England beat Scotland at rugby last weekend. Great. Tindall was injured so came off. I expect Zara was concerned as she was at the match and would have known he was hurt.
Today I read that an acquaintance of Zara P's was wearing a coat identicl to one that Zara wore in 2007. The article intimated that maybe she had loaned or even given the coat to her chum. Suppose she had, I can't see the problem.
It's a great thing to be able to pass on a perfectly good piece of clothing to a friend or relative. I am sure that when I was small I wore clothes that had been my older brother's and I distinctly recall my younger brother passing on several good suits to me a few years ago.
Charity shops thrive on the basis that generous folk give good clothing to be sold, whilst wise others shop and buy bargains galore. Maybe not hand-me-downs but for sure give-em-aways! I recall John the Baptist gave this advice, " John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."Luke 3:11 (NIV)
I suppose Zara is watched closely by the fashionistas because she is of royal lineage and maybe especially so at the moment since she is soon to be married. May she be able to ride the media interest as ably as she manages her horses.
Handing things down is a fact of life. Without this activity we would be impoverished. For example, I was handed down details of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Receiving that information transformed my life and world view. In turn I hand that news down as often as I can and I have seen how different ones have been helped by it.
The activity of handing things down or passing them on, is so widespread, we might even say it's universal. Many hand down advice and practical aid in all sorts of spheres of concern and need. Passing on information, instruction or material goods can be of great benefit to the recipients. Where we can help, let's do so without any strings.
Wednesday 16 March 2011
Tuesday 15 March 2011
What's important?
I read some things today that caused me to consider what's important? Mountains out of molehills. You know what I mean. Majoring on the minors. Why does it happen?
Well, I guess it's to do with an individual's perception of what's important. For some, the time of the last bus is very important, and for others it's the lack of an ethnic presence in Midsomer Murders.
I own up. At times I find appalling some of the views publicised through the major media outlets. We seem to be losing our way. I think we need to get real. Is our society really without clarity of vision or do we just allow the latest loudest voice to hold court?
Let me give you some examples of matters that are worth addressing urgently.
Today thousands are grieving in Japan. Tonight millions will go to bed hungry. This month in some nations, many girl babies will be destroyed because girls are not regarded as valuable as boys. In our own country, people are losing jobs, companies are going into bankruptcy and plenty of children are being deprived of the loving input of a responsible father or mother. Our A&E departments are overwhelmed at weekends because of the increasingly high numbers of alcohol related injuries and accidents calling for immediate attention. Prisons are bursting at the seams and we have created a welfare monster that nutures the work-shy and irresponsible, on an equal footing with the deserving needy.
Thankfully there are folk who have dedicated their lives to helping those in need and various bodies and individulas do speak up for the oppressed. Meantime, and in stark contrast, there are plenty of voices straining to be heard as they utter a deluge of molehill sized complaints and expend adrenalin on minor issues.
Anyway, must dash, got to catch the last bus.
Well, I guess it's to do with an individual's perception of what's important. For some, the time of the last bus is very important, and for others it's the lack of an ethnic presence in Midsomer Murders.
I own up. At times I find appalling some of the views publicised through the major media outlets. We seem to be losing our way. I think we need to get real. Is our society really without clarity of vision or do we just allow the latest loudest voice to hold court?
Let me give you some examples of matters that are worth addressing urgently.
Today thousands are grieving in Japan. Tonight millions will go to bed hungry. This month in some nations, many girl babies will be destroyed because girls are not regarded as valuable as boys. In our own country, people are losing jobs, companies are going into bankruptcy and plenty of children are being deprived of the loving input of a responsible father or mother. Our A&E departments are overwhelmed at weekends because of the increasingly high numbers of alcohol related injuries and accidents calling for immediate attention. Prisons are bursting at the seams and we have created a welfare monster that nutures the work-shy and irresponsible, on an equal footing with the deserving needy.
Thankfully there are folk who have dedicated their lives to helping those in need and various bodies and individulas do speak up for the oppressed. Meantime, and in stark contrast, there are plenty of voices straining to be heard as they utter a deluge of molehill sized complaints and expend adrenalin on minor issues.
Anyway, must dash, got to catch the last bus.
