of the unknown music stored on my hard disk. iTunes lets you build all kinds of playlists - so I made one for Unplayed Items. Early in the list was an interview with Commissioner Keith Banks,

What if?

2010-05-19T17:39:00.000Z

I've signed up to Vimeo and posted a movie. Better stuff on here than most of YouTube. Among the films I found was "Two inches to the right" It's an animation based on a poem by Mat Lloyd. Worth watching and passing on.

Going the extra mile

2010-04-17T11:27:00.000Z

I've seen DIY SOS on and off since the first series. Initially, the show featured a revamp of one or two rooms in a house, plus trailers for three other jobs that needed doing. The viewers elected whose house should be renovated on the next show. Perhaps the producers decided this was unfair - particularly as some families who desperately needed help were rejected on the popular vote. Whatever

Today God Is First

2010-03-16T17:22:00.005Z

Do You Know Who You Are? By Os Hillman February 11 "Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart" (Ps 36:10). Someone once said, "Success is when those who know you the best are those who love you the most." Years ago a man named Jahari developed a self-assessment tool that helps us understand how we relate to others. The Jahari Window helps us realize

Restaurant Review

2010-03-07T17:10:00.000Z

Restaurant Review For Spanish Class Monday 8th March 2010 [This review was written to be translated into Spanish for my homework. The English version is simplified but still accurate. The Spanish version is available on my Spanish blog, but I make no claims about the accuracy of the translation!] Last Sunday we went to the Spinner's Restaurant for lunch. Every Sunday they serve a Carvery from

¡No entiendo!

2010-03-03T19:32:00.000Z

I've started a Spanish diary on another blog: steve-midiarioespanol.blogspot.com It follows on from my comments about learning Spanish. I hope to write at least once a week, just to tell you how I'm getting on. I don't guarantee good Spanish, but it should be a good laugh!

The price of war

2010-02-26T09:21:00.000Z

In primitive times the cost of killing was practically nothing. Even as late as the time of Julius Caesar (100-44 B.C.) it cost only 75 cents to kill an enemy soldier. During the time of Napoleon, the cost had arisen to almost $3,000. In the Civil War, the mortality expense was $5,000. The four years of World War I brought the cost up to $21,000 and in World War II the price amounted

Put your head in God's lap?

2009-12-28T13:51:00.004Z

I was caused to think this morning of the Mercy Seat - both in the Tabernacle and in a Salvation Army Hall. The Jewish mercy seat was the space above the Cherubim, on the lid of Ark of the Covenant, where God was believed to sit in judgement. The High Priest on the Day of Atonement came to offer sacrifice for the nation's sins. No one else was allowed to enter the Most Holy Place because to see

Opportunities in School

2009-11-19T18:32:00.002Z

It is very wet here today. We have storms blowing in from the Irish Sea leading to strong winds and heavy rain. The Teviot Water is close to breaking its banks, with a few short stretches of road in Hawick underwater. It comes at a bad time. During this week we have been in Hawick High School with a team of Scripture Union workers plus a music and drama group from Vis-a-Vis. Many of the lessons

¡Hola me amigos!

2009-09-14T22:16:00.000Z

¿Cómo estás?I've started Spanish lessons at the (fairly) local college - and already discovered half-a-dozen words that I have been pronouncing incorrectly. Our teacher is a slim Mediterranean beauty called Be. (Only her mother calls her Beronika!) We are a mixed bunch of English and Scots from students to Retireds.Our "getting to know you" session was interrupted by the fire alarm. So after just

Modern day apostles

2009-07-23T14:19:00.001Z

I have believed for some years that the structure of The Salvation Army requires its officers to fill the role of apostles. Indeed I have at times described myself as an apostle. These statements have generally received one of two responses: either that Jesus chose only twelve apostles and hence there can be no modern apostles; or that I am being presumptuous to class myself with the likes of

God's presence

2009-07-21T14:21:00.002Z

Monday passed in a bit of a blur. General tiredness, exhaustion from ministry and an over long walk in the sun on Sunday afternoon left me rather dopey on Monday morning.The night before we heard Heidi Baker describe amazing experiences of healing and revival in Mozambique. But her style was a little way out for us. As Elizabeth described her, she is so blown away by God and her experiences, she

