My wife heard today that she has got a place at a local university to do a theology MA. This is ultimately with a vew to ordination, but may lead to all kinds of other opportunities.
Well done, Mrs!
Thursday, September 20
Funeral details
I can't get onto my blog via the office computer these days - not sure if its been blocked for some reason. So I have to fight with my kids for the home computer in the evenings.
My Dad's funeral is on Tuesday 25th September 11am, if you want something to pray about at that moment.
My sister who lives there has done most of the organisation. Sterling work - she deserves her full reward.
My brother will do a short factual talk about Dad's life, and because I wrote a sort of Eulogy weeks ago which they all liked, they want me to read that out. The trouble is that if i get even slightly emotional my throat tightens up and I am physically unable to speak.
They also want me to help as a pall bearer, which again I am reluctant to do but it will spoil the symmetry if I say no.
My main role so far has been to receive and translate and respond to all the emails of condolence from Spain where my Dad used to be a missionary.
The interesting thing is that most of them are from my generation - those who were in the youth group at the time - rather than those near his own generation. They all said how much he had impacted their lives at the time.
So maybe my Dad was not as useless as he often felt.
My Dad's funeral is on Tuesday 25th September 11am, if you want something to pray about at that moment.
My sister who lives there has done most of the organisation. Sterling work - she deserves her full reward.
My brother will do a short factual talk about Dad's life, and because I wrote a sort of Eulogy weeks ago which they all liked, they want me to read that out. The trouble is that if i get even slightly emotional my throat tightens up and I am physically unable to speak.
They also want me to help as a pall bearer, which again I am reluctant to do but it will spoil the symmetry if I say no.
My main role so far has been to receive and translate and respond to all the emails of condolence from Spain where my Dad used to be a missionary.
The interesting thing is that most of them are from my generation - those who were in the youth group at the time - rather than those near his own generation. They all said how much he had impacted their lives at the time.
So maybe my Dad was not as useless as he often felt.
Monday, September 17
Another son sent off to University
Overshadowed by my father passing away this morning, I should note how proud I am that my third son has started at university. Whereas my first two waltzed through all their GCSE and A level exams and nonchalantly taken places at top universities as if that is the norm, my third son has had a different life.
Academia is not so natural to him.
But when he was 12 he started a paper round (Apparently you are supposed to wait till 13 for it to be legal??).
The paper round made him physically fit.
He got good at sport.
The sport gave him self discipline and a Strong work ethic.
That in turn improved his academic work.
So he has achieved more in terms of overcoming obstacles and sheer grit and determination than the other two combined.
I salute him!
Academia is not so natural to him.
But when he was 12 he started a paper round (Apparently you are supposed to wait till 13 for it to be legal??).
The paper round made him physically fit.
He got good at sport.
The sport gave him self discipline and a Strong work ethic.
That in turn improved his academic work.
So he has achieved more in terms of overcoming obstacles and sheer grit and determination than the other two combined.
I salute him!
My Dad
It was peaceful in the end.
He had been in hospital for weeks now, blind, deaf, bedridden, increasingly frustrated that he was constantly being pricked for blood samples and injections, and going mental because there was no one to just talk to. When visited, his one request was "Get me out of this place". He hated it. But his communication reduced with time and in the end he would not repsond to anything.
Eventually he was moved to another hospital where the focus was on physiotherapy. The move itself nearly killed him with exhaustion. But they were unable to do physio because of his weakness. The consultant suspected further chest infections and wanted to do more tests, but the hospital staff wisely said they would only do them when he was strong enough, and listened to my sister's request that they focus on his comfort and dignity.
So at 5:30 this morning they phoned my sister to say that he had passed away at about 4:30, probably about 10 minutes after they had checked on him and found him to be comfortable.
My sister texted me at 6:37. I phoned back at 6:50 and heard the news. The rest is history.
Mum seems to be taking it 'matter of fact' - which is probably her coping mechanism. Plus we have all had time to get used to the idea that it would happen soon. Maybe it will hit her more when the fuss has died down
Not much I can do here (They are all four hours drive away). My role has been to phone friends in Spain, which I have done. So I am back at work, rather than moping at home, but I can't really concentrate.
He had been in hospital for weeks now, blind, deaf, bedridden, increasingly frustrated that he was constantly being pricked for blood samples and injections, and going mental because there was no one to just talk to. When visited, his one request was "Get me out of this place". He hated it. But his communication reduced with time and in the end he would not repsond to anything.
