OH LORDY, DON'T CALL US, WE'LL CALL YOU.
I can honestly say as I look out of my bedroom window, mornings do not get more beautiful than this.
The sun is low, of course it鈥檚 winter. The light is golden. The shadows long.
I have one window in my bedroom, oak framed, stained glass, a straw blind that鈥檚 pulled down but entirely transparent鈥
The window is on my left. Two big oak trees are the first things to catch my attention and then a little further back, much more visible in the nakedness of December, a beautiful old church with a fine steeple, the sun playing hide and seek behind it. Now you see me, now you don鈥檛.
There鈥檚 not a cloud in the sky, I hope it stays like this all day, I don鈥檛 know if it will I have no idea of the forecast.
What kind of feeling do you have in your tummy today ? Have you even stopped to
think ? . Maybe we do only stop to think this when we know the feeling鈥檚 going to be good. My tummy feels amazing today, very at peace with the world, for now at least. I hope it stays like this all day, I haven鈥檛 checked my forecast either.
鈥淗ate evil,鈥 I heard on Sunday. It was part of a church service I was listening to. A good sentiment, I thought but the rest of the service was dull, dull, dull, full of expressions like, 鈥淥h king of kings,鈥 and 鈥淟ord we know we have failed you,鈥 neither helped by the voice of the minister who was said them both like he was reading the odds for the 3.30 at Sandown.
鈥淗ate evil,鈥 uttered by a young woman as part of a reading, on the other hand was big and bold and meant something. 鈥淵eh,鈥 I thought, I鈥檓 more than happy to hate evil. I didn鈥檛 think I hated anything but when it comes to evil I鈥檓 giving it a go.
鈥淥h king of kings,鈥 such a contradiction in terms. Is God a god or a king? Surely God cannot be a king it doesn鈥檛 make sense. It also suggests that all kings are in some way gods which we know is definitely not true and by the way where鈥檚 there a mention of queens if this is the case.
鈥淟ord we know we have failed you!鈥 No we don鈥檛. MY mum doesn鈥檛 know she鈥檚 failed you, the thousands of nurses and policemen/women, firemen/women, soldiers鈥 they don鈥檛 know they鈥檝e failed you.
You can鈥檛 just stand in a pulpit and repeat things that were once relevant but no longer make little or any sense at all.
Hate evil鈥 YES YES YES. The rest鈥O NO NO.
I鈥檝e said before, if the church was a television show, it would have been cancelled years ago because it鈥檚 ratings are so bad.
When the script doesn鈥檛 work it鈥檚 time for a re-write, not of the message but of the words that convey such a message. I like the message.
HATE EVIL,
don鈥檛 miss the new church story coming to a church near you soon.
My steeple, though now bathed in sunlight, still seems to be drowning in it鈥檚 own darkness.
Where it once called us to be saved, I think it鈥檚 time perhaps, we returned the favour.
x.
Comments
I find great strength from going to church, from my faith. I find courage, warmth and compassion. Everyone has the right to choose and I choose to believe.
I personally don鈥檛 find the services I go to boring, although I have been at odds with my vicar because I don鈥檛 necessarily agree with some of the things in the Bible being relevant to living in the 21st Century.
Maybe those people didn鈥檛 just stand in a pulpit and repeat words, maybe they truly believed in every sentiment, every word, every line.
Hi Chris
I was very interested in what you had to say today. I am a Christian and I must say our church is not dull, dull, dull but very exciting, vibrant and full of life. The expression "King of kings" means that God is King of the kings (and Queens). There is no one higher than the King in the land but God is greater than all of these. He is a multi faceted character much like the many faces of a mirror ball. And yes I agree we must find a different way of communicating the message so that it is not so dull but understood by those who hear and exciting to be part of.
If you are saying yes to hating evil, what are you going to love?
Goodmorning Christophe & Bloggers this is new to me not posted before my Mother always told me not to hate perhaps will need to rethink that one.
Feeling in my tummy today one of quite contentment except now that you are having a good day weather wise it has rained for weeks in Glasgow.
Christof, Christof Christof.
I gave up with the Church years ago after I heard the minster tell my dad's funeral that "God had chosen him", and later I asked him to explain why he had chosen him over anyone else, when I loved him so much and was so lost with out him at such only 21. He denied saying "chose him", and said "took him in after he died".... He couldn't answer me, and no one can.
I love that people have faith.
What I have faith in is People. That people are inherently good and kind. Every day, I do at least ONE good thing, and hope that that person takes faith in me doing that and passes it on.
I believe that there is something bigger. Probably the Mother Ship.
For years I've told my kids this, and then I discovered Tom Cruise thought the same thing!!!
Do I feel daft or what?
Everyone should hate evil, and be nice and good. Being nice is a joy.... Look at you - you radiate joy and fun and all thru being nice and having an enthusiasm for life.
There's a lot to be learned from being like you Christof.
Merry Christmas Shloggees.
DoggiewithNobrain.
Mornin' all,
Oh Chris you lucky old thing you, I can't see a thing in the morning before leaving for work due to it still being v dark, however by the time I get to work on a morning like this one I don't want to go into the office, I work in a small village surrounded by hills, fields and woodland and the light is just magical, oh well I'm in the office now, next glimps will be when I nip out for a ciggie, oh yes, that reminds me, how's that going for you.
As regards your comments re church service I couldn't agree more, how can we have 'failed him' whoever he is, and I think 'he' means very different things for an awful lot of us. Speaking personally 'he' means nothing whatsoever to me, but hey ho each to thier own.
I will have to console myself in the fact the I truly hate evil and try to live my life causing as little damage as possible to all I know, love or just meet. The other thing I truly hate is lies and liars.
Well, that's got that off me chest, be good, be kind and you will not fail anyone.
Take care
Nicki
i'm going through some tough times at the moment and it has been suggested that maybe I would find comfort if I joined a church. I'm not sure about it myself.....
Feeling in my tummy today? Butterflies and I have no idea why! Strange huh?!
Anyway peeps - hope you're all feeling dandy this morning. As Chris said, it was a beautiful morning so I hope it put joy in your hearts and a spring in your step.
Love to all
J x
Morning Chris and all
I love the nativity story (nifinity as my 7 year old says) and I go to church on Christmas Eve, but sometimes I'm shocked at how hypocritical regular churchgoers are. Someone I know is always talking about how she's a christian and goes to church, but she's often very unkind about others and I wonder what God would think about that!
I just try and treat others as I would like to be treated, surely if Jesus really existed that is what he'd want me to do. I too hate evil; surely that is all that really matters.
Em xx
Ps I think you've probably opened a whole can of worms with this religion debate!
Am at home today CLP and team, due to a upset tummy, it turned on me lastnight and then again this morning, I feel like theres a few thousand fireworks going off in my belly (ouch..).
Thanks for reading my text message last night Chris, if you are wondering why I should be a guest on your show? well... I'm becoming famous due to my popular music series called Straight Outa Bristol (which everyone can listen to for FREE from the iTunes Store, online!) just Google it or me and you shall find it!
And some people call me 'better than Simon Cowell!' at least I help musicians! all Simon Cowell does is... what?
Let me take todays blog opportunity, to say goodluck to my best buddy Justin Lee Collins (legend TV presenter) who is nominated this year for a new comer award at tomorrows Comedy Awards (which you can watch on ITV1 in the evening!!) - Justin is an amazing presenter and great friend!
Thanks team, have a great 2 hour fun show 2night, from 5pm on 大象传媒 Radio 2...
Goodtimes!
Sam D in Bristol
I too draw great strength from going to church. I enjoy the services and feel somehow calmer afterwards.
I also sometimes send up a prayer or ask for guidance when I'm washing up or driving in my car - faith should be about everyday and not just once on Sundays.
Tracey-Ann - hope you are feeling strong at the moment and ((((hugs)))) to you and anyone else who needs a bit of a lift today xx
jillygoat x
oh Chris a brilliant post today!
Well what is my tummy feeling today? It feels strange, actually my whole body feels strange... tired after tree decorating!
Chronic Fatigue is a strange old thing. Yesterday I was having a good day, i did my meditation and rested but i decorate my little tree and wrap a couple of presents and then today...BOOM I feel awful, my head feels like its about to fall off my neck. Maybe I should go to church... the one thing I haven't done.
Now off to the Dentist, I think I might fall asleep in the chair!!
Love to you all and will pop back on later, missy xx
Hi Christophe
Very profound of you today. The sun is shining here too, and the wee robin is hop-hop-hoppin. Very very windy and cold though, and I've got a feeling in my tummy that is looking forward to some yummy winter dinner later!
I think it's odd that so many things have been translated into current language...the Oxford English Dictionary publishes new words every year...but although there has been a 'new' bible for many years, it has never been translated into how it would affect our lives now.
In days gone by, evil was feared. Families lived their lives trying to make themselves better people because they afraid of the evil. You'd get 'the fear of God' put into you if you weren't good...Divine retribution...but this made you try even harder.
There is a lot of evil in the world today, made by those who don't know any better, or those who think it is fun to hurt or destroy. These people have solitary souls and no respect for those around them.
I'm not saying it would be better if everyone still went to church, but it would possibly be better if there was still a central point for belief, and to maybe be held in awe?
I believe in higher beings. I believe in karma. I believe that if I stop to let someone cross the road and smile at them, I may spread some happiness into that person's day.
You can only start by hating evil. Then you have to try and do something about it.
Tout le monde sommes nos amis
love
hazel
x
Hey christophe x
try having a look at 'the message', its just what you said was needed - the same old message written in a new way; not changing the message as such but refreshing it to be seen and 'got' with 21st century eyes.
let us know if you can't get it, and you can have an early christmas present! x
p.s.
today IS going to be a good day - its going to be a BRILLIANT day, and thats saying something cause mini's dad's even going in for an operation. But it'll all be good-you'll see.
"evenwhen you can't see it or barely understand it, the universe is no doubt unfolding just as it should"
ahhhhhh.....
...and something slightly more worrying...there is a noise like the Tardis outside...
...?
Good morning, Chris! Thank you so much for such a wonderful description of what you wake up to! Do you realise how much this endears you to your fans? The fact that you will take time out to put your thoughts and musings on screen, and let us have a wee peak into your world means a lot to your bloggers and blogettes! As I look out from our window to the Scorguie hills all I see is torrential rain!
