It has been a really challenging 14 weeks...there has been the challenge of the marathon, the many harvest festivals with cauliflowers coming out of our ears! We've had rememebrance services and memorials , we've had Christmas fairs and diocesan training plus funerals, baptisms a wedding and hundreds of services....not necessarily challenging in itself but it is when you discover you are pregnant!
At the beginning of September we discovered there may be a chance that I was pregnant though had given up hope of having any more children ....Marc and I were excited but then had to hide that excitement until the magic 12 week scan. That is why it has been a challenging 14 weeks ...trying to do all the joys of work with the joys of morning sickness (whoever named it that was having a laugh!) but also pretending that everything is ok has been the hardest thing I've ever had to do..I hate not being honest with people and it really felt that we weren't being honest.
The one amazing saving grace was that my best friend and his wife also found out the were having a baby...a day apart from us...not only a delight and a joy but a confidant and someone to empathise with.
It is still early days yet and we have a long way to go. The next few months and even years will be a challenge... Coping with work, being pregnant preparing for the future but it will also be immensely exciting ...what the future holds who knows but things will never be the same ! We feel blessed to again have been blessed with this opportunity and we feel so very grateful.
Wednesday, 3 December 2014
Monday, 17 November 2014
Friends
I am sure anyone who is friends with me on Facebook is already sick to death of me talking about and sharing pictures of my secondary school reunion on Saturday....I've spent the
Last couple of days trying to process why the weekend had such a profound impact on me, apart from being away for the weeknd with wonderful people !
In my job we do t get weekends, we .get one day off and so social occasions very rarely get attended especially if they are not close to Kent. However by chance, this weekend became free and part of the split half term holiday I missed in October. I was slightly anxious about going as some key friends were unable to make it but with the support of my sister ( who was a few years ahead at school but knew loads of folk) we decided to brave it. There was a lot of anticipation, what will people think of me, how much will people have changed, will we have stuff to talk about, will anyone actually remember me? We began by meeting my bestest friend from primary school, her hubby who I also went to school with and their children, Daniel instantly took a shine to their youngest son and that was that, a great few hours catching up and chatting, we then went on to the reunion feeling a bit nervous, I need not have worried, in the company of our geography teacher and my wonderful form tutor ( who kindly offered to drive us there) we instantly began reminiscing and catching up on 21 years of events; and the night carried on in that way, it was so exciting to see those folk I'd grown up with, to catch up and to hear what people have been up to , it was great meeting people who I only get to see and chat to on Facebook...and it was lovely to hear people call me their Facebook vicar 😉. What was also lovely was the amount of praise each person had for my parents who were chaplain and chair of governors at the school...all very complimentary.
That night my sister and I couldn't stop chatting and the next morning felt a bit deflated having to go home, it really felt like something special had happened. And why? Well I think because these people knew me before the dog collar, we'd shared history, we'd grown up together and we've survived the
journey. I was treated as Sue ( or rather Susan as I was known then !) who I am rather than what I
am...no heirs and graces, no holding back just treated normally. It made me really value friendship and feel a bit sad at the lack of contact over the years.
What was also great was meeting up with special people ...those you look up to and realise they are just as lovely in real life as you imagined them 21 years ago. I pray that this won't be the end of these encounters but only the beginning....to all who made that night special ...you know exactly who you are, thank you so much for welcoming me back up north and treating me as ME!
Last couple of days trying to process why the weekend had such a profound impact on me, apart from being away for the weeknd with wonderful people !
In my job we do t get weekends, we .get one day off and so social occasions very rarely get attended especially if they are not close to Kent. However by chance, this weekend became free and part of the split half term holiday I missed in October. I was slightly anxious about going as some key friends were unable to make it but with the support of my sister ( who was a few years ahead at school but knew loads of folk) we decided to brave it. There was a lot of anticipation, what will people think of me, how much will people have changed, will we have stuff to talk about, will anyone actually remember me? We began by meeting my bestest friend from primary school, her hubby who I also went to school with and their children, Daniel instantly took a shine to their youngest son and that was that, a great few hours catching up and chatting, we then went on to the reunion feeling a bit nervous, I need not have worried, in the company of our geography teacher and my wonderful form tutor ( who kindly offered to drive us there) we instantly began reminiscing and catching up on 21 years of events; and the night carried on in that way, it was so exciting to see those folk I'd grown up with, to catch up and to hear what people have been up to , it was great meeting people who I only get to see and chat to on Facebook...and it was lovely to hear people call me their Facebook vicar 😉. What was also lovely was the amount of praise each person had for my parents who were chaplain and chair of governors at the school...all very complimentary.
That night my sister and I couldn't stop chatting and the next morning felt a bit deflated having to go home, it really felt like something special had happened. And why? Well I think because these people knew me before the dog collar, we'd shared history, we'd grown up together and we've survived the
journey. I was treated as Sue ( or rather Susan as I was known then !) who I am rather than what I
am...no heirs and graces, no holding back just treated normally. It made me really value friendship and feel a bit sad at the lack of contact over the years.
What was also great was meeting up with special people ...those you look up to and realise they are just as lovely in real life as you imagined them 21 years ago. I pray that this won't be the end of these encounters but only the beginning....to all who made that night special ...you know exactly who you are, thank you so much for welcoming me back up north and treating me as ME!
Sunday, 2 November 2014
God incidence
Just a quickie!
Had a real God incident this evening...we had another lovely Sunday @4 ( shame about the turn out) very well planned by the wonderfully creative Anne Mallaidet with craft fun and games as well as a message about how we are like pumpkins and God puts his light within us of we are open to him (v rough summary!)
As we were leaving it was totally pitch black and Daniel suddenly said "mummy it's so dark, I love. Jesus and believe in him where's the light shining ? " to which Anne and I looked at each other turned to the sky and the brightest moon appeared as if from nowhere...."wow mummy I closed my eyes to tell Jesus I did believe and the light appeared!" Too cute!
It really reminded me how literal children are and also how awesome their faith is....I had a total tingling moment!
Had a real God incident this evening...we had another lovely Sunday @4 ( shame about the turn out) very well planned by the wonderfully creative Anne Mallaidet with craft fun and games as well as a message about how we are like pumpkins and God puts his light within us of we are open to him (v rough summary!)
As we were leaving it was totally pitch black and Daniel suddenly said "mummy it's so dark, I love. Jesus and believe in him where's the light shining ? " to which Anne and I looked at each other turned to the sky and the brightest moon appeared as if from nowhere...."wow mummy I closed my eyes to tell Jesus I did believe and the light appeared!" Too cute!
It really reminded me how literal children are and also how awesome their faith is....I had a total tingling moment!