Friday 11 March 2011
2011 Census
Here we go again. Census time. Why do they bother? This is a rhetorical question by the way. Please don't email me with the usual socio-political nonsense that big brother rolls out every 10 years as an excuse for being nosy.
This morning I read Tom Utley in the Mail. He wrote of the, "Distinctively British attitude to bureaucracy - the feeling of resentment and suspicion, coupled with an urge to be facetious and unco-operative, that seizes us whenever we have to fill in an official form." Not every form surely? The census, maybe. Definitely for some. Are we sure it's a, "Distinctively British," attitude by the way? I thought the French were very plainly against bureacracy and full of resentment and suspicion when it comes to governmental prying. They still build their baracades and dump fish and meat at the slightest provocation don't they?
I have looked at the census form and already I'm concerned and find an element of Tom Utley's definition rising up within.
I have to tick a box on page 3 to tell them if my, "partner," usuallly lives with me. I do not have a partner. I am married and have a wife. Partnership as an aspect of marriage is a reality but marriage is more than a partnership. What is the matter with the bureaucrats? Why do the form draftsmen (or would you prefer draftspersons?) constantly yield to the social engineering pressures that seem to have infested our administrative institutions like some mediaevil plague.
What ever happened to the recognition of the institution of marriage and why, oh why, don't they use the word spouse anymore? I suppose it might offend those who are not married but live together as though they were. The form's use of, "partner," does not preclude the inclusion of the word, "spouse."
It seems that whatever approach we take, we mustn't say anything that might just highlight the differences of status that still exist.
These distinctions still matter today. They may not be around for too much longer if Cameron, et al have their way but as at now, marriage is a distinct and legally recognised relationship and should be acknowledged by all, including the government's census gurus.
Well Tom, I will fill in my form because it's right to uphold the rule of law but where the form is flawed, I will manage its intrusions.
This morning I read Tom Utley in the Mail. He wrote of the, "Distinctively British attitude to bureaucracy - the feeling of resentment and suspicion, coupled with an urge to be facetious and unco-operative, that seizes us whenever we have to fill in an official form." Not every form surely? The census, maybe. Definitely for some. Are we sure it's a, "Distinctively British," attitude by the way? I thought the French were very plainly against bureacracy and full of resentment and suspicion when it comes to governmental prying. They still build their baracades and dump fish and meat at the slightest provocation don't they?
I have looked at the census form and already I'm concerned and find an element of Tom Utley's definition rising up within.
I have to tick a box on page 3 to tell them if my, "partner," usuallly lives with me. I do not have a partner. I am married and have a wife. Partnership as an aspect of marriage is a reality but marriage is more than a partnership. What is the matter with the bureaucrats? Why do the form draftsmen (or would you prefer draftspersons?) constantly yield to the social engineering pressures that seem to have infested our administrative institutions like some mediaevil plague.
What ever happened to the recognition of the institution of marriage and why, oh why, don't they use the word spouse anymore? I suppose it might offend those who are not married but live together as though they were. The form's use of, "partner," does not preclude the inclusion of the word, "spouse."
It seems that whatever approach we take, we mustn't say anything that might just highlight the differences of status that still exist.
These distinctions still matter today. They may not be around for too much longer if Cameron, et al have their way but as at now, marriage is a distinct and legally recognised relationship and should be acknowledged by all, including the government's census gurus.
Well Tom, I will fill in my form because it's right to uphold the rule of law but where the form is flawed, I will manage its intrusions.
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Sex education
Not new news but "news" again nevertheless. I read it today.
It seems some of those who are in authority and supposedly exercising wisdom on our behalf, have just come up with yet more explicit material to feed the nation's five year olds. Many will agree that this is unsuitable material for such young children.
We learned about the magic suit of clothes by virtue of the song broadcast at times on the BBC. Long before that song, there were blind leaders of the blind. Nothing is new under the sun. In the song, the crowd and the king couldn't or wouldn't admit the truth.
This year we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. Still relevant for us. Well, whilst attempting to handle this topic and arrive at a satisfactory standard and level of material, it would be well for us all to heed the warning in Matthew 8:6-7:-
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! (KJV)
Educate but don't offend the little ones. Protect the innocent.