I have to say, I didn't wake with a good feeling in my tummy this morning, having had another unsettled night with Charis, knowing that I was looking after her wee pal Amy from 8am to 6pm today! But when I switched on the Christmas lights and saw the decorations, a wee warm feeling creeped in. Then it was onto your blog to catch up with fellow blogger and bloggettes' comments ... and the wee warm feeling grew. Then I 'visited' one of my Xanga buddies (Lobo_99 - well worth popping over to have a look at) and browsed through his photos .... and the warm feeling spread through my tummy and into my heart. Now, having read your blog, it has reached the depths of my soul and I feel the peace coming through! Boy, did I need it!
What folk need to be reminded of is that God is a God of love - that's why we have Christmas! We are not hearing the message as it should be preached - that'[s why our churches are empty where once the pews were rocking! The worst thing is that they don't seem to be aware of the empty pews and the lack of kids and young folk in the church .... and carry on regardless! Lets get back to the lively, radical church of the apostles day! There is so much that is relevent to todays needy society in the Bible, yet it's not always being faithfully conveyed to the nation!
Like Tracey-Ann, I find strength in my faith - I wouldn't be here without it - but struggle because our church doesn't always seem able to reach the folk who need to know that they are loved and cared for.
Right ... stepping off soap box!
Oh ... wow ... just noticed I got a mention in recent comments! Happy, happy, happy!
So ... did you, or did you not roll in the paddock!? You're still keeping us in suspenders!
Looking forward to a terrific Tuesday show! Have a great day - enjoy your walk with your boss (the dog!).
Hugs, Susan x
Hey Chris
happy tuesday to you - not long to go until we wrap up with our families by the fire. Hope your tree is up and the pressies sitting shiney and exciting underneath.
Can you give us a few mulled wine / mince pie (..etc) tips please this week - also something unusual we can all enoy for the festive season - something midly alcoholic preferably! - Get the thinking cap on . .!
Dan
Morning Christoffffffffffff and bloggers all
I went to church for the first 20 years of my life, and do believe in some greater power or purpose, but I no longer go to church because there were too many human agendas, does that sound daft?
I used to belong to a Boys Brigade company and this was tied in with the church that I attended, but the older people were trying to keep the church 鈥渢raditional鈥 at a time when the average congregation had fallen from 50 plus for each of the two Sunday services to barely 20 attending the sole service.
We set up a youth club to attract younger people to the church during the week with no faith agenda attached, as soon as the attendance at the youth club became more popular than the Sunday service the Minister tried to bring in a faith element for half an hour on each youth club night. I, as someone who attended the church and youth club, was being cajoled into getting people to go to the half hour session. I said no but the church tried to continue anyway. Within 6 weeks the youth club closed down due to lack of interest, everyone who attended simply left because of having religion forced upon them.
Whenever I then attended the church services I was made to feel that it was my fault that everyone was driven away. I had a stand-up row after one service with the minister and 鈥渟enior鈥 congregation members because of their attitude towards young people in the church. I walked out that day, and have never been back. I remain a believer but in my own way!
Chris you鈥檙e right the message is good, it just needs re-packaging for the present day.
The feeling in my stomach today is probably a mixture of excitement, apprehension and panic, as this time next week Mrs DD, I and our four cats will be moving from beautiful Norfolk with the big open skies, to Milton Keynes, which I am sure is beautiful in its own way, but that I still have to discover the inherent charm that it contains.
To all those in pain, I wish well being.
DD out
'Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.'
Washington Irving
{{{{Jax}}}} - Being surrounded by supportive friends who keep me going is what made the church I go to worth going to. It's difficult in today's society to get to know people, and to find true friends - sometimes it's easier in a church because the folk there are, on the whole, friendlier, more loving and caring. The Mums and Tots group we go to is in an independant church, run by volunteers from the congregation - they know I have my own church, but they are so supportive and loving of us as a family.
'From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another. The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.'
Emily Matthews
DWNB - so sorry you had such a negative experience at such a distressing and painful time - doesn't sound like the minister was of much comfort to you all.
Em M - yup - you're right - Jesus said 'Love your neighbour as you would yourself', so He is so saddened when He sees those who say they follow Him treating others unkindly. Yet we are all imperfect - that is why He came to us as a baby, and died on a cross, to cancel out our imperfections and clear a straight path to God.
'Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; Teach us to be patient and always to be kind.'
Helen Steiner Rice
jillygoat - I always try to imagine that God is at my elbow as I'm driving or washing up or whatever I'm doing, so that I include Him in my day to day. Doesn't always stop the road rage, unfortunately!
Hazel Love - there is a new translation out called The Message - it reads just like a book and is put into modern language and phrases. i think you're right - there would perhaps be more a sense of community and neighbourliness if everyone still went to church ... and perhaps not so many lost and lonely souls. I'm sure you're kindness is indeed infectious.
It's still raining! Brrrrrrr....
'Somehow, not only for Christmas,
But all the long year through,
The joy that you give to others,
Is the joy that comes back to you.
And the more you spend in blessing,
The poor and lonely and sad,
The more of your heart's possessing,
Returns to you glad.'
John Greenleaf Whittier
Please ... send some good weather up our way!
hugs, Susan
Hey Chris - this is my first time blogging!
I'm a believer although I do not go to church and driving to work this morning I had a chat with Jesus and felt his love coursing through me -it was lovely! The sky was an amazing colour - dark dramatic clouds with streaks of orange and bits of blue....felt so good to be alive. I'm glad you feel peaceful today and hope that like me you try to spread that feeling of goodwill to all men (and women) that you come across today!
I think you do that very well on your radio show. Although I was very dubious when you first started - you have won me over.
Love & best wishes, Sandra x
Good morning Chris
Ah, religion. The opium of the people.
I once attended a Southern Baptist service in the depths of redneck Georgia (part of last weeks opus) and the gold-dripping pastor spent two hours extorting cash from the congregation (many of whom looked as if they couldn鈥檛 afford it, yet were willing enough to toss $20, $30, $50, $100 at him to fund his next bling purchase) and attacking various religions from around the world.
In the name of God.
A year ago today I walked away from the inferno that was the company that I had joined just three months previously with a carrier bag full of cash and a bucket of bitterness.
Sure, things looked grim when I joined, but I had been sold the 鈥榣oads of money on its way from rich investors鈥 story and took the plunge. Things went downhill fairly swiftly and we didn鈥檛 get paid for November and just managed to salvage some money in December by selling the last dregs of stock before everything imploded. Interesting to taste life 鈥榦n the other side鈥 though. Creditors threatening to break the door down (and then our legs), baliffs turning up to seize what they could and checking every day to see whether we鈥檇 been paid yet. And we hadn鈥檛. Never want to go through it again, but rich experience in hindsight.
This isn鈥檛 a sob story. I had time off at Christmas, got some temp work in the new year and landed my current role in April. It is just interesting how things change and how fragile our careers can be. Yesterday, my wife came home having been told she would have to reapply for her own job.
Ho hum, no wonder so many of us want to walk away from all this and become lentil farmers in Peru (decided that beards and goats weren鈥檛 for me).
I think the bugs are getting the better of me. Feeling just slightly less than fabulous today, so I am working my way through a pile of satsumas in a futile attempt to fend off the lurgies. On the upside, I had the best nights sleep for months last night. Its just a shame that I am not feeling the benefits of it!
Mind you, better that it is this week. Next week we鈥檝e got a couple of days in Wales before 鈥榙riving home for Christmas鈥 (thank you Mr Rea).
Peace all.
PS Sugar cube, drop of bitters, splash of brandy, top up with Champagne. Mmmmmmm.
PPS 29 Palms Inn
Morning one and all
Butterflies in the tummy. Yes I have that today as I embark on a visit to the dentist.
It is rather sad that Churches are closing down all over the place. However one near me has become a comedy club and has had a much larger congregation of late.
God said "wherever you are you will find me, under that stone". I believe thats true and you need to live your life accordingly.
Blimey, very deep and spiritual today, but all good stuff - as we've come to expect is think!
I love God sooo much cos he's never let me down yet. However bad things get, he always comes up with the goods (usually some form of cash to keep the flow going) at the last minute.
Even when I suffered the most unbelievable sadness on the death of the most 'monster' dog I ever owned, I now look back and see how God moved in his own mysterious way and brought me that pooch as a an 'angel' to encourage me to study the psychology behind his behaviour.
As a result of Diesel's craziness, I now run (and have done for six years) a very successful dog psychology business and have seen over 1000 dogs, most of whom are very grateful for the help I've given their owners in making life easier for all concerned. So, God may work in mysterious ways, but there's usually a reason behind it, however hard it may be to see it at first.
My dad was killed in action in Aden when I was only six months old and I often wonder what the reason behind that was, but I have my suspicions that it was to make my mother a stronger person, who in turn became a wonderful role model and also met my lovely step dad who I'd never have known otherwise - and who helps me to have a sunny disposition (Ooh err, get me - at least I THINK I have a sunny disposition!)
Anyway Christophe et al, we should all be nice to our fellow men, but just watch out for those who will gladly slash you on the 'other cheek' if you turn it, cos sadly, not all people think like we do.
Love and best wishes to you all. xxx
minigirl - let us know ow he gets on - praying it goes well.
Hazel Love - keep us posted if you go travelling in the Tardis!! I SOOOOOOOO can't wait til Dr Who Christmas!!!!!!
Dissing Dave - hope the move goes well! How exciting!
'Heap on the wood!-the wind is chill;
But let it whistle as it will,
We'll keep our Christmas merry still.'
Sir Walter Scott
Morning
Faith is an odd thing. I used to be a church goer but for the music not the preaching. A choir can lift you to a higher plain- is that religion ?
I dont know if i believe in God. I want to I know that and there are far greater people than me with higher intelligence and understanding that believe without doubt. Our planet fills me with joy and dread. So beautiful and so dangerous. Evil should be hated but should we forgive the evil doers. I doubt I would be able to forgive a person who did evil to me . I can forgive God ( if he/she does exsist) for taking so many loved ones from me but not for the suffering they went through.
Will spend the day pondering
Saz
x
You see I do have a faith but I have a problem.... I believe in God but I'm a believer in Darwin's theory of evolution so how does that work? Does that mean I cannot be religious - if I tend to err towards science?
I did attend church when I was a child, right up until I was confirmed and then, completely coincedently, I stopped going, although I was a member of a youth group which was connected to the church until my late teens
I do find solace in having faith in something - whether it be people, religion or whatever. Right now, in my life, I need to find faith in something from somewhere.
Susan S #17 - thank you for the hugs. I'm a complete believer in hugs, whether they be physical or virtual.
