F is for Fourth Dimension

fourth dimension, noun

1. : a dimension in addition to length, breadth, and depth
2. : something outside the range of ordinary experience

A little bit of physics, now! It is generally accepted (backed up by Einstein's relativity theory) that the fourth dimension is time. Thus, in order to confirm an exact point, you need 3 coordinates for where (length, width, depth) and 1 coordinate for when (time).

The idea of making time the fourth dimension began with Jean le Rond d'Alembert's Dimensions, published in 1754 in the Encyclopédie, ou dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers. Yes, I had to look that one up. :)

E is for Exegesis

Exegesis (noun);  a critical explanation or interpretation of a text. The term is traditionally applied to the interpretation of Biblical works. 

Simply put, exegesis is not about discovering what we think a scripture text means (or what we may want it to mean) but what the biblical author actually meant. It’s all about intentionality.

This will mean you need to dig into the historical context, the original language, and the author's intent in order to let the text speak for itself.

D is for Doctrine

Doctrine (noun): a codification of beliefs or a body of teachings or instructions, taught principles or positions, as the essence of teachings in a given branch of knowledge or in a belief system. 

The word comes from the Latin word doctrina, which simply means "teaching." It can be seen as a framework for understanding particular beliefs.

In The Salvation Army (my church), there is a Handbook of Doctrine which can be downloaded and studied. The Handbook details the 11 Articles of Faith which since 1878 have been the basis of The Salvation Army’s witness to the Christian gospel. Such a document equips anyone to distinguish between truth and incorrect teachings.

There's nothing worse that following something blindly. Always question, always struggle to understand, always seek to apply this to your own life. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

C is for Cosmic

cosmic (adjective): 

1. relating to the universe and the natural processes that happen in it.
2. (informal) vast, very great
3. (spirituality) relating to the concept that everything in existence is interconnected as one vast, unified whole.

Finally, Marvel Comics fans will of course know that cosmic radiation (the leftover energy from the Big Bang) was responsible for the creation of the Fantastic Four. 

B is for Brotherhood

Brotherhood (noun)

1. : the quality or state of being brothers
2. : a fellowship or alliance
3. : an association (such as a labour union or monastic society) for a particular purpose
4. : the whole body of persons engaged in a business or profession

Christian brotherhood refers to the idea of fellowship and community, particularly within the family of God. It's a concept that goes beyond earthly family ties, a bond that confirms all men and women are part of a larger family as we are all God's children. Why not Google the word Koinonia for further study?

Hebrews 2:11-12 (NIV)

Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says,

“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;

in the assembly I will sing your praises.”

A is for Anti-stalking

Anti-stalking (verb) : the process of learning a person's routine in order to avoid them.

It's a relatively modern term, dating back to the 1990's. It essentially describes taking steps to counteract someone's efforts to always be in the same place as you (i.e., to stop them from stalking you!)

It's important to respect people's need for privacy.

A-Z: Some more of my favourite words

Time for one of my favourite regular features for my blog. The August A to Z challenge!

Perhaps now that I have retired, I'll be able to find a few minutes to complete this challenge for 2026. Didn't quite get this done last year (sorry!). There's a few examples of previous years to be found in my blog history if you feel so inclined to check it out. 

The challenge to myself is to blog every day for 26 straight days in August on one particular topic - one for each letter of the alphabet. To make it easy for myself I'm going back to safe territory by coming up a list of terrific words, all of which tells you a little something about me. Remember, it pays to increase your word power!

Enjoy!

What kind of Christian ... ?

 

Cartoon: Copyright Private Eye. No infringement intended. 

All Shall Be Well ...

The words of Julian of Norwich (as shown in the adjacent image) have echoed down to us across the centuries. They remain one of the most enduring and reassuring expressions of Christian optimism ever written.

Julian was a medieval English Catholic mystic, who lived in the 14th Century. Her writings, now known as Revelations of Divine Love, are the earliest surviving English-language works ever attributed to a woman. 

Her birth name isn't known. Her recorded name is taken from St. Julian's Church in Norwich where she lived as an anchoress for most of her life (a woman who locks herself away to be closer to God). 

Christian optimism, as Julian expressed it, is the conviction that divine love has the final word. Do you believe that?

God is good - a reminder

For the Lord is good.      

His unfailing love continues forever,      

and his faithfulness continues to each generation.   

Psalm 100:5 (NLT)

A continuing theme throughout today, where so many things haven't quite gone to plan. Still, God is good.