Symbol of hope

2009-07-20T12:43:00.002Z

Most of the worship has not captivated me this year. On Sunday morning Kenny Borthwick reminded us that worship involves body, soul & spirit. I know I sometimes struggle with letting hp of my emotions. There are a couple of reasons for that. First, I like to analyse everything - as witnessed by this blog. But perhaps the greater reason is a fear that nothing will really change.I suspect that I'm

Day 1 over

2009-07-19T21:22:00.002Z

We survived day 1 of our camping experience unscathed. The weather was beautiful but very windy. We have some bright red patches after a walk in the sun. And at teatime we had to avoid chicken from our casserole flying off the plate in the wind!As we retire for the night, the rain has returned.I'll try to rise early enough to comment on the spiritual content of the day.

Arrived safely

2009-07-18T14:16:00.001Z

We are here in St Andrews with three tents erected. Alex and Elizabeth are busy inflating the mattress while Andy makes tea. The rain has subsided for now but we still have plenty of clouds. Maybe we are in for showers of blessing!

Singing in the rain?

2009-07-17T22:30:00.002Z

It's late Friday night, and the wind is driving the rain against the windows. In 12 hours we are due to rendezvous with friends en route for CLAN Gathering at St Andrews. We are camping again, though the tent is bigger than last year, thanks to our good friends Andy & Sylvia. They assure us that the promise "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" covers camping in the rain. I'm

Priorities

2009-07-17T20:48:00.002Z

John Grisham has made his name with legal pot-boilers and page-turners. But many of them have unusual twists of plot or out-of-the ordinary characters. The Testament (link right) bears some simliarities to The Summons in that they both feature the wills of a dying man, drunks who are trying to straighten themselves out, and a fight over inheritance. But The Testament is a bit deeper than some of

Have we lost our "edginess"?

2009-06-11T16:33:00.001Z

Elizabeth & I are currently reading God's Soldier: General William Booth, by St. John Ervine (Heinemann, London 1934)This book arts out to be a corrective to some of the early day Salvationist hagiography by using a wide range of sources, including the Booth's personal correspondence.Even so, there is a great deal to challenge modern Salvationists regarding method and commitment. They were

Reflections on mini-CLAN Borders

2009-05-24T20:12:00.000Z

I'm on my way to Southend andremembered my promise to comment on mini-CLAN.Most people I have spoken to thought it was a success. Certainly the ministers involved were pleased with the response.For me, the highlight was Kenny Borthwick preaching. He is the Church of Scotland minister in Westerhailes, a tough part of Edinburgh. When he talks of the kingdom of God, he speaks from experience. He has

Hang-em all!?

2009-05-21T21:35:00.003Z

I've just watched the Question Time special on the MPs' expenses scandal. My concerns over this affair have been justified.I have no sympathy for any MP who has either broken the law or milked the system. But my personal experience of being misjudged and labelled according to other people's prejudices persuade me that the calls for all MPs to fall on their swords are both unreasonable and

My story in 60 words

2009-05-18T09:27:00.002Z

Following on from the Bible in 50 Words, we were asked to write a summary of our own lives. (Actually we had 60 boxes on the page!) Here's mine.Born SeasideOfficers' KidBrotherMidlandsSchoolBitReadingThiefNorthLeaky RoofTin BathPolice StationBirthday MoveJunior SoldierOrange JumperSister11+ in officeGrammar SchoolFrench TripSki BreakStay BehindTaxiBikeDriveImperial2 degreesLensesGerman

The Bible in 50 words

2009-05-18T09:23:00.002Z

At a recent Salvation Army singers' retreat, we were given the passage below:The Bible in 50 WordsGod MadeAdam BitNoah ArkedAbraham SplitJoseph RuledJacob FooledBush TalkedMoses BaulkedPharaoh PlaguedPeople WalkedSea DividedTablets GuidedPromise LandedSaul FreakedDavid PeekedProphets WarnedJesus BornGod WalkedLove TalkedAnger CrucifiedHope DiedLove RoseSpirit FlamedWord SpreadGod Remains

The Wanderer Returns

2009-05-18T09:21:00.001Z

Hi! I'm Back!!I apologise to my (rare?) readers for a prolonged absence. After a family bereavement we have just been plain tired - physically, emotionally and spiritually. I know it's good to express these things, but it's hard doing this to strangers when we're tired. Anyway, I'll do some catching up and then try to blog weekly again.

