Amazed & Confused

My Favourite Photo From a 24-7 Prayer Room This Week

Isn't this amazing. I just received this photo with a whole bunch of others from a 24-7 Prayer Room in Slovakia.  I love the clarity and colour, it's so vivid.  This station would definitely give me pause for thought in an hour with God.

The Art of Procrastination

Saturday morning I perfected the art of procrastinating.  Not only did I do all my chores (even the ones I had previously been avoiding) but I suddenly got the urge to bake.  A slightly ill judged and frustrating hour later I emerged triumphant (and covered in flour) with Millionaires Shortcake and Oat Crunchies.  I had successfully managed to fill my whole morning up to the moment where I had to leave for Julie Fox's Hen Day :)  An afternoon of games, challenges and dressing the bride in toilet paper and bin liners ensued (I think she looks quite fetching) and was rounded off by a delicious meal out with all her lovely lady friends.  I love Hen Days.  People are so generous and it's such a special moment in life...

I returned home to a different kind of celebration and found Steve and the lovely Craig Newey tasting our entire Whisky collection.  I fell about laughing when I saw how seriously they were taking it with a little jug of water on stand by and a piece of paper each on which they were describing and ranking the whiskies.  Actually I was a little envious, it looked like fun :)

Sunday, after an excellent gathering of the Revs community (more on that later) I put all procrastination aside and knuckled down to the task that will be occupying my thoughts for the majority of this week... preparing my talk for next Sunday.  Thankfully I already feel I know what I want to communicate so I'm entering the refining and structuring phase of the preperations.  I don't know why I get so nervous about it.  I've really enjoyed studying for this one and the topics quite a challenge (more on that even later) and I'm speaking a home crowd so really it should be ok.  I've been studying Paul (my talk is from 1 Corinthians) and I love what he said about purposefully keeping his presentation of the gospel simple so the power of the Holy Spirit could do his thing and Paul could take no credit for the results.  I'd love to be able to do that... keep it simple and trust God will give it strength... xc

So Say We All!

Today is a sad day... the greatest show ever to grace our Television sets has come to a rip roaring end.  The Battlestar Galactica and the remnant of the 12 colonies has come to rest after a long and beautifully developed journey.  I spent all last night dreaming about it like my subconscious couldn't let the characters slip away. 

I've loved this series and was entranced from the get-go.  I remember with affection watching the repeats of the original and joined other old school fans with trepidation to see the re-imagining of the camp space adventure which featured sexy cylons and a female Starbuck (!!!).  Like so many I was quietly impressed by the production values, script, performances and depth.  Alongside President Laura Roslyn, Admiral William Adama, Pilot Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace and Captain/Vice President Lee 'Apollo' Adama I've explored the philosophy and morality of democracy, martial law, abortion, genocide, racism and the rule of law.  I've gotten tangled up in the flawed and fleshed out character's with their unique lives, loves and weaknesses and drawn into their response to being hunted and oppressed.  Like all good science fiction Battlestar Galactica has not flinched from discussing issues incredibly pertinent to the Western world and in particular our need for power and what makes us human.  

I've loved the interplay of stunning action sequences, political intrigue, philosophical musing and spiritual overtones.  Particularly I've enjoyed the parallel to the story of Israel in the Old Testament (check out everything from the Exodus through to the restoration of Jerusalem - amazing reflections and references) and the acknowledgment of a higher power/God so concerned with the survival of mankind.

As they answered an incredible number of questions and tied together plot strands that have developed since the first pilot, I sat amazed, dreading the end of the episode when those titles flash up at ridiculous speed and it's all over.  Last night and this morning Steve and I lamented and celebrated the conclusions of the characters we've known and loved and what we wished could have been for them...

I found this online today.  What other TV show is invited to share their thoughts on race and racism at the United Nations???  Amazing...  It seems like a fitting salute to a show that dared to ask difficult questions and hold a mirror up to some of the uglier features of the Western world.

 

Images from a sunny weekend...

This weekend was simultaneously wonderful and weird.  Full of lovely people, romantic meals and walks in the sunshine.  It was only slightly sullied but a poorly tummy.  Steve and I particularly enjoyed dinner with the Harding siblings and a morning walk with our Nephew Judah :)

I officially acknowledged the sun with enthusiastic toenails. I am now prepared for any summer foot related eventuality: open toed shoes, a bare foot walk on the beach or having my foot run over by a bus...

