Down in sunny Enger-land working with 360 five to seven year olds here The theme is "On The Beach" and that's where I'm off to just now!
I see someone has left me a pleasant message (??) on my P45 entry. That's the thing with anonymous posts - you don't know whether they're written in jest or not!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Friday, April 06, 2007
Lynn cross-examines famous politician!
Guess who sat in my garden today? This woman here ----->
Yes, its election time and the canvassers were out in force round the doors today. As I opened the door to the young woman representing the SNP I asked her if Nicola Sturgeon was with her as I had one or two questions for her. To my great surprise I was told she was in the street so would I like her to pop by? Yes, I said, bring her round to the back garden!
And so I got 15 mins with the SNP's Deputy Leader, to quiz her on what I felt were the two main issues - immigration/asylum policy and Trident. I explained my political position (disillusioned Labour voter), what I did for a living and briefly described the strength of feeling about asylum seekers amongst members of my church.
I explained that I was disgusted by the callous treatment of fellow human beings and the way I saw Laboour's wholescale movement from left to right (I'm not even going to use the word "drift" here). John Reid has been a tough nut indeed.
She listened intently, answered well and I warmed to her very much, if I am to be honest.(although of course the SNP's hands are tied; the two issues I raised are reserved matters. And I am still not sure that, at the end of the day, a nationalistic party, had they more power, would be totally and 100% behind the cause of asylum seekers. There would be too much economics to sort out)
And here endeth Lynn's party politics for today.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Me again
Deleted the shaky and shoogly pic from a few days ago to replace it with one from today. Not that I am a narcissist or anything :::::laughs::::: but I got my grey hairs touched up today :-)
Money money money
My kids are away to grandma's for the day and my husband and I had our bi-annual trip into the city centre on a shopping trip. Clothing, shoes overhaul Essential, but not a good experience.
I LOVE going into town and going round the shops. It's something I have done since I was about 14 years old; heading off "up the town" with my friends, wandering around shops, trying things on, picking things up, talking, laughing, chatting etc
I really enjoy this, even if I don't spend very much money.
However I don't physically go round the shops for pleasure very often now. A big reason for this is that browsing doesn't hold the same enjoyment when someone is shouting "I need a pee....NOW" or "I'm thirsty/hungry/bored/tired", "when are we going home" "what chocolate treat are you getting me" etc etc. Double those shouts by adding child # 2 to the mix and you'll even use online shopping for a pint of milk.....
I also hardly ever go because now, when I go, I feel rising feelings of "I wish"....."I wish I could afford that". "I like those". "if only I could get that, that and that". I feel a heightened vulnerability to become a slave to materialism, consumerism and pressure to conform.
* Is it because I am getting older and wish that I had nice things to make me feel young? I don't think so, I am not that impressionable.
* Is it because I now work for a church and have less money that I used to have to spend? Not really. I have what I need (but I'd never say no to more, in case anyone with influence is reading this :::grin::::)
* Is it because I have two children who need far more than I do because they grow out of things fast? Do they demand lots of the latest "in" things? No, not really (bless'em! They have learned that mum says "we can't have that; it's too expensive/we don't need it" and they genuinely seem accepting of that)
* Is it because the "spirit of this age" whch blinds the eyes and hearts of the unbelievers is at work even when a Christian goes shopping? Do I sound mad by saying "yes" I think it is? I think consumerism and the expectation to have/spend/throw away/upgrade is a strong and mighty force. I really feel it; as I walked round I could feel my heart wishing I could buy certain things and I had to CHOOSE to think "NO" and pray out that I have all that I need; that God is my provider; that I have all I need.
Wonder if I am alone in this? Is this unique to Christian women who go shopping? I don't get this feeling in Tesco's when doing the grocery shopping; just in all the lovely clothes/shoes/jewellery shops in the city centre. I admire Guacamole Girl because I know she resists this strongly in her shopping habits.
Thoughts, please!
I LOVE going into town and going round the shops. It's something I have done since I was about 14 years old; heading off "up the town" with my friends, wandering around shops, trying things on, picking things up, talking, laughing, chatting etc
I really enjoy this, even if I don't spend very much money.
However I don't physically go round the shops for pleasure very often now. A big reason for this is that browsing doesn't hold the same enjoyment when someone is shouting "I need a pee....NOW" or "I'm thirsty/hungry/bored/tired", "when are we going home" "what chocolate treat are you getting me" etc etc. Double those shouts by adding child # 2 to the mix and you'll even use online shopping for a pint of milk.....
I also hardly ever go because now, when I go, I feel rising feelings of "I wish"....."I wish I could afford that". "I like those". "if only I could get that, that and that". I feel a heightened vulnerability to become a slave to materialism, consumerism and pressure to conform.
* Is it because I am getting older and wish that I had nice things to make me feel young? I don't think so, I am not that impressionable.
