Settling

Coming home reminds me of the strong taste of coffee/hot chocolate that you get when you are just about to finish your drink. I think the end of a coffee is the best bit, it's twice the strength of the whole cup and it's cool enough to drink without burning your mouth.

Home is a bit like that, it's definitely twice the strength of anything through out the whole year and coming home normally signifies the end of a term/year.

I think I also have to have twice the strength to survive it. As children grow up family time gets more and more precious. the boys probably don't realise it yet, but because they spend 90% of their awake time either at work or at play somewhere else, home isn't holiday time for them. So consequently coming home doesn't mean automatically seeing my brothers. Strange.

2006 will end in a matter of days and some of us will struggle to see where the year has actually gone, what we have achieved and what our goals maybe for the future. Relax, you've got a while yet.

So off I head towards Cardiff, to spend some time with my friends who are mostly welsh, love em.

Happy New Year to every one, may God bless you in all your plans (whether they work out the way you want them to or not, He's still got you)!

Post-Christmas

I'm back in Essex now and it's very good to be at home.

Had a great Christmas day, saw all of my family. Which is a massive achievement, though it happens every Christmas Day.

I'm sure there will be photo's floating around, as always I'm happy to share my family with anyone who will have us. Fisher Christmas is something I plan to be around for for a very long time.

Today my dad fixed my car, I helped by holding the torch and turning the lights on and off when needed. My front dipped light was broken, which is illegal (if you drive with your broken dipped lights on and the British transport police happen to be outside Luton Station at the time where you drive past). But now it is fixed with a tiny bit of rewiring, well done my dad!

I learnt alot today. Boxing/St Stephen's day is a day of sleeping, learning and opening brilliant presents in my house! Wohoo!

I hope that everyone had a great Christmas. Here's to New Year!

Christmas Play

For reasons (that I don't fully understand) this is the only picture I can post with out breaking any rules. All the others have small children in.

We had a great time on Sunday morning. The play was, with all it's hitches, fantastically funny and only 45 minutes long. I think the young people and children did a great job. I absolutely loved it. I let myself get a little bit stressed beforehand, which allowed me to calm down someone who was having the most horrendous stage fright I've ever seen.

I shared abit of a story from my childhood with her and she laughed a little bit. She then managed to do the solo verse at the start of 'Once in Royal David's city' in the evening!

Lots of these children and young people are seeking affirmation that they 'can'. Whatever it might be.

I have to be honest and say I suffer from 'I can't' quite alot, but in learning to say 'no' I've learnt the joy of saying 'yes' with out being thoroughly overloaded.

If I don't see you again have a great Christmas!

Love

It's that time of year again... people start thinking about love and what it means to love and be loved.

It is a word we use far too much.

When you discover truth you fall deeper in love and recognise more of the full story.

What's brought this on? The 'real' Christmas story, I'm talking tonight at Houghton Regis. So i looked up some stuff and I fell in Love again with the Christmas story. Wohoo!

Bring on the young people and the heckling!

With age...

I have to admit I'm not old. But I did laugh/nearly cried when some one complained about turning 20 the other day.

The good thing about growing up is that you really do start to appreciate things more. Like the absolute genius that comes with actually listening to a small child, or hearing the youth group (all 8 of them) sing and dance to carols! Whatever anyone else says it was beautiful. I am very proud.

Something that doesn't get better is Windows, just in general really. The movie for the weekend is nearly ready. I will attempt to post it at some point (but I have to get the actors agreement first - which will be so hard!). I would have finished it about 30 mins ago, but the beautiful Movie Maker is rubbish.

So off I go to make the most of my time, by shopping.

Opportune moment

Before life gets hectic again, and seeing as most people read on a Monday.

Pray for me this week. I have to do some editing for a movie I've filmed. I don't really know/understand the technology. It needs to be done this week. Sunday is our big nativity/play day. Nervous, so nervous.

Christmas decorations are slowly going up in St Hugh's I'll take some pictures and post them. It's been an interesting week in church life. As is always.

Uni carol service happened this week. Was really good, as usual. Many of my friends involved, and have noticed a growing culture of post-uni people. May be just cos I'm post uni (and still not sure if I'll ever go back).

Woke up at an obscene hour this morning, 6am for apparently no reason other than next door started making noise. Started to pray, because what else can you do in the dead of night (I certainly couldn't lie still enough to go back to sleep)? Was good, but then I was late getting to work!

