#365photoproject day 152

Title: Disneyland Paris Love
Date: 31st May 2012
Location: Disneyland Castle

Disneyland Paris at 20

Looking Good!

France 2012 day 2 - hideous wardrobe

Last night we stayed at the Hotel Campanile in Chateau Thierry; it's comfortable, clean and convenient.

But look at the wardrobe; what were the designers thinking?

31st May 2012 Luke 1:39-49 Mary visits Elizabeth

Mary Visits Elizabeth
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Mary’s Song
And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.


How wonderful it is to hear Mary's song again; to be back into the journey I took before Christmas with Mary and to be reminded of what she gave for Jesus. What can we give for Jesus? What are we called to do for Him?

Amien and it's Cathedral

This afternoon we spent a wonderful couple of hours in Amien, both in and around the Cathedral.

It is a stunning sight as you come into the centre of Amiens, this ancient cathedral standing elevated above the rest of the town.

We walked through the new housing development (amazingly well done) and made our way up the steps to the square at the front of the cathedral. We all stood in awe at the massive architectural feat before heading inside.

Inside, out of the heat of the day, you travel back in time 900 years and more to when the cathedral was built. With tree like columns and windows of light, with statues and panels and sections galore it could be explored for days on end.

We spent almost two hours in the cathedral, all of us finding something which spoke to us and inspired us. It was with blinking eyes we stepped back into the light, as of brought back through the centuries again.

We had a great hour eating lunch at a gorgeous restaurant beside the cathedral before sampling the famous macaroons whilst making our way back to the car.

Amien is somewhere I never heard anyone say they've been to, but it's definitely worth a visit; you'll regret it if you don't.

#365photoproject day 151

Title: mobile chocolate anyone?
Date: 30th May 2012
Location: Amiens, France

France 2012 day 1 - travelling in the fog

Where's the sea?
Is it out there anywhere?

Location: P&O Ferry somewhere in the English Channel

30th May 2012 Mark 10:32-45

Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time
They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.”

The Request of James and John
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

I never understood what it means to be a servant until I was called into ministry. Now I experience some of what it means to serve others and what it means to put yourself second to the needs and will of God.

And now I realise that I was always called to serve, and I always did in my own way; as we all do.

Jesus we thank you for all you served and serve to us, let us serve others in your name. Amen.

Five things I'm proud of

Listable Life at moments that define life has this week thrown down the gauntlet of sharing five things about ourselves that we're proud of. I've been pondering for a couple of days and found it hard to find my own stuff, rather than Rachel's, which I'm proud of achieving; but I've finally written it.
Here goes.

1. Living with depression and an eating disorder
I have come to accept and embrace the fact that I have periods of depression. This does not mean I give into them, rather it means that I have learned to accept them and the help needed to deal with them. In the same way I have accepted by eating disorder and work every day to stay in recovery. It is a miracle in my life and I'm proud that I've come to a place that I can live with this with God's help.

2. Being a civil engineer
I am proud that I have a degree in civil engineering, worked in the industry for 10 years and ran my own internationally respected value and risk management facilitation company for three years. I worked hard, I enjoyed my work and I am proud of what I achieved.

3. Speaking at conferences
I am proud that as an engineer I spoke at conferences all over the world; and I am even more proud that in my new vocation as a minister I am again being asked to share my experience, hopes and concerns.

4. Being able to be wrong
This must seem strange but it has taken a long time for me to ok with being wrong. I am proud that I have learned to embrace my mistakes, learn from them and move on. This is one of the most important things I want to give to Rachel; the truth that being wrong is important - it means you're learning.

5. Being a loving mum
I am proud of Rachel and I am proud of my part in the amazing girl she is. For years I was scared of being a mum for fear of repeating the patterns of generations gone before, but now I know that I am changing the pattern. I make mistakes often (see #4) but overall I think I'm a good mum and I'm proud of that.

What are you proud of?
Share, I'd love to know.

Reflect yourself in a mirror

How do you see yourself in the mirror?
Do you like what you see?

Would you like a more interesting mirror?
How about one that really reflects you?

At the weekend Rachel used a mirror tile and permanent pens to decorate a mirror with a frame that reflects herself.

Straight away she knew what she wanted to create and she created it. It was swirls and lines and dots in a frame and I really liked it; but she wasn't happy.

She washed it all off and started again.
This time she created a heart to look at herself in and decorated the outside with dots. I loved this one as well, but again it didn't meet her high expectations.

