Spirituality and Hilarity: The world of Jo

Banksy Christmas present

2011-12-16T12:59:00.001Z

I have always loved Banksy's work which aims to provoke a reaction from its onlookers. Banksy's latest Christmas present is no exception. Have a look at the link below to see what I mean as he helps us to think about the true meaning of Christmas, minus the corruption that can be found around us, including in the Church itself.

Banksy artwork takes a swipe at church abuse | Christian News on Christian Today

I wish I lived in a world where the church was free from sexual, emotional, physical and spiritual abuse but I don't. Church reflects the problems of society and is made up of people from that same society. Christ seeks to bring light to the darkness. May he bring light to the corruption that exists in our churches and in our imperfect lives this Christmas.

A couple of years ago I went to a Banksy exhibition in Bristol. Here is another of his...

Christmas

2011-12-07T10:28:00.000Z

It is so hectic this time of year its a wonder that anyone has time to stop and think about the real meaning of Christmas and to gaze in wonder at the Christ-child. Christmas has become for many about presents and an excuse to get drunk. As I rush around preparing for Christmas services and visiting those who are housebound and sick I wish the world would slow down, just for a moment. I bought a present for a little girl who is currently in hospital a few days ago, a monkey that laughed when you tickled it. I put it in a bag with some tambourines that I had bought for church. Every time I knocked the bag the sound of laughing and rattling could be heard, much to the amusement of me and my fellow shoppers. I was still laughing along with the monkey some hours later. Unfortunately the monkey made the little girl cry, but that's another story.

As I reflect on the birth of Jesus this Christmas I pray that you will find time in your busy schedule to stop and do the same. I hope that your Christmas will contain fun and laughter and many blessings in wonderful and unexpected ways.

Its been some time since my last confession

2011-10-19T17:17:00.001+01:00

My first year of ministry has been rather hectic so I have not really had time to blog. Hopefully I will get back in the swing of it again soon. I was encouraged recently by one of my deacons telling me that her friend had been reading my blog and suddenly realized who I was. At least I know my words have not been completely wasted.

We had a great week of prayer a couple of weeks ago. Everyone was encouraged to try as many sessions as they could and to try different ways of active praying, such as, praying through art, praying through walking, praying through music, and praying through writing. Here is my contribution from the day on writing. God does speak in some mysterious ways - here is my confession, however, I would point out I have never done drugs....!

Its been sometime since my last confession.

I don't know how long its been.

I know I missed the bus last week and shouted out and screamed.

If only I'd have been on time.

If only that man from number forty-nine hadn't made me read that sign.

What was he trying to tell me?

What was he trying to say?

'Keep off the grass' it read.

Its been sometime since my last confession.

Gargoyles

2010-11-18T00:39:00.000Z

Gargoyles always seem to amuse me - but then I'm easily humoured. Designed to stop the rain water from the roof falling directly onto the stonework below. Designed to look evil or at least menacing to remind us that evil can be found outside of the church or cathedral and not inside it or perhaps to ward off evil spirits.

These were all taken at Gloucester Cathedral. It was a beautiful sky that day.

Do Youthful Tears Still Flow?

2010-11-11T20:39:00.000Z

DO YOUTHFUL TEARS STILL FLOW?

Each November we remember those

who gave their lives for us.

Those remaining from the wars

without complaint or fuss,

Will bow their heads in homage and

think of those that died.

Up and down the country they will

lay their wreaths with pride.

Some will talk in ageing voices of

comrades buried young.

And recall a distant land where

those boys did not belong.

Many have seen the unnamed graves

where crimson poppies grow.

They have seen the price of freedom,

where youthful tears still flow.

As images reel round and round

in their ever fading sight.

Let us bow our heads and give thanks

to those who fought for right.

Crossing the line

2010-11-01T20:44:00.009Z

I'm back! Sorry I've been gone for a while but life has got in the way of blogging. Something to do with living in Gloucestershire and pastoring a church in Burton Upon Trent and the 105 miles in between.

I ventured into Derby for the first time the other week and made the mistake of parking in a 'car park' in Crompton Street only to be clamped for 'being over the designated bay'. I dispute this as only one tyre was on the white line. As as certain tennis player would say, 'You cannot be serious... the ball was on the line!' Here is the picture to prove it.... and a cartoon that caught my eye from asboJesus that seemed to strike a chord. Lol (laugh out loud). http://asbojesus.wordpress.com.

The line was crossed!

Hop, Skip and Jump

2010-08-15T18:10:00.000+01:00

Hmmm well it has been a while since the last blog. Please forgive me. I seem to have been up to my eyes in dissertation, trying to sell the house and thinking about my future ministry in Burton upon Trent.

On the house front we have found somewhere in Burton that seems ideal. It was amusing to find out that the house is owned by a retired Anglican vicar and his wife. The downside is we still haven't sold our house yet and so we are not in a position to make him an offer. Our neighbours of 15 years moved out last week it seems it is an end of an era. The new neighbours are very interesting though. He is a Methodist minister from the other side of Derby, Matlock I think, due to retire in a couple of years time. When he asked me over the fence what I did for a living he laughed and did a little gig around the garden at my reply. God really does move in mysterious ways and certainly has a sense of humour. I am convinced God is playing a game of chess with me. Well I am obviously not a bishop but am I a mere pawn or a more strategic piece? A rook perhaps, you never know where they will move next, or at least it is difficult to keep up with their next moves. One hop, skip and a jump and I will be in Burton an who knows what hopping, skipping and jumping for joy will take place once I'm there. I can't wait...