And my sunroof showered me again this morning. I'm fully expecting to be showered upon all this week...

Jawsh (how could I EVER forget)- leave me an email address then I will email you...

There's a song that's rising up inside...

I'm taking my youth group Carol Signing on Monday! I have a feeling thay might not like it much.

I've been thinking about MySpace recently, and even more so this morning since some one younger than my littlest brother asked me if I wanted to chat with him! Very scary and totally inappropriate.

I know the internet is a life-line for some people and can be a real booster, I know it's helped me a lot in the last few days and weeks, but really there are boundaries.

In other news, the Uni Carol Service went really well last night. Was a laugh, probably only cos Chris and I were giggling the whole time. There will be pictures soon I'm sure.

You know when you think you are nearly there with all your christmas shopping, then realise you have a whole other set of people to buy for... that was me last night. Boo!

Newness

Another Saturday, another wedding!

Toby and Lynsey are probably heading off on honeymoon as I write. Big Congrats to them. If you want to see more photo's just click on the picture.


This is Angela and Quintin, surrounded by YWAM people, what fun! They got married last week. Congratulations to them too!

There is a link to all my current sermons here. Might be an idea to add this to your bookmarks, it's a long one!

Have lots of fun this week!

Distraught

I've had one conversation today that has left me tired and worried. I know I shouldn't worry, but I do.

I know we don't live in a 'Nanny state' any more, but the Nanny's I come across this afternoon were really negative. Some of the Nannies in the church are lovely and so prophetic it's unbelievable, but these nannies couldn't say anything nice.

I'm wanting to do my job more than ever.

Well, any way. I'm gonna go home and eat my first Christmas dinner of the season. I'm absolutely starving!

Frozen - but productive

It's really funny how things manage to pull together right at the last minute.

Talk pulled together (listened to myself this morning, was a bit crazy) and have just found the talk I'm gonna do for next Suday, so not as much work as I thought I had to do this week. Though the start of December is so full of birthdays, it's a bit crazy.

On Saturday Quintin and Angela got married! Was great. I do have pictures, I'll upload them when I remember. Best of all was Mareike in a dress! Wohoo! Looking fabulous.

Hope you all had a good weekend.

My CRB form and contract will soon arrive. I'm sure that my job description doesn't involve having to put up posters for Christingle, I froze. At this time of year Luton becomes a wind tunnel, the only place windier is Skegness at Easter!

Well, here we go into Christmas... have fun everyone!


P.S. There is a new link...

Wii - don't get it...

Do we have to spend £30-40 to aid children's imaginations now? Seriously, what is wrong with a stick and using your own mouth to make the noises? Or for that matter, actually playing the game.

New gadget and all, but I'm not sure I really understand.

Was thinking about things that make me happy last night, as I sat in front of Grey's Anatomy sipping hot chocolate that had be enhanced by adding cinnamon. Yes, I love and am probably addicted to telly that is not good for me. But it makes me happy.

I've also just completed my latest sermon. I should have started weeks ago, but the pressure has made me be concise. 2 or 3 edits later and it's a good start.

Going to be talking alot over the next few weeks.

Neverending

Christmas is drawing ever closer. I'm really aware of the fact that I have rather alot to do still.

Had some exciting town wide stuff this weekend. Was great! Well done St Mary's... looking to the horizon for the next event, which is going to be even better!

Preaching this weekend, ha ha. Feeling the pressure a bit. So gonna spend some quiet time doing that.

Having up and down days, but thats what comes with the job. God's gonna get me through. Some good answers from my previous question. I don't have another one yet. Keep thinking, what would God want for Christmas (just light-hearted)?

3 Little Words

Bless! Bless! Bless!

OK, so one little word repeated 3 times.

Time Management (and 'forgetting' to bring my sermon to work) has meant that you get 3 posts this week... yes I have things I could be doing. Feel guilty now.

Anyway, once you get the Soul Survior CD make sure you thoroughly check the DVD extra's. Never before have I laughed so much. In fact over the last week I haven't laughed as much as I should do.

If you went to Soul Survivor this year, you'll love it. If you know who 29th Chapter are, you'll love it. Much respect for those guys.

What would God want for Christmas? Your thoughts please...

New Music

Both CDs have now arrived! I'm so impressed with it all.

Some genius lyrics from John Mayer and some amazingly happy memories from Soul Survivor.

