doing the write thing

Slave

2011-07-05T13:25:00.005+01:00

Slave by John MacArthur

The subtitle to this book is “The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ”. There is, John MacArthur claims, an important aspect of our relationship with Jesus Christ which has been concealed from the English-speaking world for centuries. From the King James Version to the vast majority of modern translations of the Bible, the Greek word for slave (doulos) has been mistranslated. The word is usually translated “servant” or “bond-servant” which, MacArthur tells us, is a poor substitute for “slave”.

Slavery permeated society in the days of the Early Church and those reading Paul’s letters would completely understand the implications of his claim to be “a slave of Jesus Christ”, a phrase he uses repeatedly in his letters. Today, however, people very rarely talk about their relationship with Jesus in terms of slavery. MacArthur notes, “Slavery is a distasteful concept to modern sensibilities. So we hear that God loves people unconditionally and wants them to be all they want to be.”

In this book, the author carefully examines different aspects of slavery and explains how they reflect our relationship with Christ; he demonstrates that, like slaves, we have been bought with a price, we are not our own and our aim in life should be to please our Master.

As always, John MacArthur gives a very thorough, well-researched exposition and I found the book quite thought-provoking. Although I already knew that “slave” is a more accurate translation of “doulos”, it hadn’t really occurred to me that there was anything particularly significant about the distinction between a servant and a slave. This is well worth a read.

Hallelujah!

2010-12-02T08:58:00.003Z

The Jesus You Can't Ignore

2010-12-01T14:33:00.007Z

I recently read the book "The Jesus You Can't Ignore" by John MacArthur. This is the fourth book of his I've read (though I haven't finished one of the others yet). I like his logical, no messing approach but I can't say I always find his books the easiest to read. I think that's possibly because he's so comprehensive and goes into great detail when making his points. That's good. But sometimes makes his books a little tedious. At least, that's what I find.

In terms of the message MacArthur is communicating, this book is spot on. The question `What would Jesus do?' is a popular one but, all too often, the Jesus we conjure up in our minds bears little resemblance to the real Jesus. In `The Jesus You Can't Ignore', John MacArthur gives a startling but accurate description of the Jesus of the Bible. No longer do we see a placid, mild man who goes about giving moral teaching, speaking amicably to all he meets; instead, the author demonstrates that the real Jesus was one who not only refused to avoid doctrinal conflict but actually instigated it. Jesus did all in His power to refute the false teaching of the day and publicly renounced the men who were responsible for propagating it. This formed a significant part of his teaching and ministry.

The implications are clear: we too are in a truth war and we too should be intolerant of error which creeps into our churches. Although we should not seek conflict for conflict's sake, we must not be afraid to do as Jesus did and stand up for the Truth.

My only slight criticism would be that I found the author beginning to be a little repetitive as I went through the book; I feel he could have covered the same ground in a smaller volume. On the other hand, it's good that MacArthur tackles the subject so comprehensively as he demonstrates that this powerful image of Jesus can be seen throughout all the gospels.

DailyLit

2010-11-13T22:15:00.002Z

I love this! Read a book by getting a bitesize portion delivered to your inbox each day. No excuses now about having no time to read :)

Check it out here

Don't Forget!

2010-11-12T09:50:00.002Z

I have a new blog over here.

It would be great to hear more of YOUR thoughts and get a bit of discussion going. :)

Dubrovnik

2010-10-15T17:08:00.000+01:00

You know, I haven't posted photos on here for ages! That's partly because I haven't taken many recently. There's something wrong with my camera. It still takes photos ok but I have somehow managed to get something on the sensor inside the camera which means that every photo I take has a small black splodge on it. So, because I have to photoshop this mark out of every photo I take, I feel quite disinclined to take lots of photos.

Despite this, I do have quite a selection of interesting photos from the past 12 months because I've had the opportunity to go abroad a few times. I thought you might like to see photos I took in the town of Dubrovnik, which is in Croatia. The photos below are ones I took during a boat trip. I do have more of the town itself but too many to put all in one post! I'll have a sort through them and maybe pick a few out to post at a later date.

It's just a beeeautiful place.

Is your orange my orange?

2010-10-14T16:48:00.000+01:00

I am currently working on a dissertation (an extended essay) on the topic of colour. I love colour and the whole subject fascinates me. All good so far. The problem is that the whole realm of colour is actually incredibly vast and amazingly complex. So, frequently, I'm trying to get thoughts into my mind that are far too big to fit and just make my head hurt.

Just now, for example, I thought of something that is actually quite bizarre. You're going to have to bear with me a little here because I think it's going to be difficult to explain. Ever get those thoughts that make perfect sense in your head but sound like garbled baloney when you try and explain them?

See what you make of these.

Imagine you and I are both looking at an orange, the same orange. How in the world do I know that we are both seeing the same colour? For all I know, your oranges might be my pinks and your pinks might be my oranges. We might be looking at completely different worlds without realising it! As far as I can figure out, the only way to check this out would be if I, by some strange, telepathic process, could get inside your mind and see what you are seeing. But even then, I would be seeing what you are seeing through my own eyes and with my own mind so I would still only be seeing what I am seeing and not what you are seeing.

Phew! I did warn you. So tell me, did that all make sense? If so, what's your verdict? Is it possible/impossible or likely/unlikely that we are all seeing a different-coloured world?

New Blog!!

2010-10-13T19:29:00.002+01:00

*Drumroll*

I have just started a new blog over here. Please visit and read and comment and enjoy :)

Throwing out the Boathook

2010-09-23T08:00:00.000+01:00

If I throw out a boathook from the boat and catch hold of the shore and pull, do I pull the shore to me, or do I pull myself to the shore? Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the will of God.

E. Stanley Jones

Food for Thought

2010-09-21T08:00:00.002+01:00

“Let it be remembered, that I do not speak to the wild, giddy, thoughtless world, but to those that fear God. I ask, then, for what end do you send you children to school? “Why, that they may be fit to live in the world.” In which world do you mean, — this or the next? Perhaps you thought of this world only; and had forgot that there is a world to come; yea, and one that will last for ever! Pray take this into your account, and send them to such masters as will keep it always before their eyes. Otherwise, to send them to school (permit me to speak plainly) is little better than sending them to the devil. At all events, then, send your boys, if you have any concern for their souls, not to any of the large public schools, (for they are nurseries of all manner of wickedness,) but private school, kept by some pious man, who endeavours to instruct a small number of children in religion and learning together.”

John Wesley

Are these words offensive or extremist? Or are they words written by a man who has not been pressed into the world's mould, whose life's ambition is to follow God, not the crowd?

I'd love to hear your views :)

I want one.

2010-09-20T13:02:00.000+01:00

What do you love the most?

2010-07-31T08:05:00.004+01:00

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

1 John 2:15-17

Made me smile (:

2010-07-06T08:00:00.000+01:00

Edgar Mueller

2010-07-05T14:00:00.000+01:00

I don't know if you've ever heard of an artist called Edgar Mueller? I came across him several months ago and was totally blown away by his work. He's a street artist who creates amazing 3D paintings.

Imagine seeing one of these on your high street!

John Bunyan

2010-06-29T12:44:00.005+01:00

Well, I'm still alive!

I have recently read a biography of John Bunyan by Kevin Belmonte, sent to me by booksneeze.com.

Having read ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ and ‘The Holy War’, I was interested to learn more about the man behind these great works. And, from a historical point of view, Kevin Belmonte’s book did a great job of informing me. The narrative explores in depth Bunyan’s early years and influences; it also gives us a real taste of Bedford and England in the 17th Century. Some of the insights into Bunyan’s life are truly fascinating and help me to appreciate the kind of man he was.

However, from a spiritual point of view, I felt this book was a little disappointing. While the author does relate Bunyan’s conversion experience and describe some of his spiritual struggles, I do think that a bigger emphasis could have been placed on this aspect of Bunyan’s life.

So, for a good, solid overview of John Bunyan’s life, I would recommend this book. However, if you want to know more about Bunyan’s spiritual growth, battles and triumphs, I suggest you read his autobiography, ‘Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners’.

Antonia's Giveaway!

2010-03-25T08:59:00.003Z

Go over to Outside into Life to enter Antonia's Blog Giveaway!

5 things I love today

2010-03-09T09:51:00.000Z

1. Sunshine! Even when it's cold. Somehow, sunshine in March makes the world look prettier than sunshine in July does.

2. Books. I went in a great charity shop yesterday and bought waaay too many books. But they were cheap. Can anyone resist good, cheap books?