I've also banished my winter boots in favour of my colourful trainers, slip ons and flip flops.  I love the little burst of colour by my front door :)

We ended the weekend leading worship at the Revs evening meeting.  Steve did a super job (I was totally rubbish running out of energy just as the meeting started) and Maggie Ellis gave a superb talk about sex.  Check out the Revs website in the next few days to listen to it for yourself - highly recommended! xc

Today is a sad day...

Our lovely house mate Fumino Kimura has just pulled away in a taxi, beginning her long journey back to Japan.  A year ago, when we were preparing for Fumino's arrival, we were hoping to learn something about Japanese culture, to have a nice new house mate and maybe even a friend.  What we didn't expect was someone who feels so much a part of our family.  We love Fumino and sharing our home with her for the last 300 and something days has been a real joy.  I embarrassed myself (and maybe her) by crying as she left but I don't care, I am grateful that we got to share our lives with someone so lovely, who was on such a large, important and formative adventure in her life.  Fumino we pray God keeps you safe and happy as you continue your studies back in Japan.  In the mean time back here at the House of Sven it's weird to think that another young woman, Sun Young Park from Korea, will be arriving in a few short weeks.  Steve, Itzi (our other lovely Spanish house mate who joined me in crying in the street) and I will welcome them warmly and will hopefully make a new friend, but between now and then the three of us will be missing Fumino's presence every time we sit down to share dinner together... xc

A Simple Challenge

Steve and I are asking God for guidance on something at the moment.  It's been a while since I've asked Him a particular question so the last few weeks I've journalled and prayed and asked God to speak in a really clear way.  As I sat on a bench waiting for me train this morning, thinking about the fact that Steve and I are going to make a decision tomorrow, I realised that though I find contemplation, reading my Bible, reflecting and asking God for stuff fairly easy, I've gotten out of the habit of listening very hard for very long, therefor I was lacking clarity about what God's answer might be.  I was struck with a moment of uncertainty: could I be repeatedly asking Him the same question and He's shouting back His answer and I'm doing a Bruce almighty and missing it?  

As I had this moment of crisis I noticed that I was sitting next to two elderly Nuns.  These two women were waiting for the same train as me and chatting to each other enjoying the sun.  It struck me that it's likely that they've spent a lot longer than I listening to God and probably in a different way to my experience.  So I plucked up the courage, turned to them and introduced myself.  I explained my dilemma, "I'm a Christian, I'm asking God for guidance on a specific thing and I don't think I'm hearing the response... How do you hear God?" They looked simultaneously taken a back at this random but important question posed to them on a train platform, and delighted to have the opportunity to talk about Jesus.  I leaned in as they instantly started to share from their own experience.  Sister Margaret and Sister Maria both agreed that the way they hear God is to sit in silence until you were sure you've heard Him.  I have to say I was momentarily disappointed.  Even though it probably doesn't exist I was hoping they were gonna share with me some cool traditional way to get instant discernment.   Instead as I listened to them talk with confidence and obvious joy about what it's like to be sure of what God is saying in your thoughts and the peace that brings in your heart I realised that might be just my problem...

I enjoy praying and I think talking with the Father, Son and Spirit is incredibly important but a lot of my focused prayer time is about me musing with Him or confessing something or asking Him to help people or situations.  Though all this is great, I have totally gotten out of the habit of just sitting and listening.  I don't know if I've ever been in the habit for very long.  I fill every moment of my day with things to do, say, listen to and think about.  I am rarely doing just one thing, let alone no things.  Sister Margaret and Sister Maria explained to me that getting away from all distractions regularly was absolutely key to stilling your mind and heart to hear God.

