Spotted this van on my way into work the other day. Another fine example of the British habit of naming local businesses with a memorable pun that would make a worthy headline in a tabloid newspaper. It's right up there with "Curl up and Dye" (a local hairdresser), the Cod Father (a favourite fish and chip shop) and the hard to beat Florist Gump - no need to tell you what they sell!
The intriguing thing about this play on John Newton's famous hymn is what it tells us about our culture. For a name like this to be effective, it needs to resonate with people. For them to see it, smile, get the reference and feel warm about the cheeky friendly chappies who will then come and replace your windows for you. And it's the recognition factor that makes this interesting.... continue reading
In last Monday's post I gave some thoughts on matching song themes with preaching, the liturgy of a service and he liturgy of the church’s calendar. Today, some further considerations for choosing songs for Sunday worship.... continue reading
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created."
James 1 v 17-18
The firstfruits were the first part of the harvest that spoke of even more to come. This means that we can know victory now, by turning away from ourselves and looking to the Father of lights to see the gifts He gives us. And we can know that ultimate victory is guaranteed us, not because of how good we are, but because of who God is — our unchanging, gift-giving, life-promising Father.
Ever counted how many times you look in the mirror each day - and why? Maybe it's to check your hair or whether you have spinach in your teeth. Maybe it's to make sure your clothes look "right". Maybe it's a glance that fills you with despair as you spot an unwanted bulge, a new grey hair or a pimple.
Our relationship with ourselves is under the microscope as a fashionable trend has developed in the US for women to go on a mirror fast (The Guardian and BBC). The idea is to go a whole month, or even a year without looking in the mirror. The offending objects are covered over with towels or banished from the bedroom and hall. The result, say enthusiasts, is that, remarkably, your self image improves! Mirror fasters report that constantly checking out your own image actually leads you to become far more critical of yourself than others. And although there are inconveniences the overall results are a greater freedom and confidence in yourself. Mirrors effectively give you greater control over your appearance, while at the same time robbing you of your confidence about how you look!... continue reading
Iranian Christian pastor released from jail
The TV elite 'assume Christians are lunatics'
Meet Lecrae, the Christian Rapper Tearing Up the Charts
Thought for the Day will not be opened to atheists, says BBC religion chief
British Christians must find a louder voice
Christian girl in Pakistan blasphemy case is flown out of prison
A Christian ethos strengthens our nation
NRB Network Launches Programs to Wake Up, Equip Christians in Post-9/11 World
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Maybe you're struggling with an eating disorder and feeling alone. Maybe you're supporting someone who's struggling and feeling confused. Either way, A New Name by Emma Scrivener is a must-have for your bookshelf this year.
Engagingly written, the pages of this book leave the reader in no doubt about the complexities that lie behind eating disorders, the huge battle that people with anorexia face but, most importantly, the real hope that lies in Jesus. By telling her story, Emma gives us all a glimpse into what it can feel like to be overwhelmed with the desire to control life by controlling food and the wonder of being able to break free.
Underlying the book there is an unshakable confidence that God is the ultimate life-changer who brings healing to his children. But there is no air of triumphalism or any hint that one simply needs to turn to Jesus and everything in life will be perfect. Her honesty about her ongoing struggles with the legacy of anorexia is a helpful reminder that all of us have challenges in this life that wont be solved this side of eternal bliss.
This book doesn't claim to be an "everything you need to know" text on eating disorders. Nor is designed to be a biblical treatise on pastoral care. It is, however, a powerful testimony to God's work in one person's life which will without doubt inspire and encourage those who struggle and those who support.
Why not buy a copy for yourself or as a gift for a friend.
It's already 20% off but for the next week you can get another 10% off. Just use the code newname at checkout.
Offer expires 21/09/12.
It’s often said that eating disorders are not so much a problem – but a solution. They are faulty ways of handling life with its stresses and disappointments. Instead of just kicking a habit, recovery means learning how to live - how to of relate to others, to God and to ourselves. This takes time and the support of a loving community – we can’t do it alone, and nor are we meant to.
Recovery is also about getting in touch with who you are or who we are called to be. For many of us, that's the problem! We have no idea. But with encouragement from Christ and His people , we can move forward. Not towards who we think we should be, or who others say we are. But to who He has created us to be.... continue reading
It can seem daunting to support someone with an eating disorder but there are plenty of things that people like you and I can do:
Supporting sufferers/families:
Don’t
If you’d met me seven years ago, you’d have seen someone who appeared to have it all together. A ‘successful’ Christian, newly married to a vicar in training. Leader of a thriving children’s ministry. A talented student with a bright future. Underneath however, the reality was very different: I was consumed by an eating disorder that would nearly kill me. So how did I get there – and what has helped to bring me out?
It started when I was thirteen. Up until then I’d had an idyllic childhood: I knew who I was and I knew where I belonged. But almost overnight, that started to change. My grandfather died. I moved schools. My body felt out of control: like a tanker, spilling flesh and hormones. In search of answers, I even started going to church.... continue reading