* Is it because I now work for a church and have less money that I used to have to spend? Not really. I have what I need (but I'd never say no to more, in case anyone with influence is reading this :::grin::::)
* Is it because I have two children who need far more than I do because they grow out of things fast? Do they demand lots of the latest "in" things? No, not really (bless'em! They have learned that mum says "we can't have that; it's too expensive/we don't need it" and they genuinely seem accepting of that)
* Is it because the "spirit of this age" whch blinds the eyes and hearts of the unbelievers is at work even when a Christian goes shopping? Do I sound mad by saying "yes" I think it is? I think consumerism and the expectation to have/spend/throw away/upgrade is a strong and mighty force. I really feel it; as I walked round I could feel my heart wishing I could buy certain things and I had to CHOOSE to think "NO" and pray out that I have all that I need; that God is my provider; that I have all I need.
Wonder if I am alone in this? Is this unique to Christian women who go shopping? I don't get this feeling in Tesco's when doing the grocery shopping; just in all the lovely clothes/shoes/jewellery shops in the city centre. I admire Guacamole Girl because I know she resists this strongly in her shopping habits.
Thoughts, please!
Friday, March 30, 2007
The Status of Children before God Part 1
At age 3, my child said: why is God's face so shiny? I asked him what he meant. How had he seen it? He said: "because no-one is allowed to see his face until we are in heaven. That's why his face is so shiny bright".
No-one, as far as I know, had taught my child that. I was in awe at the words he spoke. It was if he had supernatural knowledge of heavenly things. If you know me, you will know that I have quoted Mrs Miroslav Wolf on this a number of times before:
“Children are not mere ignoramuses in terms of spiritual insight in the Gospel tradition. They know Jesus’ true identity. They praise Him as the Son of David (Matthew 21:14-16). They have this knowledge from God and not from themselves and because they do, they are living manifestos to the source of all true knowledge about Christ as from God”
Gundry-Volf, J. (2000) “To Such As These Belongs the Reign of God: Jesus and Children”: in Theology Today, Jan 2000: 479 – 480
Young children know things about God. I am convinced of this. (And interestingly, story after story detailing knowledge of God from adults with learning difficulties can be found in many publications or anecdotally). And so this leads me to post on the status of children before God.
Six different views are possibly held by readers of this blog. I will outline them briefly, using Ron Buckland's categories (see What I Have Been Reading For Two Years list). Two of them (numbers 1 and 6) are diametrically opposed and three of them are broadly similar and concentrate on areas of faith development and nurture.
Possible Answer 1: all children start life outside the Kingdom of God. This assumes that children of all ages are in exactly the same position before God as adults i.e. in sin and rebellion and if they die before repentance and faith, they are hell-bound
So……….
What did Jesus mean when he said: “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these?”
And yet note the reality of rebellion and sin, even in quite small children.
Possible Answer 2: the presence of a Christian parent establishes right standing before God.
This is based on teaching about the covenant; the special agreement between God and his people (Genesis 17, Deut 29, 1 Peter 2:9-10) The children of the people of God also belong to him. If this possible answer was true, would we not see urgent evangelism amongst parents?
Possible Answer 3: the presence of a Christian parent creates privilege, not standing.
This is a softer version of answer 2. To be in a Christian home environment increases the likelihood of future Christian discipleship. It is more likely that he will be nurtured towards faith.
Possible Answer 4: the experience of baptism establishes right standing before God.
Put simply: if a child is baptised, s/he is acceptable to God. If s/he is not baptised, s/he is not. So we must get children to baptism as soon as possible.
Possible Answer 5: the experience of baptism enhances privileges.
This is a softer version of answer 4. It assumes that baptism is undertaken seriously as an expression of faith and hope by the parents. It enhances the possibility of future discipleship, like answer 3.
Possible Answer 6: All children belong to God.
This answer can lead people into difficulties. Until a child can have a personal experience of sin, and therefore of guilt, s/he is covered by Christ’s saving work. But how do we know when a child stops being a child i.e. when do they move from the “saved” position to the “unsaved” position?
If none of these "ding" with you, stay tuned for part 2 next week when I will outline a seventh possible answer, and the one which governs my vision, my mission, my role to educate parents and fellow kids team workers, makes sense, encourages me and motivates me to be both evangelistic and nurturing towards children. I will set this view in the context of Westerhoff's stages of faith development. Come back soon!