So there it is... this is what I lack... this is what I struggle with... it's not rocket science in fact and it's very simple.  So... seeing as I still have a question I'd really like my Father's thoughts on I'm gonna post this blog, close my laptop and go for a walk to get away from it all.  xc

Sunshine & Blossoms

Today is a glorious day here in the sunny city of Chichester.  The sun is shining, the blossoms are adorning the trees and freshly washed dogs are lying lazily in the sun.  The quality of the light in Spring has an incredible effect on the inhabitants of England.  Nobly knees and pasty legs are being proudly displayed, sunglasses are giving everyone that hint of mystery and there are smiles curving the corners of even the most serious faces.  It makes me grateful to live in such a beautiful place... xc

Doodles, Scribbles and Scrawl

Doesn't this photo just make you smile?  It's one of my favourites from a Prayer Room we ran in our local Cathedral.  Sometimes simple is powerful.  This kid draws better than me...  I wish I could draw well.  Recently I've moved from articulating my thoughts through conversation and writing, to trying to draw what I want to express.  The problem is I suck at it.  I'm not even being modest - I'm totally rubbish.  One friend who glanced at my open journal recently thought my drawing of a baby in the womb was a pretzel! (Before I get a dozen emails I'm not preggers, just praying for our many friends who are - sorry Dad)... It doesn't really matter when I'm drawing my prayers in my journal.  I know God's not grading me and He gets my meaning, besides I don't mind amusing Him with my serious lack of talent.

I've just wrapped up my to-do list for today and settled down to write to you lovely cyber-folks.  As I considered what image I'd open with the thought 'I feel like drawing today's blog' popped into my head.  Wouldn't that be cool?  If I could actually make good on that thought I'd want one of those laptops that Phil Anderson and Joe Steinke have where you draw straight onto the screen and then I'd communicate to you visually in lines, shade and shape. Alas it's not to be.  I'll keep my scrawl between God and I... xc 

Gravity

What a stunningly beautiful and inventive video.  Wow - true creativity is alive and well. Thanks Adam for sending it my way xc

Just for the fun of it...

Two approaching films that make squee like a five year old.  Hope you enjoy... engage...  xc

Peace at the Carnival

Every now and then I get a story from a 24-7 Prayer Room that makes me particularly smile.  It might be a dramatic answer to prayer or just the enthusiasm of the person I'm chatting too from the other side of the world.  This week my favourite email was from Trina in Brazil.  The story will be going live on the 24-7 site in the next week so I guess this is a bit of an exclusive.  I think these guys are amazing and this story shows you don't have to be big and flashy to make a difference...

“We really enjoyed praying!” Writes Trina from Brazil.  “Our church is tiny so it was pretty incredible that we managed to fill all 24 hours but people were wonderful.  On average, each person gave around 5 - 6 hours of his or her time to prayer.  The youth were the most incredible; they wanted to carry on once we finished.  Some of them were trembling with the power of God and one young man says that for some reason, the extended prayer has simply given him a new perspective, a new way of being in life.  That is so precious.

Our city is a violent one in the state of Rio de Janeiro.  Normally during the Carnival period there are many deaths here.  When I felt God put 24-7 prayer on my heart for the start of carnival, I felt as if we were being given a commission, a watch for the city.

We prayed over the previous week’s newspaper, which was full of stories about assaults and deaths, and asked the Lord that the following newspaper would be free of all that stuff.  Incredibly it was! 

No one died during this Carnival! 

The headlines were something about how quiet the Carnival period was. We are so grateful to God!  Sadly, as soon as carnival finished we had a number of shootings and violent deaths nearby.   Though that doesn't detract from the prayers that were answered it brought home to us that prayer is so needed here.  We will definitely be doing another 24-hour prayer session, probably around Easter time.”

Visitors

The last two days have brought as many welcome visitors into my working week.  Yesterday in the London 24-7 office Miss Angel Togwell put me through my paces with tickles, rocking and questions.  She was particularly helpful in cheering up the office with lovely drawings that I've now stuck into my journal and at helping me finish my special fizzy lemonade (pelle-pelle-grino-time).  Sorry Toggers I think she's hooked and it aint cheap... Today the lovely Sheena Littlehale is sitting at my dining room table volunteering for 24-7 Prayer.  I haven't seen Sheena in three years and though I have kept up now and again via cyber-means there is no substitute for a cup of tea and conversation. Hmmmm lovely. xc

Thanks for the memories...

