URBANarmy

A thought that occurred to me at the end of teaching spirituality and spiritual formation for six years! Spirituality is about discovering the implications of what it means that we are made in the image of God, spiritual formation is about discovering the implications of when we think God is made in our image!

This is a film that I know I'll watch again. A true and moving story of the monks living, working and praying at The Monastery Notre-Dame de l'Atlas of Tibhirine. Rather than run from the threat of Civil War and terroism they stayed loyal to their simple life of service to the poor community they lovingly served. I don't want to spoil the film for anyone but be certain to follow the narrative - nothing is wasted, every sentence seems to be there for a reason. Here's an example of a a monk reading at a meal as the other monks ate. "Accepting our powerlessness and our extreme poverty is an invitation, an urgent appeal to create with others relationships not based on power. Recognizing my weaknesses, I accept those of others. I can bear them, make them mine in imitation of Christ. Such an attitude transforms us for our mission. Weakness in itself is not a virtue, but the expression of a fundamental reality which must constantly be refashioned by faith, hope...

"My point is that you soon become lonely if you want to use your own brain to find answers" (Jo Nesbo) pp 343 The pain of individuation....!

We're looking at faith development today and I came across this interesting quote which I wanted to jot down somewhere. "Almighty God, are you true...When you are standing up to your neck in darkness, how do you say yes to that question? You say yes, I suppose, the only way faith can ever say it if it is honest with itself. You say yes with your fingers crossed..." Frederick Buechner, Clown in the Belfry pp 124

Finding this all very intriguing! A useful what's been said, what you need to know article in the IoS. The Leveson Inquiry: We're in this together! http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/press/the-leveson-inquiry-were-in-this-together-7856654.html ------Sent from The Independent Sent from my iPad

Familiarity hopefully has not bred contempt with the words of SASB 827 penned by John Oxenham (1852-1941). Singing them while reflecting on the concept of shalom and how it underpins a way of life refered to as kingdom, brings this great hymn to life. Singing them while reflecting upon how we can make others a priority in life is challenging. Seems to me this song, while the language a little old, grasps something of the significance of relationship as to how the world could be a better place through us all. Peace in our time, O Lord, To all the peoples - peace! Peace surely based upon thy will And built in righteousness. Thy power alone can break The fetters that enchain The sorely stricken soul of life, And make it live again. Too long mistrust and fear Have held our souls in thrall; Sweep through the earth, keen Breath of Heaven, And sound a nobler call! Come, as thou didst of old, In love so great that men Shall cast aside all other gods And turn to thee again. ...

Bethan, nephew Dave and I pictured with the Champions League and FA Cup winners 2012 - proud moment for us all! I don't know if you can spot us by the steward next to the passenger side wing mirror!

It is always a little sad to drop Eryn off back at school, but today there was a distraction .... sushi training. I'm relieved to say I have passed my sushi making assessment and now have a proud part to play in The Royal Ballet School Summer Fayre sushi stall. I discovered that I was too tall for a kimono, but in the spirit of cross cultural relationships, remained stoic as an elderly lady gingerly did up my flies on another Japanese style of clothing I'm required to wear! I was alright though as I was assured she is a licensed fitter ... her fly handling was quite exceptional!

When in Whitstable one thing that is a must, is an oyster, here's me trying to be all very Jamie Oliver... but in reality being more of a '7 year old 'er I don't like it!'