In South Africa at the moment we are suffering from a shortage of power. As a result, we have been subjected to "load shedding" which means that at certain times your electricity can be cut off. In January it was extremely haphazard and you didn't know when you would suddenly be without electricity. It got so bad that there was talk about mines closing down because they couldn't guarantee the safety of their workers.
I bought myself a rechargeable camping light. I couldn't wait for the next power cut. During February we had some respite. Only once was the power cut in my area. It was a stormy afternoon and as the black clouds gathered at last I could use my camping light. Not for long, however, because the electricity came on again at about 5pm.
This month, March, there are threats of power cut but more on a planned basis. Blairgowrie, my area, is due for power cut on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays between 6 and 10pm. At last my lamp can be used. Yesterday, as I left for work, the electricity went off. When I came home, it was on again. So I still have not had a chance to use my nice expensive rechargeable lamp. Sigh.
Then I got to thinking. A lamp is not much good when it's not dark. Jesus says we are the light of the world. For a light to work effectively, there must be darkness. Well, there sure is darkness in South Africa. The crime seems almost out of control. It is not safe for school children to walk home from school – there are muggings and rapes. It is scary to come home at night to your own driveway. Nearly everybody you talk to has been hijacked, or robbed in their home at gunpoint. Only the most violent and scary cases are reported in the newspaper which makes everybody live in fear. AIDS is rampant and the morality of the general population of teenagers does much to help it spread. If ever there was a dark place, it is South Africa. Jesus called us to shine in this dark world.
Yet, some of our best potential lights are emigrating to other countries where it is not so dark. There is surely an accumulation of good South African Christians in Australia, Canada, the UK, New Zealand and America. Don't get me wrong, they are shining their lights brightly where they move but because there's not so much darkness, it makes less of an impact.
Those of us that are left, remember all the darkness in the world can't overcome the feeblest light. Shine for all you're worth!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Left arm
I am a left arm. I am reasonably talented. I can bend my fingers, manipulate my thumb, swivel at my shoulder and bend and rotate at my elbow. Despit all this, I have always been a second class citizen because my opposing member, the right arm can do all these things better than me. I was side-lined. It was Righty who was taught to write while my challenging task was merely to support the page. Righty learned to hit a tennis ball with a tennis raquet while I only played ball boy - something like a clay pidgeon dispenser. My tasks were always menial and unappreciated.
Recently Righty developed tendonitis. Here was my chance to shine - to be appreciated! Do you know what? Because I was previously disadvantaged, my best attempts were not good enough and I was cursed for my clumsiness. My unco-ordinated fingers took half an hour just to get a contact lens into the right eye. I don't have enough strength to cut steak with a knife and my artistic attempts at hair-combing were rediculed. I took much longer to complete tasks than the more accomplished and talented Righty. Although I am getting more proficient at lots of things, let's face it, I will never be a right arm. I was destined to be a second class limb. Is life fair? Of course not.
Recently Righty developed tendonitis. Here was my chance to shine - to be appreciated! Do you know what? Because I was previously disadvantaged, my best attempts were not good enough and I was cursed for my clumsiness. My unco-ordinated fingers took half an hour just to get a contact lens into the right eye. I don't have enough strength to cut steak with a knife and my artistic attempts at hair-combing were rediculed. I took much longer to complete tasks than the more accomplished and talented Righty. Although I am getting more proficient at lots of things, let's face it, I will never be a right arm. I was destined to be a second class limb. Is life fair? Of course not.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Evolutionists and Creationists
I am a Christian. I am also a scientist. Recently I was told by the head of our Biology department that we were going to be teaching evolution in our schools soon. Since we are encouraged to examine scientific knowledge and evaluate it, I decided to search the web for information about evolution and what the crationists say about it. boy did I open a wasps nest! Everybody seems to be so fanatical about their views.
I was given a DVD which is part of a series about creationism which I was strongly encouraged to watch. The Creationists (of this series) believe that the world was created in 6 days, 6000 years ago, that 4000 years ago there was a flood which totally changed the earth from what it was previously. (Up till then there had been an extra layer to the atmosphere consisting of water/water vap0our/ice which resulted in a higher air pressure, subsequently higher oxygen concentrations in the air and a shielding of X rays from the sun/space. As a result everything lived much longer and functioned better, grew larger. Dinosaurs were nothing but lizards that just continued to grow and were alive at the same time as man. Lots of very scientific evidence was given, as well as quotes from reputable scientists to support the theory.