Bill Gates on life

2008-12-29T12:16:00.001Z

[Post deleted due to poor quality photo]Steven

Why is the 2nd time always worse?

2008-12-22T23:56:00.001Z

I remember on my second visit to Alton Towers, a friend warned me that the 2nd trip on the Black Hole would be my worst. He argued that on the first occasion I had no idea what to epect, so enjoyed the thrill. Queueing second time around would leave plenty of time to imagine the horrors ahead. Once in the car I would anticipate every sharp turn and near miss,heightening the tension. Having

Peace and Joy at Christmas?

2008-12-17T08:33:00.001Z

What a year it has been! Hardly a month has gone by without some difficult experience for us or those surrounding us - family, friends, corps folk and even our community. Personal tragedies, illness, financial troubles and the general grind of life have lrft a cloud hanging over 2008. There have been some highlights: our successful holiday club, CLAN gathering, the safe arrival of my brother's

Hope for the Hopeless

2008-11-22T16:29:00.004Z

Thought for the month - November 2008It’s been a favourite pastime of sports fans around the UK for most of my lifetime. A few famous victories cannot disguise the indifferent, poor and occasionally atrocious performances of the “home nations” in international sport.There are bright spots. Andy Murray’s playing well; Lewis Hamilton is the first British F1 Champion since 1996; Scottish cyclist

Why Christ loves the Church

2008-10-27T14:23:00.002Z

The second centre of divine love is the Church—Christ also loved the Church.And at once this question rises in the mind, why should the Church be singled out like that? Well, when you read the story of the prodigal, you feel that the father always loved that son. When he was far away rioting with the harlots, the father was yearning for him night and day. But only when that prodigal came home

Why do I blog?

2008-10-08T00:17:00.004Z

I got a request from my friend Judith Schultz and realised I hadn't posted for a while. Here's why I do (or don't) blog.Hi Steven I hope you don't mind me writing to you and requesting your assistance? I am currently taking a degree in Pastoral Care & Psychology and one of my assignments for the next module is to conduct a small - and I emphasize small - research paper on a chosen topic. I have

Dangerous Prayer

2008-09-16T08:40:00.004Z

Several years ago, the prayer below appeared on the 24-7 prayer website. I set it to appear when my computer started, and consequently prayed it most days. In the light of recent struggles, I think it's time I did that again. Maybe it will help you too:Mother Theresa dared to pray this prayer. In fact she lived it and it took her to the slums joyfully. - Do you dare to pray this prayer?- And if

Fools for Christ?

2008-09-07T07:09:00.001Z

Each year The Salvation Army holds its Belief in Action appeal to support it's social work around the United Kingdom. Historically we have concentrated on house to house collecting. But the increased prosperity and greater mobility of many people means its hard to find a time of day when most people are in. More charities are collecting and people are becoming inured to disaster. Coupled

Let's get Mary Portas in to church!

2008-08-18T11:45:00.002Z

Last night watched Mary Queen of Shops on BBC2. Mary Portas went to work on HT Burt, a gentleman's outfitter that was stuck in a 1970's time warp. The owner, grandson of the original proprietor, seemed afraid to deviate to far from his father's style, and the business was losing money. Everyone was discouraged.Mary had to show them that young men would never buy their clothes. They were shown a

It's raining in Edinburgh!

2008-08-07T23:29:00.002Z

We've friends staying with us this week and they wanted to see Edinburgh. We planned to set off at 10am, but didn't get away until 10:40. The rain had settled in, so our wipers worked hard as we drove up the A7. I expected the 10 minute delay at Sheriffhall Roundabout due to roadworks. But the road was also closed just past the Royal Infirmary. We detoured by Craigmillar Castle and sat in another

Don't look down!