So is cheque-mate the end of the game or the beginning? (There seems to be a recurrent theme going on here.) Are there lots of rematches to come? Is there any point in playing when you know God is going to win? Or does the game say more about free-will and our ability to choose the next move? My theology is more Arminian than it is Calvinist. Which means that I do not have any strong beliefs in predestination. We have a choice. We can serve God and do His will or we can go about our own thing leading a wild life. Whilst I have on occasion opted on the wilder side of life nothing compares with the sense of fulfilment that I have now. Even when we serve God it is not the case of being puppets to the puppet-master in the sky. We are part of God's mission and have our own roles to fulfil. (I am currently looking at Evan Roberts' role in the Welsh Revival - more on that in the next blog.) Was New Church Burton upon Trent the only church that I could serve God in as pastor. No, I could have served God in another church. Is he calling me to New Church Burton upon Trent - Yep! For this is the Church who have said, 'Yes' to God and 'Yes' to trusting me to lead them in. Who knows what is in store for us but I am in no doubt that God is going to bless us big time.

A Last Supper

2010-07-18T23:56:00.002+01:00

So does the Last Supper represent the end of the journey or the beginning?

Having lived in Nailsworth for some 15 years (I only meant to stay for 2 or 3) and the fact that I shall be leaving soon (when I eventually sell the house) I thought it was about time that I went to St George's Church. I can never work out what page I am suppose to be on but I seemed to manage reasonable well to follow the communion service. Some of the communion was sung and although I couldn't join in, as I didn't know the tune, I really enjoyed the change. The church seemed friendly and warm and some of the faces seemed familiar - I guess I have been passing many of them in the street on a day to day basis.

The big draw to the church however, was the painting that hung over the altar....

A Last Supper by Lorna May Wadsworth

The painting is magnificent, a modern interpretation of Da Vinci's Last Supper.

Unlike Da Vinci however, the central figure is a black Jesus. Having been commissioned to paint the piece, following a legacy given to the church, Wadsworth retained artistic license to interpret the Last Super as she saw fit. She chose to make all the disciples good looking with Jesus himself based on a supermodel by the name of Tafari! Why not? It certainly makes you think.

The painting hung for a time in St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square but has now found its way home to Nailsworth. If you get a chance to go and look at the painting yourself then go - apparently the light is better about 2.00pm when the summer sun finds its way through the stained glass window as it searches out the altar.

Communion is all about remembering the man who hung on the cross so that we may be reconciled to the Father. Whilst this may be my first, and perhaps last supper in Nailsworth it is a memorable one...

2010-06-17T18:42:00.003+01:00

Where does the road lead? Hmmm.. I am back on my journey again. Whilst I know the road leads to Burton-on-Trent it appears there are a few hills to climb first. Mortgages to sort, a house to sell, a house to buy, a dissertation to write, an ordination to enjoy. I think I need a holiday!

It is good to know that God journeys with me and that the people at Burton are waiting at the end of this road with expectancy as to how our journey together will continue. Whilst I am excited by new prospects I am sad to be leaving behind my beloved Gloucestershire. Whilst I'm still here I am trying to enjoy the area as best I can.

These photos were taken in around Shortwood, near Nailsworth, Glos, where I live.

The Bird Got the Worm!

2010-06-15T14:06:00.004+01:00

It seems that I have now found that place to where God has called me to pastor. I am feeling like the bird who finally got the worm and as happy as a cheshire cat. I'm not sure that cats and birds really go together or indeed that there is any similarity between the worm and the church. I hope not - lol (laugh out loud). I took this photo in my back garden, on the day it was taken about a dozen Thrushes descended from the sky in search of tea. Most, after much digging finally found a worm, although not all. Settlement has been very difficult for the last couple of years but it seems that God had a plan for me all along. Did I doubt this, no not really. But when you are walking in the valley it is sometimes difficult to see the mountain top.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who are still in the valley digging for worms. If you look up you will see God smiling and knowing full well there are plenty of worms and much to do for His Kingdom.

Pictures speak a thousand words.... this is me... except I'm not a cat!

2010-05-21T00:03:00.000+01:00

A Dittie and a thought..

2010-04-13T14:23:00.001+01:00

Not much time to blog this week but, I thought I would share a 'dittie' (short poem) with you that I learnt at school when I was about 11. For some reason it keeps going round and round my head at the moment...

Here am I with my four daughters

dead from drinking Cheltenham waters.

If I'd have stuck to Epsom salts

I wouldn't have been in these 'ere vaults.

Anon.

I can't believe I can remember it from all those years ago. My class had to learn a poem, or two short ones, to recite in class and the winner was to compete against pupils from the rest of the school. I learnt two poems, although I can't remember even what the other one was about. But, I do remember that I went wrong on purpose as I didn't want to enter the competition. I had a fear of public speaking - God really does have a sense of humour sometimes!

2010-04-06T16:17:00.000+01:00

I'm feeling a lack of motivation today after chilling out over the bank holiday. Maybe I need a little kickstart? This cartoon really made me laugh outloud.

More funny cartoons can be found at: http://www.reverendfun.com/

A Puzzling Easter

2010-04-05T13:02:00.001+01:00

I had a very puzzling Easter this year. It didn't quite take its normal form but was nevertheless very enjoyable on a number of counts.