Friends - it's good to have faith in friends
Lotsa love
J x
morning everyone!
on my drive to work this morning it was beeeaaauuutiful! the sun was low in the sky, the fields were crisp with frost and how comes the word 'green' never seems adequate enough to describe the scrumptiousness of all the fields, hedgerows, trees, grass etc etc.
thoroughly over excited this morning and so my tummy is a bit swirly but in a nice way! i've been offered a place at university and have been invited to a visit day tomorrow and i can't wait!! i'm worried that i may peak too soon!!!
what i want to know is does everyone feel like this when they get an offer from the place they really want to go to? or is it just that because i shall be almost 40 when i start next year that i feel so lucky to be able to have the chance to have a go?
love to everyone!
ps i love churches - i'm not particularly religious but i find an incredible peace wandering around a churchyard
Good morning everyone!
#13 Ms Love - that'll be me I'm afraid. The strong antibiotics I'm taking have turned the stomach into a bubbling cauldron. Thankfully it's just noise - nothing else. Excuse me!!
Keep warm folks.
MW
I posted about 50mins ago and remarked about the BP taking Hazel Love's/Mr B's/Dr McC etc etc comments last week and how glad I was that they seemed to be able to prise the blog door open this week. Now I've been "done" I feel elevated to the Hall's of Excellence I have been allowed through the naughty door - as Charis would say (Susie S) B.P. Not Nice! Nooooooooo!! [Good luck with Charis and Amy.]
Glad to see the return of some of the missing ... Joannie (Toronto)/Cathmel/Weezie and many others.
Tracey-Ann love,thoughts & morning and evening prayers. Keep the Faith.
To all who need/want a hug {{{{{{{You}}}}}}}
Sandra Saunders - welcome! Carry on spreading that goodwill - we so need it in our society!
Matt from Rudgwick - no job is safe now, huh? Sounds like you've been through the mill, but you sound so positive!
Prof Plum - hope your dental visit goes ok! Charis and I have the dentist in January .... and I know I need fillings .... and I have a needle phobia ... despite having worked at that practice as a dental nurse for 8 years!!!
Jonahwood - God certainly works in mysterious ways, huh?
Right .... this isn't getting the ironing done!
Hugs, Susan
'Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance--a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.'
Augusta E. Rundel
morning all.
Feeling in my tummy? A bit sick and empty. My partner and I are no more and it was a very horrible, messy end, thanks to his temper. I am still shaking and feeling very vulnerable.
Religion? I think it's great to have faith/belief in something - I'm not a great one for organised religion but only because of the people who tend to be in charge of it, but I do find great comfort from being in churches.
All hugs gratefully received today - I'm supposed to be going to see my new employers on Friday but I'm not sure I can cope with a new job at the mo :-(
Cath, Many ((((((hugs))))))) today!
You sound like you need it.
Chin up, as Yazz said
The only way is up Baby
DD out
Cath - this might not be much help to you right this minute but you have to tell yourself that whatever is out there for you has to be better than what's gone before.
When I left my violent ex-husband I was 24 and had never lived on my own before. I was terrified of what lay ahead but my faith made me believe that it could never be as bad as the explosive marriage I'd been trapped in. It was a leap of faith - literally - but it came right in the end.
Sending you all the hugs I can fit into this blog and please remember, you're not alone!
((((((((Cath)))))))))
jillygoat xx
wilsmar - that's EXACTLY how Charis would say it! At the moment Amy is under a pile of tinsel and Charis is black from sitting on the fender with her ice-skating penguin who has the tune 'We wish you a Merry Christmas' emanating from under the ice! All this and the Teletubbies on CBeeies! You jealous?!
missmandyloo - well done and huge CONGRATS! Nope, I think we'd all feel like that!
Still raining ... still no ironing done! Best go or I'll be sacked! Oh ... that's right ... I don't 'work'!
Hugs, Susan
Oh CATH!
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
LOADS of hugs and kisses baby!
Go to your new job on Friday. Look upon it as somewhere safe where you don't have to think about the bad stuff - AND - they don't know you there, so you can tell 'em what you like.....you can be big and brave and clever, that's why they gave you the job...
It can only be good - we're all behind you too!
bonne chance
love
hazel
x
HALLO FOLKS.
I just had a thought. I love the film DOGMA (except for ALL the swearing). The message behind that film is excellent. God - A great idea.... I watch that and feel warm and fuzzy, despite the swearing, blood and violence. ha ha
The feeling in my tummy this morning. Warm, contentment. I'm very happy with my lot.
Hazel Love...Karma. Definitely. It WILL come back and bite you if you do wrong. I've seen it happen, and is enough to keep me on my nice track. and O M G - Tardis noises. What was it? are you still there. Please don't let there be Cybermen!!
Susan S.... No worries about negative experience. Every experience a learning one. That's what I told my daughter last night. There is something to be derived from everything we experienced, and then she tested me to my limits... "what's the good thing from falling off a building......rolling off the bed...... breaking crockery..." yes, well.
Cath: Can I find anything of good in your experience? What about Loved and Lost? You'll get there in the end. You're moving on from an experience which was good, turned back and soon you'll be ready for a whole load more... {{{{{Big Hugs}}}}}}} til you're ready.
DWNB
My tummy's nervous today as I await news of a new job for 'im indoors. He's now had three interviews for the job and it's between him and one other. They should make the decision today so ...............
I've just completed a three month probationary period at work and assuming they're keeping me on, I should be getting a beeeeg pay rise.
After two redundancies either of these bits of news would make great Christmas pressies!
Crumbs, now I've really got the collywobbles!!!!
jillygoat x
Cath - poor you. Massive hug for you. Me and my fiance are shaky at the moment and I get an awful feeling in my tummy everytime I even dare to think for an instant that we could be breaking up after 10 years together (10 years tomorrow). My heart goes out to you. Take advantage of all hugs and help from your friends and family.
On today's topic: Dr Rowan Williams (who I think is Welsh, and isnt he running the church of england? v strange, but maybe I'm wrong?!) said in response to non-believers "when I pray, coincidences happen. and when I stop praying, they dont happen".
Just something to think about.
As for the science vs religion debate, I am perfectly happy to marry the two as I think science can tell us how, but it can never tell us why. Why is because God wanted to make us in his image and loves us so much. Evolution and how we came about can fit into that perfectly in my mind.
Oh cath, I'm so sorry! Sounds like he didn't deserve you! Perhaps a new job is exactly what you need just now? Something to really focus on? As Dissin Dave said (oh, and Yass) the only way is up!
Mega {{{{{{{{{{{{Cath}}}}}}}}}}}
Cath #28 - sending love and happy vibes. There's nothing i can say that won't sound like a typical cliche - but my thoughts are with you. Sending you {{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}
And maybe a new job is what you need - a new start etc. Cliche I know.
Prof Plum - good luck at the dentist.
Sandra #18 - welcome. May you find smiles and comfort in the posts and words of your fellow bloggers. They've cheered me up tons since I started a couple of weeks ago.
Lotsa love
J x
I'm back .... as previously mentioned by others, it's too dark when I set off for work so no wondrous sights to report; did see the fabulous deep red sky out of the window beside my desk last night. BUT driving along the M40 (around Warwicks) on Saturday morning there was a perfect rainbow arched across the motorway. Something uplifting is usually happening in my life whenever I see one so am waiting and watching.
Dear Dr McC - thanks to the info provided at the request of Ms Love, I shall also be purchasing a few centimetres of borehole within the next day or two. Hope the hedgehogs are well.
Susie S - I love your lists/register - I started something similar yesterday to ask where some of the regulars were; by the time I'd finished and I checked the "latest" comments - most of the 'missing' had already posted - so I deleted before BP could. My wizard has definitely gone into hibernation - I think yours are possibly too cold to sleep!
PS: A hug - the one gift you should always return. If possible for a full refund (no receipt necessary)!
Wrapping up now - metaphorically and physically.
MW
This is just a quick hello to everyone, I really feel I'm missing out because I'm so busy before we close for Christmas. I will catch up tonight xx
Hope you are all well xx Sending a {{{{{{hug}}}}}} for those who need or would like onte :-)
Take care all
Love Mary xx
Hi y'all!
Deep, profound blog today CLP.
Your morning view sounds stunning - sadly, I leave the house in the almost dark and overlook a landfill site all day. Ugh! The thing that gets me excited this time of year is my drive home - driving past so many briliantly decorated houses really puts a huge SMILE on my face, leaving me positively beaming by the time I get home. Every night, my journey home reveals a new twinkling glory ..... my rural drive takes me past the beautiful Hintlesham Hall - the two beautiful illuminted trees are a sight to behold.
Feeling in my tummy: pretty empty at the mo - AHA! It's lunchtime ....
Good luck Russell Brand in the Comedy Awards tomorrow (warm fuzzy tummy now!!)
x x x
As Michelangelo alluded to in his painting The Creation of Adam, it was man that created God not the over way round as described in Genesis.
When the church was created it was done so to give men hope and structure to their lives and attempted to teach man how to live with each other, and promised terrible retirbution if this was not done. This is the case with pretty much all religions, ancient and modern. Now with improved education, greater freedoms and a generally more sophisticated populace, much fewer people really believes in terrible divine retribution and so no longer fears or believes in the Church's message. So maybe it is time again for man to re-create God, but in such a way as (s)he is truely believeable for the modern world
PS Religious has given rise to the most impressive buildings in the world and it gives me great a sense of wonder and pride at what man can achieve when he puts his mind to it.
Just a quick thought.
How about, between now and Christmas, the 'gobsmackers' are replaced with 'Christmas Crackers'?
To kick off, mine would be;
Merry Christmas (I don't want to fight tonight) by The Ramones
Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow! by Dean Martin
Must dash.
Peace all
PS Moose & Big'un drowned in their own accruals?
Darlings, loves, poppets and those who don't do cute names...
I am being called away all unexpected (No, not in the Tardis. I have NO idea what that was as nothing there when I peered outside...el plotte thickens) so will have to make like a squashed tomato and ketchup later.
CATH - it stole all your kisses XXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX so some more...
Hasta luego
love
hazel
x
PS The difference between a penguin and a polar bear. Hmmmmmm. How about...the polar bear doesn't have a suit named after him.
How can people put so much faith in a book over 2000 years old, that was selectively edited before publication? - thats the whole thing I dont get about religion. The vast majority of philisophies, ideas and theories of our history have been surpassed with new ones, based on fact rather than supposition.