2008-08-06T07:08:00.002Z

It's not that I don't like heights, they just scare me. I love the mountains and as a child I used to scramble the cliffs at Clevedon. But I don't enjoy getting up there. So when friends who are staying with us suggested climbing the Grey Mare's Tail, I was rather apprehensive. "This spectacular 200 ft. waterfall sits in a dramatic moorland setting below White Coomb", not far from Moffat. A path

SA music is safe with youth

2008-08-04T06:22:00.002Z

Saturday we travelled to Grangemouth for the final festival of the East & West Scotland summer school. The programme varied programme was of a very high standardMajor Graham Mizon (Divisional Director for Evangelism) told the assembled throng that this school had the youngest age profile for some years. The A chorus (top students) sang a complex arrangement of Gaudeamus Hodie with perfect timing

What was that about?

2008-07-29T19:00:00.003Z

I said in a previous post that I was puzzled by the session with Brent Borthwick of Fresh Fire Ministries. I'd seen the one-hour God TV presentation of the Florida Healing Outpouring. I thought it all a bit strange. Recognising however, that this was probably not the whole story, I decided to go and listen to Brent Borthwick.At the start of the session, Mark Stibbe repeated what he'd told us the

So what was it like for you?

2008-07-29T17:23:00.003Z

I'm sorry for the silence of recent days. Friday was absorbed with packing up tents ready for a speedy departure after the evening session. Saturday we unpacked and (sort of) prepared for Sunday, which was taken up with meetings and food. Monday we attacked our rather disorganised study. So, here we are on Tuesday evening, reflecting on the past week.CampingWell, it wasn't as bad as we feared.

Clan 2oo8

2008-07-24T14:15:00.002Z

St Andrews, always a favourite place to visit, has been even better this week. Is that because of the gorgeous weather? -well it definitely helps. Is it because of the good company?-life this week would have been less comfortable without it, and it has been great spending time in fellowship with my friends.The thing that has made this week special is seeing (and hearing) how God is working both

Wellies are a sign of God's grace

2008-07-23T11:19:00.002Z

I'm sat on a bench in the walled garden, on a warm and cloudy day. It promises to be the third scorcher in a row. We only had a few brief showers since we arrived but there are still loads of people, mostly teenage girls, wearing wellies. And you never seen such a variety: as well as bold single colours we've tulips and roses, hearts and butterflies, spots and stripes, plus a selection of

Seeing God's creation

2008-07-22T21:09:00.002Z

From a lovely lunch alfresco, it was good to be able to step out of the heat of the day (yes, I do mean heat for those of you who find it hard to believe it is ever hot in Scotland) in to the cool barn where Alan Storkey waited to expand the theme. His paintings and word pictures took us on a journey of seeing the glory in God's creation everywhere. Through the colours of the changing seasons,

What they didn't tell me at camping school!

2008-07-22T14:11:00.002Z

Our good friends Andy & Sylvia tried to prepare us well for our adventure under canvas (or in our case, a very nice shade of blue nylon). We came with a variety of footwear from wellies to sandals, lots of thin layers to adjust to the rapidly changing climate, double pyjamas for the cold nights, plus GSOH. Their advice has proved very helpful, but they missed out some very important information.1

Surfed out!

2008-07-21T16:39:00.002Z

Barbecues are lighting up all around as I sit peacefully on a warm sunny evening. We've been to the beach where I played in the surf until I got several mouthfuls of salty water. Not very pleasant.Don Williams spoke Sunday and Monday morning in the plenary sessions. Echoing Paul's warning to the Philippians, against those who would deny their freedom in Christ, he identied three enemies of Grace:

Biblical DNA - Mike Breen

2008-07-21T11:41:00.002Z

Saturday evening session began with a half-hour of singing worship songs. Most I didn't recognise, but one advantage of singing everything two or three times is you soon catch on. Took a while for me to connect - it's a couple of years since we were at this kind of event. Had the frequent internal discussion about emotional songs in worship. Decided (as I often have before) that it's only a

Day 2 update.

2008-07-21T11:07:00.002Z

So tired after poor night's sleep, I spent yesterday afternoon dozing. Went to bed prepared for a cold night, but woke up to blazing sunshine and a clear sky. It's a beautiful day today. Our choice of seminar is over-subscribed, so we've time for a little browsing and to catch up on the blogSteven Turner

What a night!