Last night I watched a DVD by David Bloch on the Universe. http://www.aboutentertainment.co.za/database/david_b.htm
His studies have led him to believe that the universe was created by God with the specific purpose of making Man and he gives very strong mathmatical reasoning why the forces involved in the creation of the Universe cannot be random and therefore are evidence of design. He believes God made the Big Bang.
In other words, the creationists and the scientists believe the same thing. God created the heavens and the earth. I don't know what all this fuss is about old earth/new earth. It does not change my life one little bit whether the earth is 6 000 years old or millions. I know that God loves me, that Jesus died so that I can be in a relationship with Him and spend eternity with Him. I know that we don't know everything and never will. Scientific theories come and go and life goes on. I don't think very many scientists really think that the earth came into being by chance and that life just accidentally happened. If we just evolved from animals (accidentally) then there is no right or wrong and no meaning to life. We may as well live like animals. In fact, if that is what they have been teaching in American schools for years, perhaps it is no wonder that young people act the way they do. If, on the other hand, we are created in the image of God, there is some purpose to life and some immutable laws. What method God used to create us is immaterial. Let's just rejoice in life!
I was given a DVD which is part of a series about creationism which I was strongly encouraged to watch. The Creationists (of this series) believe that the world was created in 6 days, 6000 years ago, that 4000 years ago there was a flood which totally changed the earth from what it was previously. (Up till then there had been an extra layer to the atmosphere consisting of water/water vap0our/ice which resulted in a higher air pressure, subsequently higher oxygen concentrations in the air and a shielding of X rays from the sun/space. As a result everything lived much longer and functioned better, grew larger. Dinosaurs were nothing but lizards that just continued to grow and were alive at the same time as man. Lots of very scientific evidence was given, as well as quotes from reputable scientists to support the theory.
Last night I watched a DVD by David Bloch on the Universe. http://www.aboutentertainment.co.za/database/david_b.htm
His studies have led him to believe that the universe was created by God with the specific purpose of making Man and he gives very strong mathmatical reasoning why the forces involved in the creation of the Universe cannot be random and therefore are evidence of design. He believes God made the Big Bang.
In other words, the creationists and the scientists believe the same thing. God created the heavens and the earth. I don't know what all this fuss is about old earth/new earth. It does not change my life one little bit whether the earth is 6 000 years old or millions. I know that God loves me, that Jesus died so that I can be in a relationship with Him and spend eternity with Him. I know that we don't know everything and never will. Scientific theories come and go and life goes on. I don't think very many scientists really think that the earth came into being by chance and that life just accidentally happened. If we just evolved from animals (accidentally) then there is no right or wrong and no meaning to life. We may as well live like animals. In fact, if that is what they have been teaching in American schools for years, perhaps it is no wonder that young people act the way they do. If, on the other hand, we are created in the image of God, there is some purpose to life and some immutable laws. What method God used to create us is immaterial. Let's just rejoice in life!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
How to insult God
We've been studying Isiah in bible study. last night we read about Sennacharib and his insults to God. I remembered a poem I studied at school a long time ago and looked on the internet for it. I was inspired again.
The Assyrian came down like a wolf on the fold . . .
This hexagonal clay prism (often called the Taylor prism) records the deeds of Sennacherib -- an important figure in the Old Testament. I saw this piece when I was at the Oriental Institute on Saturday but wasn't able to get a good photo. Here's the commentary from the Oriental Institute:
On the six inscribed sides of this clay prism, King Sennacherib recorded eight military campaigns undertaken against various peoples who refused to submit to Assyrian domination. In all instances, he claims to have been victorious. As part of the third campaign, he beseiged Jerusalem and imposed heavy tribute on Hezekiah, King of Judah-a story also related in the Bible, where Sennacherib is said to have been defeated by "the angel of the Lord," who slew 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (II Kings 18-19).
There is a complete translation of all six columns at the Sennacherib Prism site where I found the photo. And here is Byron's poem, "The Destruction of Sennacherib," to complement it:
The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold,
And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold;
And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea
When the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee.
Like the leaves of the forest when Summer is green,
That host with their banners at sunset were seen:
Like the leaves of the forest when Autumn hath blown,
That host on the morrow lay withered and strown.
For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast,
And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed;
And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill,
And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still.
And there lay the steed with his nostril all wide,
But through it there rolled not the breath of his pride:
And the foam of his gasping lay white on the turf,
And cold as the spray of the rock-beating surf.
And there lay the rider distorted and pale,
With the dew on his brow and the rust on his mail;
And the tents were all silent, the banners alone,
The lances unlifted, the trumpets unblown.
