Yep, times is flying!
84 days until I marry Iain.
In the meantime, I just turned 27 so I am now getting quite old (quite regularly, Iain finds a gray hair or two amongst my brown ones) I am collecting RSVPs and going to bridesmaid dress fittings, preparing to go to the Scottish babies and toddlers show at the SECC in Glasgow to exhibit AnnaJoyPhotography, I am editing photos from Jeanne and Paul's wedding in Paris last weekend and a million and one other things. This is a very happy time in my life, but an exceedingly busy one too.
So speak soon, but probably not too soon!
Friday, 6 April 2012
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
What's going on arond here these days...
Will you marry me and It's a girl is what's going around here. Yes, in that order, and no, not both to the same people.
On 17th September 2011, Iain asked me to marry him. I said yes. We're getting married in 263 days. A long time to wait. But when you say "June", it doesn't sound quite so long to wait. It would be good if it was tomorrow though! That said, we're enjoying being engaged, and it only happens once so I'm determined to make the most of every moment!
Yesterday, 10th October 2011, I became an aunt when my sister-in-law gave birth to a little girl three weeks early. My niece is called Emilie and she has lots of brown hair. The birth was sickeningly easy and straightforward. Beki didn't actually realise she was in labour, and it was over and done with in 2 hours. Easy as pie!
So that's the news around here these days... no wonder I've not blogged much! Though I suppose I'd probably have quite a lot to say!
On 17th September 2011, Iain asked me to marry him. I said yes. We're getting married in 263 days. A long time to wait. But when you say "June", it doesn't sound quite so long to wait. It would be good if it was tomorrow though! That said, we're enjoying being engaged, and it only happens once so I'm determined to make the most of every moment!
Yesterday, 10th October 2011, I became an aunt when my sister-in-law gave birth to a little girl three weeks early. My niece is called Emilie and she has lots of brown hair. The birth was sickeningly easy and straightforward. Beki didn't actually realise she was in labour, and it was over and done with in 2 hours. Easy as pie!
So that's the news around here these days... no wonder I've not blogged much! Though I suppose I'd probably have quite a lot to say!
Saturday, 20 August 2011
Why God Won't Go Away by Alistair McGrath
A book review
Why God Won't Go Away is a short book by a world renown apologist, Alistair McGrath, on the subject of New Atheism. New Atheism is a movement that has predicted before that religion would be extinct by now, something which has clearly not happened. It is characterised by a hatred of religion; indeed, more than atheist, it is anti-theist. As well as hating religion, New Atheists seem to hate anyone who disagrees with them on this, saying that any belief in God is irrational, and using all sorts of unpleasant names to characterise believers of any faith. McGrath also points out the difference between atheists and New Atheists which I thought was insightful and helpful.
McGrath has an informed point of view as a biology professor at Oxford University who has read a great deal of books on the subject from both sides of the argument, himself gone from being an atheist to a Christian, debated with the Four Horsemen (Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett and Christopher Hitchens) and been a regular reader of New Atheist online forums, which is where the majority of the debate and talk is going on.
Though I have heard a fair amount about the New Atheism before, I cannot say that I know all about it, nor about how it came to be what it is. I have only read a couple of other books on the subject of apologetics, and only one of those dealt with New Atheism. This book was an excellent introduction to its protagonists and to its (short) history. Through the pages of this short, very readable book, McGrath sought to enlighten those who perhaps think that Christianity is silent or has no valid, logical and rational answer to New Atheism's beliefs and claims. He does this in layman's terms, while most other books on the subject seem to be significantly more scholastic in their style. I particularly benefited from the first few pages introducing some of the main ideas of the New Atheism and the Four Horsemen, using their own work and debates that McGrath himself has had with these men. Though McGrath disagrees with them, the tone of the book is courteous and respectful throughout, and argues rationally with their beliefs.
*I was provided this book for free through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program in exchange for my unbiased review.
Why God Won't Go Away is a short book by a world renown apologist, Alistair McGrath, on the subject of New Atheism. New Atheism is a movement that has predicted before that religion would be extinct by now, something which has clearly not happened. It is characterised by a hatred of religion; indeed, more than atheist, it is anti-theist. As well as hating religion, New Atheists seem to hate anyone who disagrees with them on this, saying that any belief in God is irrational, and using all sorts of unpleasant names to characterise believers of any faith. McGrath also points out the difference between atheists and New Atheists which I thought was insightful and helpful.