2008-07-20T06:59:00.002Z

Rather cool by the time we went to bed. Trying to arrange two people in a small space on an airbed is quite entertaining! Eventually you get the hang of manoeuvring in your own body space. Surprising how cold it feels once you stop moving about. Two layers of clothes, sleeping bag and three blankets and still struggled to get warm and snug.The campsite is next to the main road out of St Andrews.

Safe arrival

2008-07-19T20:32:00.002Z

We left Hawick on time at 11am and after two brief stops we rolled onto the CLAN Gathering site shortly after 2pm. It took just over two hours to erect four tents: Andy and Sylvia's trailer tent, our small igloo and two tents for other members of the party. The instructions for our tent claim it sleeps four, but our double airbed occupies two-thirds of the sleeping space. There is a small ante

We're going on an adventure

2008-07-19T07:34:00.002Z

That opening line from The Adventure Cruise holiday club theme song seems very appropriate today. Last summer, some friends who had been to CLAN Gathering - a week of worship and Christian teaching held in St Andrews - invited us to join them this summer. Unfortunately my habit of procrastinating meant we missed the cheap university accommodation. Our budget won't stretch to a whole week of B&B,

Thought for the Month - July 2008

2008-07-09T08:36:00.000Z

Life in the BloodI gave blood for the first time on Monday. it's a simple and painless process for the donor, yet a matter of life and death for the recipient. A passenger in a road traffic collision, a victim of knife crime or a woman undergoing major surgery may all rely on me and my fellow donors for survival. The recognition of "life in the blood" goes back to ancient times. This is the

Nautical Adventures at The Salvation Army

2008-07-08T18:36:00.002Z

Nearly forty children recently embarked on a week of nautical adventure at The Salvation Army’s holiday club.Each morning a crew of willing volunteers, led by corps officer Captain Steven Turner, took the children through two hours of games, songs, teaching and craft activities on The Adventure Cruise. Alongside challenges such as “Grandma’s Gunky Gunge” and “Superbrain,” the children followed

Pot - kettle - black

2008-04-11T20:43:00.004Z

I'm always astounded at how supposedly rational people use the internet to insult and ridicule each other. Among the subjects that get people riled, the middle east war and alleged anti-semitic or anti-arab statements. Some of the talk pages of Wikipedia are a real cauldron of controversy and counter-accusations (Try for example Talk: Middle East ).I've recently subscribed to WingClips which

The Rainbow and the Cross

2008-03-16T17:39:00.005Z

(Thought for the month - March 2008)A couple of weeks ago I was driving back from Edinburgh. As I left Peebles, the rain began to fall. Driven by strong winds, it lashed the car, making driving difficult. Minutes later the skies cleared and a rainbow spanned the River Tweed. This cycle was repeated several times on the way home, and caused me to reflect on the rainbow.To many, this curved band of

Is Something Missing?

2008-02-20T09:05:00.002Z

I've wrestled for some time with the sense that something is missing in our Christian churches, and in so many Christians lives. Why is it that we end up focussed on such silly things when Jesus promises abundant life? I preached last Sunday about legalism and liberty, and contrasted those who come to church with imaginary clipboards, to tick off what's right and wrong this week, with those who

It's always been about relationships

2008-02-05T22:30:00.001Z

An officer colleague recently observed that many of the new trends in church life were present in The Salvation Army from it's early days. For example, the principles of Cell Church are similar to the old Ward System. I was reminded of this statement again this evening when we ran the first session of Blowing Your Cover (a personal evangelism course - see www.blowingyoucover.com)One of the

Borrowed or Lent (Thought for the month - Febraury)

2008-01-31T21:31:00.000Z

Christmas decorations are long gone. Even Burns Night will soon be a distant memory. In stores up and down the land, Easter eggs are already appearing. But our local supermarket has a single poster reminding people that Tuesday 5th February is Pancake Day. Of course, they fail to mention that 6th is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent and five weeks of fasting in the Christian church. You can’t

The Nooma-n for a new generation?

2008-01-26T20:50:00.000Z

If you've seen the Nooma videos, you'll appreciate Rob Bell's mix of cultural savvie and sincere spirituality. This "Time" interview gives a good overview of his work to connect a younger generation with the realities of Christian living. He's probably not got all the answers, but he may be nearer than many of us.One quote with which I might whole-heartedly agree, if I knew Christopher Hitchens:

Why Grimsby?