I would normally go to church on Good Friday and then take part in the march of witness in Stroud. I have done this for years and have loved to join in the procession that winds its way through the town singing and praying at it goes. For the last 5 years or so we have also given away free hot cross buns to passers-by. It is so good to be able to interact with people along the way - both Christians and non-Christians alike. However, it has always struck me how somber we appear. Yes, Good Friday is about remembering Jesus' brutal crucifiction and there is a need to express this but, will this mood attract others to the church - no. Better perhaps to show the love of God, the joy of knowing Him and rejoicing over the victory of the ressurection. Christ has risen, Halellujah!

I have a very dear friend who lives in France but, also has a flat in Cardiff. This Good Friday I spent the day with her (alas not in France) catching up, hanging out, and mostly talking about our walk with God. I love the fact that we understand exactly what the other means without having to explain ourselves. We are very much on the same spiritual wavelength and are great friends, even though she is old enough to be my mum - lol (laugh out loud). Actually, I have a lot of friends who are around this age bracket. I'm not sure whether this is from hanging out in a church with an older congregation or that my siblings are nine/ten years older than me and age just does not register?

Whilst it seems strange to have missed the Good Friday service I had no doubt that I was in the right place. Sometimes God does unexpected things and asks us to trust Him. It is like God says, 'Walk with me a while.' and he takes you down this quiet path. You can hear a stream gurgling and a gentle breeze cools you in the heat of the day. You can smell lavender and the flowers that border the path; all seems well in the world. As the stream comes in to view you realize that God is with you - you feel and know his peace. A peace the surpases all understanding.

John was working Friday, Saturday, and Monday and we had every intention of making the most of our time together. Whilst we had planned to do things in the end we chilled out by putting our feet up in front of the TV and watching lots of films. Oh yeah... there was also the thousand piece jigsaw puzzle that took up most of Sunday. It was good not having to race around for a change. We had a very peaceful weekend. The church was packed on Easter Sunday and there seemed to be lots of new people and visitors - which was great. I love meeting and getting to know new people and ofcourse catching up with friends.

I am so blessed with friends of all ages and nationalities. Some I know better than others. Some share my faith, others do not. Some understand my calling, others less so, but they all suport me in what I am doing. That, I guess, is the nature of friendship. This Easter has been about friendship for me. Being there for friends who have needed my suport, meeting new friends, getting to know people better, spending time with God, and hanging out with John, my husdand, who is my best friend. We all need good friends to help us through tough times, to give us a hug when we are feeling down, to share in our excitement and rejoice in our triumphs. Sometimes life seems one big puzzle. It takes a while to work out what all the pieces are for and how they slot together. Indeed, sometimes you never do work out the meaning of all the pieces and events in life. Easter is my favour time in the Christian callender - a time for rejoicing. Easter is the piece in the jigsaw puzzle that gives the rest meaning and helps me to see the bigger picture. Easter is the piece in the jigsaw puzzle that brings me the most peace and the most joy.

I wonder what piece in the jigsaw Easter is for you?

Good Friday

2010-04-01T20:55:00.000+01:00

No words can express the magnitude of today.

Crucified for you and for me.

Take time to remember...

Take time to consider...

Take time.

Tiredness

2010-03-24T14:17:00.000Z

I feel so tired at the moment. Its not really surprising seems I was up until 3.00am working on an essay. I did intend stoping at 9.00pm but I seemed to get a second wind. I'm not sure why I am such a night owl but I definately work better at night. The downside is that I can't seem to get up much enthusiasm for working again today. I have an essay deadline on Friday so I guess I will just have to knuckle down. Perhaps more tea will help? Or a little snooze? Seems that I didn't get up untill 10.30am I think the tea will have to do. I have already tried a sugar rush but the Jelly Babies seem to be sleeping as well.

My journey to the cross is going well but I will be glad when I finally get there. I have enjoyed studying for an MA but didn't realize how hard it would be when I started. The work load shifts up a gear, expectations step up a gear... more is required of me. And then we have the hunt to find the church that God is calling me to. Life has been a juggling game since september. A one handed juggling game at that having developed a repetative strain injury to my right hand.

I have met some wonderful people in my search to find a church and have had a few laughs with John, my husband along the way. Normally God makes it very clear where I am supose to be and what I am supose to be doing. He has been less direct in my hunt for a church but his guidance has never the less been clear. Although I can't help but think of a pinball machine where I am the ball that seems to be bouncing off the bumpers at a great rate of knots only to end up down the hole and have to start off all over again. Sometimes I have actively sought the black hole as a place of safety, sometimes I have been spat out of the game and have no choice... but thats the game! There have been a few bonus points gained and clearly I have learnt a lot about different churches and about myself in the whole process. I think John's role in all this has been the plunger that you pull out to give the ball a flick in the right direction. Sometimes I haven't really wanted to play the game and John has had to give me a kick in the right direction. He is such a positive influence in my life - I really am truely blessed.

The curent game of pinball has been going on for a while and has been a very enjoyable game. I am hoping not to fall down the black hole this time...

2010-03-22T10:38:00.006Z

This photo is of the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania

- a place of pilgrimage

With a prayer You fed the hungry,

With a cry You stilled the storm,

With a look You had compassion

On the desperate and forlorn.

With a touch You healed the leper,

With a shout You raised the dead;

With a word expelled the demons,

With a blessing broke the bread.

Love incarnate, love divine,

Captivate this heart of mine

Till all I do is speak of You.

As a sheep before the shearer

You were silent in your pain;

You endured humiliation

At the hands of those You'd made.

And as hell unleahed its fury

You were lifted on a tree,

Crying, 'Father God, forgive them,

Place their punishment on me.'

