Puritannical Enough?

[updated blog]
Sometimes when thinking hurts, I web dezine. (sp intentional) and have been after a different more puritannical look for my puritannical blog. I have to put the haloscan comments link back as yet, but need to rest now, so will do it later, but, I think THIS looks far more puritannical in its appearance than before. As much as God trains any of us, to not look at external things, I do think look is important in some things. Tho with people I find it matters little. You couldn't be borned as weird as I, and be bothered about externals in others, without making oneself a major hypocrite.

But I think the lacey look and feel is somewhat puritannical to the eye. but are off to rest and recover, as that sun has taken its toll!! And are feeling fairly blue today. But that would be normal for a small infamouse blue person methinks

As folks may see, I changed the template here too, I thought it kinda reflected the more fun aspect of this blog. I hope it don't offend anyone. But, I like monkeys. But for now, I have to go attend to the Lord's Day which is just about to start here in England, as I found out in my catechism (I think) this week gone, that keeping the Lord's Day is supposed to start at midnight! And theres just a minute or two to go till that hour. |

Coincidence?

The one reamining friend I spoke of below who is not moving to the other side of the world, was at some study group the other night with some of her christian friends. And the subject of God not healing people came up. And she bought porphyria up, as I guess I was a good example to her and also the friends she was with I have met before. But they looked porphyria up in a medical dictionary, and she said she was speechless by how it exactly fits how I am, and is somewhat irritated the doctors won't give me a dx based purely on my symptoms.

But I am sat outside in the garden again today, foolishly I sat in the sun, after a while I started to get belly ache for no apparent reason. Now since the two top triggers for porphyria are the sun and emotional stress, and since Porphyria is centred all in the stomache, and belly ache often the first symptom, I find this more than a little bit coincidental. too bad tho, I used to love sitting in the baking hot sun for hours on end. |

God's Idiot

Ever feel like "God's Idiot"? I seem to spend most of my waking moments feeling like it. But then, remember, that the world mocked Christ too. Only in my case, its often not only the world I feel despised, mocked and scorned by. But, yes, I seem to spend a life time feeling like God's very own idiot.

Talking of which I had no idea it was Saturday today. I mean not in the usual kind of "It doesn't feel like Saturday" kind of way. But no idea at all. Had no particular day in mind what it was, but certainly didn't think it was Saturday. Its the simple things like that, why sometimes I miss my dad being here in the home. As I would often ask him what day it was, feeling clueless like the above. Thank goodness for computers and the little calendar which sits in the taskbar with the current day highlighted!

Talking of Saturday, it's a Bank Holiday weekend here this weekend. Monday everyone is off work and the schools are shut etc. Its what used to be known as Labour Day I think, or May Day, which was one and the same thing. Normally folks, or families will go out and do things together, or just generally hang out and have fun. Ever feel life left you behind and the world left you behind? Again I do, quite often. Still, if the weather improves maybe I can sit in my garden again, which will suit me fine.

A Christian friend I have here, leaves this weekend, and is heading for Russia or somewhere on the Eastern block to teach English to them. I have very few what I consider good Christian friends here, and we didn't see each other very much, but we kept in touch reguarly either by phone or email, (or both). I am glad the opportunity has opened up for them, as they deserve a break and something good to happen, yet I seem forever destined to be more and more alone as far as Christians go. Two of my other friends, are leaving later in the year for China. And again I'm glad for them. But hate how I'm becoming more and more forced on the outside. That will leave me one Christian friend here.


Seems I've imagined Him all of my life
As the wisest of all of mankind
But if God's Holy wisdom is foolish to men
He must have seemed out of His mind

For even His family said He was mad
And the priest say a demon's to blame
But God in the form of this angry young man
Could not have seemed perfectly sane

Chorus
We in our foolishness thought we were wise
He played the fool and He opened our eyes
And we in our weakness believed we were strong
He became helpless to show we were wrong
And so we follow God's own fool
For only the foolish can tell
Believe the unbelievable
Come be a fool as well

So come lose our life for a carpenter's son
For a man who had died for a dream
And you'll feel the faith His first followers had
And you'll feel the weight of the beam
So surrender the hunger to say you must know
Have the courage to say I believe
For the power of paradox opens your eyes
And blinds those who say they can see

Chorus

So we follow God's own Fool
For only the foolish can tell
Believe the unbelievable, come be a fool as well

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The Price of Gas/Petrol

Sometimes, I'm glad I don't drive!! |

Start of a new craze?