McGrath has an informed point of view as a biology professor at Oxford University who has read a great deal of books on the subject from both sides of the argument, himself gone from being an atheist to a Christian, debated with the Four Horsemen (Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett and Christopher Hitchens) and been a regular reader of New Atheist online forums, which is where the majority of the debate and talk is going on.
Though I have heard a fair amount about the New Atheism before, I cannot say that I know all about it, nor about how it came to be what it is. I have only read a couple of other books on the subject of apologetics, and only one of those dealt with New Atheism. This book was an excellent introduction to its protagonists and to its (short) history. Through the pages of this short, very readable book, McGrath sought to enlighten those who perhaps think that Christianity is silent or has no valid, logical and rational answer to New Atheism's beliefs and claims. He does this in layman's terms, while most other books on the subject seem to be significantly more scholastic in their style. I particularly benefited from the first few pages introducing some of the main ideas of the New Atheism and the Four Horsemen, using their own work and debates that McGrath himself has had with these men. Though McGrath disagrees with them, the tone of the book is courteous and respectful throughout, and argues rationally with their beliefs.
*I was provided this book for free through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program in exchange for my unbiased review.
Thursday, 4 August 2011
A Plethora of adventures
I have stories to tell and anecdotes to recount. But first, I must go and drink tea and eat cupcakes at JoJo's Danish Bakery.
Thursday, 28 July 2011
My favourite person in the world.
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| That's him, and I get to sit (or stand in this case) next to him. :) |
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Ah, C.S.Lewis.
'When I first became a Christian, about fourteen years ago, I thought that I could do it on my own, by retiring to my rooms and reading theology, and wouldn’t go to the churches and Gospel Halls; I disliked very much their hymns which I considered to be fifth-rate poems set to sixth-rate music. But as I went on I saw the merit of it. I came up against different people of quite different outlooks and different education, and then gradually my conceit just began peeling off. I realized that the hymns (which were just sixth-rate music) were, nevertheless, being sung with devotion and benefit by an old saint in elastic-side boots in the opposite pew, and then you realize that you aren’t fit to clean those boots. It gets you out of your solitary conceit.'
- C.S. Lewis on going to church. What a legend.
- C.S. Lewis on going to church. What a legend.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Let's Get Real by Dale & Jena Forehand
A book review.
Dale and Jena got married, divorced and remarried one another. This is a book directed at married people. I am not married. And yet I found it hugely helpful and challenging. And emotional. Both in the happy, excited sense, and in the "stop-reading-now-before-you-burst-into-tears-on-the-bus" sense. It is easy to read, with many examples from their own experience which they honestly and humbly give, and practical questions with space to answer for yourself. They give advice that is Biblical and gentle, without sugar coating.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is ready to let God use their relationships to sanctify them. There is a lot of thought provoking material and practical application to be had in this book and I know that God will use it for His glory and your benefit. Obviously, this is primarily directed at your marriage relationship and some of the points are not altogether appropriate or applicable to any relationship other than that between a husband and wife. However, authentic forgiveness, humility, conflict resolution and accountability all have a place in other relationships, and this book helps make positive changes towards these things.
Dale and Jena got married, divorced and remarried one another. This is a book directed at married people. I am not married. And yet I found it hugely helpful and challenging. And emotional. Both in the happy, excited sense, and in the "stop-reading-now-before-you-burst-into-tears-on-the-bus" sense. It is easy to read, with many examples from their own experience which they honestly and humbly give, and practical questions with space to answer for yourself. They give advice that is Biblical and gentle, without sugar coating.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is ready to let God use their relationships to sanctify them. There is a lot of thought provoking material and practical application to be had in this book and I know that God will use it for His glory and your benefit. Obviously, this is primarily directed at your marriage relationship and some of the points are not altogether appropriate or applicable to any relationship other than that between a husband and wife. However, authentic forgiveness, humility, conflict resolution and accountability all have a place in other relationships, and this book helps make positive changes towards these things.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their
Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review.
The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in
accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides
Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
The Waiting Place by Eileen Button
A book review.
Eileen Button is a pastor's wife, often to her dismay, and a mother of three, as well as an author, columnist and professor. Each of these aspects of her life as well as others shine through the pages of The Waiting Place. This book has an interesting format and concept - it is autobiographical, and each chapter tells of a time in the author's life when she was made to wait. Some of these times are significant and will have undoubtedly shaped her, such as her child's serious illness when he was born. Other times of waiting she tells of are unbelievably mundane, such as waiting for her friend to decide what to order at Panera. Each waiting place however has taught the author something, though it is at times left unsaid.