3. Pergolesi's Stabat Mater. I was listening to it in the car on the way to uni and it's just fantastic.

4. Tropicana Orange Juice. It tastes better than usual when I'm sat at the breakfast table in the sunshine. Don't you think sunshine improves the taste of food?

5. My Bible. I was listening to a lecture on church history the other day. Do you know how incredibly privileged we are to have copies of the Holy Bible in our own language? And not just that. Bibles are easily available, cheap and we don't have to fear for our lives when we read them. Don't take your Bible for granted!

Let no one despise your youth

2010-03-04T10:56:00.005Z

"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

1 Timothy 4:12

Grocery Store Musical

2010-03-03T10:01:00.001Z

Must watch! I'd just love it if somebody came and did it in a supermarket near us!

The Internet is a scary place.

2010-03-02T22:54:00.001Z

Isn't it? I was thinking about it earlier. Doesn't it blow your mind just a little to think that, whenever you write on your blog or send a message on facebook, it's potentially available for millions of people to see?

And, what's especially frightening is the fact that, once you've put something out there, you can't retrieve it again. I mean, who knows who may have copied or filed it away, mentally or physically, before you've had chance to retract what you said. As I heard somebody once say, it's not like pinning a note to your cork board where you can just tear it down again.

Think about it.

And just consider, what you say online will likely end up serving as a strange kind of legacy of your life. When you're gone (sorry to be morbid), people will be able to find snippets of your life scattered about in cyberspace. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Could be both or either, I guess.

In the internet I think our generation has something which previous generations never knew. I'm not just talking about the plethora of information and instantaneous communication systems which we have at our disposal. What I'm actually thinking about is this living, virtually ubiquitous record which is being daily written by people across the world. In a few decades' time, studying history won't be anything like we know it now. I can imagine the teachers in school...

"Kids, today we're going to study the Iraq war. I want you to go home and read the blogs of people who were alive at the time and even those who fought in the war. You could even try and dig out the facebook pages of those who were involved. If you've never heard of facebook, don't worry because we'll cover it in another lesson. And don't forget that thing they used called Twitter. You may find updates from people who were actually right close to the action...."

Is that too weird?

(Greetings to posterity, if you're reading this!)

John Piper books. For free.

2010-02-12T15:40:00.000Z

Did you know you can read John Piper books online for free? I didn't until a few weeks ago. And there's not just a few of them online - I think there's pretty much every single book he wrote there. WHAT a discovery!

I'm not generally keen on reading books on-screen but Piper's so good you just can't put him down (or close the webpage) and it's given me a great thing to do in between classes at college.

Does anybody else think John Piper is a fantastic speaker and author? He has such a passion for truth and godliness. Few authors have influenced me as much as he has. If you want to read a book that will change your life, try reading his book Desiring God. Did the thought ever cross your mind that being a Christian involves making a choice between God and pleasure? Or between sacrifice for God and happiness? Even if it didn't, read this book.

Or, Don't Waste Your Life. Also brilliant. Be warned, if you enjoy being a comfy, luke-warm, do-nothing-hard kind of Christian, stay well clear. This book WILL change the way you look at your life (and hopefully the way you live it too).

You have no excuse, just click here and start reading!

Hello.

2010-02-10T13:31:00.000Z

Well, this is the first time you've heard from me this year. So let me start by wishing you all a blessed 2010. Actually, I should probably wish you a belated Happy Christmas too.

I'm still alive, obviously.

Sorry for being such an irregular blogger. I keep resolving to do better but... that takes time and time is something which I seem to be in short supply of these days. I know I've said this ohh so many times before but I really am going to try a little harder now. I forgive you if you don't believe me. But watch this space!

So, tell me, how are you? Leave me a comment and say hi!

My Mary Poppins Bag

2009-12-19T08:00:00.000Z

I recently did a project on bags. As part of my experimenting, my younger brother and I had some fun making a sequence of images showing him pulling a lamp out of my bag, a lamp which was in fact far too big to fit in the bag. Mary Poppins was the inspiration, obviously! Anyone want to guess how we did it?

Look on the Sun of Righteousness

2009-12-18T08:00:00.001Z

"He who gazes long at the sun becomes unsusceptible of impressions from inferior luminaries; and he who looks much at the Sun of Righteousness will be little affected by any alluring object which the world can exhibit"
Octavius Winslow, Spiritual Life

Early Hearing Aids

2009-12-17T22:39:00.002Z

Sorry, my blog really has been neglected these past couple of months! I have a few weeks holiday at the moment though so hopefully I'll get round to sharing a few things with you.

I found something interesting today I thought you may like to see. These acoustic listening devices were developed for the Dutch army as part of air defence systems research between World Wars 1 and 2.

Aren't they cool?

More here.

Animals on the Underground

2009-11-24T16:53:00.003Z

Click here - this is fun

For those of you who aren't from the UK, it's based on the London underground rail network.

My Wordle

2009-11-10T07:00:00.001Z

I stole this idea from Tori's blog. Below you can see a word cloud of my recent blog posts.

Create your own here: www.wordle.net

Oooh I love words! And maybe I'm just weird but I get a warm, fuzzy feeling when I see words in beautiful, colourful clouds like this.

Loafers

2009-11-09T14:02:00.001Z

Genius or what?

Buy yours here: http://www.dadadastudio.eu/shop/?i=41

Yep, it's a load of dead flies.

2009-10-26T19:29:00.002Z

But wow, what a genius idea. These images were created by Swedish photographer Magnus Muhr. And I love them!

("Horni... I need to sneeze!")

Waiting for inspiration...

2009-10-23T17:22:00.002+01:00

At the Zoo

2009-10-16T22:41:00.001+01:00

My family took a trip to the zoo this week. I love the zoo! Strangely, I didn't like it at all when I was younger but somehow it's grown on me. It was a lovely, sunny day too which made it an even more amazing experience. The only downside was that my camera battery went half way through the day :( Because we only went on the spur of the moment, I didn't have time to check it before we left.

Next time you go to the zoo, try and get the animals to look at you. I can guarantee they'll look every other way except at the camera. I'm sure they do it deliberately to have a bit of fun!

Facing a Task

2009-10-12T09:07:00.001+01:00

Facing a task unfinished
That drives us to our knees
A need that, undiminished
Rebukes our slothful ease
We, who rejoice to know Thee
Renew before Thy throne
The solemn pledge we owe Thee
To go and make Thee known

Where other lords beside Thee
Hold their unhindered sway
Where forces that defied Thee
Defy Thee still today
With none to heed their crying
For life, and love, and light
Unnumbered souls are dying
And pass into the night

We bear the torch that flaming
Fell from the hands of those
Who gave their lives proclaiming
That Jesus died and rose
Ours is the same commission
The same glad message ours
Fired by the same ambition
To Thee we yield our powers

O Father who sustained them
O Spirit who inspired
Saviour, whose love constrained them
To toil with zeal untired
From cowardice defend us
From lethargy awake!
Forth on Thine errands send us
To labour for Thy sake

Friendship is good medicine

2009-10-06T22:48:00.000+01:00

Sorry if my blogging is a bit bitty at the moment. And sorry when it doesn't actually happen at all. I'm back studying and, wow, do I have a lot of work! But it's all fun stuff I'm doing so hopefully I'll get time to share some of it with you.

As part of the research for one of my briefs, I've been thinking about friendship and looking at ways it impacts our lives. I came across these statistics and thought you may find them interesting.

Did you know?

You will go through 396 friends in a lifetime but will have only 33 at any one time.
Source: flatrock.org

In one study, those who had the most friends over a 9-year period cut their risk of death by more than 60%.
Source: anapsid.org

Dr. Dean Ornish, a pioneer in reversing heart disease, notes that no other factor in medicine - ''not diet, not smoking, not exercise, not stress, not genetics, not drugs, not surgery - has a greater effect on how often we get sick than the healing power of love.''
Source: capecodonline.com

People with a strong social network are more likely to survive a major illness such as a heart attack or cancer. Human companionship can also help reduce the effects of stress on the body, protect against illness, and help us heal
when we do get sick. They're also less susceptible to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis.
Source: capecodonline.com

Studies show unequivocally that it's the friendship part of marriage that makes marriage last.
Source: psychologytoday.com

Best friends annoy each other less as they age.
Source: Michigan Daily Online

Now I have to admit, I have no idea how reliable these sources are. But, to me, most of these claims seem believable. Any thoughts?

smiles

2009-10-05T16:56:00.002+01:00

courtesy of www.toothpastefordinner.com

79 days later...