Apparently this bald dog, (what kind of real dog is bald anyhow, huh?) is wearing a fox fur coat! Artic fox nonetheless. I can just see this starting a new craze, for those who lavish money on their pets and have more money than sense! |

Blagging from the great outdoors...

Okay, well its only from my back garden, but it FEELS the great outdoors!! See? The only bad news is, that so far theirs been no miracle. I have thus far has two giant killer bumble bees dive bomb me, and I swear if a miracle is going to happen it will be during such an onslaught from buzzing bumbles, and likely leap out of my wheelchair and jump up and down, but so far, no go.

I am sat out here, and have been the last few hours, and have started to re-read Lion of the covenant, which is a biography (one of the better ones I believe) of Richard Cameron, whose name the cameroonians took. But while reading this book, the same as on occassion when reading other books of similar ilk, such as Foxes Book of martyrs or any book really with historical accounts of martrys. It occurred to me that many of these martyrs birthd dates are never known. Records do not exist to either confirm or deny their birth. In some cases, in those days, people lived, yet because their birth and subsequent death were never recorded, and there lives of no particular note, there is no record of them even having existed! But as for the birth day thing, it seems quite fitting in a way, since so many of these saints of God lost their lives for Christ's cause and crown, that like the name they defended, our blessed Saviour, who is also of unknown birthdate. |

Perseverance pays off!

This cat doesn't like sharing, but I admire the little guy's persistence!


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I think I may have to go back to bed to sleep!! (I hate sleeping!) but was rudely woken this morning before I was ready. And being woken if I don't wake naturally is somewhat of a disaster area for me, for how the day goes. So, snoozling some of my time back seems an option worth trying! But maybe I try a coffee first, to see if that helps!! And if it does, maybe I go see if its warm enough to sit in my garden awhile, as my good neighbour put my table up down there for me this morning!! |

Ummm...Yeah, right.

(I take the fifth on this, cos to answer would be pure, foolish folly!!)
Apparently,placing electrodes on your tongue, allows one to see underwater!

And with that, time for bed! |

My Confession

I posted this at my new yahoo group, (anyone who reads is welcome to join) but are reposting it here, as I know I have other friends who read here but not there. And this is Deejay's big confession. The wording is at is was written at the group, so may sound somewhat odd for my blog but just copying and pasting as it is:

Folks here I been friends here with a long time, will know I've used the term closet covie as a joke to describe my beliefs. (Covenanter) But, I think its about time I quit dilly dallying, and staked my claim. As it occurred to me that the only reason I stayed in the closet, (so to speak) was because first of all it was not wanting to upset other folks I friends with at the time, and, because I am in England, which is a most ungodly uncovie nation even tho the Scot's Covenanters and English Puritans are fellow country men historically speaking.And I think also the great life of suffering I have had and have, has also warmed me to these men of God of the past, whether they be English Puritans or Scot's Covenanters. As I feel they walked through the fire of affliction in a different way, but by the degree of, would understand better than most alive today the fire I am in. Its been a combination of things. So, I standing on the table, to say, My name is Deejay, and I think in all the ways that matter, I may very well be a Covenanter. Tho its an ever learning ever growing process, and one that has a long way to go. But, I think it was this stirring in me, that led me to open this group, with distinctly Reformed directives, to both learn and grow myself, and also for fellowship with like minded folks. And also why I get so irate when hearing the Westminster Assembly either maligned or the work they accomplished detracted from, when so much suffering was endured because of what they believed.So, that's my confession over with. Carry on everyone as you were. ;-)

This is an addendum and just for my blog. But I came into faith a few years ago, and really feeling unsure because of how my brain let me down if I could make sense of the written word or books at all. I'd not read a whole book for around 12 years because of how frustrated I'd become at how hard reading suddenly seemed which had always been my first love. I had two, no actually three, covenanter friends at the time, who encouraged me to read a puritan book, and since that time, I gobbled them up, and have never looked back as far as reading goes. Tho are not saying its always easy. And as hard as my life is day to day now, some of my most joyous hours are spent reading those books. As they bring the Word of God near in a\ way I can understand. So, God uses, many things and people to lead us towards the truth. And various things happen in life to get us where we are at.