This book at times brought me to tears as Button told the stories with such honesty and the situations were ones of despair and an uncertain ending. Other times I felt it was over dramatic and wanted to tell her to "dry her eyes and just get on with it" or "man up", though this would probably be harsh of me. She has found a topic common to all though, and overall I did enjoy reading it. It is an easy and pleasant read, and a good book in its genre. We all have to wait for things, for things to get better, for things to stop, for things to change. The Waiting Place provides insight into the life of a woman who, like it or not, has many waiting places and is provided with the opportunity to grow in them or moan about them. And we readers are invited and reminded to do the same.
*I was provided this book for free through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program in exchange for my unbiased review.
Eileen Button is a pastor's wife, often to her dismay, and a mother of three, as well as an author, columnist and professor. Each of these aspects of her life as well as others shine through the pages of The Waiting Place. This book has an interesting format and concept - it is autobiographical, and each chapter tells of a time in the author's life when she was made to wait. Some of these times are significant and will have undoubtedly shaped her, such as her child's serious illness when he was born. Other times of waiting she tells of are unbelievably mundane, such as waiting for her friend to decide what to order at Panera. Each waiting place however has taught the author something, though it is at times left unsaid.
This book at times brought me to tears as Button told the stories with such honesty and the situations were ones of despair and an uncertain ending. Other times I felt it was over dramatic and wanted to tell her to "dry her eyes and just get on with it" or "man up", though this would probably be harsh of me. She has found a topic common to all though, and overall I did enjoy reading it. It is an easy and pleasant read, and a good book in its genre. We all have to wait for things, for things to get better, for things to stop, for things to change. The Waiting Place provides insight into the life of a woman who, like it or not, has many waiting places and is provided with the opportunity to grow in them or moan about them. And we readers are invited and reminded to do the same.
*I was provided this book for free through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program in exchange for my unbiased review.
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
[this moment]
Many a lovely moment this past week, since Iain came home from 3 weeks walking around the North West of Scotland 3 days early. Indian takeaway, dvds, pancakes, opening of 21st birthday presents (woooooo!), cooking for more than one person, cups of tea, flat decorating...
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| Jamie Oliver fluffy pancakes with strawberries, bananas and maple syrup. |
When God answers
I was praying this morning, and told God quite frankly that I had no desire to pray. I don't know why, there's not been anything specific that has happened or not happened to make me feel this way, but I just didn't want to pray. But I did, and He got me up a bit earlier so I had longer to pray this morning than I often do. And I prayed, and it was good. I like it when obedience brings answered prayer. This afternoon, I was lying on my bed and just thought I really needed something to be challenged on and to have God work on specifically and have a topic to study in depth. I've been feeling a bit down and getting angry and frustrated easily again the past few days. So I decided to go to a couple of Christian websites to be inspired and fill my mind with good and God things. And there it was. The Boundless Summer Challenge, fresh out and ready to focus my mind on things from above. This year, the Summer Challenge is based on 2 Corinthians 5:14-20 which says,
The topic is reconciliation in relationships. I found last year that some of the challenges were too American to be exported and some required elements were not available in the UK. Or they were too cheesy and just would not be overly appropriate in the culture here, but I did a few of the challenges and benefited I'm sure. I just thought it was kind of cool how God answered that thought (it wasn't even a prayer!) and feel it is something I should try to adhere to this summer, working on learning that passage off by heart and applying it in different ways through the challenges set each week. So here goes. :)
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
The topic is reconciliation in relationships. I found last year that some of the challenges were too American to be exported and some required elements were not available in the UK. Or they were too cheesy and just would not be overly appropriate in the culture here, but I did a few of the challenges and benefited I'm sure. I just thought it was kind of cool how God answered that thought (it wasn't even a prayer!) and feel it is something I should try to adhere to this summer, working on learning that passage off by heart and applying it in different ways through the challenges set each week. So here goes. :)
Saturday, 18 June 2011
Streams of consciousness
9 days left in my little primary class. Well... 10 days left, but one of them I'm taking off for the NIXON WEDDING! I don't think I've ever been this excited for a wedding. I could hardly contain it when I was speaking to Kirsty on Sunday - I though I was going to burst with excitement and tears all in one. I had to calm down though because we were in the church entrance and I may have caused a bit of panic had I actually exploded. One exciting thing (though not nearly as exciting as the wedding itself) is that I plan to wear my one and only pair of heels for the second time. Risk of disaster: medium.