Love incarnate, love divine,

Captivate this heart of mine

Till all I do is speak of You.

I will feed the poor and hungry,

I will stand up for the truth;

I will take my cross and follow

To the corners of the earth.

And I ask that you so fill me

With Your peace, Your power, Your breath,

That I never love my life so much

To shrink from facing death.

Love incarnate, love divine,

Captivate this heart of mine

Till all I do is speak of You.

Stuart Townend

Calling

2010-03-17T17:04:00.000Z

More fun from http://www.reverendfun.com/

Journey to Bristol

2010-03-15T11:01:00.000Z

Off to Bristol today for a week of learning about mission. This is the last of my taught modules and although I have enjoyed them I am happy to have got to the end. Just a couple of 6,000 word essays and a 15,000 word dissertation to finish now!

This week we are looking at Bosch's book Transforming Mission (2005, Orbis Books). For mission to be successful it needs to transform those it meets but for it to stand any hope of suceeding the mission itself has to be transformed. I love the double meaning to this book and am looking forward to learning more...

Road Map

2010-03-11T14:27:00.006Z

This mornings UCB notes seemed apt again today. They quote the evangelism Billy Graham.
'The Bible is the road map for life, and while your pastor can highlight the best route to take, you learn to navigate life's twists and turns yourself.'

2010-03-10T10:12:00.000Z

Anoint the wounds

of my spirit

with the balm

of forgiveness

pour the oil

of your calm

on the waters

of my heart

take the squeal

of frustration

from the wheels

of my pasion

that the power

of your tenderness

may smooth

the way I love

that the tedium

of givig

in the risk

of surrender

and the reaching

out naked

to a world

that must wound

may be kindled

fresh daily

to a blaze

of compassion

that the grain

may fall gladly

to burst in the ground

-and the harvest abound.

Ralph Wright OSB

21st Century Church

2010-03-09T12:12:00.005Z

What is 21st century church? What does it look like? How is it different? Church is the gathered body of people who come to worship Christ. It is not the building, although where the church meets does effect the way in which church happens. If the building is set out formally with pews and pulpit then no matter how informal you try to make a service formality will still exist because of the suroundings. The church in Stroud where I am a member is very formal in structure although the services have become less so over the years. I guess a set of drums and a worship band brings an uptempo lift.

As I complete my MA in missional studies I wonder what God requires of me as far as my next step in the journey is concerned. Sometimes I feel frustrated that he only every tells me the very next step and not what the future holds. Although that does not stop me dreaming. I dream about a church where young and old meet together in harmony. Each appreciating the gifts, energy, and wisdom that they all bring to the body of Christ. I dream of a church that hungers after God. That steps out in faith even when the path is unknown. A church that loves one another, and forgives each other's faults and weaknesses. But most of all, I dream of revival and an openness to the Spirit of God. There is a fire that burns inside of me and longs to be let loose. In God's time I pray that revival will come to this land again and I pray that we will all be ready for it.

In the meantime, I wonder what I can do to engage people in the gospel message. Jesus is very much alive for me but for many he is a figure of the past. How can I be Jesus to those who have yet to find him? How can I preach the gospel in a real way that brings Jesus back from the dead for those who don't realize that he has been ressurected and lives today. I know that in my own small way I can do my bit but together we can make a real impact.

I must admit to being a bit of a treckie at this point. I do have a love of science fiction and particularly like the Star Trek Voyager and the Next Generation series. I was relaxing yesterday watching an episode where the crew of Voyager where trying to sneek onto a borg ship. The borg, for those of you who don't know, are a collective which means that they think as one body. I wonder what the church would look like if we all thought the same and did the same thing. Personally, I think life would be rather boring. As they say variety is the spice of life! Whilst we may fall out from time to time over issues such as, women in ministry or the place of homosexuals in the church, difference of opinion is healthy. It is what we do with our differences of opinion that really matters. We may choose to stand on our pedestal and say you are wrong and I am right or, we can come together and discuss our opinions and discern what Christ would do in our situation. Jesus is the one who invites us to come into relationship with him, despite our faults. He loves us for who we are, just as we are.

The borg cube travels through space looking for unsuspecting people whome the borg can assimilate and turn into creatures just like them. On meeting a spaceship or planet the words, 'We are the borg, you will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.' are heard. Whilst the church's role is to make disciples of all men and women it's role is not to assimilate them and make them into drones as part of the collective (as the borg do). But, rather to disciple people and show them the ways of Christ by pointing them in the right direction. Whilst we journey together our own walk with Christ is a personal one. One where the journey is often lonely and frightening and not always easy. However, as I have pointed out before, Christ journeys with us. For me 21st century church is one which embraces the outcast and loves the individuals that comes through its doors as Christ loves them. It is a church that reaches people in a relevant way. If that means doing church differently - great - lets do it! Church is for me about supporting one another, loving one another, worshiping together and journeying together. We may not get it right all the time, that's OK - the point is that we keep on going until we get it right and have some fun along the way.

Hmm... nearly time for another episode of Star Trek, must go!!

Essay and spelling!

2010-03-03T14:20:00.001Z

~~Spelin~~ ~~Speellling~~ Spelling is ~~neccesary~~ ~~neccessary~~ necessary I tink!

Essays.... It seems that, after nearly four years, college have found me out! My sin is that I can't spell. Even with the wonders of spell check it seems that I make these fatal errors. I must point out that I can't seem to spell check my blog so I can only apologise for any mistakes! Whilst I appreciate spelling is important for an academic essay it is not the be all and end all to life. God spoke to me recently through my daily notes...