Whenever I go into a church, i get the feeling that the congregation are people who need to believe in something other than themselves in order to accept the world, and as religion can't logically be argued against then that's what they choose to believe in.
The messages about loving all, helping others, forgiveness are all relevant today of course, but this is humanity, and not religion.
You just cant expect people to value 2000 year old teachings without question anymore - all that stuff about us failing God - totally with Chris here - if we fail him so badly, why not wipe us all out again in one cataclysmic event and start again?
Good afternoon bloggers and schloggers,
I do not enjoy this time of year as the view from my bedroom window when I get up is still dark. As I drive to work the magic of dawn happens normally as I drive over the Blackdown Hills on the Somerset, Devon border and the lights of Exeter are glowing in the distance ;-) There is a warm glow as I drive towards the city.
As for the feeling in my tummy today is a special one. My mummy BigUn is 83 today :-) She is such a special person, I rang her at ten this morning and the flowers have arrived from the local florist so she is a happy lady. I will be taking her out to dinner this evening and I know that she will be good company and grateful for the meal. I reality it is me who is the grateful one as she is my mum! :-)
Christopher I do believe you are being mischievous by bringing religion to the blog!
I think the true test to believing is when an individual is faced with a crisis, which may be a soldier in a conflict or for some one like me who was diagnosed with cancer. At these times you really examine your faith and question why me or ask who will look after me when my time comes. Before then it is easy to dismiss ones faith.
How many times do you hear people say 鈥淥h my God鈥 when they are faced with a tragedy and yet if you ask the same person do you believe in the church, you will probably find the answer is no! Is it just an expression or is there more to it?
Finally we must remember that as adults we can make our own choices in life. So if anyone chooses religion then I ask you to respect that. If you or any person chooses not to then I respect your decision. As long as we are all happy to have a few days off at this time of year and at least once over the period remember that two of the three days public holiday was granted to us because of our Christian religion. ;-)
{{{{{Cath}}}}{{{Jax}}} every one else {{{{HUGS}}}}
Keith
x
Taking up Matt's challenge for Christmas Crackers
Don't let the Bells End - The Darkness - Any song that gets away with mentioning a euphemism for a blokes part in the title is worth a play (with)
The Fairytale of New York - The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl - Just the finest Christmas song ever!
DD out
Hey Chris and fellow bloggers!
The drive to work for me in the morning is beautiful - all alongside the river and through the country lanes - shame it ends up at work! Hey ho!
Feeling in my tummy - tightness! A killer of an aerobics class last night, but it's got to be done, in anticipation of all the scoff coming up for Christmas!
I used to work for a chap who is a hugely committed Christian, a lay preacher and all round pillar of the community. However, he and his wife are probably two of the most unChristian in spirit people I've ever met - very judgemental about everyone and actually quite hurtful in some of the things they say. As a friend of mine said about them always being at the church, "I could stand in the garage all day, but it wouldn't make me a car". How true!
Have a good one all - help with a sartorial question though? Christmas party starts after work tomorrow at six o'clock. Should I wear my party outfit to work for the day? Or should I bring it in to change into? Help!!
Take care. Love to all
x
God, or whoever, was looking down on me last night.
I left home at 7 o'clock to head towards London from Norfolk down the A11, A14, M11. Approaching Red Lodge on the A11 aware of a bloke on the bridge. Carried on, in rear view mirror aware of vehicles behind me swerving. Appears that he "fell" from the bridge and died after being hit by a number of vehicles. Am now awaiting call from the police.
Whatever the problem, it ain't worth that!
DD out again, I've gone mad today
What's brown and stickey?
A stick
What's yellow and white and travels at 125 mph?
A train drivers egg sandwich
Oh darn it - look I've simply GOT to GO
...but Christmas Wrapping by Tomtom Club coz you won't hear it anywhere else...
...and...
...Rockin' Robin, Jackson Five - for my little cheery chirpy chappie (sounds like a kwikfit fitter) outside....
salut
love
hazel
x
Love the Christmas Crackers idea. Mine? Oh ok, here goes ....
Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt
Baby Its Cold Outside - Rod Stewart/Dolly Parton
Went and saw 'Live From Vegas ... The Rat Pack At Christmas' in Ipswich on Saturday night - FAB-U-LOUS!!!!!!! Very christmassy ... the 'dean martin' was most entertaining, the 'sammy davis' a genius and the 'frank sinatra' .. passable. Even my long-haired head-banging hubby enjoyed the show. Ah ... let it snow, let it snow, let it snow .......
Just think, if global warming continues future generations will be baffled with our obsession of snow in christmas songs!!! LOL!!
Take care y'all!
x x
Susan # 47 - I would definitely bring your outfit to work to change into. From personal experience I've spilled all sorts over me whilst sporting my evening gear, including Tippex and believe you me, it's not easy to get that out of a black skirt!!!!!
jillygoat xx
Whoa! Controversial or what? Do you think that you (Chris) may be guilty of preaching from your own little pulpit (bed)?
A lot of the wording that you have denounced as redundant is symbolic and you are taking it in the literal sense. As for failing him, it is all about every person on this planet being a flawed individual. Adam and Eve failed God by eating the forbidden apple and we fail every day by being less godly than we could be.
Yes, hate evil and denounce it and try and live without evil but respect the way that people do it. Some people go to Church, some people spread light and happiness over the radio like you but we are all doing our bit and all deserve to be applauded for our efforts.
Ali M
Dissing Dave #48 - that's not a nice thing to have witnessed. Thank heavens you weren't a few minutes later. It's sad to think someone is that low they can think of doing that.
Christmas Crackers for me?
Also Christmas Wrapping (Go Hazel Love!!) and
Stop the Calvary by Jonah Lewie
2 of the rarer heard Christmas songs.
BigUn #45 - thanks for the hug. Big kiss back; X
Lotsa love everyone
J x
Hiya .... me again!
#31 Susan S - Yes! very jealous...... not sure about the Teletubbies though. Whenever I think about TT's I always see Alice's wedding (Vicar of Dibley) and that makes me smile.
#47 Susan - just before reading your comments I managed to miss my mouth!!!! nobody who know's me will believe that and spill what looks like a litre of Dandelion and Burdock down my front. So my recommendation is bring in the outfit and change later.
Tarra for now.
MW
Matt from Rudgwick #42 - Now they are (Christmas Crackin') TUUUUUNES !
The Walrus #41 - beatifully said. You seem to have summed it up there.
Religion eh? Funny old game. I'm not religious in the slightest and just don't get why some people blindly follow without thinking about how 'the message' relates to their life - in the worry about retribution they seem to have panicked and just conformed, missing the point. I agree that faith (in whatever it might be) is a good thing and I agree that we should all be nice to each other in the same ways many of us have shown on this Blog. I think it's the 2000 year old fairy story and the way it is touted as fact which grates on me a little - it has undoubtedly had it's own fair share of 'spin' placed around it over the years in much the same way any modern day story (good or bad) would today - if not spin, then perhaps a little embelishing or Chinese whispers. Just consider this for a moment......a fairly modern occurence that was broadcast live on TV within the lifetime of many people still alive today. There is much more of a solid line of evidence concerning the shooting of JFK, for example, than the content of the bible yet there are still massive uncertainties over the exact facts surrounding that relatively recent event. Now reconsider the stories in the bible and play devils advocate (probably a bad choice of words!). It's quite easy to see that there's probably quite a lot of stuff in there that should be taken with more than a pinch of salt. The only thing I can see worth paying any attention to at all is the general gist about being nice people and being good to one another. Do we need to dress the message up in unbelievable and irrelevant stories? As soon as specific facts are mentioned instead of a general principle, people can become a bit more attached to it and less likely to listen to anyone else's views - this, I believe, goes against the religion's general principles and can ultimately cause arguments, or as we more commonly know them, Wars (is it just me or are the vast majority of wars caused by a dissagreement over religion?)
I would be an atheist but that would mean my mind was closed to other possibilities. I do believe in Darwin's theory of evolution and even have a little metal fish (with legs) on the back of my car. I don't mean offence with it and it's just my point of view. Afterall, I would never force my views on anyone else but i do think that religion is pushed upon people in general by default and that to not 'comply' or believe, leaves you in a potentially awkward position. Christmas (I prevented myself spelling it with an X), Weddings and funerals are but a few events you can get yourself in trouble with if you don't have all the answers.....and believe me, I don't....and I do get in trouble!
Good grief, I had no idea I had such feeling! I'll shut up now and let someone else have a go.
Be lovely to each other
C
x
Morning from Calgary,
my tummy is full of butterflies..its been this way since I met someone on Sat. who has turned me back into the person I was before all the horribleness ? of the past three years.
I never expected to meet someone so soon and find that connection..and I know it isn't a rebound attraction.
The sun is just starting to break over the horizon here in Calgary and the sky has a beautiful re/orange glow.............looks like I feel !!!
Merry chrsitmas everyone
Karen x
Hey, me again!
#51 Jillygoat and #53 Wilsmar - thank you both very much. After your comments, I will definitely be bringing my clothes in with me!
Take care everyone
x
Boo!
...running fast to try and keep up today...
Chris - I thought better of you. I do get wound up when people haven't really thought about what they say about God, whether they are religious people or not. So much rubbish is spouted both for and against, and I'm going to make myself unpopular by saying that it's no different from the bloggers today...
If God really is God, and you really are one of his billions of little creations, where do you get the idea that you can criticise him and re-invent him? It's arrogant madness.
If God really is God, and you really are one of his billions of little creations, aren't you just Gob-smacked by the fact that he cares about you and is bothered about what you do in life and what you believe about him?
And why do you think that your entertainment is the most important thing in the world?
Get some perspective people...you only have to see the man on Dissing Dave's bridge to see what happens when you lose perspective...:-(
I have some bad news for you...you are not the centre of the Universe...
Matt from Rudgwick - don't look at other people, they are just as messed up and confused as we are...
Jax - you've made a big leap because at least you recognize that you "believe" in Darwin's theory - most scientists don't recognize it as belief...there is a huge amount of evidence to throw questions and doubts over the whole thing though...could go on for hours or recommend some books to you...
In a terrible paraphrase of Goethe...not enough time to make this shorter. Sorry!
Moose
PS But I also have some good news...I know who is at the centre of the Universe...
PPS 29 Palms Pizza Hut - was there in August. Freaky....
