This week I embarked on something new… distance learning.
I’m privileged to be part of a small group of people on a pilot course, Access International Development, which is being led by the University of Ulster.
We had an induction day in Belfast at the weekend, and what a diverse group of people! I’m looking forward to engaging my academic side a little more again and having some thought-provoking discussions with the group.
Last week I climbed my first two Munros – Stob Diamh (998m) and Ben Cruachan (1126m). Not only that, but it was warm & sunny in March, in Scotland… hoorah!
Last Saturday’s Just Generation event inspired and challenged me. Andy Freeman shared some thoughts, along with a few interesting workshops in the afternoon, and a delicious lunch provided by the Elephant Juice Soup Company – if you get a chance you MUST try their haggis & sweet potato soup, I promise you that you will not regret it!
Some thoughts and reflections…
God’s big idea is us. We are the plan.
God never moves backwards, he works with what we’ve made.
Church as foretaste of heaven – could you walk in a say ‘this is what heaven’s like’?
Laugh first an then work out the theology.
Benedictine Rule – treat everyone who comes into our home like Jesus.
Maybe our task is to communicate to the poor, the peacemakers, etc that they are blessed?
For the last few years, a bunch of development agencies have been running an event called Just Generation. And every year, I somehow miss it… out of the country, or working, or something else…. not this year!
Don’t think you can’t change the world!
Just Generation brings together a generation hungry to see a more just world. Come along for workshops, worship and interactive activities exploring God’s heart for justice and how we can live justly in the 21st century.
The theme for this year’s gathering is Community and we’re very excited that our main speaker will be Andy Freeman. Andy was part of the team that pioneered 24-7 Prayer’s first Boiler Room community &… co-authored Punk Monk. He is now a trainee Pioneer Ordinand with the Church of England and is working with others in the south to support Pioneers and Fresh Expressions in the region. Andy is also involved in Just 247 with the 24-7 Prayer movement and currently working on prayer and writing projects around Child Health issues.
Book now, and I’ll see you there!
Yesterday I had the privilege of guest-blogging over at one of my favourite blogs, Allison Lehmans Show & Tell. I shared some of my favourite Glasgow spots… wander on over & check it out.
Some beautifully designed things that are bringing me joy right now…
Perfect lino-cut print for next to the coat rack by James Brown, as found on The Beat That My Heart Skipped.
Amazing tea towels from ToDryFor, as seen in Oh Comely!
Amazing stickers by Hu2 to help you remember to switch off your lights, as seen on Apartment Therapy.
The most incredible website ever for a booklover… A photo blog collection of all the best bookshelf photos from around the world for people who *heart* bookshelves.
I’m a big fan of dreams.
I love letting my mind just wander and concoct all the crazy ideas it can, because some of them will be amazing. Many will be terrible, and the work is in deciphering which is which. Which dreams to throw out, and which ones to hang on to.
I’m pretty sure God’s a big fan of dreams too.
There are dreams to rebuild temples, free a people from slavery, and prevent famines.
Still, dreamers always got the bad rep.
“Behold the dreamer cometh!”
[Gen 37:19]
Look at this guy! Who does he think he is that he can really make a difference? It’s a lost cause. There’s no hope.
That’s not how God sees it though. There is always hope. This weekend I was reminded that you haven’t missed what God is calling you to unless you’re dead.
Are you dead?
Then neither is your dream.
There is a danger, though; one I’ve been prone to.
Your dream is not your own.
God gave you that dream.
It’s his.
You’re just entrusted with it for a little while.
Whatever your dream, God wants it to come to pass even more than you.
But you cannot chase the dream so hard you forget to chase the Dream-Giver.
He is greater than the dream.
The Dream-Giver is all.
Don’t get so caught up in chasing the dream that you forget to chase the Dream-Giver.
Loving this track off the new Audrey Assad album, Heart, which releases tomorrow…
My friends over at Christian Aid are getting ready to screen the third of their fantastic short films, made in partnership with the Guardian, exploring key issues faced by the world’s poorest communities…
Greater transparency in the international financial system would transform the lives of some of the world’s poorest people. Each year around US$160 billion is diverted away from developing economies through secretive practices and tax avoidance. In addition to this, the structure of the international trade system favours wealthy states and companies at the expense of less economically developed countries.
Since the 1990s, the bulk of flowers and vegetables grown in Kenya are specifically grown for export and Britain has imported significant quantities of both. What is the impact on Kenya of this new industry, and does big business moving into a struggling economy actually help?
At the start of Fair Trade Fortnight, join us for a screening of a documentary film followed by an expert panel discussion and Q&A exploring the issues of trade and tax.
Introducing Poverty Over
Poverty Over is Christian Aid’s powerful manifesto which investigates why the developing world is still poor, and defines what needs to change to help bring an end to poverty.
Tues 28 Feb // 7pm
CCA Glasgow
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