The third time she combined both ideas and used swirls to decorate the outside of a heart shaped mirror; she loved that.

I loved all three versions but I adore the last one because Rachel sees it as a reflection of herself; that's what art is all about.

Karuna Action by Kingscare - a small charity a day in May - Day Twenty Nine.

Welcome to day twenty nine in <i>Week Five - International</I> where I highlight those small charities that I support in their work abroad.  

For an introduction to the entire series please visit <a href="http://llmcalling.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/small-charity-day-in-may.html">http://llmcalling.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/small-charity-day-in-may.html</a>

Karuna Action was known by the name of Kingscare until very recently.  Kingscare was formed in 1988 with a vision to meet the needs of the poor and eradicate poverty. This began by partnering with local churches in Sri Lanka. Since then they have grown and have partners in many countries across the globe, we have supported hundreds of projects in 19 countries.

They operate by partnering with people and churches around the world that have a desire to personally connect with the poor. Their partnerships are a two-way relationship, functioning from biblical foundations, which is why most of the projects they support continue for many years.  They are not about the quick fix.  They are here to see poverty eradicated through sustainable, relational projects that change lives and transform communities.

For more information please visit their website at <a href="http://www.karunaaction.org/">http://www.karunaaction.org/<a>

#365photoproject day 150

Title: baby conkers
Date: 29th May 2012
Location: the park

29th May 2012 Mark 10:28-31

Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

And so the confusion and self doubt continues from yesterday. And now added to it is the promise of persecution. What?

I don't hang onto any hope of heaven, to be honest I am not too worried about heaven - possibly because I have complete faith in it. What I'm most interested in for myself, my loved ones and everyone else is how we can live our lives better and bring heaven onto earth.

What does this passage tell us about that?
Well it seems to say that we can guarantee we will get back what we give up, but that nothing is ever easy. That I know, that I accept and that is what I lean on today.

Jesus I thank you for always being there through the tough times, please be with all those who feel persecuted and alone, let them know your love completely with them. Amen.

Jubilee Centre Ndola Zambia - a small charity a day in May - Day Twenty Eight.

Welcome to day twenty eight in Week Five - International where I highlight those small charities that I support abroad.

For an introduction to the entire series please visit http://llmcalling.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/small-charity-day-in-may.html

The Jubilee Centre is a Zambian Christian NGO - working to empower churches, communities and their leaders to grow spiritually, flourish physically and have a voice in the world."

There are a myriad of projects being undertaken by the Jubilee Centre including:
- borehole drilling
- teacher training
- children's work
- church openings
- developing leaders
- supporting child led households
- running feeding projects

In five weeks time I'll be on my way to visit the jubilee centre for 10 days; you'll hear a lot more then :)

For more information please visit their website at http://www.jubileecentre.org/

#365photoproject day 149

Title: the sun waking up
Date: 28th May 2012
Location: Earley

28th May 2012 Mark 10:17-27

The Rich and the Kingdom of God
As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.'” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Oh how I struggle with this passage; it's not that I don't accept what it tells us, it's just that I worry that I fail at it.
Do I give to the poor, yes.
Do I volunteer, yes.
Do I worry about my family and make sure I keep them comfy, yes.

Do I do enough? I don't know and it worries me sometimes.

Jesus please be with me and everyone who worries what they need to do to fulfil this task; when we stumble please pick us up, when we stray please lead us back. Amen.

What is Pentecost really about?

It's about the Holy Spirit and it's therefore about energy and joy and love. This is when kids really show us the way, they have energy, they know joy and they love unconditionally.
Amen.

Doing Good Does You Good

This is this years' campaign by the Mental Health Foundation as part of Mental Health Week and I agree entirely!!

I love working to help others, it makes me feel like I have a purpose, it fills me with joy and it actually might make a difference to people. I feel cheered on my down days and buoyed when I'm flat; doing good does me good!

If you doubt me then try it for yourself. There are hundreds and thousands of charities and local organisations looking for volunteers. If you are lacking purpose in your life or are wandering how to turn your life around then contact one of them and experience the joy and purpose of helping others.

For more information visit http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/content/site/publications/179499

Pentecost crafts

Today at church we had loads of fun celebrating Pentecost with the children.

As everyone arrived they made themselves flame hats.

We then shared the story of Pentecost before making a huge tissue paper "stained glass" window of the dove in the flames.