Sunday, 26 October 2014
15 mins of Fame
Over the last few weeks the wonderful place that I live and work has suddenly become the episode centre for the media and politicians of the country as we experience a by election before the general election next year after our MP defected to UKIP.
Seeing places that we pass every day on TV at first was quite exciting, having people from across the country and even my mum and dad who are currently in the Falklands calling to say they d seen Rochester and Strood on television was fun. However it wasn't long before it began to feel like politicians were acting like children playing in the playground; point scoring at our expense and I began to wonder if anyone actually cared about the people of Medway at all.
I don't really “do” politics in the sense that I'm keen to vote and take an interest personally but won't promote a certain party. What I really wanted was someone to actually sit down and listen to the people of our communities and take on board our cares and concerns for the place that we all love.
A few days ago I received a very cryptic call asking if I could be free on. Friday 24th around 3.15 venue to be disclosed later to be a present as a respected member of the local community! Unfortunately on Friday I had a wedding but said I would do all I could to get there.
Friday arrived and no message of the forth coming meeting arrived and then suddenly I received the message...be at the brook theatre at 3.15....you do not want to miss this!
How could I refuse? I did the wedding and hot footed it down to Chatham to discover that the person we were meeting was running late from Brussels! As I looked around at the satellite dishes, security and loads of police I realised that my initial guess was correct, I would be meeting the prime minister! I can't say I've always agreed with our PM but the chance to actually sit down and chat was a little bit exciting! .and Yet I really was genuinely impressed with how he spoke normally , down to earth but genuinely seemed to be interested in our concerns. A friend of mine shared her concern for post 18 care of young adults with special needs and promoted Abbey court school the place I'm a chaplain which I was able to support her in and also raised the concern for the bad press medway gets when we are so proud of where we live.
The most daunting thing about the experience was the cameras sat facing us for the first few minutes of the meeting...and as I was sat next door but 1 to the PM I was key focus!... I hadn't realised how key until 101 calls came from across the country as ITV national news aired with me on it agh!
What will happen at the by election is anyone's guess, all I would suggest is that you think carefully about voting, if you care about where you live use your vote but use it wisely, for a party that supports your views. We want our MP to be a positive reflection on our towns !
So, how do you say goodbye to a Prime minister….well of course ask him for a selfie, and to give him credit he accepted and I'm proud to say I'm the first dog collar he's ever had a selfie with!
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Marathon!!!!
Over the last year I have sat alongside people suffering with
cancer. One particular family I met spoke about how their dad had a bucket list
and on it was wanting to see Andre Rieu in concert but unfortunately he had
died before fulfilling his dream.
After that visit it got me thinking about my own hopes and
dreams, the fragility of life and decided to create my own bucket list. Part of my bucket list involved completing a marathon and so Shine came to be....
The marathon took place on Saturday night and the atmosphere was electric as we gathered in Southwark park
with a real party atmpsphere and soon enough we were on our way. We had done a
fair amount of training but nothing could have prepared us for the challenge we
faced. It was a hard slog with many people suffering with dizziness and feeling
faint ( it was unusually hot for that time of year and night), blisters galore
and general fatuige. The only thing keeping us going was the thoughts and
memories of the people we were walking for; the many survivors, fighters and unfortunate
souls who have lost their fight to cancer. We finally crossed the finish line
on Sunday morning feeling exhausted yet relieved.
Once home social media went crazy with accusations that the
walk; rather than being 26.2 miles had become around the 30 mile mark due to a
last minute re route needed after “wealthy local residents complained”. The fact that people could not see the
importance of such an event makes me sad but even more proud of those of us who
completed the marathon…and then some.
Yet again today I visited another family in mourning over the passing of a man who died of cancer and no would never fulfil his long lived dream of visiting the Queen mother ship which was commissioned the day he was born. I hope and pray I don't have any regrets when my time comes and will encourage others to Carpe diem.
Thank you so much to all those who sponsored me for my marathon I am very
grateful and the running total so far has hit £700...
So what's next on the bucket list.... either climbing a mountain or visiting Bali....(mountain maybe a cheaper option!)
Friday, 26 September 2014
shine!
And so it is nearly upon us.... After months of prep ( or realistically weeks!) fundraising, new gear to wear and lots and lots of panicking tomorrow sees many of us decend upon London for the Shine marathon in aid of Cancer Research!
I'm actually sat here feeling slightly excited yet totally terrified, I'm hardly the fittest person so what posesed me to do such a thing.... Walking 26.6 miles plus starting awake all night!
Well the truth is I've witnessed a horrible few years of seeing truly wonderful people of all ages battle the horrendous disease that is Cancer! As I've sat alongside people in homes and hospital eventually it can seem like cancer is out of control and while I can pray with earnest for healing and cures I wanted to do something more. So after several discussions a group of us decided to go for it. No amount of tiredness, pain or blisters is anything compared to the heroic ism of those I've seen battle these past years some still doing so, some through the other side and some unfortunately not .
Tomorrow I will a Shine for my Aunty Chris, for Cindy Phelps for Stella Clifford and for Karen Collison angels shining brightly in the sky. I will also be fighting for Jackie Baldwin, Jen O Brien, Lindsey Purcell, Elwyn Nicholl , Ceinwin and James Cross fighting right now and for Stuart Charlesworth (Charlie) and Colin Thomas (Tom) survivors :)
Pioneering gets me into some interesting places and this is the most challenging yet honouring!
I'm actually sat here feeling slightly excited yet totally terrified, I'm hardly the fittest person so what posesed me to do such a thing.... Walking 26.6 miles plus starting awake all night!
Well the truth is I've witnessed a horrible few years of seeing truly wonderful people of all ages battle the horrendous disease that is Cancer! As I've sat alongside people in homes and hospital eventually it can seem like cancer is out of control and while I can pray with earnest for healing and cures I wanted to do something more. So after several discussions a group of us decided to go for it. No amount of tiredness, pain or blisters is anything compared to the heroic ism of those I've seen battle these past years some still doing so, some through the other side and some unfortunately not .
Tomorrow I will a Shine for my Aunty Chris, for Cindy Phelps for Stella Clifford and for Karen Collison angels shining brightly in the sky. I will also be fighting for Jackie Baldwin, Jen O Brien, Lindsey Purcell, Elwyn Nicholl , Ceinwin and James Cross fighting right now and for Stuart Charlesworth (Charlie) and Colin Thomas (Tom) survivors :)
Pioneering gets me into some interesting places and this is the most challenging yet honouring!
Thursday, 18 September 2014
Fragility
I suddenly realised a few minutes ago I've not shared anything for a few weeks...life has been chaotic without a day of for a few weeks, lots of pastoral issues, training for the Shine marathon and getting used to school routines!