That's all I wanted to say. I'll share the joy if any one is interested!

Done with Christmas

I know, we haven't even hit December yet, but this morning we were done with Christmas and looking forward to the New Year.

It looks to be an exciting year, and with new staff (me) I think there will be a few changes.

A trip to Africa is looking more and more likely. So please pray for us as we organise and get funding.

Also we are looking for a Lent study to do. It's going to be 5 weeks long and done in groups... if you know anything can you let me know, ta!

If you can read

Then you'll have some idea of what is going on in family life right now. Liz and Dad have both written about it, so I'll leave it to them.

I'll just be the photographer and give you a few snap shots of before the weekend.

Liz in all the gear, looking beautiful. I did take a great picture of her shaking hands with Lord Carey, but it got lost somewhere between my camera, laptop and memory stick, sorry!

I think we are facing the toughest Christmas yet.

Oh you guys...

Had a long weekend. Wish I had more pictures to show you, but I've forgotten something vital, so you may have to wait a few days.

Liz graduated on Friday. I got to see Dad, Mum and Nan, so my 300 mile round trip was well worth it. Also went to Stoke Gifford to meet the people Liz works with. Friday night was seemingly quite mental for her and team. Ant has something to sat about it here. It was great to see her doing something she loves.

I also got cake and a guitar on Friday so I'm eating well and starting to learn, should be interesting.

Saturday was good. Went to see Step Up. Ha ha! Was really funny. I haven't seen a PG for ages, I was surprised to find that someone got shot during it. Rating's clearly aren't what they used to be. No wonder their were children crying - I thought the 'disney' plot line was quite ok! 'Nuff said.

Saturday night the girls celebrated the beginning of Lynsey's last month of freedom! What happens on the Hen Night, stays on the Hen Night.

Sunday, a day that began Christmas prep at church, wohoo! It's going to be tough, but there are things I'd find harder! In the afternoon England were well and truly beaten by the All Blacks. I don't often comment on sport, so I'll stop there!

St Mary's in the evening was great. Made me think, as did my conversations afterwards.

So here we are, Monday morning, I'm pretty uncertain of the week ahead, but hopefully it'll be a good one.

Up, down and across...

This weekend I had fun on this...


And this...


Then I did this...


Sadly I am still waiting for this...


And this...


to arrive.

So those are my ups (a great weekend) and downs (amazon and soul survivor's suppliers being rubbish) and the across is seeing Liz graduate tomorrow! I have to travel across to Cheltenham for the day. Wohoo!

Weekend!

It's gonna be a busy one. Although I have lots of helpers, we've got a really big light party tomorow! I've come in to write three talks of 5 mins with maximum impact. So far I haven't written anything.

In some really good news I'm feeling really confident about my talk on Sunday. It's not as interactive as it could be, but I'm not feeling it at the moment. Maybe one day.

And did you know, it's only 5 weeks to go until Christingle @ St Hugh's? Oh yes, and guess who is organising it... argh, me! (for those non-Anglican or non-British out there Christingle descriptions here)

Talk about being thrown in at the deepest end. Between now and then hopefully lots will happen, I'm really excited about Christmas this year. It's good to know that for the first time in a while I'll be able to be part of ongoing Christmas traditions.

Thorpe Park for all it's worth

Had a great time at Thorpe Park yesterday. It didn't rain at all!! I went on some rides but found solace in a coffee shop and started writing. You'll probably get a glimpse of that later.

Just a short one today, I'm sitting in the office as a long day comes to an end.

There is a party going on in the hall, celebrating someone's life. It's a mix of sadness and joy that these people come together. Maybe I'll go home soon. Sleep seems to be consuming me. I'm not as young as I used to be.

Lost and leaks

I now have the entire first 2 series of Lost on DVD! Looks like I'll be having a busy weekend!

Sadly my car has started to leak again. It survived the rainiest part of summer turning into autumn, but as in winter it rains most days (with some snow) I think it may not survive. Poor little car.

Better do some work now. Have a great weekend every one!

Photos and sermons

This time next week I'll be in Thorpe Park trying to build relationships with the Young People. Most of whom have promised to take me on lots of rides.

Honestly is the best policy, along with a really loud no!

Pray for good weather and lots of fun.

The church in general is getting on with life. Lots of planning this week. It all needs to be quite concise and dealt with so I can make phone calls and do my job.