2009-09-24T17:21:00.000+01:00

I'm still alive. Wow, didn't the summer go quick? I have to admit, I just about forgot about my blog over the past couple of months and I didn't even get the time to check out your blogs much in that time. Sorry!

Thank you to those of you who sent gentle reminders about my promise to get back on here in September. I'm here now, as you can see!

I had a packed summer with conferences and beach missions and other things I can't remember. It was all wonderful and I can't wait for next summer. I didn't actually take many photos, unfortunately, so I'm not sure I've got much I can show you. I'll see if I can dig some out for another time though.

But hey...I'm a little concerned that I'll have lost all my readers after being away for so long. Anybody there? If you're around and you still check my blog, just send a comment my way so I can tell if anybody's actually going to be listening to me!

Take this rule

2009-07-07T23:16:00.002+01:00

I know I'm not supposed to be blogging at the moment but I just HAD to share this quote with you. A friend shared it with me earlier today and it really struck me quite forcibly. There are so many things in my life which I would classify as neutral things - things which I don't consider to be actually sinful and which I do for perhaps enjoyment and pleasure.

It never occurred to me to treat them in this way:

"Take this rule: whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off the relish of spiritual things; in short, whatever increases the strength and authority of your body over mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may be in itself."

Susanna Wesley

I guess there is nothing in our lives which has a neutral effect on us. Or which has no effect on us. We are constantly being moulded by the things which we permit to be a part of our lives. Wow, this is triggering off a whole series of thoughts in my mind! I'm tempted to talk further about the effects which some seemingly innocent activities could have on our spiritual life. But... I'm sure you're perfectly capable of drawing your own conclusions.

Anyway, that's enough from me; I'm not really here. But tell me your thoughts, please!

It's Fun Foto Friday but...

2009-07-03T08:48:00.000+01:00

...I'm afraid it's going to be the last for some time. I've decided I'm going to give blogging a break for a little while. I really don't want to stop but it's just a small matter of time prioritisation. I have so many things demanding my time at the moment that I really can't afford to give my blog the attention I would like. In any case, I shall be away for the latter part of July and most of August.

But hey, hopefully it's not the end forever! Perhaps when the new term begins in September I'll take blogging up again. If I can stay away for that long ;) I've no doubt I'll keep half an eye on your blogging activities too so don't think I'm disappearing entirely.

Thanks for being great blog readers!

Anyway, here's today's challenge. I've been through all my photo folders looking for photos that are either a little bizarre or didn't quite work out. Your task is to tell me what you think I was photographing. I hope it's not too difficult again! Remember you can click a photo if you want to enlarge it.

2.

3.

Fun Foto Friday

2009-06-26T07:18:00.000+01:00

Ok, last week's challenge was clearly too easy. I think you'll find this one a little trickier. But not too hard, I hope! I want you to see if you can Guess the Country. Comment with the number of the photo and which country you think the photo was taken in. If you can, you could even try and tell me what the subject of each photo is or be more specific about its location.

I'll give you just a little helping hand... all of the countries are in Europe, with the exception of one.

3.
4.

I'll do the same as last time and won't publish the comments until I think everyone has answered who wants to. Although, actually, I'm away over the weekend so it probably won't get done till Monday. Have fun!

When I survey

2009-06-22T08:20:00.000+01:00

What's your favourite hymn? Comment and let me know!

I have several favourites - it's so hard to choose the best one! But the one below has been high on the list for years: When I survey the Wondrous Cross' by Isaac Watts. I always find the words so challenging...

'My richest gain I count but loss' - is that really true of me?
'All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood' - do I?

I found this video on youtube so I hope you enjoy it. You can't beat a Welsh male voice choir! Although this one actually is only half-Welsh...

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

You can't hear the jackboots but...

2009-06-20T07:17:00.001+01:00

A friend passed on this article to me and I just found a copy online on the Daily Mail website. I thought UK readers may find it interesting, particularly those of you who homeschool. I'm afraid it's a scarily accurate prediction of the way our country and government is heading at the moment. And boy, it makes me want to get out there and do something to stop those power-crazy, money-grabbing, freedom-slaughtering oppressors of the innocent.....grrrr!!

You can't hear the jackboots, but this is still oppression

This is Peter Hitchens' Mail on Sunday column

We used to think that Communism would arrive in this country on the bayonets of Soviet soldiers, if it came at all. We never realised that it would instead materialise amid our freedom and prosperity, step by tiny step, in the form of bureaucratic interference and political correctness.

As one of the few British people who has actually lived in a Communist country (Moscow in the early Nineties, since you ask), I know better than most what such societies feel like, and how they work. And in the past two weeks I have seen several developments in Britain which seem strangely familiar.

The first was a proposal to refuse school places to children who had not been given the MMR injection. I have no idea if the MMR is safe or not. But I know many thoughtful and well-informed people who believe that it damaged their children, or fear that it might do so. A free country would not blackmail individuals in this way.

The next was a sinister report from the 'Department for Children' demanding that prying officials be empowered to force their way into the homes of parents who prefer to educate their sons and daughters at home.

This is our all-powerful State's angry response to a growing rebellion, by mothers and fathers who are sick of seeing their children bullied, neglected and miseducated in the state education system, and rightly think they can do a better job. How can the commissars in charge of the Western world's worst schools be fit to judge how well a parent is teaching her own child?

The pretext for this invasion of privacy is a baseless suggestion that home education could be used as a cover for child abuse. Well, so it could, and so could piano lessons, dentistry or newspaper delivery rounds. But these are not subject to Comrade Balls's new inquisition. Why not? Because they don't challenge his desire to march all children into egalitarian comprehensive sausage machines, notorious as they are for violence, ignorance and drugs.

Interesting, isn't it, that on the one hand these new Stalinists want to deny school to the children of dissenters, and on the other to force dissenters to send their children to school. I suspect that what they really want to do is to prosecute both groups, and these moves are a step towards that. The common theme is the desire to tell people what to think.

But there's a third development which should also scare us. Two thirds of British pre-school children are now left in nurseries as their mothers are marched off to wage-slavery.

Well, you might like to know that Vladimir Lenin once described such nurseries as 'the germ cell of the Communist society' because they stole children from their parents and placed upbringing in the hands of the authorities.

Private life, the family home, freedom of conscience and action, have never been so menaced. But because this oppression is not accompanied by the crash of goose-stepping jackboots, we don't see it for what it is. It is time we did.

Fun Foto Friday!

2009-06-19T08:10:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the first session of Fun Foto Friday! The plan is, every Friday I'm going to do a post involving photos. I haven't decided exactly what yet but hopefully it's gonna be fun :)

Today I want to test out your powers of observation and do a little quiz. It's entitled: Spot the Connection. Look at the photos below and see if you can tell me what you think connects them together...it could be a common theme, object, person, anything at all! I won't publish the comments until sometime tomorrow when I think everyone's guessed who wants to.

Hmm I hope it's not too difficult. Or too easy actually. It's hard to tell because I know the answer. If you don't get it right away, I suggest you click on the images to enlarge them because then you can see things you might miss at a casual glance.

So, get guessing!

A question for you

2009-06-18T07:01:00.000+01:00

This wasn't actually part of my planned interaction posts (until now!) It's just something I've been turning over in my mind for several months and I would love to hear your opinions.

Some of you may know that I am currently taking a course in Graphic Design. I love it. It's been a great experience because I'm learning new methods, new techniques and new ways of generating ideas. But there's one thing which I can't quite figure out in my mind.

I have a question.

What is art?

What do you have to achieve in a piece of artwork or design before it is considered art? Can I decide what is art and what isn't? Is art only produced by professionals? Is everything created art? Does art have to be aesthetically pleasing?

Sorry, that was more than one question. But you understand what I'm getting at?

The Oxford English dictionary defines art as the following:

1 the expression of creative skill through a visual medium such as painting or sculpture. 2 the product of such a process; paintings, drawings, and sculpture collectively. 3 (the arts) the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, and drama. 4 (arts) subjects of study primarily concerned with human culture (as contrasted with scientific or technical subjects). 5 a skill: the art of conversation.

But that, in my mind, just raises further questions. Is everything that is created through a visual medium to be considered art? And is it really only visual media that can be considered art?