It seems some of those who are in authority and supposedly exercising wisdom on our behalf, have just come up with yet more explicit material to feed the nation's five year olds. Many will agree that this is unsuitable material for such young children.
We learned about the magic suit of clothes by virtue of the song broadcast at times on the BBC. Long before that song, there were blind leaders of the blind. Nothing is new under the sun. In the song, the crowd and the king couldn't or wouldn't admit the truth.
This year we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. Still relevant for us. Well, whilst attempting to handle this topic and arrive at a satisfactory standard and level of material, it would be well for us all to heed the warning in Matthew 8:6-7:-
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! (KJV)
Educate but don't offend the little ones. Protect the innocent.
Monday 7 March 2011
Today I read that, "Manufacturers," (whoever they may be) say they have discovered an ingredient derived from chilli peppers, that could be added to any pudding or treat and that will help burn calories.
The wonder extract is labelled dihydrocapsiate. It is supposed to speed up the body's metabolism, thus burning more calories. Of course, to the battling slimmer, this is an attractive notion. "Chocolate that will help me lose weight because it has a magic ingredient." Wow.
Seems the ingredient is not new, actually, and has already been used and distributed in pill form at least.
It's a funny old thing but as long as mankind has been around, we have tried to have our cake and eat it. Just one big problem, God has ordained an inviolable rule, you reap what you sow. "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Gal 6:7 (NIV)
We reap what we sow. Always. Always. Always.
Sow wheat - guess what, you reap wheat. Sow sweet peas - yep, you get sweet peas. I love em.
The rule extends beyond agriculture. If we sow unrighteousness, we reap the harvest that brings. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom 6:23 (NIV)
If we sow faith in Jesus Christ God's Son, we reap eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17 (NIV)
Enjoy your chocolate anyway but remember to sow the right things.
The wonder extract is labelled dihydrocapsiate. It is supposed to speed up the body's metabolism, thus burning more calories. Of course, to the battling slimmer, this is an attractive notion. "Chocolate that will help me lose weight because it has a magic ingredient." Wow.
Seems the ingredient is not new, actually, and has already been used and distributed in pill form at least.
It's a funny old thing but as long as mankind has been around, we have tried to have our cake and eat it. Just one big problem, God has ordained an inviolable rule, you reap what you sow. "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Gal 6:7 (NIV)
We reap what we sow. Always. Always. Always.
Sow wheat - guess what, you reap wheat. Sow sweet peas - yep, you get sweet peas. I love em.
The rule extends beyond agriculture. If we sow unrighteousness, we reap the harvest that brings. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom 6:23 (NIV)
If we sow faith in Jesus Christ God's Son, we reap eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17 (NIV)
Enjoy your chocolate anyway but remember to sow the right things.
Sunday 6 March 2011
The news today from Libya is that some are laying down their lives for the hope of a better tomorrow.
History shows us this scenario is not new. Many have given their lives for others, or for their cause, or for whatever.
Shortly before He died, Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 The amazing thing was that because He loves us, He died on the Cross for us even while we were enemies of God and steeped in sin and rebellion. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Rom 5:8
(NIV)
I don't know what the future holds for Libya or Muammar Gaddafi. I trust the sacrifice is worth it.
History shows us this scenario is not new. Many have given their lives for others, or for their cause, or for whatever.
Shortly before He died, Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 The amazing thing was that because He loves us, He died on the Cross for us even while we were enemies of God and steeped in sin and rebellion. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Rom 5:8
(NIV)
I don't know what the future holds for Libya or Muammar Gaddafi. I trust the sacrifice is worth it.
Friday 4 March 2011
Today I am mostly having a day off. I will read the news but already I have heard the new Labour MP say the result sends a message to Mr Cameron that his measures are not working and his cuts are wrong etc., etc. You know, all the poorly thought through verbiage we are so used to.
It's tragic that some members of parliament seem so poor in their analysis and somehow conveniently seem to ignore the facts when it suits.
This new chappy has followed the party line I guess. It's a line that denies the incredible crisis created by his party's usual tax and spend excesses.