Jax - I think that you would find incredible solace by going to church. As many bloggers have attested to above there is something calm/spiritual about churches/graveyards. I have always found peace when I go to Church either for a service or just to sit in a pew and think. I offer you the sign of peace {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}
Cath - You can get through this. {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}
Jillygoat and Hazel Love - some wise words from you both. What an inspiration you are!
It is usually dark when I drive to work but I get to experience the sun rising and the changing of the seasons and I never get bored of it, although sometimes I wish that I had a shorted journey.
I feel full in my tummy.
Christmas Crackers - "Baby it's cold outside" and "Santa Baby" any rendition will do!
Peace and love to all and I apologise for my rant earlier it was reactive rather than fully thought out.
Ali M
How to cook the Christmas turkey:
Step 1: Go buy a turkey
Step 2: Take a drink of whisky
Step 3: Put turkey in the oven
Step 4: Take another 2 drinks of whisky
Step 5: Set the degree at 375 ovens
Step 6: Take 3 more whiskys of drink
Step 7: Turn oven the on
Step 8: Take 4 whisks of drinky
Step 9: Turk the bastey
Step 10: Whisky another bottle of get
Step 11: Stick a turkey in the thermometer
Step 12: Glass yourself a pour of whisky
Step 13: Bake the whisky for 4 hours
Step 14: Take the oven out of the turkey
Step 15: Take the oven out of the turkey
Step 16: Floor the turkey up off of the pick
Step 17: Turk the carvey
Step 18: Get yourself another scottle of botch
Step 19: Tet the sable and pour yourself a glass of turkey
Oh and you can't buy a Polar Bear in the supermarket!
chris, when i wake up in the morning, i have a view of other houses, but my bedroom faces east, so i get to watch the sunrise - it's great .... as long as my neighbours don't acutally think i am spying on them.
the feeling in my tummy today is one of dread, it is tuesday and my girls go to their dads, but my 10 year old never wants to go. my ex has turned this on me, saying i have made her like that, but she is scared of being in his house. i tell her she should go cos her dad loves her and wants to see her but it breaks my heart when she starts crying before she has to go. he bought her back one time and didn't even get out of the car to walk her back to the house cos he was so mad with her. i hate forcing her, but he is a bully and will make her life a misery and then she won't go at all. At what age do you let your kids decide? i don't have a partner and i don;t use tuesdays as my wild night, so it isn't that i dont want her home.
Only me again,
Here we are in our virtual world discussing the whys and why not鈥檚 of the church and why it is behind the times when was the last time you spent a few minutes looking at your own life as it was before Computers
Memory was something you lost with age
An application was for employment
A program was a TV show
A cursor used profanity
A keyboard was a piano
A web was a spider's home
A virus was the flu
A CD was a bank account
A hard drive was a long trip on the road
A mouse pad was where a mouse lived
And if you had a 3 inch floppy . .
. . . you just hoped nobody ever found out!
Smile everyone :-)
Keith
x
My tummy is warm and comforted - as is the rest of my body - but maybe not as toned as it should be.
We are supposed to be in a free speech, democratic country, so why can't you express your views.
I personally don't believe in religion. Was it not religion that created "EVIL" !?!
But - more controversially I don't get Winnie the Pooh either!
Moose #58 - yes please, recommend me some books re: Darwin's Theory. Although my book list is longer than the Golden Gate Bridge at the moment I never turn down recommendations.
I find reading the best form of escapism so any recommednations much appreciated.
Dr McC - will be ordering your book but have ex who has zapped all my money and got me close to financial ruin so I may have to wait a wee while.
Moose - tell me is at the centre of the universe? Am intrigued. I agree very much with what you have said in your post. Still if one wants to believe then I guess they can. I still stick to my earlier post that I have most faith in people.
Lotsa love again everyone
J x
Jax,
Thanks for your thoughts! Never mind a couple of minutes a couple of seconds later and I would have had a new bonnet ornament at the very best. Literally there but for the grace of God!
The thought of the potential consequence are only just affecting me now. Have taken the time to talk to all my family today, blow the work, it just ain't that important.
Had a discussion with my missus last night, when I didn't know for certain the outcome of what I thought had happened, she immediately broke down in tears, as she imagined what could have happened had I not driven at slightly above the speed limit on the stretch of road. In short had I driven at 70 mph instead of 78mph he could have hit me, as it was it sounds like he hit, and was hit by, a number of other poor motorists going about their normal business. My thoughts are with them, their families and his surviving family members.
I got off lightly, but it could have been so different. For all those who have suffered loss, my thoughts are with you.
DD out
Oh Chris, I think you missed the point.
King Of Kings - what you should think about is if we have a king, who is above him? Only God. therefore, he is the equivalent of a King to the King. It's really only reinforcing that he is the ultimate being.
Lord we know we have failed you - this doesn't refer to the individual, but to our race (the human one)! It's a 21st Century thing that we only think of ourselves. Once we remember that we are not only responsible for what we do as an individual, but jointly responsible for what we, and our neighbours do, it all starts to make sense. Therefore, the nurses, the firemen etc etc do not fail God, but the human race (We) do.
I'm back on my soap box after being away for so long. I'll hop right down now.
So glad to be back. Have had such a nasty virus in my ears that I couldn't balance or focus on anything so have spent 2 weeks pretty much in bed with my eyes shut, feeling sick.
Love to all
SWx
Chris!
My room also comes with a view of a church steeple..my window is right opposite the ned though so I can sit up and look out and wince at the bell ringers practicing on a Sunday!
I'm sure nobody here cares but I'm going to tell you all anyway - we have heat and hot water again! For 2 days the boiler in our house was broken and it was SO cold. My housemates and I were sat around in scarves and gloves and I actually went to bed with my hat on on Sunday night! It was very attractive as I'm sure you can imagine, no wonder I'm single!
Anyway I got home from work yesterday to discover we had heat and hot water again..along with a t-shirt from my housemate with 'Little Miss Christmas' on the front! (I am indeed a Christmas fiend!) I was buzzing...and more treats awaited me as I had my haircut and felt wonderful when I came out of the salon AND then nipped into M&S to find a top for our works Christmas party tonight (last minute I know, but I'm not a planner!) and found the silver one from the advert and it looks fab...and the size 10 fitted me!!!!! I've never been so happy.
So here I am footloose and fancy free, finishing work in 20 minutes (I have been here since 6.45am before you groan!) and Tuesday is the start of my weekend too! It's all good in Susie Land today kids!
What a treat!
Much love and christmas tingles
S x
#28 Cath - be strong you can survive any abusive relationship and be happy and not frightened again. I regularly allude to my single parent status but havn't given many details of my marriage. Well it was a little like the film sleeping with the enemy (without the fime crew!) in the relationship I endured violence, rape, isolation from friends and family, bullying, mental abuse to loose my self esteme, serial adultery. To others (work colleagues etc) he was charming I think the term is a social psychopath but whne the door closed he became a monster. In the four years since I have been on my own I rediscovered myself, my friends, my children and built a life I am really proud of. Hang in there - DON'T GO BACK - you will be tempted because its a life you are familiar with and from a distance may not seem so bad. Keep telling us and talking about it.
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((cath))))))))))))))))))))))
#48 dissing dave - poor you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I have a prayer on my wall which read every morning - 'Lord help me to remember nothing can happen to me today that you and I canlt handle together'. It works for me!!
Love to tracey-ann, moose, em26, big'un, joannie, hazel love, wilsmar, dissing dave, matt from rudgewick, dwnb, jillygoat, nicnac (where are u?), dr J, prof plum and all my blogging friends xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Catherine
hi chris and co
Just catching up with the blog as had a bout of food poisoning!
On yesterdays blog, I have met James Martin, he comes from the same town as me. I served him once in a hotel. He actually said to me "do you know who I am" Ofcourse I did but I said no and asked him if he knew who I was. He said he didnt so I suggested we kept it that way! A tad up himself i fear!
As for today! I have a very strong faith but its a very personal thing. I have so far found no religion that sits right so just follow my own soul of what i know to be right and wrong.
I slip up a plenty but never with bad intention! or is that just a lame excuse?!
love em26xx
I remember Sunday School and lots of happy singing with my sisters, brother and our friends, visiting other Sunday schools in different towns and being happy there as well.
In my late teenage years I remember delivering the parish magazine to our neighbours and our vicar who was young, energetic and enthusiastic with a large family of his own.
Since growing up and losing interest in the Church for the very reasons you describe I live by the Ten Commandments. My mother, now sadly suffering from Dementia, always taught us to show respect, be kind and considerate to other people. My father used to say to us everyday and sometimes more "Its the easiest thing in the world to be nice" and "if you cant say anything good dont say anything at all"!
I have brought my children up to believe in the same values and they aren't doing too badly.
I think the leaders of the Church of England need to get back to fundamentals. Stop changing the important foundation of the Church and start concentrating on getting the message over in a new and uplifting way. Changing the fundamental beliefs of a religion takes away its credibility.
To borrow a line from a hymn my father taught us as children and I think about when I look at the changing face of the day - 'I am so glad that Jesus loves me' because I truly believe he does!
Cathmel #68: You are an inspiration too all who are suffering at this time xxx
My christmas crackers?
The power of love by frankie goes to hollywood (it has a christmassey video) and merry christmas everyone by shakin stephens! man i love those songs!!
Cathmel #68: You are an inspiration too all who are suffering at this time xxx
Good morning from Vancouver and a good afternoon to all back in Blighty,
With regards to the blog today, I found it highly compelling. My first degree was in Theology and I must say, the simple, personal spirituality that faith is supposed to embrace and represent is all too often arrested by the dogmatic expressions delivered by institutionalized religion.
That said, some churches (and by this I mean the place, not specific denominations) are vibrant, exciting, inspiring and utterly sincere in their beliefs; Who cannot be moved by the exhillirating and robust singing of a fully galvanized gospel choir?..Other places of worship can be stale, dogmatic, hypocritical and cloaked in mystery, hopelessly drowning in mundane proclamations which are merely repeated for the sake of tradition rather than being inspired by commitment and deep rooted faith.
"I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief"
On another note, isn't Christmas the most enchanting, enriching, uplifting and delicious time of the year? From the tasteful decorations at my local, to the shimmering festive adornments of the city streets, it really does cheer the soul and lift the mood.
That's quite enough from me.
Good day
Dr T
hi chris and co
Just catching up with the blog as had a bout of food poisoning!
On yesterdays blog, I have met James Martin, he comes from the same town as me. I served him once in a hotel. He actually said to me "do you know who I am" Ofcourse I did but I said no and asked him if he knew who I was. He said he didnt so I suggested we kept it that way! A tad up himself i fear!