'We decided to retell the story about a newly hired traveling salesman who sent his first sales report to the head office, because its truth is timeless. When the report reached tehm they were stunned. the new salesman wrote, "I seen this outfit which ain't never bot nuthin from us and I sole them a lotta goods. No I'm going to Chicawgo." Before the sales manager could fire him, along came a second report. "I come to Chicawgo and sole them over a millyun." Fearful if he fired the salesman and concerned if he didn't, the sales manager dumped the problem into the lap of the company president. The following morning the sales department was amazed to see a memo from the president posted on the bulletin board beside the salesman's two letters. It said, "We ben spending two much time tryin to spel and not enuf tryin to sel. Let's watch those sails. I want everybody should read these two letters from Gooch, who is on the rode doin a grate job for us, and you should go out and do like he dun." Degrees and titles are fine things, but armed with intuition and initiative, plus Gos's help, you are qualified!'

The Word For Today, UCB, Westport Road, Stoke-On-Trent, ST6 4JF ucb@ucb.co.uk Free issues of this devotional are available by contacting UCB directly.

Severn Bore

2010-03-02T19:38:00.002Z

Creation is a marvelous thing. I cannot believe that this marvelous planet of ours just evolved. For me there must be a creator God. I took these photos today (2nd March 2010) of the Severn Bore - truely a magnificent sight! Although I must admit to being disappointed it wasn't bigger.

Today's bore had a five star rating (the highest and therefore the biggest). For those of you who don't know - the bore is a 'natural phenomenon' that produces a wave up to 5 meters high that travels against the normal river flow and happens twice a day around the spring and autumn equinox.

At the moment I am writing an essay on the Severn Barrage which has been proposed as a way of producing 'green' energy. However, a 10 mile concrete barrage between Cardiff and Weston-Super-Mare would have an enormous impact on the environment. Localized flooding would increase, mudflats would be lost thereby significantly reducing the feeding ground for about 69,000 birds, the passage of migrating fish would be blocked, etc, etc...

Essays... now there's another story...

Are you there Lord?

2010-02-26T16:52:00.000Z

I am glad to say that the hill has levelled out a bit. I wish I knew what was around the corner, or may be it is just as well I don't. The path leads over hills and down through the valley. It has high points and low points and many twists and turns. Are you there Lord?

He waits patiently in the silence offering peace to those who take time to notice....

Up Hill

2010-02-24T16:25:00.001Z

Today started out good but has become an uphill struggle and the weight of the world (or is the cross?) is on my shoulders. Ok, so maybe it is not really that bad. But it is enough to stop me in my tracks and take me off course. I guess we all come off course once in a while. We take a wrong turn and end up with muddy boots from not staying on the path. Maybe it is time to sit on a bench and take stock. Yes, the road ahead maybe uphill but I do not tread the path on my own...

Why do I avoid silence?

2010-02-23T15:31:00.002Z

A rather haunting image of 'Silence'

by John Henry Fuseli (1741-1825)

Dear God,

Speak gently in my silence.
When the loud outer noises of my surroundings
and the loud inner noises of my fears
keep pulling me away from you.
Give me ears to listen to your small, soft, voice saying:

'Come to me, you who are overburdended
and I will give you rest...
for I am gentle and humble of heart.'

Let that loving voice by my guide.

Amen.

Why do I avoid silence?

From With Open Hands Henri J.M. Nouwen.

The Journey Continues

2010-02-22T19:28:00.000Z

Christ Bearing the Cross at Calvary

Andrea Da Firenze (1365-68)

2010-02-21T14:38:00.000Z

A modern painting 'Christ in Gethsemane'

by Michael D O'Brian.

I am struck by the pain and agony that seems to be on Jesus' face as he thinks about what is to come.

Psalm 139

2010-02-19T10:10:00.002Z

O Lord you search me and you know me,
you know my resting and my rising,
you discern my purpose from afar.
You mark when I walk or lie down,
all my ways lie open to you (v1-3)

O search me, God, and know my heart.
O test me and know my thoughts.
See that I follow not the wrong path
and lead me in the path of life eternal (v23-24)

Grail Translation, Paulist press)

The Sheltered Path

By Claude Monet 1873

2010-02-18T16:46:00.004Z

Loving this from asbojesus.

http://asbojesus.wordpress.com/

Light of the World

2010-02-17T16:26:00.005Z

This is my favourate Holman Hunt painting, 'Light of the World'. We have a copy of it on the wall at John street Baptist Church, Stroud. I also have my own copy of this wonderful painting and often find myself reflecting on it. I love the way the moon casts a halo around Jesus' head.

Jesus knocks at the door but the door handle is on our side of the door. Unless you choose to open the door of your heart to Jesus he cannot and will not enter. This is the free choice that God gives us - we can either accept Him or reject him. Your choice....

Today is the start of Lent. In past years I have joined with my Anglican Friends at college for their traditional Ash Wednesday service. I have missed that this year. Baptists are not terribly good at marking this point in the Christian callender; perhaps we should!

The shadow of death

2010-02-16T19:36:00.002Z

I have been reflecting on this painting, 'The Shadow of Death' by Holman Hunt today. As Jesus stretches his arms the evening light casts a shadow against the back wall and the tools hung on the back wall form a cross bar. Although we do not see the woman's face we know that it is Mary who is opening a chest full of the gifts brought by the Magi at Jesus' birth. But she is not looking in the box her eyes are stuck by the shadow that seems to be predicting what is to come.