The last few weeks have really enhanced my understanding of how precious life is and who supports us during those fragile times. Part of the reason for me doing this mad Shine marathon challenge is because I feel helpless, so many people are being torn apart by cancer and life changing events I just had to do something.
Being a priest is such a privilege, being asked to walk alongside people in joy and in sorrow is an immense honour! spending time with people is what I love best, yet when the Chips are down it's also a very lonely job, you can be seen as a central figure and so everything is channelled at you. During these difficult times it's been amazing where my support has come from, people who will send a text just because, people who will sit and listen and people I haven't seen for 20+ years but are at the end of social media willing to let me rant!
No matter who we are we all need confidants, we all need people to talk to and we all need a hug now and again ( real and virtual!)
These past weeks have been tough but we pick ourselves up, carry on and am grateful to all who walk this crazy journey of life with me.
The last few weeks have really enhanced my understanding of how precious life is and who supports us during those fragile times. Part of the reason for me doing this mad Shine marathon challenge is because I feel helpless, so many people are being torn apart by cancer and life changing events I just had to do something.
Being a priest is such a privilege, being asked to walk alongside people in joy and in sorrow is an immense honour! spending time with people is what I love best, yet when the Chips are down it's also a very lonely job, you can be seen as a central figure and so everything is channelled at you. During these difficult times it's been amazing where my support has come from, people who will send a text just because, people who will sit and listen and people I haven't seen for 20+ years but are at the end of social media willing to let me rant!
No matter who we are we all need confidants, we all need people to talk to and we all need a hug now and again ( real and virtual!)
These past weeks have been tough but we pick ourselves up, carry on and am grateful to all who walk this crazy journey of life with me.
Thursday, 4 September 2014
Roller coaster of emotions
Well what a week!
My week of emotions started on Sunday when we had to drive to Brize Norton to say goodbye to my parents for 10 weeks while they are seconded to the Falklands....no matter how hard I prepared myself or Daniel the reality hit hard that the 2 people we rely on for care, support and hugs were not going t be around and I lost it a bit.,,I'm usually pretty hard but the tiredness from getting up at 5 for the car boot kicked in nd that was that. I know my folks will have an amazing experience/adventure despite the cold and unusual circumstances (read more about their adventures on the Rochester diocesan website "falklandsandbeyond")
Having recovered from that trauma and just about organised our lives today came upon us where we had the delight of taking Daniel to school for the first time. Over the summer we have tried to prepare him without trying to make too much of an issue out of it all. This morning he was very worried, he didn't want to go but he put on his new uniform and off we set. Living a fair few miles away from our allocated school we have to drive part way but found a place to park and walk the rest. Once we arrived Daniel saw some tears mainly from grown ups and started to sob...I said my goodbyes and handed him to Marc ( chicken that I am!) once we handed him over we were directed by the friends of Wainscott (PTA) to the hall for refreshments if we wanted, where we were greeted with a little information sheet, a pack of celebration chocolates and some tissues with a little poem on them, a place to compose ourselves and meet other parents. This was like a real oasis , a place to gain composure, to chat with others in the same situation and to then face the world.
after a mad day I got to return the journey and collect a very cheery boy who had been painting (evidence on his top) playing and even managed to eat some lunch !
Tomorrow is another day..there may be tears but we know we can survive and Dan will live to tell the tale x
My week of emotions started on Sunday when we had to drive to Brize Norton to say goodbye to my parents for 10 weeks while they are seconded to the Falklands....no matter how hard I prepared myself or Daniel the reality hit hard that the 2 people we rely on for care, support and hugs were not going t be around and I lost it a bit.,,I'm usually pretty hard but the tiredness from getting up at 5 for the car boot kicked in nd that was that. I know my folks will have an amazing experience/adventure despite the cold and unusual circumstances (read more about their adventures on the Rochester diocesan website "falklandsandbeyond")
Having recovered from that trauma and just about organised our lives today came upon us where we had the delight of taking Daniel to school for the first time. Over the summer we have tried to prepare him without trying to make too much of an issue out of it all. This morning he was very worried, he didn't want to go but he put on his new uniform and off we set. Living a fair few miles away from our allocated school we have to drive part way but found a place to park and walk the rest. Once we arrived Daniel saw some tears mainly from grown ups and started to sob...I said my goodbyes and handed him to Marc ( chicken that I am!) once we handed him over we were directed by the friends of Wainscott (PTA) to the hall for refreshments if we wanted, where we were greeted with a little information sheet, a pack of celebration chocolates and some tissues with a little poem on them, a place to compose ourselves and meet other parents. This was like a real oasis , a place to gain composure, to chat with others in the same situation and to then face the world.
after a mad day I got to return the journey and collect a very cheery boy who had been painting (evidence on his top) playing and even managed to eat some lunch !
Tomorrow is another day..there may be tears but we know we can survive and Dan will live to tell the tale x
Tuesday, 19 August 2014
LOVE
Mark 12:30-31 (NIV)
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[a] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’[b] There is no commandment greater than these.”
Over the last week the news and social media have been full of "discussions" about love..mainly relating to same sex relationships. I don't really want to get into a debate about this but wanted to reflect on how sad, upsetting and harmful I have found people's reactions and behaviour; to any other group of people it would be seen as racist.
I have witnessed people being rude, offensive, nasty and down right hurtful to others in the name of their own individual beliefs.
Don't get me wrong I am all for people having their own opinions, own thoughts and speaking their mind, what gets to me is when those opinions begin to impinge on the health and well being of others. There is no need surely for anyone to treat another human being so horrendously.
However we interpret what we believe I believe the Bible says to Love your neighbour as yourself, by doing that we should therefore be polite, respectful and not do things that cause deep hurt in others.
I truly truly love people and am hurt to the core that we can be so judgemental. We only need to switch the tv on to see how much hurt is occurring in the world through unrest in Gaza and Iraq, surely we should be doing everything we can do to bring peace to our world.
The brave and courageous Vicky Beeching shared this image this week and so I feel Billy needs to have the last word...
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[a] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’[b] There is no commandment greater than these.”
Over the last week the news and social media have been full of "discussions" about love..mainly relating to same sex relationships. I don't really want to get into a debate about this but wanted to reflect on how sad, upsetting and harmful I have found people's reactions and behaviour; to any other group of people it would be seen as racist.
I have witnessed people being rude, offensive, nasty and down right hurtful to others in the name of their own individual beliefs.
Don't get me wrong I am all for people having their own opinions, own thoughts and speaking their mind, what gets to me is when those opinions begin to impinge on the health and well being of others. There is no need surely for anyone to treat another human being so horrendously.
However we interpret what we believe I believe the Bible says to Love your neighbour as yourself, by doing that we should therefore be polite, respectful and not do things that cause deep hurt in others.