I'm really excited about Christmas already. I think I talked about this last year. I love having the responsibility of organising things. Call me strange, but that is the way God made me.

Going to spend some time gathering pictures for a sermon now. Wohoo!

Weekend

Well, it's been just that, a lovely weekend.

Haven't really acheived much, which means that my sermon writing has all but stopped. I never realised how hard this could be. Part of me wants to scrap what I've got and just write something like I'm talking to my mates, the other part of me wants to keep going with the church family in mind.

Who has ever heard of some one who has been stopped by their own sermon? Mental.

Sadly one member of the church died yesterday morning. He was well loved and well known, though I never got to meet him. He was too ill when I arrived. Please pray for the church and the family here.

Again I find myself dealing with loss that I can't appreciate. Tears coupled with deep down joy for the person who is now in Heaven having a great time. I struggle.

On a more cheery note, funding from the diocese (how on earth do I say this word and it's variations?) has been aquired. There is hope yet that the youth work will break even! Or not - a trip to Thorpe park might break the bank!

Do you remember my welsh/english dictionary thing? Thought about doing a bit of Luton/english translation...

Seriously

I'm on my 15th (I'm not exaggerating) go at printing a sermon... the printer in my office is quite rubbish. The heating, however, is not. I'm toastie warm.

As the rain comes down outside, I'm reminded of the fun we had a soul survivor... and it much easier to have memories when you are being prompted by a podcast from trax16. It's really fantastic to be able to hear other peoples experience, especially when you go as a leader and don't really have the freedom the young people do.

So we are on Friday again, heading for the weekend and more writing. Considering that I had a day off yesterday I should actually do some work now.

Slowly, slowly

Life as a youth worker continues! But be warned, it can't remain this way forever.

At the moment my dreams seem to be the most fast paced thing about me. Two nights a go I found my self in London and my friend had just got engaged. Last night I was in the states (I assume) and another one of my friends was telling me they were in Love. Absolutely mental, I really don't know what goes on in my head! Rest assured, these dreams really do mean nothing! Freudian thinking stopped ages ago, so no analysing thankyou!

Two hours left of 24 and it's pretty addictive, so I'll probably finish tonight. Wohoo! Any body want to lend me series 3?

Smiling

Hello hello, this is pretty much how I feel right now. If I was in a country that wasn't England and around the tropics it would be possible that the sun is shining on me... it isn't. Minutes ago the torrential rain started!

Any way, I'm sitting at someone elses desk making notes on how Ican improve life for young people. My job isn't as easy as it sounds.

Wales, sadly enough, seems a whole world away now. I'm having a great time,but I'm slowly coming to the realisation that it is my responsiblity to get 'stuff' done. Already I have had applications for funding turned down and other thingsbad have happened... like the code for the padlock being changed somewhere between monday and wednesday, meaning it was close to impossible for me to get in for Breakfast club...

It was 6am, and brain not in gear meant lots of shouting and eventually realising there are at least 2 other ways into church. God bless the church warden who was in at 7 tosort it! Hurrah, breakfast for the Halyard kids.

Check out Liz's blog for details of the weekend... I'm all blurry, cos it was a bit busy for me.

Met the Archbishop of Canterbury and my Anglican background helped a lot. But it's also really good to have spent the best part of the year in a different church system altogether. To be honest he was really non-confrontational, but the speech he delivered could have been really ground breaking! He could have delivered it in the deepest depths of Birmingham toa multi-faith society and hit home with every single person in the room (not a bad thing, but is it really a good thing?).

And on the subject of a new Prime minister he said 'the right person for the job'. No wonder church attendance has fallen, whilst trying to be all things to all men, we seem to have lost the offence of the gospel.

When will the Archbishop be a women? How do we deal with a community that is following the wrong god? Should we be striving for peace and equality based on false assumptions about other faiths? These sorts of questions I would have loved to hear a response that wasn't so wishy-washy...

Drying up

It might be too early to post something that sounds quite pessimistic, but I happen to be in the process of drying out my office... it leaks a bit. I'm not complaining, just pointing out a fact. As the dust collects around me and Lex sings at me I'm warm and inevitably tired.

I met some new students and some old friends yesterday. The Christian Union kicked off with a BBQ... it was really good to be invited, luckily I really didn't have to do anything, just chill out and look like I knew what I was talking about. Ha!

The practical side of things is going ok... if you are reading this and you ever want to help out with a youth group please ring me... it would be great if you are a boy too! Seriously, I need someone who is cool and isn't a parent.