And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail,
And the idols are broke in the temple of Baal;
And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword,
Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!
-- George Gordon Lord Byron (1788-1824)
The Assyrian came down like a wolf on the fold . . .
This hexagonal clay prism (often called the Taylor prism) records the deeds of Sennacherib -- an important figure in the Old Testament. I saw this piece when I was at the Oriental Institute on Saturday but wasn't able to get a good photo. Here's the commentary from the Oriental Institute:
On the six inscribed sides of this clay prism, King Sennacherib recorded eight military campaigns undertaken against various peoples who refused to submit to Assyrian domination. In all instances, he claims to have been victorious. As part of the third campaign, he beseiged Jerusalem and imposed heavy tribute on Hezekiah, King of Judah-a story also related in the Bible, where Sennacherib is said to have been defeated by "the angel of the Lord," who slew 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (II Kings 18-19).
There is a complete translation of all six columns at the Sennacherib Prism site where I found the photo. And here is Byron's poem, "The Destruction of Sennacherib," to complement it:
The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold,
And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold;
And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea
When the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee.
Like the leaves of the forest when Summer is green,
That host with their banners at sunset were seen:
Like the leaves of the forest when Autumn hath blown,
That host on the morrow lay withered and strown.
For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast,
And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed;
And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill,
And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still.
And there lay the steed with his nostril all wide,
But through it there rolled not the breath of his pride:
And the foam of his gasping lay white on the turf,
And cold as the spray of the rock-beating surf.
And there lay the rider distorted and pale,
With the dew on his brow and the rust on his mail;
And the tents were all silent, the banners alone,
The lances unlifted, the trumpets unblown.
And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail,
And the idols are broke in the temple of Baal;
And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword,
Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!
-- George Gordon Lord Byron (1788-1824)
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Perhaps I have ceased to exist
This morning (Monday of course) I came in to work to sign in as usual. My name was not on the list. I checked both lists, departmental and governing body but my name was not there. So I signed underneath the list of names.
Now I've got to my computer and came to check my e mails. The computer does not recognise my name and password. Perhaps I have ceased to exist? Perhaps I have been deleted.
Some say that the whole world is a figment of God's immagination. Perhaps I never was.
Would it make a difference to the world if I never was? However, I blog. Therefore I am.
Now that I am, can I make a difference or would it be the same as if I had never been?
Now I've got to my computer and came to check my e mails. The computer does not recognise my name and password. Perhaps I have ceased to exist? Perhaps I have been deleted.
Some say that the whole world is a figment of God's immagination. Perhaps I never was.
Would it make a difference to the world if I never was? However, I blog. Therefore I am.
Now that I am, can I make a difference or would it be the same as if I had never been?
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Things aren't always as bad as they seem
Sometimes we think God had forgotton us when things don't turn out as we think they should. If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You might not know it till some time later.
Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight, just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.
Should you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't dispair. There are people in this world for whon driving is an unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work, think of the man who has been out of work for the last three months.
Should you despair over a relationship gone badly, think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should the car break sown, leaving you miles away from assistance, think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new grey hair in the mirror, think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine. Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering, "What is life all about, what is my purpose?", be thankful. There are those that didn't live long enough to get that opportunity.
Shuld you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities, remember that things could be worse. You could be them.
Should you stop and realise that things aren't always as bad as they seem, then you can begin with a renewed spirit to help yourself as well as those who are less fortunate.
I found this photocopied on one of my husband's files. I thought it was worth posting.
Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight, just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.
Should you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't dispair. There are people in this world for whon driving is an unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work, think of the man who has been out of work for the last three months.
Should you despair over a relationship gone badly, think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should the car break sown, leaving you miles away from assistance, think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new grey hair in the mirror, think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine. Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering, "What is life all about, what is my purpose?", be thankful. There are those that didn't live long enough to get that opportunity.
Shuld you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities, remember that things could be worse. You could be them.
Should you stop and realise that things aren't always as bad as they seem, then you can begin with a renewed spirit to help yourself as well as those who are less fortunate.
I found this photocopied on one of my husband's files. I thought it was worth posting.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Noah's Diamond
I am writing a book. I am almost finished. My best friend showed me a competition for an unpublished novel so I have entered. I had to write a 500 word synopsis. I thought I might just as well post it to my blog.
"Noah’s Diamond" by Jenny Lee Young
“When the world ended, there was no warning!”