I truly truly love people and am hurt to the core that we can be so judgemental. We only need to switch the tv on to see how much hurt is occurring in the world through unrest in Gaza and Iraq, surely we should be doing everything we can do to bring peace to our world.
The brave and courageous Vicky Beeching shared this image this week and so I feel Billy needs to have the last word...
Thursday, 14 August 2014
Testing times
There are some things in life I just can not understand,there are some things that happen that just seem not to make sense and there are questions in my head that I will be asking the good Lord when we meet face to face.... why do we have mosquitoes and wasps? Why do men in my family have beautiful long eye lashes and I don't? why can't Daniel and. I digest cow's milk? But more importantly why do some people suffer more than others?
These last 9 days have been so emotionally draining with funerals and burying of ashes as well as visiting some really poorly people. It has got to the stage where even the grave diggers are asking what 's going on as they have been so busy in Frindsbury!
People often say to me it must be horrible doing Funerals, and of course it is terribly sad but it is also a real pleasure and a privilege to meet with people, to hear stories of their lives and to share in precious moments.
The longer I find myself here the more connected I become with others. Tomorrow I am blessed with a funeral for a family I did a wedding for just last year.
What I do find difficult though is seeing suffering and especially in those so young. Over the last few months I have been blessed to meet with someone who is terminally ill and that diagnoses escalated today and I was asked to do an emergency baptism in hospital. Seeing someone so desperate to be baptised, seeing friends and family torn in grief and seeing staff shocked at the sudden change in a person is heartbreaking. But this is the place we are put in, these are the situations entrusted to us and this is the reality everyday folk are facing day in day out. I just pray that the tiny part I have played this week in so many hurting lives will bring some comfort and some peace.
These last 9 days have been so emotionally draining with funerals and burying of ashes as well as visiting some really poorly people. It has got to the stage where even the grave diggers are asking what 's going on as they have been so busy in Frindsbury!
People often say to me it must be horrible doing Funerals, and of course it is terribly sad but it is also a real pleasure and a privilege to meet with people, to hear stories of their lives and to share in precious moments.
The longer I find myself here the more connected I become with others. Tomorrow I am blessed with a funeral for a family I did a wedding for just last year.
What I do find difficult though is seeing suffering and especially in those so young. Over the last few months I have been blessed to meet with someone who is terminally ill and that diagnoses escalated today and I was asked to do an emergency baptism in hospital. Seeing someone so desperate to be baptised, seeing friends and family torn in grief and seeing staff shocked at the sudden change in a person is heartbreaking. But this is the place we are put in, these are the situations entrusted to us and this is the reality everyday folk are facing day in day out. I just pray that the tiny part I have played this week in so many hurting lives will bring some comfort and some peace.
Thursday, 17 July 2014
Endings and beginnings !
For many different reasons this has been an emotional week for me. Work has been particularly demanding but the main focus of my emotion has been with Daniel.
This week Daniel visited his school which he starts in September. Part of me is really excited for him and the other absolutely terrified, he's in a class with no one he yet knows ( his other friends all were put in the other class) and yet he seems quite content about the whole thing..he is definitely ready to go!
On the flip side of this Daniel leaves pre school tomorrow. We have had various things happening over this week to mark the occasion...personally Marc took him for a treat to the cinema to se How to train a dragon 2 on Tuesday. Wednesday the pre school leavers were taken to Bluewater for Burger King lunch and a Build a Bear party which was such a wonderful sight to witness the group altogether excited and choosing their bear, names etc and then today they had their leavers presentation with so gas, bears, certificates, cards and cakes! Tomorrow all is left is the party and then Daniel will no longer be part of the Little saint family.
It was a difficult decision 2 years ago what to do about pre school for Dan. We hadn't been in the area yet a year when we chose and all we could go on were the Ofsted reports and how it felt to us visiting. I have to say I feel the right choice was made, the staff have been so wonderful with Daniel, they are caring and kind and generally lovely people. Daniel's confidence has soured from a shy and timid wall flower to a child who went off today with his friends making everyone laugh and cried when he had to come home. Thankfully Ofsted again have acknowledged how good the pre school is but we too have found it a real blessing and will miss our morning drop offs in Hoo.
Tomorrow work intervenes again so I can't collect Daniel for his last day for which I am sad...but I would probably be an emotional wreck ...so will leave the tears to Marc instead :)
This week Daniel visited his school which he starts in September. Part of me is really excited for him and the other absolutely terrified, he's in a class with no one he yet knows ( his other friends all were put in the other class) and yet he seems quite content about the whole thing..he is definitely ready to go!
On the flip side of this Daniel leaves pre school tomorrow. We have had various things happening over this week to mark the occasion...personally Marc took him for a treat to the cinema to se How to train a dragon 2 on Tuesday. Wednesday the pre school leavers were taken to Bluewater for Burger King lunch and a Build a Bear party which was such a wonderful sight to witness the group altogether excited and choosing their bear, names etc and then today they had their leavers presentation with so gas, bears, certificates, cards and cakes! Tomorrow all is left is the party and then Daniel will no longer be part of the Little saint family.
It was a difficult decision 2 years ago what to do about pre school for Dan. We hadn't been in the area yet a year when we chose and all we could go on were the Ofsted reports and how it felt to us visiting. I have to say I feel the right choice was made, the staff have been so wonderful with Daniel, they are caring and kind and generally lovely people. Daniel's confidence has soured from a shy and timid wall flower to a child who went off today with his friends making everyone laugh and cried when he had to come home. Thankfully Ofsted again have acknowledged how good the pre school is but we too have found it a real blessing and will miss our morning drop offs in Hoo.
Tomorrow work intervenes again so I can't collect Daniel for his last day for which I am sad...but I would probably be an emotional wreck ...so will leave the tears to Marc instead :)
Wednesday, 2 July 2014
Quality Time
It has been a very strange week, Marc is away on a lay pioneer training residential course so I am home alone juggling work and Daniel..my folks as always have been fab but it is still a strain...I absolutely hate being home alone...I have never actually lived alone and therefore do not like being alone...obviously I have Dan here but that kind of makes it worse as every noise and creak makes me anxious! ( maybe something to do with the last time I recall being left home alone we were burgled!)
With still having work to juggle and Dan I made a promise to him that today after pre school we would do something together that was a bit different to the norm..his choice..Go to see the secret war tunnels at Dover Castle!
I desperately tried to dissuade him from the idea as its a bit of a drive but it was all he wanted to do so this afternoon we trekked down the A2 to Dover.