We went out in the garden and played parachute games, talking about how the Holy Spirit saves us from our wrong decisions and mistakes. We also prayed whilst waving the parachute - asking for the Holy Spirit to help us in the week ahead.

Lastly we rushed into church, like a rushing wind, and ran around waving flags and having lots of fun. The song "oh happy day" was playing and all the adults clapped and joined in the fun. Amazing!

Days like this are when the family of St Nicolas comes together at it's best, with everyone experiencing what they need and celebrating the love of God together.

#silentsunday

One picture
No words
Guesses appreciated

#photoproject day 148

Title: spooky milky granny playing charades
Date: 27th May 2012
Location: front room

Daisy's Dream - a small charity a day in May - Day Twenty Seven.

Welcome to day twenty seven in Week Four - Taking and Saving where I highlight those small charities that support those who need help in their day to day lives.

For an introduction to the entire series please visit http://llmcalling.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/small-charity-day-in-may.html

Daisy's Dream supports children and their families affected by both life threatening illness and bereavement, throughout Berkshire and the surrounding areas.

The death or serious illness of a significant person in a child's life can be devastating and difficult to understand.

The serious illness or bereavement of someone close, can have a major impact on children's home life, school life and friendships.

Parents may need reassurance about their children's behaviour, or advice about how they can best support them during such difficult times.

Parents, carers and professionals can contact Daisy's Dream for advice on ways to support children and young people. Their professionally qualified family workers can provide information and advice as well as direct support for children in their homes or schools.

They know that children can learn to cope with death when they are involved and given the appropriate opportunities to understand what has happened and to express their grief.

For more information please visit their website at http://www.daisysdream.org.uk

May the Spirit be with you.

"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. and suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability." Acts 2: 1-4

Today we relive Pentecost.

we feel the wind.
we are touched by fire.
we are reminded we can speak.

Today we are tasked anew to share.

Share the change that wind brings
Share the heat of pure love

And most importantly; to share our faith in the language of those we meet

Change IS beautiful

I saw my first butterfly of the summer today; always a joy filled moment. To see an animal flying that previously crawled is a miracle of nature, a pure demonstration of how we can change when we need to.

As I was watching the butterfly visiting the garden flowers it struck me that the butterfly has a lot to teach me. I am often scared of change in my personal life, although I fight for it in a wider context; instead of fearing the changes that might come I could embrace them as the butterfly does.

Change can be beautiful.
Change is beautiful.
I know this.
I have it tattooed on my ankle.
Now I am determined to embrace it.

Change IS beautiful.

Christian Community Action - a small charity a day in May - Day Twenty Six.

Welcome to day twenty six in Week Four - Taking and Saving where I highlight those small charities that support those who need help in their day to day lives.

For an introduction to the entire series please visit http://llmcalling.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/small-charity-day-in-may.html

Christian Community Action (CCA) is a Reading charity committed to helping local people who are in need. They offer;
- A listening ear at support centres
- Essential furniture items from their warehouse
- Affordable goods through their charity shops
- Work opportunities for those finding their way back into the workplace

Above all, they value individuals just as God does.

Their values are stated as:
We are doing this in Reading and believe God would have a similar work in many other towns and cities. If this is to happen we shall need a sustainable operating model supported by a church that is ready to pray, fund and resource the work.

The operating model must be based on the needs of our clients – the disadvantaged and marginalised within our community. It must work alongside other local social action groups and also Social Services. The church in the Reading area must be motivated into social action with all congregations linked into the work. The local operation must engage with regional and national groupings.

Above all else - we must keep listening to God!

For more information please visit their website at http://www.ccam.org.uk/a>

Dairy and sugar free berry ice

In this heat everyone's been enjoying ice lollies and ice creams but they've been very off limit to me with my elimination plan.

Today I could go without no longer, so with after a bit of experimentation I found a recipe that Rachel and I have both enjoyed.

Ingredients:
- fruit of your choice (we like berries best but soft fruits were lovely too)
- rice milk

Method:
1. Put pitted and stoned fruit in a bowl
2. Add rice milk to cover
3. Blend well
4. Pour into small pots or Lolly moulds
5. Put in freezer for 1 hour
6. Enjoy

26th May 2012 John 21:20-end (this is why I pray)

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”. Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”. This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

This is the great frustration I feel when I read the Bible; what else did Jesus say?