As for today! I have a very strong faith but its a very personal thing. I have so far found no religion that sits right so just follow my own soul of what i know to be right and wrong.
I slip up a plenty but never with bad intention! or is that just a lame excuse?!
love em26xx
Very profound today, if you are spending your time hating evil when are you going to let the loving in. To hate is such a negative emotion. You see you latched onto one expression and maybe missed other parts of the readings which could have had just such important expressions. Yes, we all are opposed to evil but understanding why people are/do evil is part of the problem. Just hating only courses pain to yourself.
Thanks to all who've given me hugs today but especially thanks to #69 Cathmel for sharing and being so inspiring. Your experience sounds much worse than mine in that I had no physical abuse, just lots of mental abuse and lots of aggressive behaviour around me, not thankfully directly at me.
Social psychopath sounds about right. I've got a fab counsellor who said that if it hadn't been what triggered him on Friday, it would have been something equally innocuous (sp?), because it was all about control, nothing else, always has been.
I've had 3 1/2 years of this and no more. I will never go back now - Friday was the worst ever, and whatever feeling I had, has died this time. I would rather be on my own forever than go through that again. I'm just grateful my daughter wasn't there when it happened this time.
I'm really sorry for bringing the blog down today. Tomorrow is another day though eh???
((((((((((everyone))))))))))
Away just long enough to get warm and then back again...for 25mins anyway..
Golly Dissing that is terrible! I'm not surprised that you have had to take some time off work today. You can't afford to think about what might have been though. It wasn't. There are so many reasons why it wasn't but the main thing is, it wasn't. The person who 'fell' probably knew they would get hurt - we can be hopeful that no-one else was hurt too badly as well.
My geography is appalling, although I know where Norfolk is, I don't know the roads at all, and I really hope this is nothing to do with the news of all those poor girls in Suffolk?
Take heart DD...you have Mrs Dissing and loads of people love you. It's not your turn mate.
DD not out yet
love
hazel
x
Just a thank you as I sit here dribbling my tea with a numb mouth.
To Sue, Jax and Cath you messages of luck were appreciated.
Well Iv'e booked I'm off to Church to see the gospel according to Bernard Manning.
I hope God will look down and laugh too.
May your god go with you all
Cathmel - you have my utmost admiration, speaking as another survivor of a violent bully.
I found it very difficult to trust men again but have been very lucky and found 'im indoors who is an absolute sweetheart although he sometimes gets a tough time from me when my self-confidence wavers. The fear never quite leaves you, does it?
However, there can be a better life for us all if we trust in whatever we feel comfortable with, be it God, 'something out there' or just the knowledge that the love we receive from others can cushion the hard times that we have to face.
Dissing Dave - I hope you feel calmer soon xx
No matter how bleak life has been in the past, I could never taken my own life.
My personal belief is that suicide is a selfish act -loved ones left behind must be plagued by questions like whether there was something they could have done and what this guy did has had such a dreadful effect on so many other people, including yourself, and could have caused more deaths.
For me, the phrase "there but for the Grace of God go I" seems appropriate.
jillygoat xx
Have just been asked this question on a application form and wondered if you had any ideas?
Describe the key elements of a customer focused organisation and discuss how you would ensure your team delivered excellent services to all customers
Em26.
Arf arf arf... Am laughing at the thought of. "do you know who I am...." I can just imagine it.
DWNB
Hi all.
Have'nt blogged for a while, work just seemed to be getting in the way!!!!
Felt I had to say something to Cath, having been through an abusive relationship myself.
There is light at the end of that dark dark tunnel, and you will be a far far stronger person for it.
Things may seem very bleak at the moment, but, as my old mum says, every cloud has a silver lining.
You should go for your new job, and see this as a complete new start and the begining of the rest of your life........
Try and keep your pecker up.
Virtual hugs to you.....
Regards
Melanie C
#74 Jax Thanks! Keep us posted on how things are going with u xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Christmas Crackers: Have yourself a merry little Christmas - Frank S or Judy G
and Christmas Dream - Perry Como
It's definitely looking like Christmas now.... my window overlooks the entrance to the local Theatre and the (little) school kids have been trooping in to see Aladdin. They all congregate under "my" window as they come out to get into their 'crocodiles' to march back to school and the noise is similar to the swooping seagulls who mither you when you're trying to eat your fish and chips at the seaside! They're all jumping about and excited - it's magic!
Saw a funny sight at the Stage Door today ... a couple of the "native girls" sharing a cigarette in the freezing cold in their very very short costumes.
The things you see when you just want to send a fax eh?
MW
Feasgar mhath, Christoph, and fellow bloggers and blogettes!
Interesting comments today ... not that they aren't always interesting, but I love a good debate!
Just a quickie before I go pick Andrew from work, then rush back to feed Amy and Charis, quickly tidy up before Amy's Dad comes and think about tea - all jollied along by dashing Drivetime!
I've been a Christian since I was 18 - it's about faith, pure and simple, in a God who is Creator, Lord and Heavenly Father. If I hadn't had His love, guidance and strength to fall back on in times of need, I really wouldn't be here today, plain and simple. It's not about a book over almost 4000 (maybe more) years old - it's about the people the book is written about, their trials and tribulations, highs and lows, the good and the bad ... and how they related to God and vice versa. When I read about the depths of pain that Job went through when he lost his family, his home and everything dear to him, it lifts my spirits because he prevailed and came through the other side victorious! I read about Sarah, childless and distressed at being barren, and it gives me hope to see that she was blessed with a child late in life ... and I can rejoice cos it happened to me! I read about the sacrificial love of Jesus (why celebrate Christmas if you don't believe in the Christ whom we honour with that day?) it encourages and uplifts me. That's what I see when I read this ancient book!
Right ... enough ... I'm going to be late for Andrew! 5 minutes to Drivetime!!! Yay!!!!
L8R!
I wonder if anyone's considered the fact that this Blog is like a church of sorts. Not that i'd ever call Chris or the 大象传媒 God of course! Everyone's day is changed ever so slighty by Chris' words and is probably inspired to think certain ways or achieve certain goals. Everyone speaks in familiar terms and is nurtured by a sense of community. For whatever reason many go to church i think you could find pretty similar ones for joining Chris' congregation every day. we even share Birthday best wishes! You've got to have faith!
Love the show Chris x
Jax,
Darwin's Enigma by Luther Sunderland
Darwin's Black Box by Michael J Behe
Doubts about Darwin: A History of Intelligent Design by Thomas Woodward
And before any scientists get on their high horses, there is a lot of rubbish said both for and against Intelligent Design too...don't think you have to believe the whole of the intelligent design movement...just look truly SCIENTIFICALLY at some of the objections to Darwin and evolution eg the eye of the fly etc etc and I think that any rational scientist will conclude that evolution is also UNproven and is therefore also a matter of faith.
I would never pretend that either God or Darwin could be scientifically proven. What I contend is that they are equal in standing - you can choose to believe or not in either.
The other thing I disagree with (heretic!!!) is that science is not the be all and end all. Science is by its definition limited to what can be physically or experimentally seen, domonstrated, proven etc etc. It's not a bad thing. But who decided that it is everything?
Moose
PS remind me not to get involved in future. It never changes anything.
PPS Oprah Winfrey, Ricky Lake...
Wow, Chris!! You are unexpectedly deep... and an eloquent writer. (Please don't tell me your blog is ghosted...)
I agree that Church could do with a re-work, certainly in this country. In the USA where I used to live the Anglican church liturgy is much more uplifting and hopeful -- less of the grovelling and scraping "we are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs" and more of the "Hey God, thanks for showing us a good and appropriate way of being in the world and helping us to be love in the world."
Hope your tum carried on being bright and breezy. I can hear your show in the background and you sound as chirpy as ever. What do you do if on a given day you just don't *feel* like playing? Do you *ever* have days like that?
I think that's what makes you special -- your sense of play, your deep love of other people in all their infinite peculiarities.
LONG LIVE CHRIS! HATE EVIL!!
L x
Christmas Crackers? Ask Sarah Kennedy for the carol singing school children record. She plays it each year and it's an absolute hoot.
pammie
First past the no-go post...
They got me today!
Wrote a really nice post to you Dissing, but it was not to be.
Love goes to you and to anyone else affected by what you so nearly were involved in.
Thank goodness you weren't.
love
hazel
x
Hi all,
Just a quickie, I am on my way out....Cathmel - I am very proud of you. Enjoy your freedom - rediscovering you and your children. (((((hugs)))))
Cath - be strong, learn from Cathmel's situation,may not be exactly the same but there is a message there ((((hugs))))
Sign Not Simon and Moose...I like the way you think. Nuf said. I am very spiritual but not religious.
Christophe - I loved your description of the beautiful scene outside of your bedroom window this morning.... for goodness sake, write a book would you...we will all be at the book signing (after Moose of course) :-)
Karen D - Great news!!! Enjoy....what is the secret? I have been on my own for 8 years - not had that kind of connection ???? Come on fess up :-)
Tracey Ann (((((((((thinking of you)))))))))
Big Un - I am so proud of the fact that you resigned and now they are all sweating, good for you. Keep us posted. You must have a big smile on your face and rightly so :-)
Talk at you all later
Joannie xxxx
Anyone I have forgotten hugs to you too.
Oh forgot...Big Un
Happy Birthday to your mum :-)
Joannie xxx
Moose
Teach me things I don't need to know.
PS Patric Doonan
Matt,
Dallow, spicer, pinkie, cubitt...
Never much of a fan, despite being a student in Manchester at the right time...or was it the wrong time?
Moose
PS Alan Curbishley
PPS Definitely NOT Sven
PPPS Nick Hornby
Chris
For 12 months I have been that Independant Stocking Fella challenging M&S on the High Street - Get them to drop me an email and we can talk Cup size and Lace without embarrassment. As for the Policemen's Secret - Hosiery and Hold ups do the local coppers a treat.
Regards
Den
From Rural Dorset
Hi Cathmel.... (28)
Strength Oozing from every word......
Take Care Sweetie!
DWNB
Christophe,
How wise are your words! "I like the message". It's all about the message!
My attempt to return the favour would be to ask everyone to look up the Dalai Lama and what he has to say about it.
I'm in danger of shooting from the hip here so i'll keep shtuhm and quote the Dalai Lama himself...
"I pray for a more friendly
More caring, and more understanding
Human family on this planet"
Moose, received a contract for new job today, a phone call for a chat about another one and played trivial pursuit for a good part of the day in existing one!! Feel a commotion coming on!!