In the year 2036 in post-AIDS South Africa, Margaret Jasper, a science teacher, takes a group of Pioneer girls to a winter camp. Her assistant, Thumu Sizwa, mother of two of the Pioneer girls, has organised a trip to the Noah’s Diamond Complex during the camp.
Noah Abernathy, an eccentric American billionaire, had been convinced that God had told him to build a nuclear shelter to house his family in the event of nuclear war. South Africa seemed tactically to be the safest area to situate this technologically advanced, computer-controlled safe-haven. However, the threat of nuclear war diminished to almost zero and Noah Abernathy died, leaving the Diamond Complex to the family in a trust, with a proviso that a member of the Abernathy family always live there. They decided to turn the complex into a tourist attraction.
With much anticipation, Margaret and the girls take a tour of Diamond One. Their tour guide is Lindy-Lou Abernathy, the pregnant and unmarried granddaughter of the late Noah.
During their tour, the party is jolted by an earth-shattering explosion, causing Diamond One to automatically seal. News broadcasts are garbled but Margaret gets glimpses of a world in crisis – collapsed buildings, fires, dead bodies, screaming people……….
At first the adults react to the situation as a tourist gimmick and then a temporary glitch that will soon be repaired. However, after five days, what they all secretly feared turns out to be true. The interactive function is again up and running and they are informed that the rest of the world is dead or dying due to massive nuclear explosions and the resultant radiation in the atmosphere.
The fate of humanity rests in the hands of this group of teenage girls. They are in many ways an ill-assorted bunch, including Beth, a blind but privileged girl, Martha Malobi, the ex-drug addict, Mara, who suffers from depression, the street-wise Britney Adams and her naive friend Sharon who has encountered love for the first time. The only hope for the continuation of the human race lies in Lindy-Lou’s unborn baby. If only it is a little boy!
Is there a chance for the human race? What is the smell that reminds Beth of Christmas? Who slashed Mara’s best painting? What is Sharon’s hidden secret? Can Margaret lead the group through near mass euthanasia, deliberate vandalism, fire, relocation and even attempted murder?
Find out in this gripping South African Science Fiction Novel. Celebrate the power of women! Appreciate the contribution that Youth can make to society. Come and enjoy the technological delights of the future with the last members of the human race.
"Noah’s Diamond" by Jenny Lee Young
“When the world ended, there was no warning!”
In the year 2036 in post-AIDS South Africa, Margaret Jasper, a science teacher, takes a group of Pioneer girls to a winter camp. Her assistant, Thumu Sizwa, mother of two of the Pioneer girls, has organised a trip to the Noah’s Diamond Complex during the camp.
Noah Abernathy, an eccentric American billionaire, had been convinced that God had told him to build a nuclear shelter to house his family in the event of nuclear war. South Africa seemed tactically to be the safest area to situate this technologically advanced, computer-controlled safe-haven. However, the threat of nuclear war diminished to almost zero and Noah Abernathy died, leaving the Diamond Complex to the family in a trust, with a proviso that a member of the Abernathy family always live there. They decided to turn the complex into a tourist attraction.
With much anticipation, Margaret and the girls take a tour of Diamond One. Their tour guide is Lindy-Lou Abernathy, the pregnant and unmarried granddaughter of the late Noah.
During their tour, the party is jolted by an earth-shattering explosion, causing Diamond One to automatically seal. News broadcasts are garbled but Margaret gets glimpses of a world in crisis – collapsed buildings, fires, dead bodies, screaming people……….
At first the adults react to the situation as a tourist gimmick and then a temporary glitch that will soon be repaired. However, after five days, what they all secretly feared turns out to be true. The interactive function is again up and running and they are informed that the rest of the world is dead or dying due to massive nuclear explosions and the resultant radiation in the atmosphere.
The fate of humanity rests in the hands of this group of teenage girls. They are in many ways an ill-assorted bunch, including Beth, a blind but privileged girl, Martha Malobi, the ex-drug addict, Mara, who suffers from depression, the street-wise Britney Adams and her naive friend Sharon who has encountered love for the first time. The only hope for the continuation of the human race lies in Lindy-Lou’s unborn baby. If only it is a little boy!
Is there a chance for the human race? What is the smell that reminds Beth of Christmas? Who slashed Mara’s best painting? What is Sharon’s hidden secret? Can Margaret lead the group through near mass euthanasia, deliberate vandalism, fire, relocation and even attempted murder?
Find out in this gripping South African Science Fiction Novel. Celebrate the power of women! Appreciate the contribution that Youth can make to society. Come and enjoy the technological delights of the future with the last members of the human race.
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