There are so many questions I would ask Jesus, so many things I'd love to just hear his opinion on, and that is why I pray. In prayer I hear from Jesus and I come closer to him, it's the chats I can't imagine missing out on.

Carrot Gazpacho

It's hot and sunny which means I want to be outside enjoying it. I also want meals that are easy to prepare and on the cool side; I can't stand eating hot food when I'm hot! Apart from salads, which are perfect food, I've experimented with some cold soups - gazpacho if you're posh - and here's my favourite.

Ingredients:
- 2 cloves of garlic - crushed
- 6 carrots - cleaned (not peeled) and chopped
- 1 large potato - cleaned and chopped
- 500ml of water

Method:
1. Add the carrots and garlic to a pan and dry fry lightly
2. Add the potato and water
3. Put on the lid and boil for 10 minutes
4. Blend together
5. Refrigerate
6. Eat cold

All three of this enjoyed this for lunch, there's not many of my elimination meals that even Rachel will wolf down; it's definitely a hit in our house.

#365photoproject day 147

Title: everyone's sun bathing
Date: 26th May 2012
Location: back garden

Dealing with the Joseph Barsabbas Justus events.

Acts 1:15-end
The disciples drew lots to find the person to join them as the twelfth, to fill the space left by Judas. They prayed for guidance in their selection and Matthias joined them.

Fantastic, easy to celebrate with them all.

But what about the other man?
What about Joseph Barsabbas Justus, what was it like for him?

He was not selected. The holy spirit did you choose him.

His heart was examined and what was seen?

I doubt there was anything wrong with him, but in a choice there has to be someone not chosen. It then becomes less about a failing and more about comparisons. But that's hard in itself. How can you accept that?

I have always tried to trust in God's plan, that rejection is a way of showing me that I'm off course. But that's hard, really hard!

As part of selection for ministry you work through some of this, and believe me it takes guts and a readiness to accept not being selected to go forward. I didn't have to face it in the end, but in the week after the process I believed I'd been rejected and knew I'd be looking for a new path.

I've also walked alongside friends who've felt rejection on their calling, whether to join PCC or train for ministry. I have seen some move on quickly and find new paths which are now clearly right for them.

But I've also seen friends stumble and falter and fall under the weight of rejection. This is one of the hardest things to cope with in life, so much more than just human rejection, it feels like a condemnation from God.

I have come to believe that God does have a plan which includes coping with rejection. I know that means there'll be heartache and bitterness, but I really believe God holds us through that and guides us where he leads.

And those friends who have healed through the pain have experienced it, they've found a path and sometimes that's meant going forward again for selection and sometimes it's meant a new plan.

Jesus knew Joseph Barsabbas Justus and valued him, he kept him alongside and never banished him. Jesus knew Justus' path and I am sure he found it. In our own Justus events we need to hold onto the same trust in God's' road for us.

The Way Foundation - A small charity a day in May - Day Twenty Five.

Welcome to day twenty five in Week Four - Taking and Saving where I highlight those small charities that support those who need help in their day to day lives.

For an introduction to the entire series please visit http://llmcalling.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/small-charity-day-in-may.html

The Way Foundation - WAY - aims to support young widowed men and women as they adjust to life after the death of their partner – whether that was a month, a year, or ten years ago.

They have lively social groups that meet up throughout the year – for drinks, meals out, walks and picnics. They organise weekends away for adults and families, go camping, have parties and offer an alternative social life that does not revolve around couples.

All their groups are run by volunteers who are WAY members, which means everyone you meet in WAY will understand something about what you’ve been through.

Despite their grief, WAY members do know how to laugh and have fun. Supporting each other is a great way to learn to live again after the trauma of watching a loved one die.

For more information please visit their website at http://www.wayfoundation.org.uk/about_us/

25th May 2012 John 21:15-19

Jesus Reinstates Peter
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”. “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”. Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”. The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

How would you cope with hearing that in the future you will be lead where you don't want to go?

Would you stand by your faith of you knew it would cause you pain?

What would you do if your beliefs were leading you into trouble?

I can't guarantee that I'd accept it, I have no idea how well I'd cope. It puts Peter's amazing faith into context.

Jesus we ask for just some of Peter's strength and resolve in our own lives, let us do your will. Amen.

#365photoproject day 146

Title: the white clematis in flower
Date: 25th May 2012
Location: sunny spot

Ode to Pentecost #100wcgu

The prompt for this week is:
….The flame flickered before….

