I have from time to time a recurring dream that I'm in hospital, on a ward, with a doctor in attendance - male or female, it changes with the dream. The hospital ward also changes - it's never the same place twice as far as I can remember. The doctor is encouraging me to stay put and rest, and not go wandering about the hospital, which I often seem to do.
In reality, I have a fairly positive view of hospitals. I stayed in a couple quite often as a young child, and even later on I still had regular check-ups and the occasional operation to correct some problem. I still have yearly check-ups now, although I've only needed to be on the ward once in the past 10 years, for an alarming lump that appeared on my neck. Even though I know a long stay in the hospital can get boring, particularly as an adult, I do find the notion of having self-responsibility taken away and put in other people's hands - being cared for in short - very attractive
Of course, this is what I put the dream down to until now - a form of wish fulfilment, brought on by too many lonely years without someone to care for, and care for me. But last night I decided to look a little deeper into the psychology, and found that recurring dreams are serious things to have, as they tell you that you are ignoring the important message that your unconcious is trying to teach you, and that you need to change your behaviour once you realise it for your own safety.
Some sources suggest that our unconcious comes directly from God, that it is God who is trying to teach us the lesson and save us from harm.
Does anybody have experience in this subject? I'd be glad to hear an opinion.
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Confirmation.
More than 18 years after I first attended Confirmation classes, I finally got confirmed on Tuesday.
OK, so I freely admit, I've not really been preparing all this time! My original catechism was cut short - I think the curate in charge of the classes discerned quite rightly that I was only following my best friend into Christianity, and that my heart wasn't quite in it!
However, since I started to attend St Paul's in Oadby this January, my name was down for the ceremony later in the year. Thankfully I was spared confirmation classes this time, but encouraged to choose a more personal path of preparation, and indeed, though I never did go on a retreat, I made my initiation to the church the focus of my time at Taize this year, which was as always, helpful in re-aligning my faith.
So there I was at St Peter's in Oadby on Tuesday night, one out of 24 people (thankfully far from being the eldest), waiting to give our Yes for life. The church was packed with friends and families of the candidates - standing room only and precious little of that! When we started singing the opening hymn, my first thought was "Ooh it's just like Songs of Praise!" One girl from our church was the only one to be baptised the same night - and she hadn't been to the rehearsal - I felt rather sorry for her having to be up with the bishop at the font with all eyes on her!
Attending was the Assistant Bishop for Leicester, +Christopher Boyle, who looked and sounded very much like actor Jim Broadbent, but who nonetheless gave a good sermon on Looking at, Listening to, Learning from and Leading like Jesus. He also told us the details of his Confirmation, and said we should remember ours, including his name! He'd only been installed as Assistant Bishop a couple of days ago, but had done plenty of confirmations at his last post in Malawi.
After the confirmation came communion, and then with a lit candle each, we were led out the south door by the bishop, where we each shook his hand, and then frantically tried to keep our candles from being blown out in the wind! (something symbolic there maybe!) After, we went en masse to the church hall across the road for the lovely buffet that had been provided for us all. I was absolutely touched by just how many people had come that night to support me - My Mum, Dad and Brother, friends from the Taize pilgrimages, friends from the Evington Baptist home group I'd attended, even the secular friends that I live with were more than happy to come. I received lots of (un-looked-for) cards, a box of truffles, and my vicar Simon presented me with a beautiful hardback NRSV bible, signed by the bishop, which is sitting next to me on the desk now.
Altogether a very special night, and I'm very grateful for the work of the clergy involved, the support of those who were there, and the prayers and thoughts of those who couldn't be. And of course I'm grateful for the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is of course what it's really all about.
OK, so I freely admit, I've not really been preparing all this time! My original catechism was cut short - I think the curate in charge of the classes discerned quite rightly that I was only following my best friend into Christianity, and that my heart wasn't quite in it!
However, since I started to attend St Paul's in Oadby this January, my name was down for the ceremony later in the year. Thankfully I was spared confirmation classes this time, but encouraged to choose a more personal path of preparation, and indeed, though I never did go on a retreat, I made my initiation to the church the focus of my time at Taize this year, which was as always, helpful in re-aligning my faith.
So there I was at St Peter's in Oadby on Tuesday night, one out of 24 people (thankfully far from being the eldest), waiting to give our Yes for life. The church was packed with friends and families of the candidates - standing room only and precious little of that! When we started singing the opening hymn, my first thought was "Ooh it's just like Songs of Praise!" One girl from our church was the only one to be baptised the same night - and she hadn't been to the rehearsal - I felt rather sorry for her having to be up with the bishop at the font with all eyes on her!
Attending was the Assistant Bishop for Leicester, +Christopher Boyle, who looked and sounded very much like actor Jim Broadbent, but who nonetheless gave a good sermon on Looking at, Listening to, Learning from and Leading like Jesus. He also told us the details of his Confirmation, and said we should remember ours, including his name! He'd only been installed as Assistant Bishop a couple of days ago, but had done plenty of confirmations at his last post in Malawi.
After the confirmation came communion, and then with a lit candle each, we were led out the south door by the bishop, where we each shook his hand, and then frantically tried to keep our candles from being blown out in the wind! (something symbolic there maybe!) After, we went en masse to the church hall across the road for the lovely buffet that had been provided for us all. I was absolutely touched by just how many people had come that night to support me - My Mum, Dad and Brother, friends from the Taize pilgrimages, friends from the Evington Baptist home group I'd attended, even the secular friends that I live with were more than happy to come. I received lots of (un-looked-for) cards, a box of truffles, and my vicar Simon presented me with a beautiful hardback NRSV bible, signed by the bishop, which is sitting next to me on the desk now.