For someone who can mess up so badly, and normally on full display for the world and his wife to see, this is a better type of confession. And one I believe that even my failings has led me to feel more confirmed in these truths of God. |

Things that bind...

Its strange sometimes the things that can bind folks together, the same as the things that can cause division or seperation. My faith has caused great seperation or remoteness maybe a more accurate description to other believers, but things in life bind folks together. Sometiems it will be kids or family, sometimes, something as mundane and ordinary as household pets. One neighbour that I have always been able to rely on if needing assistance with something, I first got to know him cos we used to bump into each other when walking our perspective dogs. We've probably known each other close to 15 years. But it was the dogs which started the connection. Then we found out we had other things in common which I won't go into. Now there dog (Molly) is dying of leukemia, and the guys wife told me most folks can't understand why she feels as she does over "only a dog". Yet I had occasion to call them about something, to ask if her husband could do something for me when he can, and because I know and have been through losing my dogs didn't think her feelings stupid or dim or insignificant, and she was quite touched. But its strange the things that divide sometimes, and its strange the things that bind. If I move from here, I guess neighbour wise, they will be the ones I miss, and not really any of the others. And if not for our mutual love of owning dogs, then, we may never have known each other, and I would be even more in a fix for managing with things that are physically impossible day to day than I am. So, yes, its strange the things that bind. |

Time Heals

I heard something today, which seemed relevant to things. Most folks know the saying "Time heals" and in some ways in most cases that can be true. Yet its far truer I think, that its not that time heals, its that life with all its distractions continues, and so the thing which had caused the wound, gets put further back in the mind and memory until its nowhere near as prominent. Some folk, have criticised me for dwelling on some things too much as they happen, and I could see their point. Yet I think that's part of what can cause it, as here alone dealing with all that I do, life doesn't continue or get smothered in distractions. Any wounds or hurts or hardships linger for the duration as nothing comes in to move life along.

I was also thinking on a slightly different vein but not altogether dissimilar, and I certainly don't mean to psyche speak here. But sometimes, I think life can be so painful that we want something bigger than the hurt we have to distract us from the pain or hurt that life is bringing. I set out to cause hurt to myself I believe in a destructive way a while ago, only it was destructive not just to myself. But, years before, when also in a pain issue of life I could not shift, I hurt myself physically and have scars all over my body where I did that. The scars are there as prominent as ever, yet the wounds of both the burns and the thing that caused the pain has healed with time, at least some. This time, I could not create more pain in my body than I already have, so, the devil uses whatever he can to drag us down. But it seems the same kind of scenario. That sometimes we self destruct because we hurt so badly, and in self destructing we have a new more prominent pain, that will lessen the initial hurt. Yet from experience at least I know that's not always the way. Often we are left with the combined hurt of whatever caused the initial thing, plus the grief we caused ourselves by self destructing. And at least in my own case, time doesn't heal either. As life doesn't move on very much. And it lingers on possibly for the duration. Crosses can be hard to bear. But to everything there is a season. |

The Pains of the Westminster Assembly

If there ever was a document, therefore, whose contents might be expected to exhbit that genius, the essence of which consists we are told, in taking pains, it assuredly is the Westminster Confession of Faith. And when we read its exquisitely balanced phrases, and are moved with admiration for the pefection of the guarding which it gives to its doctrinal propositions on this side and that, we are reaping the benefit of these repeated views which the Assembly was forced to give the whole matter, perhaps even more than of the minute scrutiny it lavished on the formulation of it on the final occasion of its actual incorporation into the Confession. And when, after this, and in the light of all the experience gained by such repeated reviews of the material, first the Larger Catechism, and then the Shorter Catechism were elaborated, it is not at all strange that a precision of definition was attained which has called forth such praises as these documents, and especially the Shorter Catechism, have recieved from the most varied quarters. [B.B. Warfield]

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Wine slurping sound stops babies crying?

Click play button on console:

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Beer Slave

I'm sure this maybe some folks ideal invention!! I could think of a few modifications to make it seem useful to me too. However, to some of my regular readers with a liking for all things beer, no emigrating to Japan please, to see if you can win one of these bots!