The painting holds much more but I will leave you to ponder the significance of it in your own time... it's much more fun that way!

Holding hands with God

2010-02-14T15:33:00.004Z

As the rain hides the stars,

as the autumn mist hides the hills,

as the clouds veil the blue of the sky,

so the dark happenings of my lot

hide the shining of thy face from me.

Yet, if I may hold thy hand in the darkness,

it is enough. Since I know that,

though I may stumble in my going,

thou dost not fall.

(Celtic, unknown)

This prayer was posted by Living Wittily recently http://livingwittily.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/02/

I like the idea of holding hands with God as I stumble in the dark.

Why do bad things happen?

2010-02-11T14:52:00.003Z

It has been some time since my last blog. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, I have developed a repetative strain in my hand/wrist that is painful when I type. Secondly, I have struggled to find any hilarity in my life worthy of mention.

I guess there may be a problem with the name of my blog 'Spirituality and hilarity.' Sometimes life is just not funny. In a previous blog I refered to the tragic death of Daz, one of my husband's close friends. Why do bad things happen? The technical term for this is 'theodicy' and whilst I could get very academic in defining what it means it is not my intention to do so. there are plenty of academic blogs available if that is what you are looking for. My intention is more to provoke thought and to explore spirituality. 'So God, why do bad things happen?' I intend on asking this question of him upstairs when I eventually get to heaven. I am not looking to getting there any time soon so this question will have to wait a while. I the meantime it is a question that remains in my thoughts. I am sure many, if not everyone has struggled with this question at some point in their life. Sometimes life just plain stinks and there is no rhyme or reason for why things happen. People get ill... they die young... good people, people who have not done anything wrong to anyone else.

I conclude that my search to explore spirituality in a humorous way has one major flaw - life just isn't humorous all the time!

Waiting

2009-12-17T23:09:00.001Z

Advent is all about waiting.... I can't say I am a particularly patient person and it seems to be getting worse as I get older. Still wait I must. Have you ever waiting for a bus that doesn't arrive? Then four buses come along at the same time. This is the world of Jo at the moment. Christmas it seems is just around the corner - or at least I hope it is.

May the Lord bless you and keep you this Christmas - and leave you something nice under the tree!

We will remember them

2009-11-12T15:37:00.006Z

I really should have written this blog before Remembrance Sunday but my head has not really been in the right place. One of John's close friends from the army was amongst those who were shot and killed by a rogue policeman in Afghanistan. RSM Darren Chant was 40, recently married in August to Sheenie who is expecting their first child together. Daz has three children from a previous marriage and was a real family man and a larger than life character. I will always remember his grin and his wit. John has known Daz for some 20 years plus. Daz was one of John's recruits in the depot - no doubt John put him through his paces.

Remembrance Sunday was poignant this year.

What makes you who you are?

2009-11-03T17:54:00.007Z

Today I had the privilege of conducting a service renewing a couples marrage vows on the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary. Mark and Gill have had a tough time recently as Mark nearly died. It was a great to have been asked to take the service for them - but why me? I am not yet ordained and I am still searching for that church to which God has called me to. I am at present nomadic - a pilgrim on a journey. Is this perhaps a way for God to affirm my calling? Am I to be a pastor to the pastorless?

Mark and Gill were married in an Anglican church and it was to this church that they returned 25 years later to renew their promises before God and in the presence of their children and their partners. The service was short, yet intimate and extreamly moving. God was there and His presence was real. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Today nothing else mattered, no essay, no lecture or anything else was going to get in the way of the task in hand. I can't say that I felt particularly upbeat today - more miserable like the weather. (It has rained most of the day.) But today I had a commission - a job to do - a priestly role to fulfill. Is seems strange but yet perfectly normal to be standing at the alter in an Anglican church. (I am an eccumenical.) The vicar did not mind me conducting the service, Mark and Gill wanted me to do it, I wanted to, and more importantly, I feel it was what God had called me to do today.

But I am left with a question - what makes you who you are? Is it a label? Is it an ordination service? Is it what you do? Is it other people? Or is it God? I am who I am. Imperfect, a bit moody at the moment, inadequate in so many ways and a sinner. But by the grace of God I am forgiven, redeemed and made perfect by the blood of the lamb. I am a child of God and it is God who makes me who I am. Today, dispite the rain, it has been a good day.

Is this the right way?

2009-10-24T20:32:00.001+01:00

Listening

2009-10-21T12:28:00.001+01:00

How do you know that you are truely listening to God? Recently I really felt that God was directing me in a certain direction but alas the door was closed. I am left pondering as to whether I did actually hear what God was saying or not. Is this just all part of his plan and part of my journey in life or was His will stopped in its tracks? I am convinced that discerning God's voice is a corporate thing and that together as the church body we seek out HIs will but what if the body gets it wrong? I guess we are all infallible individuals and churches are made up of infallible people so it is not surprising we get it wrong on occasion. I am sure it grieves God when we don't walk in His will and go off on our own agendas and I am thankful that He is a God of grace who forgives us when we make mistakes and ask for His forgiveness.

My hope is in a God who knows my deepest thoughts and fears and who shelters me under His wing in times of trouble. I am blessed to have many lovely people who are praying for me and in these last few weeks I have felt at peace. At peace that no matter how events turn out God is with me and feels my pain because it is part of His pain too. At peace because God knows how expectant I am and how excitted I am to follow Him. At peace because I journey on the road that Christ journeys.

