Applied

I applied for my university place yesterday. Officially the closing date is 15 January, but I wanted it done and dusted in plenty time. I completed most of the online form last week and was just waiting on my referee completing their section. They did so on Tuesday, so I applied.

I’ve applied to Edinburgh and St. Andrews. Edinburgh is definitely my first choice – from what I have heard and read, it has the best reputation. Also I can get a lift in with Spot, as will still be working in Edinburgh. That’ll be a cost saving – one commute cost rather than two. As I have been commuting to Edinburgh for 10 years, I’m already used to it. Taking the bus to St. Andrews, although doable, adds more expense onto Spot’s budget (as sole bread winner) and will make my commutes longer than into Edinburgh. St. Andrews is definitely my fall back position.

I really hope Edinburgh grants me a place. I have worked hard with my distance learning courses to enhance my application. I also now know there are ministry candidates studying at Edinburgh who hadn’t been in formal education for longer than I have been, but they hadn’t had to acquire 40 credits to obtain their place. It would seem rather unfair, under the circumstances, if I wasn’t granted a place. Also, I have been accepted as a ministry candidate. If I had applied last year, I would have been applying speculatively. I hope (and pray) that should also help get a place at Edinburgh.

One thing I am sure of though. I will get a university place for 2011 start. Wherever that may be (Edinburgh – please), I know I will be there as that is where God wants and needs me to be. After all, I will be studying divinity to degree level because it is required of me. That said, I have enjoyed the distance learning courses and I have said for years I would like to go back to uni. I won’t make the same mistakes I did first time round, though they were fun at the time!

I wonder if I should let Prof David Fergusson (principle of New College) know I have applied? I’m sure when I met him in August he mentioned to let him know when I had applied. I suppose there’s no harm and it may even help. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Watchnight Address

I did the address at my home church's watchnight service. I was nervous about it. Watchnight is one service where many people will attend who only come to the watchnight service. Where there are people coming for a variety of reasons. Tradition, habit, visiting relatives in the area, being a member of that church. Whatever the reason, they are all seeking God and something away from the hustle and bustle of secular Christmas.

I knew I had to hit the right tone with my address. Inclusive, without being wishy-washy. To try to say something which everyone would understand, but wouldn't patronise any regular worshiper. I think I hit that balance.

It was a privilege to be allowed to take part, to such an extent, in the watchnight service. My minister obviously trusts me! Once I delivered the address, she told me it was really good. I thought it was, but it's reassuring to have it confirmed.

It seems, I have a gift writing addresses and sermons. Or perhaps I've just been lucky so far. I pray it's the former and I continue to be guided by the holy spirit to say the words God's people need to hear, when they need to hear them.

NB A watchnight service is a service held beginning shortly before midnight on Christmas eve while waiting (watching) for Christmas in Scotland.

Home alone

Spot's off to Glasgow today to see "TRON: Legacy" in 3D at the IMAX. So, seeing as everyone I'd thought about meeting up with in the west while he's there are away visiting family (I mean, at this time of year...) and the weather was rubbish, I'm left all alone at home (boo-hoo).

I'd like to see TRON, but I don't technically see in 3D. I have a severe astigmatism in one of my eyes, which means my brain effectively ignores the signal it gets from that eye. I do have a sense of depth and distance, but not in the conventional sense. Frankly, I have no idea how the brain works it all out, but it does. The only times I have issues is on steps with no contrast or low light levels (I think the shadows help work things out). It's odd, but I suppose I see how "normal" people would see with one eye closed.

I don't know any different, so it's no big deal. That is, of course, if the film makers, in their "wisdom" exclusively make 3D films. I won't be able to see another film at the cinema again, if that was the case. Somehow, I think 3D is the "new" novelty. It's been tried before and has failed before. People get headaches and travel sick watching them. Also, film makers haven't worked out how to really use 3D. Having a ball of light floating in front of the audiences' eyes may make a great visual effect, but does it add anything to the experience of cinema or the story of the film? To my mind, it's like some CGI. When it's used well and thought out, it works. When it's just used as it's cheaper than building a set, that usually shows through big style.

Anyway, it's amazing how much I have got done with Spot away. Perhaps I should arrange this more often!

Merry Christmas

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

Become friends with Jesus. Because no one is a failure who has friends. And what better friend to have?

Have a good one!

Santa Tracker

This year, once more, you can track Santa here. A great bit of fun for the kids (and the non-kids) among us. The videos of Santa delivering in major cities as he makes his way across the world are pretty cool too!