The admin stuff is going ok too... I'm kinda settling into writind letters and fund applications. I'd better get on with some work.

24

Yes, I finally started the second series on 24 on Friday night. So I watched the first 12 hours while I had a proper day off.

No complaining... day off is supposed to be when you do no work, I did no work at all on Saturday. I even went to a youth event and still did no work.

It set me up for some very harsh realities at Church throughout Sunday. God is good throughout all the tough stuff we face, so I'm learning to pray more. Recognising attack is the first step, and boy did I feel attacked. Sorry to those I ranted at, but you helped me see a lot of stuff.

So here I am, Monday afternoon, trying to trace a CRB form. Which has scarily been lost in the post. I think I may face and have to deal with identity fraud some where along the line. We are praying for miracles daily.

Youth work

I happen to be filling in various grant forms and dealing with money at the moment.

Youth work seems to be getting off to a slow start, especially since the breakfast club has just been cancelled due to them digging up the gas in leagrave high street... bummer. I still have to be here at 8 am on wednesday morning.

Things are starting to fall into place, with the youth group running itself for the moment! Lots of fun.

Having some thoughts about actually being a Lutonian again. Only in Luton can you find yourself at a bar and get told to cheer up by some one on your side of the bar and then the barman makes a comment about how you've pulled! Or to be walking from your car to dinner and get asked about whether you have a bloke! I find it disturbing that being confident and smiling gets that sort of response.

Currently reading a book aimed at girls that mirrors a book for boys. It's very interesting. I can say that I've learnt some stuff and disagreed with other things. But most of all I am starting to realise that I should not be worried about what I am doing so much. I've spent a lot of time focussing on me and am slowly coming to terms with the fact that I am beautiful.

It may sound really big headed, but I don't think that it is. I met some really beautiful people throughout my life and they give me the passion to keep going and striving towards God.

I'm not about to start using really bad cliches because I think we hear it too much, but you are beautiful! God loves you because he loves you because he loves you! Male and female, made in his image, how can that not be beautiful?

Try and say something encouraging to every one you meet today!

Miracles DO happen

Two foot healings in one year! Thats a pretty amazing God.

Believe and pray, I think that may become something of a motto for this year. I got really excited yesterday because of God and his amazing works. I'd forgotten how good God can really really be, a great start to the week when you realise that more than one person believes in you and what you can do.

Bring on the next few months... I'm buzzing, possibly from the caffine. Who knows!

Working hard?

I suppose I could blog for you guys, but life feels very very slow at the moment. The end of August and I'd usually be recovering from Ignite and starting to get back to looking like I am busy.

Not so this time... Of course I'm slowly getting busier. There are things to be done, but for now the implementation of them seems so far away that sleeping in til 10 can be done!

Sorry to all those people who are working very very hard right now, you guys are doing a great job.

One exciting thing I have done is going back to the Vauxhall Recreation Centre, two years ago I was doing exams, this year I was dancing. Ceroc to be precise! Google it! Feel free if you are a Lutonian to join the lady who took me and myself at 7.45 every tuesday! It's very fun.

So I've found a new hobby, which for now will be ok. We'll see what happens once I get into working properly.

In other news, I'm settling back in ok. Starting to find my way around and working out the best ways to do things. My lovely car has been 90% fixed, but someone drove it up a curb and broke the front bumper, so thats the next thing! I no longer get a mini shower in car when it rains outside!

I hope everyone reading this is ok, let me know either way. And if i've emailed you about coming to St Hugh's please reply, I need to have an idea of numbers.

Soul Survivor

I'm back and I'm here to stay.

Hello! I hope everything went well in my absence. I have been at Soul Survivor. Week B was amazing, lots going on. Keep praying like you believe stuff is going to happen.

God has been working in me and my new youth group. I'll let them tell the stories, they seem to be very vocal. It's all good.We'll see what happens over the next few years. I think skills need channeling and growing, my first impressions anyway.

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm off to buy a map of the local area and get a doctor.

Wedding

Beautiful Selina and Steve got married on Saturday, so I've been between Sleaford and Luton all weekend.


It was a fantastic day, I enjoyed myself alot!


The service was great, and it was really good to see people I hadn't seen for a year or so. I'll be praying for these two as the go on their honeymoon and staart to look for a house.