Tuning problems

2009-10-05T21:06:00.005+01:00

I finally managed to change the strings on my guitar. Well, except the bottom E string that broke in the process - so I put the old one back on. I was more than a little disappointed by the sound I was getting from said guitar but after much fumbling around it now sounds half decent. As decent as I can make it sound anyway. I have owned my current guitar for the last 7 years and I am ashamed to say that I have had the same set of strings on it since John bought it for me as a birthday present all those years ago. Having since looked up on the internet what strings the guitar came with (D'Addario EXP 16) I found out that they are meant to last 4 or 5 times longer than others. Strings are normally changed at least every 3 month, depending on wear, so I think mine have done rather well! The strings did of course loose their tone after 7 years.

My guitar playing is coming along; although I am still very much a novice and don't intend playing in public just yet. It strikes me that our own spirituality often has tuning problems. We keep playing the same tune on the same set of strings and wonder why we are getting the same toneless tune. We loose the top and bottom ends of the notes because we fail to change our strings regularly. It is not that we stop hearing God altogether but we do miss out on all that he has to say. Should we not at least try to change the way in which we approach our spirituality from time to time in order that we can fully appreciate all that God has for us. Or are we too lazy or too set in our ways to try? Why just listen to the bass notes in a song when there is so much more on offer? Don't get me wrong every now and then it is good to crank up the bass - but variety is the spice of life as they say. It is all too easy to get stuck in a rut and fail to explore all that God has for us. But if we are to move on in our own spirituality and in our relationship with our creator then change is a necessity. It might take a while to get the tuning right and you might find that something doesn't work. Don't worry if you really don't like it you can go back to you old strings. But new strings will enhance your experience and lead you to new songs that are waiting to be played.

Incidently I don't really like my new strings (Martin custom lights) and have ordered some D'Addarios off the internet. I have ordered two set - which means I intend to change them a bit more regularly!!!

P.S. I think my strings deserve a sabbatical - what about you?

Jack

2009-09-24T20:19:00.002+01:00

Here is Jack and his mummy Danielle. Born safe and well

6lb 9oz on 22 September at 3.55am.

Excitement!

2009-09-22T17:43:00.011+01:00

Excited, excited, excited, excited! Today I am excited at the thought of seeing my grand-son for the first time tomorrow. He was born today in the early hours. His mum, Danielle, was so exhausted she cannot remember the exact time or indeed how much he weighed. As yet he has no name - but he is surely already loved.

Psalm 139:1-18, 21-24 (NRSV) reads:

O Lord you have searched me and know me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your head upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is so high that I cannot attain it.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
if I take the wings of the morning
and settle in the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and you right hand shall hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light around me become night,"
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is as bright as the day,
for darkness is not dark to you;
the night is as bright as the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

For it was you who formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mothers womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes beheld my uniformed substance.
In your book were written
all the days that were formed for me,
when none of them as yet existed.
How weighty to me are your thoughts,
O God!
How vast the sum of them!...

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
see if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

I thank God for my grand-son's safe arrival. Induced one month early because of complications. I thank God for knitting him in his mother's womb; in that secret place where God breathes life into humanity. I thank God that He knows all our ways and that He walks by the side of us through the hard times in life. I thank God that He walks behind us taking care of our past and watching our backs. I thank God that he walks in front of us leading the way and directing our path. I thank God for the excitement and expectancy that new babies bring into the world. Creation is awesome! God is awesome!

Holiness and hope

2009-09-11T11:39:00.015+01:00

'Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that your formally had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."'

1 Peter 1:13-16 (NRSV)

It is my desire to be holy and to live my life like Christ. Alas I often fall short of this goal. God in his grace forgives me when I muck up and get it wrong. I hope that my spiritual life grows deeper in Christ and I hope that my life continues to reflect that. My hope is in Christ. At the start of every movie or television program the director shouts, 'Action!' and the actors and actresses burst into life. I hope that I am preparing my mind for action. Both in my academic study and in my personal life. I am waiting for the director to shout 'Action!' once more so that I can begin the show and start my ministry in its fullness wherever that may be.

The photograph is of my grand-daughter Ella-Louise who will be one on the 15th September. Her life is only just beginning. As is my grand-son who is due to be born around the same time. For him the cry of, 'Action!' is about to be shouted for the first time. What will my grand-children's lives turn out to be like? What kind of world will they live in? Will they be obedient children? Or will they go off the rails? I pray that they may know the love of Christ and his hope for their lives. That too is my prayer for you on this day.

Two by Two

2009-09-08T20:40:00.001+01:00

Waiting

2009-09-04T12:47:00.010+01:00

Today I am stuck in the waiting room. Waiting for college to start. Waiting to find the church to which God has called me. Waiting for the washing machine to finish. The third one is less important but nevertheless part of my life. Why do we dislike and indeed struggle with waiting so much? No one likes to have to wait at the supermarket checkout we all want what we want now. In an instant. Instant coffee, fast-food, microwave meals, buy-now pay-later.... Now, now, now, now, now! And so the postmodern world was created. What happened to planning and cooking meals from scratch and saving money to buy the things we want? I can't say that I am a great fan of ready made meals. I actually enjoy cooking and the relaxation it seems to bring as I mess around in the kitchen. Nor do I like instant coffee but alas I have to admit to my sins - the occasional take-out and not seeming to be able to save any money. I guess not working means that saving for a rainy day is out at the moment. It is well and truly raining!