I asked for a book to review from NavPress, went for that one because it seemed the most interesting of all those offered (a limited selection of new books are offered for blog review). Only thing is this one's for married couples, making your marriage authentic or something like that. Well it turns out, it's a really good book and one that I am benefiting from as a single. I'll review it soon, I'm getting through it at some fast rate (by my standards anyway!!)
I have been in contact with one of my aunts who I don't think I've seen since my grandma's funeral 12 years ago. She makes amazing amazing cakes. And she's a granny herself - one of my cousins has a kid?! crazy that we're old enough. I suppose we're old enough; my brother's having a kid. Bit scary this whole life thing. Crazy exciting though.
I asked for a book to review from NavPress, went for that one because it seemed the most interesting of all those offered (a limited selection of new books are offered for blog review). Only thing is this one's for married couples, making your marriage authentic or something like that. Well it turns out, it's a really good book and one that I am benefiting from as a single. I'll review it soon, I'm getting through it at some fast rate (by my standards anyway!!)
I have been in contact with one of my aunts who I don't think I've seen since my grandma's funeral 12 years ago. She makes amazing amazing cakes. And she's a granny herself - one of my cousins has a kid?! crazy that we're old enough. I suppose we're old enough; my brother's having a kid. Bit scary this whole life thing. Crazy exciting though.
Friday, 3 June 2011
[this moment]
It's been a while! This week I could choose many a moment to share and remember, it has been a few days rich in fun and new experiences. I could choose photos of some favourite parts of Iain and my walks around London last weekend, our trip to the Hummingbird Bakery with Olivia, a delicious Vietnamese lunch, again with Olivia, or a snap or two of the fabulous sunset we witnessed on our way back up to Edinburgh. There were also many a moment that I did not capture, like a very welcome meal in Nando's upon arrival in London, our visit to All Souls church or a 7 course meal in Khublai Khan back in Edinburgh, a Mongolian restaurant where we celebrated Alasdair's 21st birthday on Monday. Amongst others, Zebra, Camel and Baby Octopus were on the menu. YUM! I think it's safe to say that the past few days have been delicious and now it's back to eating healthily and cheaply!!
But... with all those fantastic experiences and memories, I am still very excited and happy to introduce you all to Mr and Mrs Barrington, the very reasons we went to London in the first place. Congratulations guys, you looked fantastic, and we all had such fun celebrating with you.
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| Jason And Noemi Barrington |
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Saturday, 14 May 2011
You're Beautiful
What is it with women wanting to be beautiful? Why is it something I worry about and desire so much - that people would think I'm beautiful... and then I compare myself. I used to fight against doing this - I have become lax in my fighting and have given in more to thinking "I wish I had her hair" or "I'm sure I'd look much uglier that her in that t-shirt" or "If only I could lose a few more kg, I'd feel so different and pretty and be worth so much more" I don't actually think that last one in those exact words, but in the end, that is the jist of my thoughts - if I take them to their logical end, that is the intent behind my thoughts.
"Do not let your adorning be external - the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewellery, or the clothing you wear - but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious."
- 1 Peter 3:3-4
Lord, may the beauty I seek and work towards and put effort into be this kind of beauty - the lasting kind, the kind that matters.
"Do not let your adorning be external - the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewellery, or the clothing you wear - but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious."
- 1 Peter 3:3-4
Lord, may the beauty I seek and work towards and put effort into be this kind of beauty - the lasting kind, the kind that matters.
The days will come when you don't have the strength
When all you hear is you're not worth anything
Wondering if you ever could be loved
And if they truly saw your heart they'd see too much
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are made so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His
You're beautiful
I'm praying that you have the heart to find
Cause you are more than what is hurting you tonight
For all the lies you've held inside so long
And they are nothing in the shadow of the cross
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are made so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His
You're beautiful
When all you hear is you're not worth anything
Wondering if you ever could be loved
And if they truly saw your heart they'd see too much
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are made so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His
You're beautiful
I'm praying that you have the heart to find
Cause you are more than what is hurting you tonight
For all the lies you've held inside so long
And they are nothing in the shadow of the cross
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are made so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His
You're beautiful
-Beautiful, MercyMe.
