uplifting our brothers

Yet another post which saves me from having to write about another topic I feel strongly about. I've noticed how socially acceptable male bashing is. Men are often belittled and depicted as incompetent oafs in greeting cards, tv shows and in general conversations. I believe God created men and women differently, equals but with different abilities and strengths which compliment each other. Yes, there are things that blokes tend not to be good at and we women are, but it works in reverse too where they are very good at things that we aren't. I like how the article spoke about the race going from equality to superiority. We are created in God's image, we are equals, no one better than the other and we should respect each other as creatures made in His image. It's something I'm trying to be mindful of when talking with girlfriends or talking about my family, that I speak with respect of the men in my life and help them where I can where needed without smug superiority.

new years resolutions? pfft!

Had a rather tremendous epiphany in the last couple of weeks and was thinking of how to explain it on here when I came across this post which described it so beautifully... at this rate I will never have to think of how to articulate myself again. I can just keep finding someone else who has done it for me :o)

christianity circle

Rather than seeing sanctification as a linear progression from bad to better, the Christian life is more accurately described circularly; we return again and again to the cross. And Jesus, the perfect law-keeper, extends mercy, forgiveness, and Spirit-empowered grace for obedience.

Reading Resurgence blog came across this little snippet from Matt Johnson. It was very timely for me because I was feeling a sense of fear and dread at the coming year after reflecting on the year just gone. So much failure and so much to work on - will this year be the same? Glad I read this - so much hope, forgiveness and grace through Jesus! I pray that God will continue to remind me of this throughout the coming year.

merry christmas

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O hear the angels' voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born;

O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,

Here come the wise men from Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

gospel centred life

Challenged by this post by Tim Chester.

The point is, as Tim Keller famously puts it, the gospel is not the ABC of the Christian life – it is the A-to-Z. The gospel is not just how we become Christians, but how we live as Christians. The church is created by the gospel and for the gospel. The gospel shapes both the content and conduct of our mission. The gospel defines our ethics and our pastoral care.

Epiphany #3

Ever felt like a person is a kindred spirit even though you have never met them?
Jean from 'in all honesty' has written a post that just made me think - 'That's me!'
It's really quite nice to have someone else put into words, and much better than I ever could have, some of what I have been doing and learning through this year.

the reading bill of rights

This inspires me. I want to get teaching...after a long rest and holiday though. Then, I will be ready.