One final question: does it matter?

Does it matter what people choose to consider as art? How do you feel about conceptual artists or those who stick found objects in a glass box and then display them in a museum under some profound title?

Hopefully that's given you something to chew over.

But please let me know your thoughts. I can't wait to hear what you have to say! This issue has been confuddling me for some time...help me!

We're in this together!

2009-06-17T10:44:00.000+01:00

I've decided that my blog needs a revamp. Not a visual revamp - you see them often enough! No, what I have in mind is more of a content revamp; that is, I want to change ever so slightly the way I conduct this blog.

I'm going let you in to a little secret. I began blogging after being persuaded to do so by a friend and, at first, I didn't particularly enjoy it. I thought, "Yikes, what in the world do I have to say?" Blogging was a bit of a chore...."Guess I'd better find something to blog about today" - that sort of feeling, know what I mean? But, you know what? Today I love it! I'm so glad I was introduced to the blogging world! Blogging is such a wonderful outlet for expressing your feelings, opinions, beliefs, and a great way to share stories and tales about your life to people all over the world.

That's part 1 of my blogging story. I think I'm about to start part 2....

I've been thinking quite a bit recently about my blog and really about blogging generally. I have come to the conclusion that I want my (and hopefully your!) blogging experience to be a more of a collaborative affair. I mean, I don't want to just sit here and tell you what I'm doing and thinking and feeling; I want to know your responses. This doesn't mean I don't think I get enough comments by the way! I love reading your blogs and finding out about your lives and experiences and, in that way, I do find out about you. But, that's not quite the same kind of interaction that I have in mind. What I'm really thinking of is a situation whereby everyone gets to share and discuss and contribute. I want this to be our blog, not just mine! Now, I don't know whether this is just a strange, idealistic vision of mine....quite possibly it is. We shall see soon enough!

Strangely, I read an interesting blog entry yesterday about whether or not Christians should blog. I say strange because I came across it quite accidentally and somehow it tied in with my ponderings. Sorry, I have no idea what the url is so I can't link to it. But the point the author was making was that it's tempting for us to use our blog to promote ourselves; I'll tell people what I like, what I want, what I did yesterday, even what things I am experiencing in my Christian life. Now, I'm not for a moment suggesting that there's anything wrong with sharing these things and I know they are often a great blessing to other believers. But, I guess it kinda confirmed my recent thoughts and encouraged me to try out this new idea.

So, I'm in the process of figuring out ways I can get you all to interact and share with me and each other....better be careful when you read my blog in future. It will require you to take action in some way or another! And lurkers be warned - I'll get you all out of hiding!

But that's enough from me. Your thoughts, please! Tell me if you think this is going to work or if it's just a vague, crazy idea??

There will your heart be

2009-06-10T08:22:00.001+01:00

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)

Day on the beach

2009-06-05T19:26:00.000+01:00

Still been making the most of the lovely weather! We had some friends staying with us the last couple of days and we took a trip down to the beach yesterday.

Does anyone else love looking at clouds?

We played cricket but I got worn out pretty quickly (far too unfit) so I took on the role of photographer for a little while.

I know I said this before but I love the summer!!

BBQ weather

2009-06-04T08:24:00.001+01:00

We've had such beautiful weather over the past week. It feels like the middle of summer already! We've put up a big gazebo in the garden and have been eating most of our meals outside. Love this weather! Sometimes I wish it was summer all year round...so long as it's *this* kind of summer. Does anyone remember the UK summer last year? I think it lasted about a week...

On Saturday evening, we decided to have a barbecue but, when mum and dad went out to buy the burgers, they discovered that every shop in town had sold out! We ended up making our own with mincemeat. It's actually very easy to do and they taste better than bought ones anyway.

Here's a little peep of what was going on here that evening. The photos were taken by Rachel and Ffion.

Made me smile (:

2009-06-03T10:45:00.001+01:00

With the EU elections coming up on Thursday this week, I've spent some time looking up various political parties and reading their policies. If you live in the UK, you've probably heard of the Monster Raving Loony Party. It's a kind of tongue-in-cheek party which suggests ridiculous/funny policies the government should take up. Worryingly, it seems to be gaining popularity!

Here's the first part of their manifesto...soo funny!

1. Cool on the outside
To combat global warming and climate change all buildings should be fitted with air conditioning units on the outside.

2. Wheelie Bins
The idea of weight monitoring chips in wheelie bins should be scrapped, instead the wheels should be removed, this would mean that if people generated too much waist they could not put their non-wheelie bin out for collection. It would also help prevent them being chucked into canals.

3. Needles
Due to the increasing number of children afraid of needles, I propose the destruction of the tedious, scary and often painful process of school vaccinations.
Instead, I propose that highly trained nurses should be given free reign on the playground with specially modified tranquillizer rifles which apply vaccinations as well as a tranquillizer. This would have two main benefits: It would be less scary for the children as they will not know what hit them, also it will be more fun for the nurses

4. Hypocrites
It is proposed that all politicians be made to swear a "hippocratic oath", preventing them by law from being Hypocrites. All politicians should be made to stand by their policies, or or at least admit that they were wrong.

5. GCSE Lottery
It is proposed that, before the beginning of exams, the exam board will select a certain obscure phrase which will be kept secret. If any pupil inadvertently writes this phrase in any exam,he/she will automaticaly receive straight A* grades, and a free teddy.

6. One Sided Policy
It is proposed that The European Union end its discrimination by creating a "Court of Human Lefts" because their present policy is one-sided.

7. Prison Food
The problems of prison overcrowding and increased crime will be solved easily by issuing a compulsory contract on McDonalds to do all prison catering. Convervative estimates suggest a 50% reduction in crime rates within 2 years with 0% re-offender figures.

8. Political Colours
All politicians should paint them self's permantly head to toe in the colour of the party they represent - e.g. all Labour candidates in Red , all Conservatives in Blue ,etc,etc

9. One hours silence.
At 12 0' clock pm every day we will have a one hour silence dedicated to our time that has been lost due to work, home and labour

10. Good Heroes
Make it illegal for super heroes to use their powers for evil.

11. Safe Tractors
Ban tractors from driving on roads, they can drive across their fields.

12. Scary Terrorists
Ban all terrorists from having beards as they look scary.

Update

2009-05-21T23:07:00.000+01:00

This is going to be a rambling sort of post, I'm afraid. It feels like I haven't blogged for years but it's only actually 3 days ago since I last posted. Wow, I've 'moved' since then! I usually blog sitting at my desk in my bedroom but I'm now relegated to the top of a chest of drawers in my sisters' bedroom...

The reason for this is that I decided finally to decorate my bedroom. I've been planning it for months, if not years. So, all my furniture and personal belongings are scattered around different rooms of the house while I get the painting done. My younger siblings have been clamouring to help and James and Becky did a pretty good job of getting the undercoat on the walls today.

Rachel, Ffion and I attended an excellent meeting of the Christian Institute in Wrexham on Tuesday evening. Anybody living outside the UK probably won't be aware of the Institute; it's an organisation aiming to uphold Christian values in the public arena. The meeting was encouraging because, despite all the depressing reports of the press and the way our nation seems to be heading generally, Christian voices are being heard by the government and are actually having an impact in many cases on the laws that are being passed. If you don't already, I'd highly recommend you visit the Christian Institute website and subscribe to their newsletter, in either paper or electronic format. You will then be informed when any significant issues arise in the government that need our prayer or that we can support/fight practically in some way.

Anyway, that's it for now. Don't be too surprised if you don't hear much from me over the next few days...

I have received instruction!

2009-05-18T12:35:00.004+01:00

I've been learning recently what a wealth of wisdom and good advice is found in the book of Proverbs. I find something new every time I read from it, even though I must have read the passages dozens of times before. I didn't realise until yesterday that the Bible even has something to say about my untidy bedroom!

"I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man."

Proverbs 24:30-34 (KJV)

A taste of North Wales

2009-05-15T07:27:00.002+01:00

A few evenings ago, a friend and I decided to take a drive around our local area and visit some of the nearby beauty spots. Actually....it was supposed to be a walk but we spent most of the time in the car! The first place we visited was Flint Castle. The castle dates from the 13th century and today lies in ruins. But it's still a lovely place to visit, particularly because you can see fantastic views over the adjoining estuary.