I am a post-modern woman. I want everthing now, not tomorrow. I try not to be impatient but I guess I was kind of made this way. I am a product of my enviroment. Like most post-modernists I like different forms of media and I like to have my senses bombarded with information. I can't just sit in front of the TV I have to be doing something else at the same time. Be that reading a book, chatting, texting, emailing... Most evening I sit in front of the TV watching a film whilst conversing with cyber-space on the Internet. Perhaps this multi-tasking is a woman thing, but no, my husband is sat on the other sofa doing the exact same thing. We are even known to instant message each other -jJust to reassure one another that we are there. Sometimes we even manage to talk! So why then in the age of post-modernism and mass media do we expect people to sit on uncomfortable pews and listen to a monologue of preaching? Is this really the way forward? For someone who has not been brought up in a church environment surely this is a strange and unusual experience. What is the answer? Cafe church? Seek-friendly church? Church in a pub?

What should church look like? I guess church is all about the people. Indeed church is the people. The church is the body of Christ. But didn't Jesus spend most of His time with the poor and needy of society, the hurting and the lost. As I wait for the things that are important to me I cannot help but ponder these questions. What does God have in store for me? Am I listening and am I able to look outside the box? My brother's collie has recently had some puppies which he keeps in his barn. I went to see them the other day (I couldn't resist another cuddle). They sit patiently waiting to be fed in the expectancy that someone will come long and do so. They wait in expectancy that some day they will end up in the right home for them. Can I be patient? Can I learn and be fed by God's word whilst I wait? I continue to wait with expectancy.

Eden Zoo

2009-08-21T13:13:00.001+01:00

Monkeys, trees and friends

2009-08-20T16:43:00.005+01:00

Catching up with friends is always good. Whether it is walking and talking looking at trees at the arboretum or monkeying around at Bristol Zoo. No man, or indeed woman, is an island we all need friends and family to love us and to support us in what we are doing. Even God realized he could not live alone and chose to live in community with Jesus and the Holy Spirit as part of the Trinity. God extends the hand of love which He reaches out to humanity asking for us to live in community with Him. Some of us fully embrace His out stretched arms, others turn and run the other way or simply fail to see Him. You can be the most loving person in the world but what use is that love if you cannot share it with another? You can be the funniest person in the world, but what use is laughter when you have no one to laugh with? Love and laughter are better shared. So too are tears and heartache. Spirituality is about drawing close to God and sharing our love, our laughter, our highs and our lows and all our longings with God. But there is also something about sharing it with others. The church is the community of God. It is the people rather than the building. It is the church's responsibility to offers the hand of God to those who do not know Him. But yet so often it fails to do this. I long for a church that embraces the outcast, that is in touch with the real world and wants to get their hands dirty. Am I living in a dream world? Or is this a vision of the Kingdom of God?

I have been blessed this last week by monkeys, trees and more importantly some very good friends. I have laughed at the monkeys, stood in awe at the trees and have shared these experiences with friends who have also hugged and loved me. So where is God in all of this fun and friendship? He is right there with me. Enjoying the monkeys and the trees and embracing the friendships. I guess I should mention that the tree and the monkey friends are actually all female ministers - I also managed to speak to another three this week either in person or on the telephone! We are all trying to work out our callings in light of our femininity. We are all trying to be ourselves in a church that is dominated by male leadership but yet filled predominantly with females. A church that many men feel is effeminate. What can we bring to the church or perhaps more importantly what can we bring to those who feel rejected by the church, those who feel they don't fit in or those who feel the church is irrelevant? We bring ourselves - women who are searching for God's heart in our daily lives. Women who want to serve to the best of our ability. Women who are prepared to stand up and say, 'I am a women minister, called by God equipped to serve His church.' Two of us are still looking for a church where we can serve God and work out that calling.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF JO

2009-08-12T09:04:00.005+01:00

Welcome to the world of Jo where spirituality and hilarity hold hands. Well at least that is the aim. Humour has always been important to me and whilst I am not a stand up comedian I do like to make people laugh. Humour can be enjoyed by all. Young or old, rich or poor and what ever our ethnicity. However what one person finds funny another does not. Humour can cause offence but it can also cross divides. Humour helps to build relationships. Indeed it is intrinsic to humanity. Where would we be if we couldn't laugh at ourselves on occasions?

But what of spirituality? Spirituality can be many things to many different people. It is not exclusive to the Christian and nor should it be. Spirituality is a search for something deeper. Be that God or something else to fill the gap. In the world of Jo spirituality is a search in which I endeavour to connect with God. I do this in many different ways but it normally involves prayer and reflecting on Scripture or perhaps a Christian book. Worship, nature, art, and interaction with friends are also important in my own spirituality.

Spirituality without humour seems dull to me. Why paint a picture with only half of the colours in the paintbox? Colour brings a painting to life and in the same way humour brings spirituality to life. In the world of Jo humour is painted a vibrant pink. Sometimes it just decorates the edges but most of the time it is the colour of the flower that is bursting into bud in the foreground of life.

I like to laugh and in the world of Jo spirituality and hilarity are inseparable. Humour is one of the ways that God uses to get my attention. Humour draws me closer to God. It reminds me of my humanity and that I am made in God's image. God likes to laugh and I like nothing better but to laugh with him. Not just a gentle chuckle but a full blown giggle and on occasion a real belly laugh. I hope that this blog will help you to explore your own spirituality and to laugh with me as I journey deeper in my own exploration of spirituality and hilarity. It may even be fun!