Arthog

On our 16th visit to Arthog, my Godparents, Ellie and Ian, agreed to let us meet up with Watsons and Beckitts, and here is the result.

Photo-shoot complete, the band
only had 'music' to consider.

Brin Brith- and Cregennen Lakes.

Herminone is the first to the top (unbeknownst to Edward and James.)

Trying out the new beds.

Everyone gets a try

Kate stays the night.

A Joanna eye view.

Interesting fly.

Add caption

Fairebourne Beach 

Ferry to Barmouth

Harlech Castle - Snowdon in the distance

Harlech Beach

A classic shot.

Even Mrs Roberts at the Camp Site says it has the best view in the Valley.

Climbing Cader

In the clouds  at the top.

The wonderful ancient church of Llangelenin.

Mushroom collection No. 1

No.2

No.3

Irish Snap- I am told.

ahhhhh.......

From Tagxedo.com

Biannual Christmas Get together

And the Seaman Tag

The Worm

...I must write about something else...I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches.  Jude 1.3-4

The Worm
This weekend I climbed a wonderful tree.
From the top of a ladder, I stretched with fingers,
Towards tantalisingly plump apples, ready to fall.
Homeward, rucksack bulging, I carried my generous treasure.
With a sharp move, I cut open a crisp red specimen.
There, from a tiny black spot, emanated a dark inky path,
At the core I saw a flailing pin, a translucent thread.
What dark corruption has been brought by this tiny worm.



Paraphrase

From Jude, follower of Jesus,

I was hoping to be able to write you some friendly encouraging words, but now feel prompted by the Spirit to warn you of the danger that has wormed its way into your community.

I am speaking of people who have joined you primarily to boost their own prestige, and distort what really brings joy.  They are saying that God puts up with your misdemeanors, and dubious acts.  God certainly is full of grace, but this message is a distortion.  You will recognise these people because they are not filled with the Spirit of God.

Right from the very start, Enoch (seven generations from the first man), warned us that Jesus would come at the end of time to judge all people.  This means the way we live is important, and indicates our true inclinations. 

Let us remain faithful, and praise our Creator who will keep us from falling into this trap.

Unapologetic- (sorry)

Review of 'Unapologetic' - F. Spufford, Faber and Faber (2012)

The first thing I note is that he does not apologies for his coarse language.  'HPtFtu'  or 'the human propensity to fuck things up', is Spufford's interpretation of 'sin'.  As he observes, 'sin' these days is more likely to be associated with 'speciality chocolate' rather than a state of disobedience from God.  I had to read back to gather the meaning of this neologism, being essential to the plot and missed first time round.

The book, a gift from Dave and Fran Bennett, did help me crystallise some of my own thoughts about the impossibility of finding karma in theology.  I was drawn to his awareness of wonderful 'coincidence', that he notes might just be God's loving presence.  For example in a cafe after a particularly bad night of arguing with his wife, the medium of Mozart's clarinet concerto helps him realise God's presence and love, aiding him back to a better place.  For me I desire something more convincing, but agree that the presence of God is in the ordinary, thereby ensuring faith remains faith.

Spufford spells out the challenge presented in defining  'God as Love'.  He quotes Churchill from his cave in Croatia during the first world war, who though boredom, picked up the only book around, a bible.  Half way though the old testament, he discards it saying 'God is a bit of a bastard.'  That echos further though the dialogue as a retort to the difficulties that spring from simple solution.  Surly there is a flaw in the theological idea that humans were created with the potential to succeed, when the odds were so much stacked against us? I muse this is a bit like materialising into a different world, as in the films 'Star-trek', or 'Back to the Future', only to find oneself at the wheel of a vehicle careering towards a precipice.  "Ah I might have been able to make it, but no, just too difficult", I say as I fly over into oblivion.

This is God the creator. We observe creation set on it's various paths of destruction.  Biological systems based around deception, cunning and avarice.  The method; 'I eat you until you are gone, or I am in turn eaten'.  ...And God said "it is good", meaning 'it functions well'.  Nature, and animals are not moral beings.  This biology within us; racism, violence and selfishness; is also termed 'survival'.

And yet, for some strange reason, I find that I have a driving instructor sitting next to me as we attempt the impossible route.  Somehow my questions seem less sharp, less bitter.  Questions remain, but so does the presence with me.

 I find I am given a large uncashed cheque; all I could ever need.  What do I do?  That's the conundrum of live.