Next stop was Talacre Beach. I couldn't figure out why all my photos of the lighthouse looked crooked but I have since learned that it has probably sunk into the sand on one side. The lighthouse is no longer in use but it looks fabulous - until you get too close and see the rotting wood and flaking paint!

Finally, we drove over to a tiny, picturesque village on top of Prestatyn mountain called Gwaenysgor. From a viewpoint there, we could look right over the estuary and towns below. Wow! If you've never been and you live locally, you'll have to drive over someday and check it out. I hadn't realised the village even existed and I was utterly speechless when we drove over the top of the hill and saw the wonderful views appear below us.

Holidays & Discipline

2009-05-14T11:13:00.003+01:00

I've been looking forward to the summer holidays for ages but, now they've come, I'm kinda wishing they hadn't. The problem is, I think holidays can make you (or me) lazy. It's all very well having a break and a rest but, personally, I find it throws me out of the routine and good habits I've developed the rest of the year.

When I was in college I was up early, had my quiet time, showered, ate breakfast, made my lunch and left the house by 8am. Now, I'm barely up by 8! Then it's easy to skip the quiet time, mess around on the internet and perhaps eventually eat some breakfast by mid-morning.

I made myself marginally more useful this morning by doing the washing up and cooking the lunch. But now it's all done, I'm back on the internet messing round...just not feeling bothered to do anything else. It's not that I don't have things to do; I'm just not motivated to do them. Someone tell me why I can't get back into a routine again??

Young People's Challenge

2009-05-13T17:29:00.004+01:00

The Biblical Library in Blackpool, England, has announced this year's 'Young People's Challenge'. Every year they set an essay competition for young people, usually based on the life of a significant Christian individual. This year's topic is:

'The Life of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones'

Extra credit will be given for attempting to include the following in your paper:

1) The controversy at the Keele Congress
2) His view on the 'baptism of the Holy Spirit'. Do you agree? Explain.
3) What long series of Bible expositions did he engage in? Have you read any? Will you attempt to read some now in print?

Junior Category: Age 14 and under. 1500 words maximum
Senior Category: Age 15 to 25. 2000 words maximum

Closing date is September 2009.

Please send all entries to:

The Biblical Library (NW)
Mr. Roy Thornton
59 Leith Avenue
Thornton Cleveleys
Blackpool
FY5 3NN

Let's try again...

2009-05-12T14:40:00.003+01:00

Thanks for your responses to my book and to those who requested a pdf copy. I was about to email them out when I realised that the file was quite big and...I wasn't sure if it was such a good idea to email it.

So, I've had a better idea. You can view the pdf file by clicking this link. Just to warn you though, it might take a while to open.

Let me know if you have any problems!

Blurb

2009-05-09T19:04:00.001+01:00

Ok, I mentioned I'd published a book. I did that through a company called Blurb. This is how it works: you go to the Blurb website, download the software (for free), create your book, upload it to the Blurb website and you can pay to have it published. But no fee unless you make that decision. It's fantastic! And so easy!

You HAVE to try it out. I promise you'll be hooked. They ship all over the world so no excuses.

As I said, my book arrived this week. You can view a preview of it on the Blurb website by clicking the badge below:

Be it ever so ...

By Suzanne Norman

Book Preview

Unfortunately, it only shows you the first 15 pages. However, if anybody wants to see the rest of the book, let me know and I can email you a pdf version. It doesn't look so good because the pages go down instead of sideways.....if that makes sense. But you can still see the photos and quotes.

Have you ever wondered?

2009-05-08T09:12:00.000+01:00

Where you'd end up if you digged straight down to the other side of the world? I know I have! I always guessed I'd end up in Australia but, according to this site, I'd actually come out just south-east of New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean.

Try it out and tell me where you'd pop up!

map from geology.com

busy busy

2009-05-06T15:30:00.000+01:00

I have an assessment at university on Monday so sorry if my blogging seems kinda lazy at the moment. I've spent the last few days madly trying to prepare but I think I'm just about getting to the tying-up-the-ends stage now. I have to take all my work in tomorrow so the tutors have time to go through it all before Monday. We also have the photography workshops tomorrow which I've been dying to do all term. Yay!

I'm so excited because my first-ever published book arrived in the post this morning! But I'm also very relieved it arrived because I need to submit it for assessment tomorrow. And, guess what? Some of YOU are featured in it! Do you remember a while ago when I asked you to complete a questionnaire about your home? Well, I used some of the stuff you said about your homes to put together this book. Just as soon as I get time, I'll see if there's a way you can view it online. Otherwise, I'll take some photos for you to see.

Anyway, I need to get back to work. Ciao!

Now you see it...

2009-05-05T08:21:00.003+01:00

...now you don't!

An art student in Lancashire, England, made a car 'disappear' by painting it to blend in with its environment.

Wow!

Read the story here

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

2009-05-04T15:13:00.001+01:00

No, it's a hotel!

Read the full story and see more pictures here

I'm researching alternative housing today. So, if anybody knows of any other weird and wonderful building designs or concepts, let me know! I'm especially interested in homes which have been developed to be entirely self-sustainable. So far I haven't found much but I'll let you know if I find anything interesting...

But the righteous will flourish

2009-05-04T07:38:00.007+01:00

There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty.

The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.

The people will curse him who withholds grain, But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

He who earnestly seeks good finds favour, But trouble will come to him who seeks evil.

He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage.

Proverbs 11:24-28 (NKJV)

Use only what you need

2009-05-01T09:03:00.000+01:00

Denver Water: Use only what you need.

Love it.

They do it with mirrors...

2009-04-30T22:53:00.002+01:00

Deborah 13: Servant of God

2009-04-29T23:05:00.003+01:00

In intended to post about this soon after the programme was first broadcast but completely forgot...

In March, the BBC broadcast a documentary on Deborah Drapper, a 13-year old homeschooler from Dorset, England. Deborah lives in a rural, secluded part of the county with her parents and 10 siblings. The family are passionate, Bible-believing Christians and the parents have faithfully taught their children 'the whole counsel of God'.

Although their interaction with others appears to be infrequent, they do take every opportunity to share the gospel with everybody they come into contact with. More than that, they are not afraid to speak of hell, sin and judgement. Needless to say, this has caused something of a stir, not just in the documentary but in subsequent discussions from viewers all over the country.

I found this SO challenging and so refreshing to watch. Although we may not agree with everything the family believes and does, there is no doubt whatsoever that they, and Deborah particularly, are doing a wonderful work and put so, so many of us to shame.

MUST WATCH!

Please be aware: some scenes may be unsuitable for younger audiences. Parental guidance is recommended.

Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6

Pray that God would send us many more Deborahs in these dark days! Pray too for the remarkable witnessing opportunity that this has given to Deborah and her family as, through them, the gospel has gone into many homes throughout the country. I know too that, despite the opportunity, this must be quite a trying time for them because the family have come under an incredible amount of criticism for their work: the parents have been accused of child-abuse and brain-washing for bringing up their children with Christian teaching.

Deborah has a blog: http://deborahdrapper.com/ Make sure you check it out.

Book Autopsies

2009-04-28T20:17:00.000+01:00

I have spent most of today revamping an old book. Some may call it massacring but I prefer to think I'm improving it...

Our assignment was to take an old book and use it to convey a message. This can (and has) involved cutting into it, pasting things in and colouring pages of the book. Some students objected to this defacing and, to some extent, I can see where they're coming from. There's no way I'd take one of my books and start pulling pages out or liberally apply marker pen through it. But, when it's an old trashy book which probably wouldn't do anybody much good anyway....and when it's on sale in the charity shop for 50p...I don't really have any objection! After all, it's only paper and ink that's going to decay someday anyway. But hey, I'd be interested to hear any different opinions?

Anyway, as I was doing a bit of research for this project, I came across an artist called Brian Dettmer. This guy performs 'autopsies' on books and, wow, some of the stuff he has created is totally awesome!

I found these photos here. Check the website out for more book autopsies. Also, a quick google image search of 'Brian Dettmer' will reveal more fascinating creations!

Gotcha!

2009-04-27T08:53:00.004+01:00

We often see squirrels running around in our garden but they rarely keep still long enough for us to get a photo of them. However, a couple of days ago I managed to catch this little guy chewing on his nut...

They only sit still to eat!

I don't like tea

2009-04-25T23:23:00.000+01:00

But... if my teabags looked like this, I might be tempted to have a cup! Apparently, each one looks like a person with a different personality.

Tea-bags from WDARU

Forever!