Eventually he was moved to another hospital where the focus was on physiotherapy. The move itself nearly killed him with exhaustion. But they were unable to do physio because of his weakness. The consultant suspected further chest infections and wanted to do more tests, but the hospital staff wisely said they would only do them when he was strong enough, and listened to my sister's request that they focus on his comfort and dignity.
So at 5:30 this morning they phoned my sister to say that he had passed away at about 4:30, probably about 10 minutes after they had checked on him and found him to be comfortable.
My sister texted me at 6:37. I phoned back at 6:50 and heard the news. The rest is history.
Mum seems to be taking it 'matter of fact' - which is probably her coping mechanism. Plus we have all had time to get used to the idea that it would happen soon. Maybe it will hit her more when the fuss has died down
Not much I can do here (They are all four hours drive away). My role has been to phone friends in Spain, which I have done. So I am back at work, rather than moping at home, but I can't really concentrate.
My Dad died this morning.
This is the man.
This is the man that has had the greatest influence of all on my life and made me what I am through his life and example.
This is the man who saw the Christian example of his own parents back in New Zealand, and committed his own life to the Lord.
This is the man who gave up his right to a home, to a wife, and to a family and travelled across the world to preach the gospel, for the sake of our Lord who before him gave up his rights to home, wife and family.
This is the man who endured years of solitude in Bolivia.
This is the man who, when one of the other missionaries had a nervous breakdown, played chess endlessly with him because it was the only thing that would help him through the day.
This is the man who climbed a mountain in the Andes, without any planning or equipment or even strong shoes, just because it was near his house and everyone else had gone away for the day and it seemed like a good idea.
This is the man who, having given up his rights to go to the mission field, now on the mission field found his wife, his home and his family.
This is the man who fathered me and gave me life.
This is the man who was criticised for doing nothing but play with his children.
But This is the man who, by that example and by word and by those two being consistent with one another, led his own children to saving faith in the Lord, and beyond saving faith led them into the paths of righteousness and service and commitment to the Lord. This is the man who walked the talk.
This is the man whose example of living by faith has been my example – trusting God for provision at all times, and seeing that provision come from the Lord always at the right time.
This is the man who, in endless polemics in the politics of church leadership, was never afraid to insist that Biblical teaching should be followed, even when that has been unpopular.
This is the man whose example as a preacher has been my role model in my own preaching – diligence in study, inspiration by the Spirit, faithfulness to the word, passion in delivery, and consistency in practice.
This is the man whose example as a husband has been my role model – loving her as Christ loved the church, serving her, nurturing her and seeking to make her flourish in everything that she does.
This is the man whose example as a father has been my role model - an example to look up to, a frame to climb on - and to pull to the ground and jump on playfully with shrieks of childish laughter.
This is the man who has spent his life on his knees, either in prayer or giving donkey rides to his kids.
This is the man who would hold his arm out and I as a lumpy primary school child would run and jump onto it and swing on it - and he would not fall over!
This is the man whose passing to glory is in some ways a relief – no more suffering, free from the constraints of his failing body.
This is the man whose passing to glory is my grief – you never feel you have thanked enough, you never feel you have let him know how much appreciated he was, or what a difference he made simply by being there.
This is the man some of you may have only known as frail, and leaning on a frame. But this is the man who has always been the frame that I lean on.
This is the man you may have known as the quiet one sitting in the corner. But this is the man who sat in the council of elders, a man highly respected, a champion hero in the Kingdom of God. And now this is the man seated with Christ in God, his work complete.
This is the man that hell is glad to see pass away, And yet his passing marks once more hell’s defeat, and the glorious victory of Christ over it! Another soul saved from the snatches of hell! Another victory celebration for the winning side! Another party in heaven! Another chorus of angels shouting the praises of our God.
This is the man.
What a man!
What a man!
This, is my father.
This is the man that has had the greatest influence of all on my life and made me what I am through his life and example.
This is the man who saw the Christian example of his own parents back in New Zealand, and committed his own life to the Lord.
This is the man who gave up his right to a home, to a wife, and to a family and travelled across the world to preach the gospel, for the sake of our Lord who before him gave up his rights to home, wife and family.
This is the man who endured years of solitude in Bolivia.
This is the man who, when one of the other missionaries had a nervous breakdown, played chess endlessly with him because it was the only thing that would help him through the day.
This is the man who climbed a mountain in the Andes, without any planning or equipment or even strong shoes, just because it was near his house and everyone else had gone away for the day and it seemed like a good idea.
This is the man who, having given up his rights to go to the mission field, now on the mission field found his wife, his home and his family.
This is the man who fathered me and gave me life.
This is the man who was criticised for doing nothing but play with his children.