For those of you who maybe in Luton in September, I've got a date for my welocme service at St Hugh's... please contact me if you want to come.

Beautiful Billericay

Well, I'm back in Essex now. Had a great trip home and lots of sleep.

Also managing to keep myself busy. On Sunday morning I talked to church about my Gap Year, whilst wearing a t-shirt with goingpublic on the front and my name on the back. It was great to see everyone, but also amazing to be back in one piece.

The lovely team (minus Matt) in our lovely tshirts, on the day we gave Emma (our team leader) a mousemat of us (with Matt).

Today I had a day off, but am on the hunt for bridesmaid dresses. Tomorrow I will find my self in Thorpe Park, having a day out with my lovely friends. And Wednesday I'm test driving a car for use next year (pray that I like the car, I can't afford anything else).

Its wedding season again, but only 1 for me this summer. Selina and Steve get married on Saturday and I'm very excited, not only to see them, but also to see eveyone else. It's gonna be a great day, pictures to follow.

So off to try on my outfit...

Nearly there

Well, I happen to be about 3 days away from leaving Wales. Its been a busy week. Some of our team have already gone home.

It's be a brilliant year, but I'm sure you know that already... I think I may have bored some people with how good this year has been.

I asked for a challenge and I think I got one. I'm not sure what I have learnt, and how much will stick but I know that I have learnt a lot and I hope it'll all help me when I go to Luton.

So as a last ditch attempt to hold on to the past, let me introduce my lovely youth group (on the weekend away):


And the leaders:


And me making a fool of myself:


Been a great year... Can't really make any more comments, I think I've said it all.

Presents and phonecalls

Thanks to everyone who helped me enjoy my birthday! You are all great and amazing!

Its been a bit weird being in Cardiff, away from family and most of my friends, but I've had a great time. I've got some fantastic memories to take away from this year.

Hope are all lazing in the sunshine. I'll be back in England before you know it.

Monday, monday!

I've worked hard in the last few days.

Done some stuffing, done some youth work, seen Pirates of the Caribbean 2, been to a food fair and basically laid about in the shade.

Successfully managed 3 days off in a row, due to an oversight by the Youth worker in Porth, so instead did some paid work! Hurrah for the little bit of extra money that will see me through til my first pay check!

Ladies and Gents, if you do find yourself wandering towards a cinema heading for a showing of Pirates 2, please make sure you have refreshed your memory with Pirates 1!

Who goes to watch the second out of 3 without seeing the first? And I'm definitely waiting for the box set... if 3 is longer than 2 I will not be impressed!

I'm not giving anything away, but I'll go and see it again!

Honestly... I have nothing to do

New newsletter ladies and gents! Can be found here.

It's all said and mostly done now. The weekend away will offer a large chunk on entertainment for the following few weeks, but as far as I can see (which isn't very far due to sight deteriorating daily), that's it for the year.

I still have a few youth work things to do, and I should probably spend some time tiding, but hey!

Got a lovely day off tomorrow, in which I intend to watch ER and Without a Trace and maybe go shopping, but probably just go back to sleep.

On Friday I will be pining after Westlife as they visit Cardiff while I am here. Not only have I missed the Take That come back tour, I will also forgo spending £35 to stand in a field to watch the lovely Irish boys singing their hearts out.

Call me sad, call me whatever you want! Bofered, face, bofered!

Have you seen my funky chicken?

What's that you say?

I said, 'Have you seen my funky chicken?'

Now if you don't know the answer to the second time then you clearly have never been to a christian camp in the UK... for those of you who do know, I now have my very own version.

'Have you seen my Karen Fisher?' is a very funny verse, but it needs to be heard to be believed.

Weekend Awayyyyyyy was fantastic. I loved it loads. Although we had hardly any sunshine, the beach time was great and the teaching was amazing. Of course I am camera-less at the moment so pictures may follow, who knows.

There is, however, concrete evidence that I drove a van this weekend. Not a huge one, just a normal sized transit van. I think I did really well, and I'm proud of me. No crashes (thank God, I can't afforded a £100 excess!) and one slight detour on the way.

Emma was in the van with me, and we definitely don't fit the van driving stereotype. I think we even proved our girlieness by not knowing where the fuel cap was!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have achieved a driving lifetime ambition! Next up is a minibus, with actual people in it!

Not just one...

But two in fact.

Two guests for this weekend. Chris and Liz, you know who you are and what happened. In fact, they both managed to blog about the weekend before me!