2009-04-24T08:23:00.003+01:00

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Psalm 73:26 (KJV)

Don't shoot!

2009-04-22T23:34:00.002+01:00

We woke up to a gloriously sunny day this morning so some of my younger siblings and I were up and over at the swing park by 8am. I took loads of photos but I thought I'd show you this sequence I captured.....the lads thought it was hilarious when I showed them it afterwards!

Your chance to be digitally immortalised

2009-04-21T14:29:00.000+01:00

Eurocom are currently looking for people to have their faces scanned for use in their games. They will pay £50 to everyone who's chosen! As far as I'm aware, this is only open to UK residents.

Click here for more info

Introducing...

2009-04-21T08:13:00.000+01:00

Mr. Trash Can. Actually, I think I should have called him Mr. Rubbish Bin because trash can sounds waaaay too American - no offence guys!

Anyway, remember I said before I went away that I was making a blue plasticine model of a trash bin (compromise) in the shape of a monster? I photographed him last night to put in my file and I thought you might like a peep.

Ventura 2009

2009-04-20T14:21:00.002+01:00

As promised - the slideshow of my trip away! I'm glad it works.

By way of introduction, we took a trip on a cruise ship lasting 2 weeks. We stopped at various ports around the Mediterranean and usually spent an entire day at each place visiting places of interest. Hopefully the video explains everything but, if you have any questions, ask away.

The wanderer returns...

2009-04-19T09:40:00.001+01:00

Hey I'm back! It seems so weird to be back blogging again and I don't quite know where to start. Firstly, sorry I wasn't organised enough to schedule any posts while I was away. Things just got a little hectic on those last few days.

I had a wonderful, wonderful trip. We visited some fantastic places and I took almost 600 photos. Consequently...it's gonna be really hard to pick some out for you to see.

I've created a slideshow of the photos so, if it'll work, I'll try and upload that tomorrow. If not, I'll just have to try and find the very best ones. If you have facebook, I've already uploaded quite a lot there for people to see.

That's all I have time for right now so I'll just leave you with a verse that challenged me yesterday:

"I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship."

Romans 12:1 (Amplified Bible)

Au Revoir

2009-04-02T07:04:00.000+01:00

From tomorrow, I'm going to be on holiday for two weeks. I'm taking a trip around the Mediterranean with a few members of my family so hopefully I'll return with lots of great stories and photos!

I spent a large part of yesterday packing and the rest of it trying to get on top of my college work. The most important parts are done but I just seem to have loads of little, niggly things that need doing. I did spend an enjoyable evening though.....sitting on my bedroom floor getting covered in blue plasticine as I tried to create a trash bin that looks like a monster - don't ask. I'd take a photo but I've packed my camera.

Technically, I don't finish for the holidays until tomorrow and I have to be in university all day today. I'm expecting to be given a new assignment which I'll need to complete over the Easter break. I'm hoping it's going to be something quick and easy though because I won't have much time to do it!

Anyway, I hope you all have a blessed Easter remembering our Saviour's death and resurrection.

If I'm super-organised and get my work sorted, I may schedule a couple of posts for when I'm away. No promises but watch this space...

Ciao!

This day in 1957....

2009-04-01T07:34:00.001+01:00

...the following documentary was broadcast. Fascinating, huh?

Own up!

2009-03-31T11:26:00.001+01:00

After some thought, I have decided that I will no longer permit anonymous comments on my blog. If you wish to comment, you must leave me some indication of who you are. Please! Anonymous commenting is still technically enabled on my blog but this is to allow people who do not have a blogger account or an OpenId to comment. Comment moderation is now enabled and, if you don't leave your name, your comment will be deleted!

I don't have any objection if people want to disagree with me, make a negative remark about a post, or if they wish to express an opinion which perhaps puts me in a bad light. However, I do object if they aren't prepared to own up to their comment and admit their identity. At best, this is unhelpful; at worst, cowardly.

Sorry if this all sounds very negative! And, by the way, I'm not intending to suggest that this is something I have a massive problem with on my blog. Thankfully, I don't. But little things like this can create an unhelpful atmosphere - even in cyberspace!

So thanks :)

Fun with Paper

2009-03-30T21:37:00.001+01:00

This is so much fun! We spent a couple of hours in college just playing about with paper and a craft knife, seeing what different shapes and cuts on the paper we could come up with. I photographed the first two of these sets in the photography studio in college and the others when I got home....you can probably tell the difference! It was difficult trying to get the lighting right and eliminate all the background mess in by bedroom....

Before you ask, this next one is a horse standing next to a jump. I know it looks like an oversized dog with a teacloth hanging over its back but it isn't.

I intended this to look like a sword sticking out of the ground but I didn't get the shape quite right. It was actually quite tricky to make a straight line with my knife and by this time it was a little blunt. I know, sounds like excuses ;)

Church, trees and a graveyard. Someone wanted to know why there were palm trees in the middle of a churchyard and I guess the answer must be that it's in some hot country.

I'd love to experiment further with a good craft knife and different weights of paper. I'm told there's websites dedicated to this kind of artwork so I'll have to look them up and link to them.

But hey, get yourself a craft knife and plenty of paper and start creating!

First of All

2009-03-29T08:05:00.002+01:00

If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?

Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?

For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all.

But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:30-32
Amplified Bible

If you liked that, you may like....

2009-03-28T08:12:00.000Z

Thanks to Jaky for pointing out a new blogger plugin called LinkWithin. What the widget does is it finds related posts and links to them at the end of each post you write.

I'm not sure how intelligent the process is but I thought it sounded pretty neat so I'm giving it a try. But let me know your thoughts!

Get the widget LinkWithin

Aber Again!

2009-03-27T22:50:00.000Z

Ffion and I went down to Aberystwyth again this week and spent a couple of days with friends. I remembered my camera this time :) The weather wasn't quite so glorious but it was still sunny, if very windy!

Patience, Becky & I attended the Free Curry Night, courtesy of the Aber Christian Union. It was not only a fantastic evening but also a great gospel opportunity for unconverted friends who had been invited along.

We ate plenty but still drove to the co-op afterwards and bought arms-full of chocolate, sweets and crisps...then we stayed up far too late eating them, watching a dvd and talking.

But hey we don't get to do this often!

Let's share!

2009-03-24T08:06:00.004Z

Ok, I'd like to try a little experiment. I'm not sure how well this idea will hit off but I'm going to give it a go!

Every so often, perhaps once a week or once a fortnight, I'm going to give you a 'Let's share' post. This is an invitation to all my readers to share something. The 'something' could be a quote, Bible verse, personal thought or anything you like! The only rules are that it's clean, wholesome and you genuinely think it could be a help or encouragement to others.

You can respond either by leaving a comment or by publishing 'Let's share' on your own blog.

The following verse is my contribution for today. Pray it may be so for us!

And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. Luke 25:15 (KJV)

Note: For those of you who remember my 'Smile' post, the above photo is an update - we managed to get one with all 8 of us kids in!

Extreme Shepherding

2009-03-21T20:38:00.001Z

You must, must see this! A group of shepherds took to the Welsh hills armed with sheep, cameras and LEDs. What they created is sheer genius...

Sunny Aberystwyth

2009-03-20T22:21:00.001Z

Ffion and I spent today and yesterday evening with friends in Aberystwyth. We had actually planned to go next week but... for some reason I got the date wrong and confused everybody and everything by turning up yesterday!

However, our friends coped admirably (thank you!) and we had a great time. The weather was gorgeous - it felt almost like summer! I was so, so frustrated I didn't take my camera because I could have got some fantastic shots. I did, though, manage to get a few on my camera phone.

We had fun trampolining this morning...

Then Patience went off to university and Ffion and I enjoyed a pleasant walk around the town and along the promenade. The weather was so beautiful. I feel sorry for all the poor people who were stuck inside offices or classrooms today.

When Patience rejoined us later on, we walked through the town and castle grounds, bought ice creams and sat on the beach eating them. Mmm!

Love this weather! Roll on summer!

It's the Cookie Monster!

2009-03-18T07:23:00.000Z

I came across a picture of this adorable cupcake and fell head-over-heels in love......

Suzanne (TrueType)

2009-03-17T12:15:00.000Z

We spent the afternoon creating typefaces yesterday. It's all very simple - just visit www.yourfonts.com and follow the instructions. Everything is totally free and all you need is a printer, scanner, paper and pen! Plus a bit of creativity and imagination.