Despite a hot sticky car journey we had a lovely afternoon, it was pretty quiet and so we had the chance to see everything again ( we have been several times before!) The secret tunnels were a gamble though as they are very dark and loud and once you are in there is no getting out until the tour is over. First off he chose the hospital tunnels and he struggled with the loudness of the mock bombs and the flickering lights but impressed the guide by choosing to walk up the huge spiral staircase rather than take the lift! (stubborn like his mum!) After a look around the castle and the grounds we decided to brave the rest of the tunnels which was a much longer tour...after the initial anxiety he was engrossed...he was constantly asking questions about how and why the war started, which were the good soldiers and which were the ones trying to hurt us and was fascinated by the Dunkirk landings.
Daniel is fascinated by castles and the history behind them already at 4 and it was so lovely to see the concern and passion in his face and the eagerness to know more.
Not that long ago on days like today I would have spent the afternoon feeling totally guilty, worrying about al the things I should be doing I haven't, stressing about the late night that will be needed to catch up and feeling generally anxious about what people will think about me sneaking off on a work day! But today I felt elated, happy to have the chance to spend some quality time with Dan doing something a little bit special that he truly loved and also very aware that in a matter of weeks afternoons like this just wont be possible as school will have taken over.
So tonight I am cramming in pastoral calls, sermons and 101 0ther things and tomorrow we are back in the madness of parish life but this afternoon we made special memories and I don't feel guilty one little bit :)
With still having work to juggle and Dan I made a promise to him that today after pre school we would do something together that was a bit different to the norm..his choice..Go to see the secret war tunnels at Dover Castle!
I desperately tried to dissuade him from the idea as its a bit of a drive but it was all he wanted to do so this afternoon we trekked down the A2 to Dover.
Despite a hot sticky car journey we had a lovely afternoon, it was pretty quiet and so we had the chance to see everything again ( we have been several times before!) The secret tunnels were a gamble though as they are very dark and loud and once you are in there is no getting out until the tour is over. First off he chose the hospital tunnels and he struggled with the loudness of the mock bombs and the flickering lights but impressed the guide by choosing to walk up the huge spiral staircase rather than take the lift! (stubborn like his mum!) After a look around the castle and the grounds we decided to brave the rest of the tunnels which was a much longer tour...after the initial anxiety he was engrossed...he was constantly asking questions about how and why the war started, which were the good soldiers and which were the ones trying to hurt us and was fascinated by the Dunkirk landings.
Daniel is fascinated by castles and the history behind them already at 4 and it was so lovely to see the concern and passion in his face and the eagerness to know more.
Not that long ago on days like today I would have spent the afternoon feeling totally guilty, worrying about al the things I should be doing I haven't, stressing about the late night that will be needed to catch up and feeling generally anxious about what people will think about me sneaking off on a work day! But today I felt elated, happy to have the chance to spend some quality time with Dan doing something a little bit special that he truly loved and also very aware that in a matter of weeks afternoons like this just wont be possible as school will have taken over.
So tonight I am cramming in pastoral calls, sermons and 101 0ther things and tomorrow we are back in the madness of parish life but this afternoon we made special memories and I don't feel guilty one little bit :)
Monday, 23 June 2014
Car Boot
Yesterday saw the start of the car boot sales on our side of the river. The plan was that we would have a presence every Sunday offering various things that would be available for people to explore Christian Spirituality in a non confrontational way. The problem we have is that the dates have suddenly changed well after the rotas have been prepared and obviously with having no vicar my availability was planned in so now the dates have changed its now not possible for me to be there as much as I would have liked.
Anyway, yesterday I was able to go and set up the stall, stay for a few hours and then walk on to preach and baptise a few babies!!!
In my experience last year we found that the first few hours were relatively quiet with the real hard core bargain hunters out and about, and those more casual lookers willing to stop and chat would come later. However yesterday was totally different, by 7.10 am we had already had 4 very deep conversations and they kept on coming, we had a constant flow of people all the way until I left and then up until the fair started to close up.
Despite having to get up ridiculously early and be out the door for 5.45 am, despite trying to fit the fair in with the service also on my mind and despite feeling exhausted from a busy Saturday of Kidschurch and a Wedding I came home yesterday afternoon absolutely buzzing. Yet again it had been an eye opener, to see so many people want to stop an talk, agnostics, atheists, those not sure what they are but wanting to chat and ask for prayer was awesome. Seeing so many people wonder why we were there offering things for free again was a great opportunity to show our love for the community.
I feel totally gutted that I cant be at the car boot every week but I am blessed that there is an awesome team of people who can see the need and have caught the vision and so will be there week in week out.... whatever I may say I can NEVER say my job is dull or boring.
Anyway, yesterday I was able to go and set up the stall, stay for a few hours and then walk on to preach and baptise a few babies!!!
In my experience last year we found that the first few hours were relatively quiet with the real hard core bargain hunters out and about, and those more casual lookers willing to stop and chat would come later. However yesterday was totally different, by 7.10 am we had already had 4 very deep conversations and they kept on coming, we had a constant flow of people all the way until I left and then up until the fair started to close up.
Despite having to get up ridiculously early and be out the door for 5.45 am, despite trying to fit the fair in with the service also on my mind and despite feeling exhausted from a busy Saturday of Kidschurch and a Wedding I came home yesterday afternoon absolutely buzzing. Yet again it had been an eye opener, to see so many people want to stop an talk, agnostics, atheists, those not sure what they are but wanting to chat and ask for prayer was awesome. Seeing so many people wonder why we were there offering things for free again was a great opportunity to show our love for the community.
I feel totally gutted that I cant be at the car boot every week but I am blessed that there is an awesome team of people who can see the need and have caught the vision and so will be there week in week out.... whatever I may say I can NEVER say my job is dull or boring.
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Summer
As I sit and write
this the patio doors are open wide, the flies are buzzing around, the sun is
shining through and the hay fever is streaming away! Summer is definitely
here…at least for the time being.
This week Dan and I went on a regular afternoon out to
Rochester, as we walked past the cathedral we met a group of Buddhist
monks visiting the area. How did I know
this…they were dressed in their familiar orange robes. In the hot sun the robes
looked wonderful and cooling. As we went on our way we realised the monks were
too following us up to Rochester castle and as we went into the castle gardens
the reactions of the people there were fascinating, we heard comments such as,
“ wow is that a monk?”, “ A monk, I didn’t know they really
existed!”, “What’s a monk doing here?” and “ Gosh that monk is talking on an
iphone, should monks have iphones?”
Those comments made me think about how we react to things
that are out of the ordinary, things that are not in our usual life experience,
how we react when things we may have read about or seen only on the television
suddenly meet us face to face; Do we embrace them? Are we embarrassed by them?
Or are we just really curious?
When we were recently on holiday visiting relatives in Goa
we had the experience of locals constantly wanting to talk to us and take our
photos because we were different, the novelty soon wore off but as humans we
are intrigued by difference.