Saturday, 7 May 2011
[this moment]
A single image capturing a moment from the week. A simple,
special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and
remember.
 |
| Little Garra Rufa fish working away. |
Friday, 6 May 2011
Slave by John MacArthur
A book review.
I just finished reading this book, which deals with a relationship that is often under-emphasised or misunderstood: the one between believers as slaves and Christ as our master. John MacArthur suggests that this truth has been covered up by our English Bibles, using words such as 'servant' instead of 'slave' and wrote the book to explain the real meaning of slave and what our role is as such. Belonging to Christ in this way is a biblical command, and an important facet of our relationship with God. MacArthur explains this biblically and clearly and reminds us that being the slave of a perfect master is in fact totally freeing.
This was not a new concept to me, the word doulos has been explained to me before, but MacArthur has some refreshing reminders and some encouraging and very challenging examples scattered about this book. It is very easy to read and quite short, but made me think about just how seriously I (don't) take obeying God. It was also hugely helpful to be reminded of my position as a slave, in that my owner who gives me my name imposes my very identity. I have been bought with a price from the sin I was enslaved to. Because slavery has been abolished in this country for a number of years now, all the truths that were conveyed by such a term are lost on this generation. Though a little repetitive at first, the book then develops and expands well on many areas of the relationship we have with God, our Lord (this name alone clearly acknowledges His as sole master and owner). I would recommend this book - it puts you back in your place, reminding you that though you are God's child (and thus extremely precious and unique) you are also His slave (and thus completely expected to do just as He asks without expectations or desire for reward).
*I was provided this book for free through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program in exchange for my unbiased review.
I just finished reading this book, which deals with a relationship that is often under-emphasised or misunderstood: the one between believers as slaves and Christ as our master. John MacArthur suggests that this truth has been covered up by our English Bibles, using words such as 'servant' instead of 'slave' and wrote the book to explain the real meaning of slave and what our role is as such. Belonging to Christ in this way is a biblical command, and an important facet of our relationship with God. MacArthur explains this biblically and clearly and reminds us that being the slave of a perfect master is in fact totally freeing.
This was not a new concept to me, the word doulos has been explained to me before, but MacArthur has some refreshing reminders and some encouraging and very challenging examples scattered about this book. It is very easy to read and quite short, but made me think about just how seriously I (don't) take obeying God. It was also hugely helpful to be reminded of my position as a slave, in that my owner who gives me my name imposes my very identity. I have been bought with a price from the sin I was enslaved to. Because slavery has been abolished in this country for a number of years now, all the truths that were conveyed by such a term are lost on this generation. Though a little repetitive at first, the book then develops and expands well on many areas of the relationship we have with God, our Lord (this name alone clearly acknowledges His as sole master and owner). I would recommend this book - it puts you back in your place, reminding you that though you are God's child (and thus extremely precious and unique) you are also His slave (and thus completely expected to do just as He asks without expectations or desire for reward).
*I was provided this book for free through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program in exchange for my unbiased review.
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Giving Challenge
“I do not believe one can settle on how much we ought to give.
I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In
other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc.,
is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our
own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at
all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought
to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable
expenditure excludes them.” - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Oh, how pinteresting!
Pinterest. One of my favourite websites. I can keep all my ideas and inspirations in one places, organised on different boards. Perfect. Much more pleasing to the eye than piles of paper, lists or bookmarks.
You can look at other people's pins, creations and ideas they've uploaded to their boards, and you can upload your own or pin things you find on other websites to add to a board, keeping all the things you like or find interesting in one huge collection. Well... mine's huge anyway! And the source is automatically added, so you can go back to the page and look up the recipe for that amazing looking bread for example, or find the tutorial for that gorgeous looking dress (not that I can sew...)
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| Here are a few of my boards, all categorized... |
 | ||||
| And when you open one of them, you get all the pins. |
You can look at other people's pins, creations and ideas they've uploaded to their boards, and you can upload your own or pin things you find on other websites to add to a board, keeping all the things you like or find interesting in one huge collection. Well... mine's huge anyway! And the source is automatically added, so you can go back to the page and look up the recipe for that amazing looking bread for example, or find the tutorial for that gorgeous looking dress (not that I can sew...)
Friday, 29 April 2011
[this moment]
A single image capturing a moment from the week. A simple,
special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and
remember.
 |
| The moment Jenny saw she had a chocolate fountain at her hen party! |
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
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