Here's a sample of a typeface I created yesterday. It's called 'Suzanne' - a bit unimaginative but I gather a lot of typographers are in the habit of naming their typefaces after themselves ;)

Ok...I just disovered a problem. My full-stops and commas are floating a little too high.

But it's lots of fun to do so give it a try!

How old will you be at 63?

2009-03-14T07:59:00.003Z

Sorry, I haven't blogged for ages again. Apart from my '50 things', which I hope you enjoyed. The problem is, when I have a lot of extra work to do, blogging tends to be the first thing from my daily schedule that goes out of the window. I'm afraid it's just a part of time-prioritization. But, hey, I promise I'll try and squeeze some more time in for blogging!

Have you ever heard the song 'Rushing Around?' If you haven't, you should listen to the Peasall Sisters sing it HERE

This post title will make sense to you once you've listened.

I was listening to it a few days ago. I realised it sums up my current lifestyle pretty well. And I think there's a whole lot of wisdom in the message it's trying to get across. Blaise Pascal once said, "All the troubles of life come upon us because we refuse to sit quietly for a while each day in our rooms."

He may well be right.

How many troubles could we avoid if we took the time to sit down and quietly consider what we're doing with our lives? How many mistakes could we steer clear of, simply by taking the matter to the Lord in prayer?

Laziness can't be condoned. But, I can't help thinking that rushing around every day with no time to spare for anybody, perhaps even God, is almost as bad. I find it a challenging thought.

"Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God." Job 37:14

50 things

2009-03-13T23:25:00.000Z

Hey! Thank you Rachael for tagging me :) I have to write 50 random things about myself. This will be probably be long and boring but hope you enjoy it. You might learn something new about me!

1. I am a Christian.
2. I am studying Graphic Design at university.
3. I love both these facts ^^
4. I also like the idea of being an interior designer.
5. I love colours, especially bright ones.
6. My favourite colour is red.
7. I used to hate the colour orange but now I love it.
8. When it's cold, I wear neon pink leg-warmers to keep me warm.
9. I live in an old stone house which gets cold easily.
10. I don't enjoy the cold weather unless there's lots of snow.
11. My favourite season is summer.
12. 4 weeks from today I'll be in the south of France, which will hopefully be a little warmer than here.
13. I'm struggling already.....however will I reach 50?
14. I enjoy reading.
15. I also enjoy writing.
16. I love writing essays.
17. I love music.
18. I play the piano.
19. I also play the violin to some extent... although it sounds too much like a cat being strangled for my liking.
20. I can play the recorder.
21. I used to badly want a digeridoo.
22. I'd still like one but it doesn't seem quite so important anymore...
23. I like learning languages.
24. I correspond with people from many different countries.
25. This doesn't mean I speak lots of languages....it means my foreign friends speak good English.
26. I love visiting other countries.
27. I enjoy eating food from other countries.
28. I especially love Italian food.
29. I have an unhealthy addiction to cheese.
30. I try not to eat refined sugar because it knocks me out....not literally - just sends me to sleep.
31. Too many carbohydrates do the same thing.
32. I eat a lot of salad.
33. Even though I used to hate it when I was younger.
34. My favourite meal is Lasagne with garlic bread and salad.
35. I feel very self-centred starting so many sentences with 'I'....
36. I enjoy photography.
37. I dislike having my photo taken.
38. I enjoy taking pictures of my family.
39. I have 7 siblings who are all younger than me.
40. I can't decide whether or not I like being the eldest.
41. I love playing table tennis.
42. I also love playing normal tennis but need some more practice...
43. I dislike any form of exercise unless it's competitive.
44. In other words, I'm lazy when it comes to walking anywhere ;) But why walk when you can drive?
45. I drive a green Vauxhall Corsa
46. I have an annoying habit of falling asleep during movies.
47. I also have a frustrating habit of falling asleep when I'm reading.
48. I've been told I have fallen asleep, more than once, in the middle of a conversation (when lying in bed though so that's forgivable...)
49. See no. 30 if you want to know the reason for my strange, sleepy behaviour...but actually some movies are just plain boring ;)
50. I love blogging!

That was fun! I tag anybody who reads this to post 50 random facts about themselves.

Come unto Me

2009-03-05T07:08:00.000Z

"Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all."

~ D. L. Moody

Hijack

2009-03-03T19:32:00.002Z

One of the briefs I'm working on at the moment in college is called 'Hijack'. The idea is, you take a brand, logo or image which has been created by somebody else and use it to promote something other than it was intended for. I'm sure that last sentence is grammatically incorrect but hopefully you get what I mean...

As part of my work, I researched work that has been done by others which uses this 'hijacking' idea. Below you will see some of the images I came across.

Ok, I'm going to give you a little game. I've numbered each of the images below. I would like to you to look at them and see if you can tell me which brand/logo etc. each has been hijacked from. Then post your answers as a comment. I think most of them are fairly straightforward but let's see how you do! Any questions, just ask.

2.
3.

4.

5.

10.

11.
12.
13.

This final image is my own and my answer to the brief. So I'm particularly hoping you guess this one correctly because it's supposed to be immediately obvious whose idea I've hijacked.

But hey, looking forward to seeing your answers!

I slipped up...

2009-03-02T22:12:00.002Z

...and forgot to wish all my readers a happy St. David's Day yesterday.

Welsh flag

For those of you who don't live in Wales and may not know anything about this, 1st of March is a national festival celebrating all things Welsh. St. David is the patron 'saint' of Wales and supposedly helped to spread Christianity among the pagan Celtic tribes of western Britain. There are many legends and mysteries associated with his story, most of which I suspect are fabricated. However, March 1 is a good excuse to celebrate Wales and being Welsh!

10 Welsh facts:

The leek is a national emblem of Wales
The daffodil is also a national emblem and is traditionally worn by Welsh people on St. David's Day
The Welsh name for Wales is Cymru (pronounced cum-ree)
The capital of Wales is Cardiff
Wales is known for its love spoons which are beautifully carved from wood and given as a gift between lovers
Wales' national sport is rugby
Wales is known as a land of music and song. Welsh male voice choirs have received international acclaim and several famous singers are Welsh
Welsh is one of the oldest European languages still spoken today
Red gold, mined in the beautiful Snowdonian mountain range, is used for the Royal Family's wedding rings
Wales is the homeland of millions of sheep.

200!!!

2009-03-01T07:39:00.000Z

Yay this is my 200th blog post!!

Since August 2006, I've had spurts of energy and periods of total silence....but I'm still here! Hopefully I'm a little more consistent now. Mostly.

So, to celebrate, I think I need a little help from my readers. I'd like everyone who reads this to comment and tell me:

1. Your name
2. Where you live
3. What colour socks you're wearing

Please! That should give me a pretty good idea of who you are ;)

I'm looking forward to reading your comments!

Are your priorities right?

2009-02-28T22:46:00.000Z

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Mark 8:34-38 (KJV)

Travelling was never so comfortable

2009-02-27T14:50:00.001Z

I've just come across the work of designer JooYoun Paek. She is Japanese by birth but is based in New York. She creates interactive objects and installations and has had her work showcased at several prestigious museums.

So here's a taster of her work:

The Pillowig is worn on your head and is designed to provide a comfy cushion for your head and neck when on the go.

Having spent a considerable amount of time on the London tube last week, I can appreciate the value of this!

Another of JooYoun's inventions is the Self-Sustainable Chair. As you walk, the pumps attached to your feet pump air into your 'dress' until it forms a chair. Fascinating.

This is hardly practical though, don't you think? Having to sit down every few minutes would definitely cramp your walking style and quickly become frustrating.

JooYoun has more ideas on her website so make sure you check them out. I'm afraid the worth of most of them is lost on me but they're interesting ideas!

It's Friday again

2009-02-27T08:05:00.000Z

Already! I had a lovely time in London, staying with friends and attending the conference. When I get back into the swing of blogging, I'll share some of the work I saw at the conference - some of it is just fantastic.

For now, I hope you enjoy reading my 'Friday Fill-in':

1. I'm _home_, I'm _looking at my long list of work to do_, I _hope I find time to blog_.

2. Why do I have _so many books to read_ and not _enough time_?

3. How does this _screen printing process_ work, anyway? We did it in college yesterday and it was so much fun! Even though I haven't quite grasped how each stage works.