2008-01-25T15:52:00.000Z

You may be asking, "why was he doing meetings in Grimsby?" Indeed, you may even be asking, "Where is Grimsby?" It's here!I was born in Cleethorpes in 1963, and lived in the back of 10 Brighton Street, just yards from the sea. This picture shows the front of the house. We lived through the arch and on the right.At the time I lived there, it was in decline from its Victorian heyday. Our recent

Still alive and kicking

2008-01-25T15:47:00.001Z

In case you have wondered if I'm still alive, I thought I'd better post something.Shortly after Swanwick Councils, everything got rather busy. Funerals, conducting meetings in Grimsby, numerous carol services in old folks' homes, funerals, corps events and a big carol service in the town hall on Christmas eve. I just kind of lost track of time.January 5th saw me reach middle age (45 according to

Unaccustomed stillness

2007-10-20T09:50:00.001Z

Accustomed as I am to speaking, both publicly and privately, I find it very difficult to be quiet. Even when not conversing aloud I tend to hold discussions in my head. Silence and contemplation do not come naturally to me - ask my wife!Yet, as it turned out, the highlight of Swanwick 2007 was a prolonged period of silence. On the evening of day 2, a worship group comprising officers from the

Entrusted with the future

2007-10-18T21:35:00.001Z

Returned late last night from officers' councils at Swanwick. This year's theme was "Entrusted with the Future". As always, some attended reluctantly. After five previous sessions, we arrived expecting at least one meeting to speak to us. Nevertheless a few days away always recharges our batteries.Some years we have spent most of our time with friends, but this year it was mostly the two of us.

Lead me higher up the mountain

2007-10-08T22:04:00.000Z

(From my journal 17/09/2007 11:35)I've just climbed the Miller's Knowes, a hill about half-a-mile from my house which gives a commanding view of most of Hawick. It also exposes you to the wind, whatever time of year you climb it! The ascent begins at a small gate beside the main road that leads to a gently sloping tarmac path between two houses. Immediately behind the houses, the path ends at a

Communicating for a change

2007-10-08T22:02:00.000Z

Last December I started recording Sunday morning meetings for our folk who can't make it to the hall. At first I made copies on cassette, but it took too long. So in January I began making CDs.Going back to put the earlier recordings on CD I listened to my Christmas Eve sermon on the shepherds. It was clear and to the point: the shepherds were left out of society but God came to them with news of

Confessing lack of confession

2007-10-08T22:00:00.001Z

(From my journal 04/09/2007 18:49)I'm tired again. I got off to sleep OK. The pain in my shoulders is generally lessening but if I wake in the night I hurt and struggle to get back to sleep. Most mornings I wake feeling tired. I should also confess to slacking in my confession! After reading half of Larry Crabb's book Inside Out I acknowledged my tendency to self-protection. I began to be more

Aliens and Strangers

2007-10-08T21:55:00.000Z

(Originally from my journal 28/08/2007)Hawick Corps is currently sojourning across the river in Wilton parish. We've been loaned their Boys Brigade Chapel whilst our hall is rewired and receives new toilets. Our hall was built in the early sixties after the Wee The' picture house which used to occupy the site was destroyed by fire. It's a very pleasant building, but the facilities certainly

Up from Down Under

2007-10-08T21:53:00.000Z

(Originally from my journal 27/08/2007)As a strong proponent of church unity, I feel slightly guilty (but only slightly ) at missing two consecutive joint services. Last Sunday evening was Together in Praise at the Congregational church. But my cousin and his wife from Australia were visiting. Using a deferred salary scheme Richard and Pip have taken a year's leave of absence to tour Europe.

People in Glass Houses...

2007-10-08T21:44:00.000Z

(thought for the month October 2007)“Maddie’s body kept in fridge” (The Sun 29/09/07): the headlines scream from the front pages. Whilst still broadly supportive of Gerry and Kate McCann, the British press has no problem printing the latest rumours surrounding the disappearance of four-year old Madeleine. Amidst controversy over the competence of the Police investigation, accusations and

Photo opportunity

2007-09-17T12:00:00.001Z

I'm just testing the e-mail photo facility. This is the river Teviot whichflows through Hawick

Hanging on to me

2007-09-17T11:48:00.000Z

(Journal 25/08/2007 08:05) Reading Larry Crabb's book "Inside Out" confirms my attempts at self-preservation. I seem to be getting even further away from the 1 Corinthians 13 ideal of love, yet it seems to draw me even more. I want other people to aspire to it, yet I'm afraid of living it out myself. Crabb puts the last verse in context: that we must live with faith in Christ, hope of Heaven and

Refreshing the Thirst?