Have been teaching my lodger some basic culinary skills tonight, spent too long reading the blog to find a whole chilli (Seeds and all) in the pasta sauce. Man it's HOT HOT HOT!!
Love to you all
Px
Chris - fantastic blog - very profound and in a way poetic.
Great responses too - well considered. I'm afraid I can't match-up to them.
But from the heart big, big hugs to Cath, Dissing Dave and Missy (check out Missy's pink, fluffy Christmas tree- it's great) - and to anyone else in need of a big,big, hug.
EG
X
HUGS to everyone. I'm late as usual, been busy, but was a shlogger... now a blogger too. Probably too late for anyone to read this now.
But what more is there to say? - so much wisdom has been spread! Still, I'll give it a go.
The Science thing: scientific theories don't rule out God's existence. In my view, they just confirm how well God planned creation, and keeps it going.
The idea that Man created God: some say so, but wouldn't that only be in the sense that God created them with a yearning for Him? I was fascinated visiting those ancient cavemen abodes (caves obviously!) in the Dordogne where their early works of art showed an awareness of the divine.
Did any of you watch The Monastery on TV? That's the place my sons went to school and where I have been involved for many years as parishioner. A real place of faith in action (although that didn't come over as well as it could have done on TV). Nevertheless the programme seems to have prompted lots of people to seek and find God through silence and meditation, and that has brought them happiness and an inner calm, contentment, acceptance, trust in God.
DD - sympathise, and hope you're OK. Quite right to take time to talk about it and reflect.
Cath - more (((( )))) from me too.
Jillygoat - hope the jobs turn out right. If things don't go as you hope, remember that the people who don't recognise your (or his) talent are not worth working for anyway!
Quite agree with Cheryl about the growing excitement of seeing all the Christmas decorations going up. Drove 1hr journey this evening with my little 3-yr-old grand-daughter from Reigate to our little village in Ashdown Forest and we both 'oohed' and 'aahed' and said 'amazing' and 'wonderful' at all the sparkling and flashing houses we passed.
Kato #62. Very sorry to hear your distress at sending the children to see their dad. Feel the same way when above 3-year-old sees her dad on the very rare occasions he decides to make time for her. This is such a hard situation, and I feel for you. Send you loving thoughts.
Christmas tingles to all you lovely peeps.
Jill xxxx
Dear Chris,
I've just read your blog - wow! I think what you say about the church is inspiring and mportant.
Dear Chris,
I've just read your blog - wow! I think what you say about the church is inspiring and important. I feel that there is a stigma attached to the church issue, and even broaching the subject of Christianity is taboo. You have guts saying how you feel so openly - let's stand up for what we believe in however we do it.
The world is awesome, and He needs to know we appreciate it.
Merry Christmas,
Emily (from the Steeles)
I'm with you there Chris. I went to a christening in a catholic church on sunday. All that ritual, all those meaningless phrases, it could have been in a foreign language.... It was in a foreign language. the language on the believer I guess, but not one I understand. I go with the hate evil bit though I understand that, if the churches talked more of that stuff I may start to understand the tongue. Shame really there are some great teachings to be had from the spiritual books, bible etc, but god and heaven get in the way of the good words
Evening all
Haven't been anywhere near a computer today, so only just saw the blog. As a humanist, I'm not really qualified to comment on Chris's sermon, so I'll leave off making any response.
But I will tell you what I've been up to, as I'm quite excited...
I have been in London all day (for the first time in many months). I was accompanying the fine and upstanding scientist Dr Mark Booth when he went to visit a charity known as Stand Up for Africa . He is looking at placing his charitable venture known as the Matangini Project under the SUFA umbrella. This should, fingers crossed, result in a significant synergism.
I didn't know I was so charitably minded until recently. Although I've contributed money to various causes, I've come round to thinking that no matter how bad my year has been, there are many people who've had it much worse. A cliched sentiment, I know, but that's all I can produce after 3 large glasses of red wine. Dolores tells me I'm just going through some kind of 'phase', but she does let slip occasionally that she is reasonably impressed with my perseverance.
Oh dear, I feel myself coming over a little emotional.
Hazel, Wilsmar, Jax - thanks for offering to buy the book-of-the-blog. I hope you 'enjoy' my misadventures, though to do so would indicate a slightly warped sense of humour. If you find yourselves laughing out loud then you might like to seek counselling.
goodwill to all
J McC
Oh dear!
It's been a very big reaction to the bloggings of Mr E today. I loved the description of the wake up scene, it gives me a little insight into what starts your day.
I too had a glorious nights sleep and woke to what seemed to be a wonderful morning, pink skies, wind blowing, great day for bear walking. Alas it turned nasty quickly and spent most of the rest of the day raining.
I think the idea of hating anything is using negative energy. Personally I'm happier with the idea of loving the things that make me happy as a far better use of my resources. If people need a "greater good" to help them feel good then that should be their choice. Whatever floats your boat.
I try to read through the blogs at some point to keep up to speed on what goes on in the other bloggers lives but I find myself increasingly thinking that some of you should get email addresses for each other to pass on your good wishes. It would be more personal that way.
No matter what you've all done today and whatever hardships or victorys you have encountered I hope you go to rest tonight feeling good. If not, then I hope you wake tomorrow feeling much better.
Luv
Lynda
-x-x-x-
Dear Chris,
I'm not a religious fanatic, but you've got the wrong end of the stick! God is about love. Love is everthing. Just because you heard one dull sermon doesn't mean that all churches are the same. Come to Sutton in the Elms Baptist church in Leicestershire sometime, and you'll see what a really great time we all have. We don't spend all day in 'self flagellation'. We worship God, and the life He has given us. Its GREAT!!!!!!!!!!
Taking up Jim's point (104), I would say that human mumbo-jumbo and human words get in the way of God and heaven, not the other way round.
The way I see it, Faith (a personal relationship with and trust in God) is the thing, not religion. Imporant to be open-mided too. I certainly believe that all religions have the main things in common, and if only we understood each other better, we'd get on well. Buddhism and Islam, as far as I understand them, are peaceful, prayerful and reflective.
It's the fanatics, taking some parts to extremes and forgetting the main rules (such as Do not Kill!) that bring evil.
Good night - zzzzzzzzzzzzzz Jill
Fair play chris, im glad some one in your position has the minerals to make a statement like that,its very refreshing and very true. keep up the good work.
Morning all,
Following on from one of the topics on the show last night I thought this may just help some of us men when shopping for our women this Christmas ;-)
A man walked into the ladies department of a Macy's and shyly walked up to the woman behind the counter and said, "I'd like to buy a bra for my wife.
What type of bra?" asked the clerk?
Type?" inquires the man, "There's more than one type?
Look around," said the saleslady, as she showed a sea of bras in every shape, size, colour and material imaginable.
Actually, even with all of this variety, there are really only four types of bras to choose from.
Relieved, the man asked about the types. The saleslady replied:
There are the Catholic, the Salvation Army, the Presbyterian, and the Baptist types. Which one would you prefer?
Now totally befuddled, the man asked about the differences between them.
The Saleslady responded, "It is all really quite simple...
The Catholic type supports the masses.
The Salvation Army type lifts the fallen,
The Presbyterian type keeps them staunch and upright, and
The Baptist makes mountains out of mole hills.
Smile :-)
Keith
x
Hello Chris
I think you're right in many ways, the Church does need to look at itself, much of what it does is not how God intended it to be, it has been taken over by people. But there is a lot of good in the Church, but perhaps in places you wouldn't think to look - check out 24/7 and also "curious in ibiza", Brian thinks a lot like you. I think God wants us to hate evil and love him and love other people, not sit in buildings. I also think He loved that you appreciated the beauty you saw and that you heard Him, that we should hate evil.
Keep looking, He loves you! I'm glad He made you too
x
'Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.'
--Norman Vincent Peale
Madainn mhath, Christophe, and fellow bloggers and blogettes!
It's still quite dark as I write this - looking out to the hills over Scorguie I see rain and mist! The forecast doesn't look good .... the Breakfast weather lass says it's warm for this time of year .... but she hasn't been to Inverness!
I loved the show last night, as always! What a laugh we had over the whole lingerie one - my pal, Ann (of the Clan MacLeod) was on lingerie at m&s yesterday - I was disappointed to hear that she didn't have many gents in!
And please do make sure you acheive ALL of your list today, Christophe ... those of us who pray will be praying! Do let us know how it goes!
I have such a busy day today - Charis's wee pal is staying again today - we have Mums & Tots club at 10am - we have hampers to pick up from Bogbain Farm - and I have to go find out why on earth the screws and bolts and instructions are missing from our new dining table! We seem to be having a run off bad luck with things like carpet laying, furniture assembly, etc .... all brought on because of someone, somewhere not doing their job properly! It's not rocket-science! Everyone is trained to do their job! Don't they realise the drama they can cause when they don't do their job right! Grrrrr! I got so frustrated last night, I ended up in tears .... all because someone, somewhere just didn't bother doing their job right! So it's a visit to a futniture store and a phone call to an elusive carpet fitter who has had sooooooooooooo much money out of us so far!
Ok - going for a cuppa tea and some porridge - hopefully it'll give me the strength to face the day!
Hope you have a great day, Christophe, bloggers and blogettes!
My Top 3 for today are:
1) Clean out Moc Dubh and Daydo!
2) Pack for the Arran trip
3) Find screws and bolts for a gorgeous new table!
Hugs, Susan
'Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world - stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death - and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem nineteen hundred years ago is the image and brightness of the Eternal Love? Then you can celebrate Christmas.'
-Henry Van Dyke
Big Un .... that made me giggle so much that Charis came running over and said, 'I look, Mummy!' One disappointed toddler here, looking at her Mummy as if she has lost the plot ... which I probably have! Thanks for a laugh as always!
Mornin' all,
"The most glorious moments in your life are not the so-called days of success, but rather those days when out of dejection and despair you feel rise in you a challenge to life, and the promise of future accomplishments." ~ Gustave Flaubert
Yesterday was one of those days. Only the rising and the promise all happened this morning in contemplating yesterday.
Moose
Big 'un,
Thank for making me laugh, I figure I must have been an anti-catholic yesterday, needed support by the masses. For which a big thank you and hugs to you all. I think I have a better handle on things now. Also helped by the fact that I discovered that I won 2 prizes in the Christmas draw at work. The top prize of a 26 inch HD ready Flat Screen digital TV and a satnav for the car, I wonder if it warns of low flying pedestrians from bridges - in advance.