Things I’m thankful for from a great ’08: my husband, my family (especially siblings in blood and law), my home (and the people who live within it), my friends (especially my cymbrogi – you know who you are), my community, my God (He really should have come a lot higher on the list), my brain and body, the ability to grow, the prayers I’ve seen answers to, the dreams I’m living out, the movement I am part of…

Actually the last one is an understatement.  I could make a list of things I’m grateful for just in 24-7 Prayer… hmm I’m going to… I am grateful that I get to encourage people, see lives changed, do something worth living for, work alongside such inspiring people, have such satisfaction in my work, be part of something big, see God change lives, hear about answers to prayer and see where Jesus takes people…

Prayer is a tough thing to quantify and its importance is difficult to justify, especially if you don’t believe there’s anyone listening to you, but I honestly believe I could not be doing anything more important. I think I was made for this: encouraging people to talk to Jesus and then to do whatever He tells them too. The thousand or so groups who did that last year saw people find out who Jesus is, illness and injuries healed, hearts made whole and hurts soothed. Many were infected with a need to help people, for no other reason than love...  My lovely friend Pete Greig wrote a brilliant summary of what an amazing year 2008 was for the prayer movement. You really should read it; it’ll make you smile.  No-one can turn down a smile.  His fantastic report is accompanied by a chance for everyone to give to the work of 24-7.  God has been awesome and really looked after us during this credit crunch and when it has been tough the 24-7 infrastructure is lean and able to adapt.  It's weird but as the economy of our nation has taken a downturn I don't think I've had more faith for provision for my family, church and 24-7 Prayer.  God hasn't left us trying desperately to tread water: He's given Steve and I opportunities to earn the money we need, He's helped the Revs community reach a big goal and 24-7 is growing and spreading continuously.  If you wanna be part of something amazing in 2009 please consider giving up a few coffees or cinema trips and give to 24-7 Prayer.  Click on this shiny button to find out how.

A Hungry Season

I can't even conceive of a hungry season... This morning I embarked on my weekly ritual of sifting through the blogs of people I love around the world, I only made it through a few before I had to come back here and had to write something.  The Borden family and Lisa in particular really inspire me with the choices they make, the way they live their life in Africa and the ease and joy with which they do it.  Lisa is a strong contender for my favourite blogger because her thoughts are always challenging and so beautifully written. 

Today I read this post about her recent trek through the Loita Hills.  As I read one line amidst many in the telling of their adventures I got stuck...  "During our time there last week, we visited in homes and listened to the struggles of families who are dealing with a hungry season. These are difficult days for our friends."  What is a hungry season?  It's got to be longer than a day or a week.  How much time does it take until you can call something a season?  This morning, the pray-as-you-go Podcast I listened to talked about thirsting for God like you thirst in a desert.  As I wrote in my journal I thought, 'I really don't know what it's like to thirst'.  If I'm hungry I go to my kitchen within an hour or so of feeling the pangs. If I'm out I take money out of my bank account and buy food.  If there's no money Mr Visa lends me some.  I am never in a situation where food and drink is out of my reach.

Steve and I have cut back big time on our food bill at the moment.  It's part of an effort to save some cash and pay off a credit card that built up before Christmas.  It's not an emergency, more an exercise in consequences and making sure we're debt free (ignoring our giant mortgage).  When we went through and trimmed our budget giving up luxuries like exercise classes, subscriptions to book clubs and takeaways (Massala Gate - we will return to sample your tender curries!) it felt like a big deal.  We can actually feel the sacrifices we're making and having to adjust our habits.  I felt quite proud about it until I read Lisa's post and contemplated the meaning of her words. The reality of the change to our grocery bill is switching from organic meat to frozen cheap stuff. Exotic fruit and veg to cheaper staples. Brands to own-brands. Pathetic really... we still eat and a lot.  We'll be dining on far from basic food, our cupboards bursting with variety while Lisa's friends live hungry.  

I know I can't change where I was born, and I am very grateful for all God has given us, but I am humbled today when I put our slight tightening of the belt next to 93% of our fellow men to whom I am rich beyond measure... xc

Twittering Away

Sooo I'm a Twitter virgin and I'm not entirely sold on the concept but I thought I'd let everyone know that I'm diving in in an impersonal with the new 24-7 Prayer Twitter.  Follow the happenings of 24-7 Prayer internationally with the latest tid bits of news before anyone else hears them and prayer requests as they happen.  If I get into it I may set one up of my own but I've heard it's frighteningly addictive!?!