Ho hum. To borrow from a famous song sung by Marlene Deitrich, "When will they ever learn, when, will they ever learn?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_ptqXqjsZw&feature=related
It's tragic that some members of parliament seem so poor in their analysis and somehow conveniently seem to ignore the facts when it suits.
This new chappy has followed the party line I guess. It's a line that denies the incredible crisis created by his party's usual tax and spend excesses.
Ho hum. To borrow from a famous song sung by Marlene Deitrich, "When will they ever learn, when, will they ever learn?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_ptqXqjsZw&feature=related
Wednesday 2 March 2011
Yesterday
Yesterday I read of a couple who are no longer allowed to foster children. Their offence it seems was to refuse to deny their Christian faith. Unsuitable foster parents, so the court decided, a decision based of course around a statute, a part of English law.
Now, let me ask, "When is a foster parent suitable?" Do you have the answer? Now ask yourself, when is any parent suitable? How long do you think it will be before parents who refuse to deny their Christian faith are deemed unsuitable and their children taken away?
Think I'm dreaming?
Here's some old news. Jeremiah told the king and the people that they were to be taken into captivity because they had turned their backs on the Sovereign God of Heaven and Earth and worshipped other gods. The people did not believe him and some prophesied that the enemy would not prevail. The people went into captivity, just as God had said through His prophet.
The gods of this nation are numerous. There is a widespread denial of the true God, yet it's not too late for us.
For he says, "In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favour, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV)
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.
15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" Mark 1:14-15 (NIV)
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-- the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."Romans 10:12-13 (NIV)
It's time to seek the Lord until He comes and rains righteousness on us.
Now, let me ask, "When is a foster parent suitable?" Do you have the answer? Now ask yourself, when is any parent suitable? How long do you think it will be before parents who refuse to deny their Christian faith are deemed unsuitable and their children taken away?
Think I'm dreaming?
Here's some old news. Jeremiah told the king and the people that they were to be taken into captivity because they had turned their backs on the Sovereign God of Heaven and Earth and worshipped other gods. The people did not believe him and some prophesied that the enemy would not prevail. The people went into captivity, just as God had said through His prophet.
The gods of this nation are numerous. There is a widespread denial of the true God, yet it's not too late for us.
For he says, "In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favour, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV)
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.
15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" Mark 1:14-15 (NIV)
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-- the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."Romans 10:12-13 (NIV)
It's time to seek the Lord until He comes and rains righteousness on us.
Tuesday 1 March 2011
The digital age is upon us
Today I read some old news. Computers were expected one day to weigh less than 1.5 tonnes. Just goes to show.
The trouble with this kind of news is that it leaves so many unanswered questions. Like, "What is a computer?"
The OED says a computer is, "A person who makes calculations; spec. a person employed for this in an observatory etc." Yes, of course, it also mentions, "An apparatus for making calculations; spec. an automatic electronic machine for making rapid calculations or controlling operations that are expressible in numerical or logical terms."
It seems to me that the old news I read never was news, viewed from one locus.
So on with 0010111010100110. I'm using a computer that weighs less than 1.5 tonnes as I write this. An amazing instrument - but limited nevertheless.
You will never get to heaven using a binary code.
I read this news today as well, "He will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other," and Jesus said, "I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:3 (NIV)
This news is not new either but it's accurate.
Do you know the song with the line, "People get ready there's a ....."
To get ready, believe the gospel and repent.
John 3:16
16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (NIV)
The trouble with this kind of news is that it leaves so many unanswered questions. Like, "What is a computer?"
The OED says a computer is, "A person who makes calculations; spec. a person employed for this in an observatory etc." Yes, of course, it also mentions, "An apparatus for making calculations; spec. an automatic electronic machine for making rapid calculations or controlling operations that are expressible in numerical or logical terms."
It seems to me that the old news I read never was news, viewed from one locus.
So on with 0010111010100110. I'm using a computer that weighs less than 1.5 tonnes as I write this. An amazing instrument - but limited nevertheless.
You will never get to heaven using a binary code.
I read this news today as well, "He will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other," and Jesus said, "I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:3 (NIV)
This news is not new either but it's accurate.
Do you know the song with the line, "People get ready there's a ....."
To get ready, believe the gospel and repent.
John 3:16
16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (NIV)
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