"Here’s a match made in heaven: beer and robots. For most of the world, it’s a match we are left to simply dream of (you know, slave bots bringing you a cold one, instead of the usual “Get it yourself!”) If you live in Japan however, you should know that Asahi is running a promotion where they’ll be giving away 5,000 fully stocked refrigerator robots. What do these lovely creatures do?" Full spiel here |

God does not..

Tolerate Idolatory. And sometimes, those who are far less guilty than others, get caught in the cross fire. Lightening kills 5 praying children.

And:

This hamster is having kinda fun!


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How Green Is My... ?

After recently having my fence done, (sore point and DO NOT mention my neighbours!!) I had some gardeners in yesterday to clear out my garden of overgrowth and debris. Lucy's rubbish tip, which she used to go rolling in and come out of it whiffing of leaves and stuff but happy as a pig in muck and very pleased with her little self finally went! But apparently there is a huuuuge wasps nest down there right now. I maybe moving, rather than social services adapting my home, so if that does happen my long term plans with THIS garden will likely be redundant. But, even if I do move its likely I will be here at least a few more months yet, including the summer months, so shall continue to get it knocked into shape. I have a pine table that I was using for my puter but now are not any more that I'm going to ask a helpful neighbour if he will put it down the bottom of the garden, where those trees down there when in full leaf create a bit of a sun shield, so that I can sit out come the better weather. But, its looking more respectable than I remember seeing it before. As my dad with his age had rather let it go. People are normally gobsmacked somewhat, or they were when my dad was here, when they would come and comment on the garden size, and dad would tell them that four years ago, the first cut of the year when the grass was hugely overgrown and hard to cut, yours truly had mowed it within 20 minutes. But, hey ho. I can't get a great picture, but this kind of captures the "greeness" and plan to get some shrubs and stuff to have bedded out in it, which will give it some colour.

As the picture shows, its a dark and gloomy day here in England. So, I shall go make a pig sandwich to cheer myself up!!

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I have a secret...

A very big secret: I think I'm in LOVE with this guy!! But beyond that, I have nothing to say!!

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On Being a Clown

Sometimes being the life and soul of the party can be wearing. It can also be a defense mechanicsm to hide vulnerability, or shyness. When I say life and soul of the party, I mean someone who will always act the clown and if theres a lull in the conversation or something awkward, a quick fire joke will soon remedy the situation, and others have a good time. And this has been a way of life for me since before I can remember. I had very little education, yet when I did attend school, "likes to act the clown" would forever be on my report card. And the clowning never really stopped. I think then often as much as now, it was to hide a tummult of emotional damage, that seemed insurpassable. But often, you don't let the people see the real you by always being the clown and the fool who will keep people laughing with your dying breath. God gifted me with a whacky sense of humour that probably even internally lets me not feel things all of the time as much as if I was more sober, and swear its got me through many trials that could have ended worse than they did. And the humourous clowning kind of attracts people. No one likes a misery guts. But sometimes the last years, I would be acting a clown while once again dying inside. I'm not sure I even know how to switch it off, or if I ever want to, as if I do, I may just feel more than I can stand. But put on a happy face, can sometimes mean almost lying. As folks don't see the tummult or heart ache going on inside. And sometimes you are afraid to let them to. As it feels like you may unstop a damn that is impossible to plug back up, and it leaves you vulnerable, and easy prey in some ways.

In some ways I like being a clown. The sweetest sound I know is laughter. Yet in other ways, it can be very wearing being the clown, who everything just bounces off. Yet inside it doesn't bounce off, it has hit its target pretty well. But still externally, the clown takes over and hides what can never be spoken of it feels. |

The Hold-Fast

1I threaten'd to observe the strict decree
2 Of my dear God with all my power and might;
3 But I was told by one it could not be;
4Yet I might trust in God to be my light.
5"Then will I trust," said I, "in Him alone."
6 "Nay, e'en to trust in Him was also His:
7 We must confess that nothing is our own."
8"Then I confess that He my succour is."
9"But to have nought is ours, not to confess
10 That we have nought." I stood amaz'd at this,
11 Much troubled, till I heard a friend express
12That all things were more ours by being His;
13 What Adam had, and forfeited for all,
14 Christ keepeth now, who cannot fail or fall. [George Herbert] |

Which Muppet Are you?