No-one, as far as I know, had taught my child that. I was in awe at the words he spoke. It was if he had supernatural knowledge of heavenly things. If you know me, you will know that I have quoted Mrs Miroslav Wolf on this a number of times before:
“Children are not mere ignoramuses in terms of spiritual insight in the Gospel tradition. They know Jesus’ true identity. They praise Him as the Son of David (Matthew 21:14-16). They have this knowledge from God and not from themselves and because they do, they are living manifestos to the source of all true knowledge about Christ as from God”
Gundry-Volf, J. (2000) “To Such As These Belongs the Reign of God: Jesus and Children”: in Theology Today, Jan 2000: 479 – 480
Young children know things about God. I am convinced of this. (And interestingly, story after story detailing knowledge of God from adults with learning difficulties can be found in many publications or anecdotally). And so this leads me to post on the status of children before God.
Six different views are possibly held by readers of this blog. I will outline them briefly, using Ron Buckland's categories (see What I Have Been Reading For Two Years list). Two of them (numbers 1 and 6) are diametrically opposed and three of them are broadly similar and concentrate on areas of faith development and nurture.
Possible Answer 1: all children start life outside the Kingdom of God. This assumes that children of all ages are in exactly the same position before God as adults i.e. in sin and rebellion and if they die before repentance and faith, they are hell-bound
So……….
What did Jesus mean when he said: “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these?”
And yet note the reality of rebellion and sin, even in quite small children.
Possible Answer 2: the presence of a Christian parent establishes right standing before God.
This is based on teaching about the covenant; the special agreement between God and his people (Genesis 17, Deut 29, 1 Peter 2:9-10) The children of the people of God also belong to him. If this possible answer was true, would we not see urgent evangelism amongst parents?
Possible Answer 3: the presence of a Christian parent creates privilege, not standing.
This is a softer version of answer 2. To be in a Christian home environment increases the likelihood of future Christian discipleship. It is more likely that he will be nurtured towards faith.
Possible Answer 4: the experience of baptism establishes right standing before God.
Put simply: if a child is baptised, s/he is acceptable to God. If s/he is not baptised, s/he is not. So we must get children to baptism as soon as possible.
Possible Answer 5: the experience of baptism enhances privileges.
This is a softer version of answer 4. It assumes that baptism is undertaken seriously as an expression of faith and hope by the parents. It enhances the possibility of future discipleship, like answer 3.
Possible Answer 6: All children belong to God.
This answer can lead people into difficulties. Until a child can have a personal experience of sin, and therefore of guilt, s/he is covered by Christ’s saving work. But how do we know when a child stops being a child i.e. when do they move from the “saved” position to the “unsaved” position?
If none of these "ding" with you, stay tuned for part 2 next week when I will outline a seventh possible answer, and the one which governs my vision, my mission, my role to educate parents and fellow kids team workers, makes sense, encourages me and motivates me to be both evangelistic and nurturing towards children. I will set this view in the context of Westerhoff's stages of faith development. Come back soon!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Disaster strikes
Made a huge discovery today. It really shook my world.
I removed not just a grey hair from my head but a silver white one. Not a little short hair but one that was about 6 inches long. I was aghast. My kids crowded round to see it. "It's so white it's almost clear", said my daughter. Cheers, pet!
Time for that colour appointment with my dear friend Tom (the hairdresser!!)
It's been an interesting day. I risked being misunderstood today. I had to speak up for something I perceived as unfair. Does that make me a moaner? Or is it a prophetic dissatisfaction? The line between them is a narrow and difficult one to walk.
I am varying between immense excitement at all the good things happening in my life and moments of sadness and confusion. This week has seen an unexpected supernatural financial gift that has come to meet a specific need right on the day it was needed (thank you, Father!)and a weekend of immense affirmation from my family AND from people in another setting who don't really know me well. And yet I have received some of "that kind of information" that I'd be better not to know as (a) it's not upbuilding and (b) makes me want to cry. Know the kind of thing I mean? As one of my friends said on Tuesday: watch out for friendly fire!
BUT..... tomorrow is Friday. I love Fridays....most Fri mornings I go to Costa (sorry M - but is it OK if I drink only the fairtrade tea? I don't like coffee) with my playground mum friends who are such good company then hang out with them not only at lunchtime but, because the school holidays start tomorrow, later in the afternoon too, with loads of kids in tow. And then another school family have invited us for tea. A very relaxing day. Bring it on!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Busy week
Hmmmm, when is a week not busy? I am beginning to reflect on this. Will it be when my children are grown up? Answers on a postcard please!
I am preparing for an all age service and am being very stirred by the biblical command to care for the widow, the fatherless and the alien in our midst. And so, believing it to a godly/prophetic firing up; that's where I think we'll go......I have an amazing Senior Pastor who can rein me in where necessary and his son the worship leader who I am meeting with tomorrow to pray and plan. If G the Younger thinks something is "mince", he'll tell me! And I respect them both immensely.
Please do read and comment on Still Small Voices; as we approach elections, it would be good to consolidate our opinions on these stories of fear and forced removals.
On March 21 an encouraging story about the Scottish Executive broke: read it here
I like to end on a more positive note and not think about the devolved/reserved powers debate!
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