Here are my 100 words in An Ode to Pentecost

The twelve were alone, in the upper room again.
He was gone now forever, but with them all the same.

Promises he'd left them, although they knew not how
They would ever be enough, to before him even bow

Suddenly a wind did blow, within their locked up room
It billowed here and there, and then the noise started to boom

Languages they spoke, that they'd never even heard
And the flame flickered before them, almost like a bird.

The holy spirit had come down, on earth to be among
All people there gathered, and for ever from then on.

How do you feel about Judas?

I have always felt sorry for Judas.
How about you?

I've felt deeply that there was no choice for him and that he was following the truth in his life. Sure he could have changed that; but should he be held to blame and kept as a bad person? Surely the forgiveness of the cross included him and yet "the church" centuries ago expunged any mention or thought of that.

I have made mistakes, I have done my own share of Judas actions and what has got me through is the understanding and knowledge of forgiveness through it all. I feel sorry for Judas because this was something he could have been talked out of by Jesus, but there's no mention that that was tried. Jesus literally talked me out of behaviours that were threatening me and my little family; I wish Judas had had that.

Pets as Therapy - A small charity a day in May - Day Twenty Four.

Welcome to day twenty four in Week Four - Taking and Saving where I highlight those small charities that support those who need help in their day to day lives.

For an introduction to the entire series please visit http://llmcalling.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/small-charity-day-in-may.html

Pets as Therapy is a national charity which provides temperament assessed/vaccinated P.A.T. Dogs with registered volunteers to hospitals, hospices, residential care homes, and many other establishments - providing comfort, companionship and therapy.

HRCH’s volunteer co-ordinator explains: “We have local volunteers from Pets as Therapy registered with us who visit patients in the hospital regularly with their pets.

“They come in once a week and in one case once a month and give a lot of pleasure to patients, especially those who are fond of animals or may be missing their own while they’re in hospital. Infection control issues are carefully considered and addressed with regard to these visits.”

For more information please visit their website at http://www.petsastherapy.org/

24th May 2012 John 17:20-end

Jesus Prays for All Believers
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Jesus is praying that we all may be one. Together, understanding, loving, accepting, giving, living, sharing.

Are these words which even describe the body of Christ? The church has segmented and fractured and is not together.

And then we look at the world as a whole and I feel so sad that this is not happening.

Jesus your prayer is with us and over us, continue praying that togetherness for us that we might work to achieve it with you, amen.

#365photoproject day 145

Title: have you ever seen a sky so blue
Date: 24th May 2012 at 6.34am
Location: Earley

Lentil and Cauliflower Curry

My cooking has changed entirely to fit with my new eating plan, here is Mike's current favourite; it's quick and easy to make, tasty and very very good for you. 

Ingredients:
1 onion - chopped
1 garlic clove - crushed
1 tablespoon of curry powder (choose your strength)
1 teaspoon of sunflower or almond oil
500g of cauliflower - in chunks
250g of red lentils - rinsed
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
500ml of boiling water
cooked peas to serve on top if desired

Method:
1. Heat the oil in a pan and gently cook the chopped onion until transparent.
2. Add the garlic and curry powder and stir well until all coated.
3. Add the lentils and water, stir well, cover and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Add the cauliflower and tomatoes and cook for a further 10 minutes until tender.

I then use my handheld blender to blitz it a little and make it less chunky, but that's just my own preference for the smoothness of the dish.  I mix in a handful of cooked peas per person as well, it's a nice colour and sweetness touch.

Give it a go, if you like a take away curry then you'll love this and it'll change your whole opinion about what healthy eating really means.  Enjoy.

My hope for human rights

Have you seen this new symbol for human rights?
I found it by accident when looking for information on crafts for peace.  This is the new symbol for human rights, designed by Serbian artist Predrag Stakic and entitled "free as a man". It was the winner of a competition to find a new logo and is free to use widely.  What a gift to us all.

My hope for human rights.
My hope is that everyone stops putting their own desires first and instead values every person individually and collectively; in this way we can hope to achieve equality and fairness for all.

Say what you have always wanted to tell the world about human rights.
If you have something you want for human rights in the world then blog or tweet your suggestion using the hashtags #rp12 and #humanrightslogo. 

#365photoproject day 144

Title: beautiful clematis in flower
Date: 23rd May 2012
Location: garden trellis