2007-09-17T11:43:00.000Z

(Originally written in journal 23/08/07 09:28) Sat in Belmont garage in Selkirk waiting for my car. Rattle recently resurfaced and they are investigating. Been trying to write something for Bill's funeral but mind is a blank. Been reading "Inside Out" by Larry Crabb. He says we avoid facing our deep pain, but in the process fail to experience the power of God's love. I certainly think I've moved

Aliens and Strangers

2007-09-04T07:37:00.003Z

Hawick Corps is currently sojourning across the river in Wilton parish. We've been loaned their Boys Brigade Chapel whilst our hall is rewired and receives new toilets. Our hall was built in the early sixties after the Wee The' picture house which used to occupy the site was destroyed by fire. It's a very pleasant building, but the facilities certainly needed updating. Wilton parish church has

Up from down under

2007-09-04T07:37:00.001Z

As a strong proponent of church unity, I feel slightly guilty (but only slightly ) at missing two consecutive joint services. Last Sunday evening was Together in Praise at the Congregational church. But my cousin and his wife from Australia were visiting. Using a deferred salary scheme Richard and Pip have taken a year's leave of absence to tour Europe. They'd just completed their Scottish leg,

Free ramblings on decorum

2007-07-26T21:41:00.007Z

My mind is always wandering and full of ideas - fruitful and useless. One of the excercises in my writing course was called Free Writing - I must write three pages without pausing or reviewing. This I found very difficult and hve not attempted it since. Howeve three pages take about one hour, which is how long I have until the train reaches Berwick so here goes.My uniform tie is beginning to

And it's goodbye from me

2007-07-26T21:41:00.005Z

This non-stop writing is hard work. I keep wanting to get sidetracked into other things, like ridding my PDA dictionary of some of the silly words I have accidentally typed: them;they among them;they !The GNER Mallard 225 is a very pleasant train. Although each carriage now has only four or six tables, the other seats in airline layout give plenty of legroom. My only complaint is that they are a

Random typing

2007-07-26T21:41:00.003Z

Off the cuff on the rails

2007-07-26T21:41:00.001Z

Steven TurnerThe train is now in Newcastle station and I see on the carriage opposite that I am on the Route of the Flying Scotsman. Around 100 years ago (i would need to check the exact date) the London and North Eastern Railway introduced a train that covered the 362 miles from London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley in 5 1/2 hours non-stop. Obviously no engineering works or leaves on the

It's not about me - honest!

2007-07-26T15:55:00.001Z

I'm reading the chapter "Marriage and family counseling" by Ronald E Hawkins in Totally Sufficient edited by Ed Hinson & Howard Eyrich. His diagnosis of the main problem in most marriages is selfishness coupled with an unwillingness to repent or forgive. Reading his comments I wonder if I am selfish. He talks of the need to serve your spouse. Recalling the bondservant of Exodus 21, he notes that

Heralding the Good News

2007-07-24T16:25:00.001Z

It was great to be at the Commissioning for the Heralds of Good News last Saturday. To see thirty people dedicating the rest of their lives to proclaiming the gospel should give us all encouragement. I remember our commissioning on 23 May 1997 at Wembley Conference Centre (now being rebuilt). The enthusiasm of that day seems a distant memory.How is it that we start out on fired for God, and so

Isolation

2007-07-03T18:31:00.000Z

Our electricity has gone off tonight for the second time in as many weeks.Last time the blackout covered a large section of hawick - tonight it'sonly our street. I remember the sense of shared suffering - or more honestly a sense ofannoyance and inconvenience. Tonight, gazing out on the neighbouring streetswith lighted windows and glaring streetlights I feel a sense of isolation.I wonder why,

Sermon: Persistent Prayer

2007-06-25T14:41:00.000Z

A new sermon posted by Captain Elizabeth Turner