So as the sun , hopefully continues to shine as we see
visitors coming to our land or as we travel to another land may we truly
embrace all things different, and if we are unsure of something be brave enough
to ask. The summer is often a time when
we travel or encounter those from other places…enjoy the sun if you have it and
the variety it brings out .
Happy summer x
Wednesday, 21 May 2014
The ups and downs of ministry
Its been one of those days! A day when life feels like an emotional rollercoaster. Today I have experienced the ultimate highs and the lowest of lows..it's all part of the job but it doesn't make it any easier.
This morning I had the joy of taking a school assembly for a headteacher who I used to work with. It is always a delight to meet up again with those who you have known before to see how they are getting on and to also share memories and experiences.
And then this afternoon I was blessed with the real humbling experience and privilege of taking the funeral service of the mum of a dear friend and church member. Conducting funerals are always an honour, to be with people when they are grieving, to sit alongside people when they are working through life and contemplating what's going on. It is even more a privilege when you are asked to lead a service for people you know... to meet family, to share a life lived and to try and support them through this difficult day.
Watching families interacting together, reminiscing memories and sharing experiences is a real gem, it is a true pleasure to be a part of; however it does also make me realise how lonely this job can be, many family members live far away, friends too are no longer near by, making friends near by is hard when you live and work so close to home and are part of the deepest part of peoples lives.
I very much love this job but it aint half emotional at times!
This morning I had the joy of taking a school assembly for a headteacher who I used to work with. It is always a delight to meet up again with those who you have known before to see how they are getting on and to also share memories and experiences.
And then this afternoon I was blessed with the real humbling experience and privilege of taking the funeral service of the mum of a dear friend and church member. Conducting funerals are always an honour, to be with people when they are grieving, to sit alongside people when they are working through life and contemplating what's going on. It is even more a privilege when you are asked to lead a service for people you know... to meet family, to share a life lived and to try and support them through this difficult day.
Watching families interacting together, reminiscing memories and sharing experiences is a real gem, it is a true pleasure to be a part of; however it does also make me realise how lonely this job can be, many family members live far away, friends too are no longer near by, making friends near by is hard when you live and work so close to home and are part of the deepest part of peoples lives.
I very much love this job but it aint half emotional at times!
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
the long and windy road
This month sees the celebration of 20 years since women were first permitted to be priests in the Church of England. Last weekend my mum had the privilege of going up to St. Paul's Cathedral to be part of a national celebration of such a momentious occasion; (pictures can be found following the link:)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stpaulslondon/14121112104/in/photostream/
This has been a long and windy road because I recall sitting and watching mum left behind in a congregation whilst her male counterparts were ordained priest years before, I recall the abuse hurled at her from people who felt it was not of God that women should be in leadership and I cried with joy when the General Synod voted in favour thinking that was the last we had heard of any such discrimination. I am all for people having their own opinions and those differing to me but the hurt comes when the views are shared in a hurtful and cruel manner.
So 20 years have now passed, we see women in high levels of leadership but still not yet as bishops, we are still debating the ability and scriptualness the theology and the possibility of women bishops. At grass routes level life is still difficult, we are still faced with discrimination and hurt, with jokes and jibes and that saddens me, but we also face the joys, the privilege of serving an all loving God, of being their at the heart of the community of trying to bring the spiritual and the earthly together, to try and give hope in hopless situations.
My journey in the priesthood has really only just begun and if I can be half the priest my mum and dad have been/ are then I will be a happy woman!
If you can bare to read some of my back story then the Rochester Link have been crazy enough to print it alongside some really inspirational stories.
http://www.rochester.anglican.org/phocadownload/Rochester%20Link%20May.pdf
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stpaulslondon/14121112104/in/photostream/
This has been a long and windy road because I recall sitting and watching mum left behind in a congregation whilst her male counterparts were ordained priest years before, I recall the abuse hurled at her from people who felt it was not of God that women should be in leadership and I cried with joy when the General Synod voted in favour thinking that was the last we had heard of any such discrimination. I am all for people having their own opinions and those differing to me but the hurt comes when the views are shared in a hurtful and cruel manner.
So 20 years have now passed, we see women in high levels of leadership but still not yet as bishops, we are still debating the ability and scriptualness the theology and the possibility of women bishops. At grass routes level life is still difficult, we are still faced with discrimination and hurt, with jokes and jibes and that saddens me, but we also face the joys, the privilege of serving an all loving God, of being their at the heart of the community of trying to bring the spiritual and the earthly together, to try and give hope in hopless situations.
My journey in the priesthood has really only just begun and if I can be half the priest my mum and dad have been/ are then I will be a happy woman!
If you can bare to read some of my back story then the Rochester Link have been crazy enough to print it alongside some really inspirational stories.
http://www.rochester.anglican.org/phocadownload/Rochester%20Link%20May.pdf
Friday, 18 April 2014
A special few days
As the country and some parts of the world wind down, look forward to a long weekend, go of on holiday, we have been building up to the busiest week of the year.
For me Holy week, the week before Easter is exhausting, exhilarating and very moving.
This year it has been exceptionally difficult as the schools have broken up early resulting in Easter being at the end of the holidays and therefore no wind down time afterwards and also as the church travelled 80 miles to witness the licensing of our old vicar into his new parish.
But despite these distractions this still feels like a special time, amidst the exhaustion, glimmers or awesomeness are appearing...
last night I had the real joy of sharing in a last supper style meal and communion with hand washing for all and a demonstration of foot washing as an act of servant hood. Sharing food with others is an intimate affair and breaking bread to share during that as Jesus would have done was also a powerful moment.
Being able to serve others is not easy for anyone but sacrificing ourselves for those we care about can be a powerful act.
This morning after little sleep we hope to welcome people of all ages to be Cre8ive in their exploration of the Easter story with things to make and do and parts of the story to see, explore, taste and enjoy, and then tonight we wait and pray as we remember.
WHY? Why do all this when its a bank holiday for many? why do all this when I could be at home watching tv and drinking wine? why do all this after an exhausting week and a busy weekend?
I do this because I feel we have an important message to share, this is not just a good story, it is not just a retelling of a magic trick, this is life changing , earth shattering news.
Jesus Christ did die tragically on the cross, he was buried in a tomb and he did rise again, the evidence has been found tried and tested and the effect this has gives me hope. Hope for a broken world, hope for children today lost at sea, hope for those waking up to a country they hardly recognise, hope for those who face their worst fears, hope that this is not the end.
I pray today this Good Friday whether you go to church or not you take a moment to look around appreciate the awesome creation we have and then maybe you will glimpse the one who created it.
Happy Good Friday...for the sadness of death brought us new life!
For me Holy week, the week before Easter is exhausting, exhilarating and very moving.