But This is the man who, by that example and by word and by those two being consistent with one another, led his own children to saving faith in the Lord, and beyond saving faith led them into the paths of righteousness and service and commitment to the Lord. This is the man who walked the talk.
This is the man whose example of living by faith has been my example – trusting God for provision at all times, and seeing that provision come from the Lord always at the right time.
This is the man who, in endless polemics in the politics of church leadership, was never afraid to insist that Biblical teaching should be followed, even when that has been unpopular.
This is the man whose example as a preacher has been my role model in my own preaching – diligence in study, inspiration by the Spirit, faithfulness to the word, passion in delivery, and consistency in practice.
This is the man whose example as a husband has been my role model – loving her as Christ loved the church, serving her, nurturing her and seeking to make her flourish in everything that she does.
This is the man whose example as a father has been my role model - an example to look up to, a frame to climb on - and to pull to the ground and jump on playfully with shrieks of childish laughter.
This is the man who has spent his life on his knees, either in prayer or giving donkey rides to his kids.
This is the man who would hold his arm out and I as a lumpy primary school child would run and jump onto it and swing on it - and he would not fall over!
This is the man whose passing to glory is in some ways a relief – no more suffering, free from the constraints of his failing body.
This is the man whose passing to glory is my grief – you never feel you have thanked enough, you never feel you have let him know how much appreciated he was, or what a difference he made simply by being there.
This is the man some of you may have only known as frail, and leaning on a frame. But this is the man who has always been the frame that I lean on.
This is the man you may have known as the quiet one sitting in the corner. But this is the man who sat in the council of elders, a man highly respected, a champion hero in the Kingdom of God. And now this is the man seated with Christ in God, his work complete.
This is the man that hell is glad to see pass away, And yet his passing marks once more hell’s defeat, and the glorious victory of Christ over it! Another soul saved from the snatches of hell! Another victory celebration for the winning side! Another party in heaven! Another chorus of angels shouting the praises of our God.
This is the man.
What a man!
What a man!
This, is my father.
Wednesday, September 12
Tuesday, September 11
Old Boy film review
Well, I only caught bits of this while channel surfing the other night. I came in to it late, and it was going on till 1:25am so I had to force myself up to bed.
Its in Korean, with subtitles.
Very very good - the bits that I saw. I suggest you look at the wikipedia page for a full plot description.
I liked it becasue it didn't have the gloss that hollywood has even when it is trying to show something gritty. This really was gritty. The sets were just perfectly dingy. The attractive girl - wasn't. The hero won every fight, of course, but it was a much fairer fight than hollywood would have been. I loved the scene in the corridor, where he beats up all the baddy henchmen while at the same time convincing you that it is actually his sheer desperation - rather than plot exigencies and choreography - that gets him through. And I loved the understated comedy when the same henchmen appear in a later scene with discrete crutches and neck-braces. And having checked the full plot on wikipedia, I think the final plot twists that bring the story to a close are sheer genius.
The film is primarily about vengence - in particular being the victim of vengence when you don't know what you did to offend in the first place. It talks about trust, and the consequences of not trusting. It talks about the bitterness of revenge. And it talks about how even when we think we are finally free and OK, we are still trapped by our enemies even after they have died.
What are the unintended spiritual messages?
I can't put them into words. I suppose its the grimyness of a world without God, in which the devil and his ways hold sway. Violent, sunless, ugly, lonely, manipulated by dark malevolent forces .
But God is so all-pervading that even in a Godless world he still shines through, with themes of love and trst coming out in the bleakest of times.
I'm sure I would write better if I had seen the whole thing. I suppose the best recommendation is that I still wnat to see the whole thing, even after all the plot spoilers in wikipedia.
Its in Korean, with subtitles.
Very very good - the bits that I saw. I suggest you look at the wikipedia page for a full plot description.
I liked it becasue it didn't have the gloss that hollywood has even when it is trying to show something gritty. This really was gritty. The sets were just perfectly dingy. The attractive girl - wasn't. The hero won every fight, of course, but it was a much fairer fight than hollywood would have been. I loved the scene in the corridor, where he beats up all the baddy henchmen while at the same time convincing you that it is actually his sheer desperation - rather than plot exigencies and choreography - that gets him through. And I loved the understated comedy when the same henchmen appear in a later scene with discrete crutches and neck-braces. And having checked the full plot on wikipedia, I think the final plot twists that bring the story to a close are sheer genius.
The film is primarily about vengence - in particular being the victim of vengence when you don't know what you did to offend in the first place. It talks about trust, and the consequences of not trusting. It talks about the bitterness of revenge. And it talks about how even when we think we are finally free and OK, we are still trapped by our enemies even after they have died.