4. Every morning, I put _a reluctant hand_ on my _alarm clock_.

5. I consider myself ~~lucky~~ blessed because _I have such wonderful friends and family_.

6. One day we’ll see _whether global warming is really taking place....though perhaps not in my life-time_.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _treating my younger siblings to a take-away_, tomorrow my plans include _researching women artists during WWII_ and Sunday, I want to _be reunited with my church after a week away_!

Friday Fill-in

2009-02-21T10:21:00.001Z

Ok, I know it's not Friday today. But I forgot to do it yesterday so I'm doing it now!

1. Give me _chocolate_ and I'll _be your friend for life ;)_.

2. Whenever _I make cheese sauce, it goes lumpy. That's what happened last night :(_.

3. I wish _I had a massive aquarium with loads of fish and sea creatures in_.

4. _Soni's lamb curry_ was the last thing I ate that was utterly delicious.

5. To live in this world _can be both a blessing and a struggle_.

6. Other than this one, _VS Photography_ is the last blog I commented on. Check it out, Alyssa has some great photos!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _having successfully completed my train journey to London_, tomorrow my plans include _attending church with friends in London_ and Sunday, I want to _yeah....that's tomorrow!!_!

I'll be spending a few days in London and won't be home until late Tuesday or early hours of Wednesday morning. So au revoir to my readers until then! For anybody who's interested, I'm attending the 4 Designers conference in Leicester Square.

Shouldn't that be 'Paws'?

2009-02-20T08:25:00.000Z

Excuse the joke. I came across this furniture design and thought it was kinda cool. They're the perfect chairs for the computer geek in your family ;)

You can view the entire collection here: www.mixko.net

I have to say though, they don't look particularly comfortable. What do you think?

Great Reads

2009-02-19T07:54:00.002Z

I've read several books recently that I thought were fantastic so I thought I'd share a few with you. Sorry I haven't got time to go into much detail but you can check out more reviews online!

Lady Jane Grey: Nine Day Queen of England by Faith Cook

This is the story of Lady Jane Grey who ruled England, against her wishes, for just nine days. The author clearly has researched the period well and it gives some amazing insights into Jane's family life and into the political scene of the day. Even more wonderfully, it gives an account of Jane's unwavering faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus, even in the face of severe temptation and trial. I found it a tremendously moving and inspiring story. A must read!

Sound of Trumpets by Faith Cook

Another book by Faith Cook. She's a wonderful author. This book contains a selection of short stories about Christian individuals who have not been afraid to 'sound the trumpet' for Christ. The people whose stories are told are generally little-known but there is so much to be gleaned from reading about their lives.

Picture This by Molly Bang

This is a fascinating book. Molly Bang takes the story of Little Red Riding hood and tries to portray the characters and scenes using very simple shapes and colours. She explains how shapes, colours and composition interact and give us different feelings when we see them. The principles are so simple and yet also so easy to forget when designing. A book for young and old which will teach you things you'll think you should have already known.....but somehow didn't quite consider them.

Songs of the Lukewarm Church

2009-02-18T08:02:00.000Z

Funny, but also thought-provoking....

Blest Be The Tie That Doesn't Cramp

Pillow of Ages, Fluffed for Me

I Surrender Some

I'm Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives

Sit Up, Sit Up For Jesus

Take My Life and Let Me Be

What An Acquaintance We Have In Jesus

Where He Leads Me, I Will Consider Following

He's Quite a Bit To Me

Oh, How I Like Jesus

Fill My Spoon, Lord

It Is My Secret What God Can Do

Source

Would you like bacon with that?

2009-02-17T22:24:00.001Z

Ok, this is kinda bizarre but fun too!

Click here to add bacon

Neat, huh? Now add the link to your bookmarks by right-clicking it and selecting 'bookmark this link'. That's for firefox users....don't know if it works the same in IE. Visit this website if you have any problems.

So, anytime you fancy a piece of bacon, just click on the bookmark you created and watch it appear before your eyes!

Hey!

2009-02-16T08:10:00.002Z

I'm still alive! Wow I haven't blogged for over a week and that feels like ages. For some reason, this past week has just flown past and I haven't had the chance to get online much. Thank you so much to those who responded to my interview - I'm so grateful. Especially as I'm aware that the question sheeet looks a little daunting and seems to go on forever!

I don't have much exciting to talk about right now so I'll leave you with a couple of great design solutions I came across recently:

This was created to promote Rimmel's quick-dry nail polish. Designed by JWT, London.

'Drop' by Pulpo

Interview

2009-02-07T20:16:00.003Z

Ok, I've thought of a better way to conduct this interview. Thank you so much to all those who have already offered to help!

I will post my interview questions below and, if you would like to take part, please email me with your answers. My address is: thedragon88haslanded@yahoo.co.uk but take out the 88 in the middle.

There seems like a dreadful lot of questions but hopefully it won't take too long to fill in! Feel free to leave any questions out and you may be as brief as you like in your answers :) There's no hurry to have your replies as I will be working on this project for a few weeks. Thanks in advance though and look forward to seeing all your responses!

So here goes....

Home

1. Firstly, how would you define the word ‘home’?

There are so many different aspects of ‘home’ that could be covered but I have come up with 3 broad areas. Feel free to leave out some questions if there are any you would rather not answer.

Your Own Home

2. Where do you consider your home to be? Do you consider more than one place to be your home?

3. Briefly describe your house/dwelling-place.

4. What is the most important aspect of your home?

5. Do you keep any pets or animals? If so, what?

6. Is there any particular object(s) that makes your house ‘home’?

7. Is there any particular person/people that makes your house ‘home’?

8. Name an important tradition that is a part of your home life. This can either be a tradition celebrated by just your family or by others in your country/culture.

9. Are there any particular smells that you associate with your home?

10. Are there any particular sounds that you associate with your home?

11. How would you describe the overall atmosphere in your home?

12. Give three words or short phrases that sum up how you feel about your home.

Your Local Community

13. Where do you live?

14. Have you always lived there?

15. How big is your local community?

16. Does this community play a large part in your life?

17. Name one building or gathering-place in your community that is important to you.

Your Country

18. If you moved to a different country, could you still consider it your home?

19. Name a traditional meal that is enjoyed in your home country.

20. How would you describe the climate in your area of the country? Are you susceptible to any extreme natural phenomena?

21. Briefly describe the way your country’s government works.

22. What is the main religion in your country? Do you follow this religion?

Please help me!

2009-02-07T07:46:00.000Z

I'm looking for some people to do me a really massive favour.....

At the moment in college, I'm researching the concept of 'Home'. As part of my research I'd like to interview people from different countries and cultures.

Would any of my readers who live outside the UK be happy for me to interview them? I'm just going to ask questions about your home life, what the word 'home' means to you and similar questions.

If you'd like to take part, scroll down my sidebar and click the envelope that's captioned 'Contact me'. That should open a new message addressed to me in your email client. If you have any problems, let me know.

Thank you!

doing the write thing

Slave

Hallelujah!

The Jesus You Can't Ignore

DailyLit

Don't Forget!

Dubrovnik

Is your orange my orange?

New Blog!!

Throwing out the Boathook

Food for Thought

I want one.

What do you love the most?

Made me smile (:

Edgar Mueller

John Bunyan

Antonia's Giveaway!

5 things I love today

Let no one despise your youth

Grocery Store Musical

The Internet is a scary place.

John Piper books. For free.

Hello.

My Mary Poppins Bag

Look on the Sun of Righteousness

Early Hearing Aids

Animals on the Underground

My Wordle

Loafers

Yep, it's a load of dead flies.

Waiting for inspiration...

At the Zoo

Facing a Task

Friendship is good medicine

*smiles*

79 days later...

Take this rule

It's Fun Foto Friday but...

Fun Foto Friday

When I survey

You can't hear the jackboots but...

Fun Foto Friday!

A question for you

We're in this together!

There will your heart be

Day on the beach

BBQ weather

Made me smile (:

Update

I have received instruction!

A taste of North Wales

Holidays & Discipline

Young People's Challenge

Let's try again...

Blurb

Have you ever wondered?

busy busy

Now you see it...

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

But the righteous will flourish

Use only what you need

They do it with mirrors...

Deborah 13: Servant of God

Book Autopsies

Gotcha!

I don't like tea

Forever!

Don't shoot!

Your chance to be digitally immortalised

Introducing...

Ventura 2009

The wanderer returns...

Au Revoir

This day in 1957....

Own up!

Fun with Paper

First of All

If you liked that, you may like....

Aber Again!

Let's share!

smiles