Joyeux Noel to one and all
DD out
Is it just me? I can't access today's blog. I have a message from bbc.co.uk saying that the page I'm looking fo rhas moved/been updated etc.
I feel lost!!
is everyone else having a problem looking at todays blog?
For those of you in dodgy relationships, or who have just escaped from a nasty one, have hope. I've been married now 3 times!! I wasn't expecting to leave this last one, but my partner thought otherwise.
No regrets though, I love and support my children and would do it all again, although I do regret that relationships can finish, but better to have loved and lost etc...
On the religion front, I'm open minded so I can see where the vast majority of religions are trying to get to, you know, love each other, look after the planet, don't judge etc.. It's just a pity that humans get involved, however there's the rub.
You see if "God" made us in his/her image, then we are "God" so we have the ability to do anything to ourselves and the planet and maybe, just maybe, that's what we need to realise.
My thoughts go out to all who will be alone this Christmas, as I will be, but remember "Always expect the unexpected" You never know, Santa might leave you one of his special gifts.
Pete B
baldrick
Yup. Mee Too.
Was looking forward to see how he could better the conversation generation yesterday!
DWNB
DD
What are you like? mad crazy chappie!
Lucky Old You. 2 Prizes. Get ready for your third surprise. It won't be long in coming!!!
DWnb
DD
You are welconbe to the laugh :-) I am pleased you are feeling a little better today ;-)
Susan S, I hope you explained what you were laughing at ;-)
And no I can not see the new blog either :-(
Keith
Gremlins, gremlins, gremlins...
They're back.
DD - good to see you've perked up. Nice prizes!
Keith - nice one...
Susan S - got 2 out of 3 done on Monday, still failing on the telephone interview as wires keep getting crossed. Telephone companies must be using the same network as the 大象传媒 website!!!
Baldrick - I can feel myself resisting the urge, but just not enough...Why do you conclude that if God made us in his image then we are God? It's illogical in the extreme. If I take a photo (image) of you and say, "That's Baldrick" then everyone understands it's an image of you, not actually you. Why lose your logic when it comes to God? You and billions of others :-)
Enough already, I hear you say...
Bring on a new subject and servers that work...
Moose
PS Definitely Alan Curbishley!!
Moose - nice to see Alan Curbishley going back to his roots! I hope he does for West Ham what he did for Charlton.
DD - glad to see you can make light of the situation. I guess talking it through with loved ones really helped. I hope you're doing good today. Sending kisses anyway xxxxx
Cath - more {{{{{HUGS}}}}} for you today.
I'm still suffering verbal and emotional abuse from my alcholic boyfriend even though I've moved out. Having to live temporarily with my parents until I know what I want to do. Boyfriend (ex? Don't know - don't want him to be but he needs to help himself) has decided he doesn't need AA as he sort himself out. No chance. He's been referred to a psychiatrist - maybe that will help him. I have also been referred, to a psychologist - waiting for my appointment. Trying to summon the courage to go to an al-anon session but not managed to yet.
He called me 28 times last night on my mobile (has to be mobile, parents have barred his calls on their home phone), drunk, leaving abusive messages, then sobbing messages and so on. Curse the person who invented mobile phones!
Moose - again - thank you for the book list.
Baldrick - another inspiration to those of us going through a bad patch.
There's more if us than I'd ever imagine!
Happy Hump Day everyone
Lotsa love
J x
HATE!
I have to be totally honest and say if I am ever asked what I hate I say I hate the word hate....
I don't actually hate, hate, if you get my meaning. I despise it, because we use it with all too much frequency.
Hate is a destructive word and should be used as little as possible.
Let's try the old Thesaurus instead and widen our vocabulary, let's tone it down in this season of good will to all men!
You don't have to go to church to do good deeds, there's a lot needs doing and a lot that can be done.....even with a smile.
Hey Moose 114 - I love that quotation, am going to print it out and carry it around with me.
No I can't get on today's blog either.
DD - what fabby prizes!!!
((((to all)))) who gave me hugs yesterday and to those who need them today.
I still feel like poo, but I don't feel so alone so thanks guys!!
xxxxxxx
A Photograph won't bomb your country ;-)
Jax - you're welcome!
Cath - you're welcome!
Baldrick - No...But it will embarrass you in twenty years time! It can catch you at a bad moment (ask Cherie Blair!) And it can get distorted or damaged or faded over time. It can also get digitally manipulated and made to show something it was never supposed to be :-)
Moose
Jax No 123-having been in a similar situation my advise would be to walk away: so much easier said than done i know, but worth it in the long run. And how right you are about all the people out there that have so many similar problems : we all thing we are going thro things on our own and dont want to burden others with whats going on in our lives but this blog proves that there is a lot of love out there and how much it does help to tell someone
BLOG BABIES, CHRISTOPHE HERE, THE GREMLINS ARE INDEED HAVING A FIELD DAY TODAY. HERE IS TODAY'S BLOG IN FULL WHICH I POSTED VERY EARLY THIS MORNING AND AM A MIGHT PEED OFF HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO APPEAR AFORE NOW. NO ONE EVER TELLS ME !
Morning y鈥檃ll,
Well God certainly got us all going didn鈥檛 he ? It鈥檚 nice to know he鈥檚 not lost his touch !
Gorgeous sunrise today almost like London was on fire and then suddenly boom, send in the clouds, there has to be clouds, lah, lah, lah, lah, lah.
Do you ever get a waft of magic鈥
鈥.when I was little, when we were all little, I imagine we all had very few possessions but how much did we love the things we did have ?
I used to get extremely excited about a brand new golf ball. I used to get one for Christmas. A tangerine, an apple and a golf ball, the last three things in my Christmas pillow case, right down at the bottom.
I loved that golf ball. Just thinking about it now makes my tummy go funny like thinking of a past love.
There he was in his wrapper. The Dunlop 65 ddh, his dimples perfect, his skin, soft and shiny, his coat whiter than the freshest snow. This ball was to be my friend, this ball would win me a competition, there was no way this ball could be involved in an ugly shot. I wouldn鈥檛 be playing with him for a while yet. It would have to be a special day and of course we would have to prepare ourselves for the chance we might be parted.
Whenever that day would come, as come it must, nobody would know just how special that first tee shot would be, for there would be my ball putting his life on the line, a brave soldier volunteering for the most dangerous of duties. We鈥檇 spent many hours together. If I woke up in the morning, there he would be right by my bedside, as I drifted off sleep, he鈥檇 be the last thing that I saw .
So why did it all mean so much ?
Because like the golf ball, I felt so little, I felt like the world had no idea how much this golf ball meant to me and how I didn鈥檛 have another one and how if I lost him that would be it, he鈥檇 be gone for ever, I would have lost my little friend. I felt like the world didn鈥檛 understand.
And so, inevitably, the day would come, the feeling would arise that today was the day. And then the shot would come, the duff or the hack or the slice that would cause us to be parted and I would be sad and the rest of the round would mean nothing because he鈥檇 be gone, on his own somewhere, deep in the rough grass, left to fend for himself, his shiny white coat beginning the long and painful process of decomposition. I鈥檇 betrayed him, I didn鈥檛 have to hit him that morning, I could have kept him for ever. I could have handed him on to my grand kids, in my will, the most valuable thing on the list.
The golf ball that was never hit.
But this, I suppose, would have been to have deprived him of what he was meant to be鈥 for a golf ball that was never hit, was never a golf ball at all.
I still miss the little fella though..
x.
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Jax - I'm so sorry for the situation you're in.
If he is to become your ex, then barring his number from your mobile, or better still, changing your mobile number, will at least give you some distance while you try to make sense of it all.
If you want him to stay as your boyfriend, then Al-Anon seems to be the only answer.
I hate ultimatums but maybe in this situation the "either come to AA with me or it's over" is the only way to go. If he goes to the psychiatrist then at least it is progress.
I can thoroughly recommend seeing a psychologist though. Only two years ago I finally plucked up the courage to see someone because I'd come out of yet another destructive and bullying relationship - I could certainly pick 'em! It was such a relief to talk to someone who was not personally involved, and who I knew wouldn't lie awake all night worrying about me (as I knew my mum would) and each time I left her house I felt as if a weight (no matter how small) had been lifted from me. It took about four months before I could finally face my relationship with my ex-husband and accept that he had damaged me, both physically and emotionally, and that in order to find someone who actually deserved me, I had to face it and file it away - not deny it happened, but see it for what it was and mentally file it away somewhere safe. Apparently your mind is like a cupboard which is so full of stuff that you can't close the doors properly! By facing it and filing it away neatly, it's there but it's tidy and uncluttered. Honestly, it really helped and I went on to meet 'im indoors - my outlook was so different when I met him. We truly deserve each other, in the best way, rather than me ending up with guys who I think I deserve, ie bullies.
Your mental attitude makes such a difference to your outlook & confidence.
Take care Jax
Jillygoat xx
hey at last : we can read the blog, albeit posted in a different manner.
i always had an apple and a satsuma, right at the bottom of my stocking - i loved having those: it meant i could eat them without having to ask if i could have a piece of fruit. All seems very silly now. i still put the same things in my girls stockings, but they don't have the same excitement!
i now get allergic reations to citrus fruits and i really miss my satsumas :-(
First of all if everyone was a true Christian then the world would be a lot better place. I am not religious but I have met a lot of very nice understanding and tolerant people from the Church. Now then - I totally understand where Chris is coming from. I went to a christening recently and the vicar "kept" us in for 3 1/2 hours. It was the most boring time of my life - he preached and preached and a lot of the congregation were children - I bet they never want to see a church again. Churchs need to liven up - get a bar in, how about a pool table! anything to make them interesting - I also have a probelm with the whole God/JC thing. I want to beleive it but Darwin had a very good attempt at changing my mind. What do others think about the whole God and Jesus topic?
It's funny what you get attached to as a child., but it's usually the one thing that gets lost or broken first.
A memory of childhood Christmas's reminds me of the usual nuts and nutcrackers, but those hideous boxes of dates. The ones with a picture of a camel on the front which nobody seemed to eat but you just had them in for Christmas.
S'funny you talking about the sun being low inthe sky when you got up, got me thinking how come its so cold in winter when apparently thats the time the sun is the nearest to earth, whats that all about then ?? maybe they got it wrong and the sun is really cold and space is warm, this would account for the changes in temperature - in summer the sun is farther away and so its warmer !!
Christians are Jesus supremists!