This year it has been exceptionally difficult as the schools have broken up early resulting in Easter being at the end of the holidays and therefore no wind down time afterwards and also as the church travelled 80 miles to witness the licensing of our old vicar into his new parish.
But despite these distractions this still feels like a special time, amidst the exhaustion, glimmers or awesomeness are appearing...
last night I had the real joy of sharing in a last supper style meal and communion with hand washing for all and a demonstration of foot washing as an act of servant hood. Sharing food with others is an intimate affair and breaking bread to share during that as Jesus would have done was also a powerful moment.
This morning after little sleep we hope to welcome people of all ages to be Cre8ive in their exploration of the Easter story with things to make and do and parts of the story to see, explore, taste and enjoy, and then tonight we wait and pray as we remember.
WHY? Why do all this when its a bank holiday for many? why do all this when I could be at home watching tv and drinking wine? why do all this after an exhausting week and a busy weekend?
I do this because I feel we have an important message to share, this is not just a good story, it is not just a retelling of a magic trick, this is life changing , earth shattering news.
Jesus Christ did die tragically on the cross, he was buried in a tomb and he did rise again, the evidence has been found tried and tested and the effect this has gives me hope. Hope for a broken world, hope for children today lost at sea, hope for those waking up to a country they hardly recognise, hope for those who face their worst fears, hope that this is not the end.
I pray today this Good Friday whether you go to church or not you take a moment to look around appreciate the awesome creation we have and then maybe you will glimpse the one who created it.
Happy Good Friday...for the sadness of death brought us new life!
Thursday, 3 April 2014
The other side of the fence
I've spent the last week in a whirl wind of work, exhaustion and reflection.
I couldn't for the life of me work out why I was shaken by Ian (my boss) leaving on Sunday. Yes he has been a great support and trainer but that wouldn't usually create such a reaction in me...And then one night I couldn't sleep I realised, whenever I have experienced a vicar leaving a church it has been my mum an dad and I have been leaving with them. I have always been on the other side of the leaving, the one moving away, the one with new horizons to explore the one leaving friends behind and wondering what the future will hold; Not the one left behind!
So this week has had me reflecting back on what it has been like for all those places where we have left..am sure we didn't leave a gapping hole or were tearfully missed but moving is a massive part of this job, a part I took in my stride as a child and the part I now begin to dread.
I often envied friends who had family living around the corner, people who had always lived in the same place. I have loved each and every place that we have ever lived in their own special and unique way yet it does sometimes feel that a piece of me has ben left behind.
Cherish your surroundings, cherish those around you its only in times of change that we realise how special they are and sometimes too late.
I couldn't for the life of me work out why I was shaken by Ian (my boss) leaving on Sunday. Yes he has been a great support and trainer but that wouldn't usually create such a reaction in me...And then one night I couldn't sleep I realised, whenever I have experienced a vicar leaving a church it has been my mum an dad and I have been leaving with them. I have always been on the other side of the leaving, the one moving away, the one with new horizons to explore the one leaving friends behind and wondering what the future will hold; Not the one left behind!
So this week has had me reflecting back on what it has been like for all those places where we have left..am sure we didn't leave a gapping hole or were tearfully missed but moving is a massive part of this job, a part I took in my stride as a child and the part I now begin to dread.
I often envied friends who had family living around the corner, people who had always lived in the same place. I have loved each and every place that we have ever lived in their own special and unique way yet it does sometimes feel that a piece of me has ben left behind.
Cherish your surroundings, cherish those around you its only in times of change that we realise how special they are and sometimes too late.
Monday, 31 March 2014
Rollercoasters
I feel like an emotional wreck! The last few days have been a real roller coaster of emotion. Last week mum had to go into hospital for an operation. It is horrid to see someone you love looking so anxious and scared and not being able to do anything, I spent a very stressful day waiting for news and during a meeting the text came through to say she was ok. Like any operation it comes with pain and after care and it has been so difficult watching her in pain.
My emotions just about recovered when Sunday came and the time to say goodbye to my vicar arrived. The day was again full of emotion, having to lead services of farewell and hold it together in order to help everyone else cope with the day.
My vicar has been an amazing source of inspiration in pastoral care and training. I have been really grateful to him for all he has taught me and I will miss his support and guidance. As I woke up this morning I feel like I have experienced a bereavement. I know it sounds very dramatic but it does feel like someone dear has gone. It probably feels worse because I now feel some sort of responsibility for the parish until a new vicar is put into position...no pressure!
All this and a mother's day to contend with, a day when I woke up my lovely 4 year old said "mummy you have to stay in bed its a special day!" unfortunately not for someone who works for the church! Amidst all the stress and angst Daniel has been my ray of light keeping me going, making me smile and giving the best cuddles ever.
Life has its ups and downs and am grateful to those who support me amidst the chaos of this wonderful life!!
My emotions just about recovered when Sunday came and the time to say goodbye to my vicar arrived. The day was again full of emotion, having to lead services of farewell and hold it together in order to help everyone else cope with the day.
My vicar has been an amazing source of inspiration in pastoral care and training. I have been really grateful to him for all he has taught me and I will miss his support and guidance. As I woke up this morning I feel like I have experienced a bereavement. I know it sounds very dramatic but it does feel like someone dear has gone. It probably feels worse because I now feel some sort of responsibility for the parish until a new vicar is put into position...no pressure!
All this and a mother's day to contend with, a day when I woke up my lovely 4 year old said "mummy you have to stay in bed its a special day!" unfortunately not for someone who works for the church! Amidst all the stress and angst Daniel has been my ray of light keeping me going, making me smile and giving the best cuddles ever.
Life has its ups and downs and am grateful to those who support me amidst the chaos of this wonderful life!!
Wednesday, 5 February 2014
parenthood !
No one can prepare you for being a parent. No matter how many classes, books or bits of advice you are given, nothing prepares you for what's to come. We had more time to prepare than some having waited several years for Daniel to come along and still things take me by surprise.
For one I never realised how much he would be like me.
This week has been emotionally painful. Daniel has suffered an asthma attack resulting in a trip to hospital to be nebulizer, blood tested and alsorts of other checks and treatments. Dan was coughing so much he was sick, he was exhausted and he was struggling. He's only are years old and it's hard explaining to him what's going on and why. Yet turn the clock back more years than I would like to admit and I see me. A child suffering with asthma and allergies, a child struggling with food colouring (who puts colouring in kids meds ..madness !) a child so articulate usually but can't express his anxiety . I was that child, I put my mum and dad through endless sleepless nights in hospital and thousands of trips back and forth to doctors . I spent many of my early years in hospital.
