Brrrrrr - the week so far

Sitting in the library in the Vicar's palace I note that the temperature in the room has now risen to an almost tropical ten degree Celsius. Feeling a little like Bob Cratchit (which being Dicken's 200th birthday year brings in a literary bent to the proceedings) I wonder if setting fire to the books might change things a little?

What a wonderful week thus far. We've had a superb Chapter meeting where the all-engrossing issue of 'sustainability' and the diocesan process of 'Plain Speaking' was engaged with in extremely positive ways. Was appalled at people who wish to consider themselves educators talking about the, Schoolification of early childhoodildren'. How on earth anyone can use 'educator, academic or teacher' and 'schoolification' in the same sentence is beyond me. Actually, what these sad people were trying to say seemed to be pretty much in line with my thinking (and so MUST be right) in that we are pushing our children to write too early and are handcuffing (and limiting) our children by mechanical target-driven models (think I go that right). Spot on but why use of another 'ification' on the journey to the 'bonkersifcation' of our language and culture?

I've been blessed by the company of a bunch of military chaplains and learnt much about the care and concern from within for our wounded. Was blessed and challenged by the commitment and energy of those who would work in a green world and found a place of reflection in front of the Basra Wall as we thought of those serving, served and gone before in a moment of stillness before our God!

It was wonderful to read what appears to be God's response to emails from a totally off the wall person in yesterday's lectionary and better still to see how it also applies to another person who is being sorely abused too. The words:

Psalm 36
Sin whispers to the wicked, in the depths of their heart; there is no fear of God before their eyes. They flatter themselves in their own eyes that their abominable sin will not be found out. The words of their mouth are unrighteous and full of deceit; they have ceased to act wisely and to do good. They think out mischief upon their beds and have set themselves in no good way; nor do they abhor that which is evil.

Thank God for His timely and stilling word and His protection around us.

Halleljuah!

Wow, it's cold in here - just dipped back below ten degrees (wonder if buying windows might be an aid to getting warmer?)