Well I did this quiz twice, tho each had different questions. The first time I came up as gonzo, and not sure why the different questions, as I accessed it the first time via another site, but this was from the proper site itself results:

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6,000 visitor & The Suggestion Box

I thought it worth mildly noting, that I had my sixth thousand visitor yesterday. I don't know who the person is or was, but it was apparently somebody from India!

Sorry, no cigar for being the 6,000 entrant, but very glad you visited all the same!!

And secondly, I need to find myself a hobby!! For the first time in my entire life I seem to be succumbing to depression, which what with my dad, my own health and circumstances and other matters, I don't think its entirely surprising. But, folks have told me it may help to find a hobby. I used to be creative, but have lost my bottle! And have no idea what I could do that I may be any good at. (Not a fat lot methinks!!) I mean, I had one friend who thought I still have what it takes for web design, and I can muddle through generally, but even so have no confidence in my abilities even with that at all. So, this is my suggestion box time. Bearing in mind my physical limitations. Suggest a hobby for DJ! As long as no one mentions stamp collecting, (YAWN!) it should be fine!! |

Saint George's Day

It's Saint George's Day here in England today. (The patron saint of England muchas Patrick is of Ireland) Most folks have heard of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon.

"St George, the titular saint and patron of England was born in cappadocia, or Christian parents; and giving proofs of his courage, was promoted in the army of the emperor Diocletian. During the persecution, St. George threw up his command, went boldly to the senate house, and avowed his being a Christian, taking occasion at the same time to remonstrate against paganism, and point out the absurdity of worshipping idols. This freedom is so greatly provoked the senate that St. George was ordered to be tortured, and by the emperors orders was dragged through the streets and beheaded the next day.

"The legend of the dragon, which is associated with this marty, is usually illustrated by representing St. George seated upon a charging horse and transfixing the monster with his spear. This fiery dragon symbolizes the devil, who was vanquished by St. George’s steadfast faith in Christ, which remained unshaken in spire of torture and death." [From Foxes Book of Martrys Nelson edition]

As a footnote to this and because I was too unwell to blag about it at the time, folks in England (many of them) were busy celebrating the Queen of England's 80th birthday last Friday. Personally, meself I thought it more interesting that Kermit the frog is fifty years old!! Happy Birthday, my green friend!

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What it is to close with Christ

We say, then, it is a most necessary duty thus to close with Christ Jesus, as the blessed relief appointed for sinners. Every one who is come to years of understanding, and hearth this gospel, is obliged to take to heart his own lost condition, and God's gracious offer of peace and salvation through Christ Jesus, and speedily to flee from the wrath to come, by accepting and closing with this offer, heartily acquiescing therein as a satisfying way for the salvation of perishing sinners. And, that all may be the more encouraged to set about this duty, when they hear Him praying them to be reconciled unto Him, let them remember that peace and salvation are offered in universal terms to all without exception: 'If any man will,' he shall be welcome. (Rev. 22: 17.) If any thirst, although after that which will never profit, yet they shall be welcome here, on the condition aforesaid--'Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that has no money: come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk, without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not breads and your labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live: and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.' (Isa. 55: 1-3.) All are 'commanded to believe.' This is His commandment, 'that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ.' (1 John 3: 23.) The promises are to all who are externally called by the gospel. God excludes none, if they do not exclude themselves--'The promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.' (Acts 2: 39.) So that if any desire salvation, they may come forward, 'He will in no wise cast them out' (John 6: 37), being 'able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God through Him.' (Heb. 7: 25.) And those who have long delayed to take this matter to heart, have now the more need to look to it, lest what belongs to their peace be hid from their eyes. But all these words will not take effect with people, until 'God pour out His Spirit from on high' (Isa. 32: 15); to cause them to approach unto God in Christ; yet we must still press men's duty upon them, and entreat and charge them, by the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ, and their reckoning to Him in that day, that they give the Lord no rest until He send out that 'Spirit, which He will gee to them who ask it' (Luke 11: 13), and cause them to know what belongs unto their peace, and bring them to their duty. [William Guthrie]

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