It upsets me to see my son suffer and not really be able to help, I can blame myself for giving him asthma but most of all I can empathise with him, I can sit up at night with him coughing himself awake and I can share in his frustrations.
so many other parents are bravely soldiering on with poorly children...my hat goes out to you its an emotional rollercoaster and all I can do is pray for strength each day and a happy little boy .
For one I never realised how much he would be like me.
This week has been emotionally painful. Daniel has suffered an asthma attack resulting in a trip to hospital to be nebulizer, blood tested and alsorts of other checks and treatments. Dan was coughing so much he was sick, he was exhausted and he was struggling. He's only are years old and it's hard explaining to him what's going on and why. Yet turn the clock back more years than I would like to admit and I see me. A child suffering with asthma and allergies, a child struggling with food colouring (who puts colouring in kids meds ..madness !) a child so articulate usually but can't express his anxiety . I was that child, I put my mum and dad through endless sleepless nights in hospital and thousands of trips back and forth to doctors . I spent many of my early years in hospital.
It upsets me to see my son suffer and not really be able to help, I can blame myself for giving him asthma but most of all I can empathise with him, I can sit up at night with him coughing himself awake and I can share in his frustrations.
so many other parents are bravely soldiering on with poorly children...my hat goes out to you its an emotional rollercoaster and all I can do is pray for strength each day and a happy little boy .
Sunday, 2 February 2014
When 2 worlds collide
It sounds like the title of a song...maybe I could commission it, maybe it has been written already...but today it happened.
This morning I had the real pleasure of talking at 2 services in St. Helen's Cliffe. Part of my job means that the 1st Sunday of every month I get to go to different churches in the deanery ( anyone who will have me basically!) We were thinking about Education Sunday and Candlemas!
I was feeling really quite nervous about today, not because I was visiting a different church, not because I was worried so much about the subject although it had been playing on my mind, but because I used to work with the headteacher of the local primary school.
It is really weird when things from different aspects of your life come together. Viv was my partner teacher when I was an NQT someone I really respected and admired and I just didn't want to show myself up/ let myself down/ distract from the message I was giving... Nervous beyond believe!!
Today though was amazing, beyond my wildest dreams. It was so wonderful to see Viv and her husband Chris again, it was lovely to be in a place that was so relaxed not so formal and full of life and worship. It was so lovely to be able to share in something I am so passionate about with others and most of all reconnect with Viv.
Having always moved around with dad's work I thought I had gotten used to having people come and go in my life but I'm not sure I ever will. I love people, I love the friends I have made along the way but there are so many I miss. It can be such a lonely job and makes me appreciate the friends I have to all those who have been in and are a part of my life....thank you one and all x
Monday, 27 January 2014
running into the wind
I am not one for making new years resolutions as I always feel that January is a bad time to commit to giving up our favourite foods when so many Christmas leftovers are lying around, it's a bad time to commit to exercise when the weather is so cold damp and dark. Yet this January I fell ( literally) into a resolution. Marc decided the first Monday in January that he was going running. Sat, laptop on my knee, coffee almost in hand, warm and snuggly with Daniel at Pre-School I didn't like the idea much yet when he suggest I went along I foolishly thought "why not!". My relationship with exercise is poor, I am prone to injury with over extendable joints and bad knees. I haven't run properly since school ( and that was usually only to impress the teacher!!) so what possessed me to agree I will never know.
Anyway a few weeks have passed and I have stuck to a twice a week routine. It's not a lot, just under 5 Km around our locality, sometimes with Marc and sometimes alone . I can't pretend I find it easy, the first session I barely got off the estate and literally crawled back on to it ( meeting neighbours along the way!) My lungs hurt, my knees ached and I wanted to collapse. However now everything still aches and hurts but I can run that little bit further without having to walk for a bit, I can appreciate the view of the fields that just about still exist and I can listen to music and pray for those on my mind while I run/ fast walk/ crawl along.
I do desperately want to get fit, to tone up would also be nice but most of all I have discovered the joy of Blue Sky thinking. I now have 36 minutes to myself to listen, to ponder and to pray. I have 36 minutes to appreciate the place we live and I have 36 minutes to be.
I very much doubt I will love running or exercise but I do love the benefits. It's not a resolution where I will beat myself up if I fail but it's a new start at space for me!
I will keep you posted on how it goes :)
Anyway a few weeks have passed and I have stuck to a twice a week routine. It's not a lot, just under 5 Km around our locality, sometimes with Marc and sometimes alone . I can't pretend I find it easy, the first session I barely got off the estate and literally crawled back on to it ( meeting neighbours along the way!) My lungs hurt, my knees ached and I wanted to collapse. However now everything still aches and hurts but I can run that little bit further without having to walk for a bit, I can appreciate the view of the fields that just about still exist and I can listen to music and pray for those on my mind while I run/ fast walk/ crawl along.
I do desperately want to get fit, to tone up would also be nice but most of all I have discovered the joy of Blue Sky thinking. I now have 36 minutes to myself to listen, to ponder and to pray. I have 36 minutes to appreciate the place we live and I have 36 minutes to be.
I very much doubt I will love running or exercise but I do love the benefits. It's not a resolution where I will beat myself up if I fail but it's a new start at space for me!
I will keep you posted on how it goes :)
Thursday, 16 January 2014
LOVE
Am preparing for my Feb article in our local magazine and wondered if anyone fancied checking it out.....February is coming upon us thick and fast..where has this half of Jan gone to??? HAPPY NEW YEAR and hope things are ok for you all out there x
“All you need is Love”,
“Love is the sweetest thing”, “ Love is all around”, “Love is a
wonderful thing”, “You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep
because reality is finally better than your dreams.” “Love is
like the wind, you can't see it but you can feel it.”
Just some of the quotes that we may or may not be familiar
with relating to LOVE.
February is often associated with love, I love February
mainly because a lot of dear friends and family celebrate their birthdays in
that month, February also feels special with its shortened number of days.
However do we love February 14th or do we loath it; see it as just
another commercial excuse to spend money on tacky cards chocolates and flowers
( if we are lucky!)
When I was a student a friend and I used to get annoyed that
Valentine’s was over priced and over hyped and those who were not at that
moment in a relationship were made to feel inferior or like they were missing
out. Instead we created ‘Friendship Day’ . I am sure somewhere in the calendar
one already exists but we felt Feb 14th really could be about friendship, sharing the love friends have for one another and
giving thanks for our friends. I must state that I was going out with my now
husband at the time so it wasn’t some act of feminism or bitterness.
So what is LOVE?
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails ( 1 Corinthians 13 v 4-8)
These words from the Bible really sum up how I feel we should treat everyone we care about whether it’s a partner, a friend, a family member, a child or a neighbour.
So whatever comes your way may February be a month of love. A time for you to show those you care about how much you truly love them…money is irrelevant but good gesturers of love can mean the world.
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