What are the unintended spiritual messages?
I can't put them into words. I suppose its the grimyness of a world without God, in which the devil and his ways hold sway. Violent, sunless, ugly, lonely, manipulated by dark malevolent forces .
But God is so all-pervading that even in a Godless world he still shines through, with themes of love and trst coming out in the bleakest of times.
I'm sure I would write better if I had seen the whole thing. I suppose the best recommendation is that I still wnat to see the whole thing, even after all the plot spoilers in wikipedia.
......{ blank } .....
... I was going to write some genius post, but now my mind has gone blank and I can't remember what is whas.....?
Monday, September 10
General update
Thats an inspring post title, isn't it?
I've been unable to get on blogger for a while.
Daughter's first day at school today! Proud parents!
Bit more awkward with the older kids. Third son starting at Uni next week. Big row with Mrs - she wants to come on the trip to drop him off, spending the night in a hotel in the area and trying out a church for him on the Sunday. He doesn't want her to come because she will change a quick there-and-back (it's only 2 hours drive) into a massive expedition with lots of hassle. She therefore feels her whole motherhood is being rejected. I tried to help her understand how he feels and his need to stike out on his own independently - so now I'm in the dog house for taking his side. I've tried to explain to him how she feels, and I think he understands, but still really doesn't want her to come. And if she did come, she would feel very awkward and unwanted. Big mess. Don't know how we will have a peaceful and pleasnt send off for him now.
Coming back to that daughter - she got hold of my Samsung Galaxy SII phone which has a "Swype" keyboard - you slide your finger across the letters and it guesses the right word nearly all of the time. In the hands of a 4 year old, she nearly sent this message to my otehr son: "Moved to booze Go I jk moll weekend Al fee meow Lankaf". That would have confused him, I think. But I do love Swype!
I've been unable to get on blogger for a while.
Daughter's first day at school today! Proud parents!
Bit more awkward with the older kids. Third son starting at Uni next week. Big row with Mrs - she wants to come on the trip to drop him off, spending the night in a hotel in the area and trying out a church for him on the Sunday. He doesn't want her to come because she will change a quick there-and-back (it's only 2 hours drive) into a massive expedition with lots of hassle. She therefore feels her whole motherhood is being rejected. I tried to help her understand how he feels and his need to stike out on his own independently - so now I'm in the dog house for taking his side. I've tried to explain to him how she feels, and I think he understands, but still really doesn't want her to come. And if she did come, she would feel very awkward and unwanted. Big mess. Don't know how we will have a peaceful and pleasnt send off for him now.
Coming back to that daughter - she got hold of my Samsung Galaxy SII phone which has a "Swype" keyboard - you slide your finger across the letters and it guesses the right word nearly all of the time. In the hands of a 4 year old, she nearly sent this message to my otehr son: "Moved to booze Go I jk moll weekend Al fee meow Lankaf". That would have confused him, I think. But I do love Swype!
Monday, September 3
Mrs' midlife crisis continues
Mrs has submitted her application to do a theology MA. This is because we still haven't sorted our financial position, precluding us from submitting ordination applications, so she feels a theology MA will set her on the right road and abbreviate things later on. However, it is a very late application, and the chances of getting on for a September start are very low. Plus there is the slight matter of the cost of the course, and the timing of required payments. Not helped by Cameron's goverment cutting our child tax credit which will make a phenomenal 17% hole in our budget. This is partly God training us for the priesthood, which involves living on a much more frugal income - but its not as though we were living a profligate lifestyle before. Also our house has still not sold, preventing her from developing the single parent's ministry in the way she hoped, so the Theology MA is another way of using the year proftiably rather han just wasting it. Our youngest child will be at school full time now, so Mrs will have much longer to do her own thing. And in the last judgement God will ask her how she used her time for the Kingdom of God, not how prissily-kept the house was.
So all of that is going on in the background.
But today's news from the rheumatologist is that she may need to have both knees replaced.
This would give her a new lease of life. But the earliest they can do it is January. She would need a week offf for the op and the six weeks recovery. So that would kill the idea of doing an MA this year, without answering the question of what she should do to fill her days in between. Or she could put off the op till next summer - but that's a long period of painful and limiting disability to live with!
So all of that is going on in the background.
But today's news from the rheumatologist is that she may need to have both knees replaced.
This would give her a new lease of life. But the earliest they can do it is January. She would need a week offf for the op and the six weeks recovery. So that would kill the idea of doing an MA this year, without answering the question of what she should do to fill her days in between. Or she could put off the op till next summer - but that's a long period of painful and limiting disability to live with!
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