Altogether a very special night, and I'm very grateful for the work of the clergy involved, the support of those who were there, and the prayers and thoughts of those who couldn't be. And of course I'm grateful for the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is of course what it's really all about.
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
George Takei's very funny spoof public service announcement
Brilliant! But don't watch if you are easily offended by very camp ex Star Trek actors.
Cares and Distractions
Been thinking today about why I am not posting so much here at the moment, and how it reflects my spiritual life. Some part of me would say that it's because I'm happy with my church, and just as vitally, at ease in it, so I'm not posting about churchy things that annoy me.
However, although that's quite true, it's more a case of Too Much Going On. In the Parable of the Sower, Mark says:
"the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful."
Now I can't say I'm overburdened with cares, nor am I deceived by riches, but it's that last one - the lusts of things entering in, such as what I mentioned in my earlier post. All the varied distractions , planning holidays & get togethers, the work I'm doing for the Whetstone Community Supported Agriculture project, and then my Garden and allotment share, all work doubled for the gardener at this time of year.
It seems for everyone, Spring/Summer and the good weather (or possibility of at least), puts pressure on leisure time, and for me, it can take time away from bible study, prayer and contemplation if I'm not careful, never mind writing spiritual themed blogs. Doesn't help that I can only get to church on average once a month at the moment.
Did a wise person never say that winter is good for the soul? Well they should have!
However, although that's quite true, it's more a case of Too Much Going On. In the Parable of the Sower, Mark says:
"the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful."
Now I can't say I'm overburdened with cares, nor am I deceived by riches, but it's that last one - the lusts of things entering in, such as what I mentioned in my earlier post. All the varied distractions , planning holidays & get togethers, the work I'm doing for the Whetstone Community Supported Agriculture project, and then my Garden and allotment share, all work doubled for the gardener at this time of year.
It seems for everyone, Spring/Summer and the good weather (or possibility of at least), puts pressure on leisure time, and for me, it can take time away from bible study, prayer and contemplation if I'm not careful, never mind writing spiritual themed blogs. Doesn't help that I can only get to church on average once a month at the moment.
Did a wise person never say that winter is good for the soul? Well they should have!
New blog!
A few colleagues and I have created an allotment in the field behind where we work, and as the one condition of having a quarter to grow veg is that we each have to write a journal of what we have planted and harvested. Never being one to keep a diary, I thought I'd start up a new blog, not only to record facts but to share tips, show where I go wrong (and hopefully right).
It's at http://mapleysmangetout.blogspot.com/
Sorry for the lack of posting on this blog, just so busy at the moment - doing the allotment, Taking part in a Community Supported Agriculture project, planning parties & holidays...
Will get back on track soon.
It's at http://mapleysmangetout.blogspot.com/
Sorry for the lack of posting on this blog, just so busy at the moment - doing the allotment, Taking part in a Community Supported Agriculture project, planning parties & holidays...
Will get back on track soon.
Saturday, 2 May 2009
My favourite gospel
Having finished tonight the last half of John's Gospel, (and recently having read the other three), a few things came to mind. Firstly, John speaks to me in a way the others do not. I can't explain quite how, but I just want to keep on reading! The others don't enthuse me quite so much, though parts such as the sermon on the mount still enthrall me.
I now realise that I need to read the gospel regularly to keep challenging myself, and not just pick out the parts that comfort, eg "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you... Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid", but also that that I'd rather skip - "Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned." I can't pick and choose the good news to further entrench me in my self-centred comfort zone, and harsh verses such as the latter help to stop me from becoming complacent in my faith
Also I've found that by reading aloud, the meaning sinks in that bit more (much to my housemate's chagrin no doubt!). Good practice for getting picked as a reader let's hope!
Another thing that hit me tonight was John's account of Jesus in Gethsemane - compared to the Synoptic Gospel's Jesus, "grieved and agitated" praying that the cup may pass him by, John's is confident and concerned only for his followers and the father's glory - quite such a difference I've not noticed elsewhere.
Ahh if only I could view the old testament with such interest.... Listening to a recent Taize podcast while composing this. Gettting itchy for Taize now, my soul is drawing me back there.
Confitemini Domino.... Quoniam Bonus..... Lovely.
I now realise that I need to read the gospel regularly to keep challenging myself, and not just pick out the parts that comfort, eg "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you... Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid", but also that that I'd rather skip - "Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned." I can't pick and choose the good news to further entrench me in my self-centred comfort zone, and harsh verses such as the latter help to stop me from becoming complacent in my faith
Also I've found that by reading aloud, the meaning sinks in that bit more (much to my housemate's chagrin no doubt!). Good practice for getting picked as a reader let's hope!
Another thing that hit me tonight was John's account of Jesus in Gethsemane - compared to the Synoptic Gospel's Jesus, "grieved and agitated" praying that the cup may pass him by, John's is confident and concerned only for his followers and the father's glory - quite such a difference I've not noticed elsewhere.
Ahh if only I could view the old testament with such interest.... Listening to a recent Taize podcast while composing this. Gettting itchy for Taize now, my soul is drawing me back there.
Confitemini Domino.... Quoniam Bonus..... Lovely.
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