They also took some lovely pictures! It was great to have you to stay guys. I love you both lots. I'll see you when I see you!

So, with that over and done with (it's been a long time coming - believe me), I think we have to start looking at next weekend.

Weekend Away - teaching the 11-14's about God's love. I forgotten how great it is to be able to organise something you know is going to go well anyway.

God's got good plans for me and you... what would you do if you know you couldn't fail?

I'll report on the weekend away when I get back and have recovered a bit!

Do you remember when...?

Just thinking ahead to the weekend, even though its only Wednesday.

I graduate again this Saturday, 2nd time in a year. I was talking to my Dad, and asking 'do you remember when...?'(it's also a Jack Johnson song). It's clear that he had a completely different view and perspective to me. He even has a better memory!

So I started thinking about stuff I've done this year and how all my team's experiences will differ. We get to the end of one week and have a dicussion and it seems that we've all had totally different weeks.

God makes us to be completely individual from each other... even identical twins. Yes, we may share things, a bedroom (for 18 years), a blood type (I'm A-, ask me about the first time I gave blood, it's hiliarious) and firends (you know who you are and how much you mean!). We no longer share an identity and don't exist as a pair any more.

We grow up and out! God made us to become maturer with him or with out him, he made us to have a choice too.

I'm sad and excited about the weekend and the year ahead. Lots of changes again. Life gets less simple as the days go by.

It's time to start saying goodbye to Cardiff. 1 month to go. The next time I'll be counting down will be to Liz's wedding.

Bullying

I'm a bully...

I'm a really horrible bully...

Well, only in school.

Today I travel to two schools in Pentwyn and deliver lessons on bullying and what it means to move to another school. The other school is know as 'big school'.

What do you do when there are thousands of kids bustling around you, they already know their way but you are completely lost? Apparently these lessons have been happening to every year 6 class in Llanedeyrn and Pentwyn for the last few years. Which means they must have an impact.

I'm the bully. I'm really horrible because I'm a girl bullying a boy. Please pray for me.

Ranting

The boys were on the wall again on saturday. I told them. Smelly stupid boys.

Sadly I've taken to ranting. Very much getting fed up of my own voice. Probably a very slippery slope...

Tonight is Timeout. 11-14's fun and games. I'm in charge of opening a closing the building! I managed it twice yesterday.

I think thats all I have to say.

Boys on the wall

I wanted to say fence, but I thought I'd just be honest.

There is a massive wall at the back of the tiny 'garden' here in Splott. This would be a fine scenario for keeping out potential burglars and boys who aren't supposed to be playing footie on the other side of the wall. However there happens to be a massive tree on the other side of the wall also.

Boys... please feel free to climb the tree, stand on the wall (which I'm sure is trespassing), pelt your friends with cherries and leaves from the tree and then feign innocence when the people who live in the house come out to tell you off!

Now I wouldn't be so bothered if I wasn't a youth worker, and absolutely desperate to understand wy boys find such things amusing, when there is clearly a World Cup going on.

GET OFF THE WALL! I don't want paramedics walking through the house to fix your broken arm/leg/head. Kids response 'Well you can call the police while you are at it'

Rant over. If they are on the wall again when I get in tomorrow I might have my dinner in the 'garden', or buy a tazer gun to shoot at them! Hmmm...

So how will England do tomorrow afternoon? Feel free to rub it in my face, I shall not be sitting in front of the TV. Tomorrow is the only day I have to sit inside all day. SUCKS!

Letters

I've had a pretty good week so far. The build up to the World Cup hasn't been too over-bearing. And I've found I'm pretty good at talking my way out of having to give money to charity by direct debit.

To be honest, I work for a charity as a volunteer, the little money I do have I would like to keep. For now at least, the money I have goes to the charity, next august when I am working, my money will go else where.

I've had some encouraging post this week. I'm being forced to give up more money, having a free overdraft was great while it lasted... it's probably time to move onto credit. Though I'm going to avoid it for as long as I can.

I got a proper letter from a person from home. It's always great to hear from you guys!

And I also got a letter from the Welsh Blood Service. For a second it looked all official and it flashed before my eyes that I could possibly have some terrible disease, but no! They were writing to ask if I was OK after I fainted after giving blood last week!

I would be ok, but I have managed to get heat rash from sitting in the sun for half an hour. Oh well, I'm being lots more careful now.

Teeeeam!

Just wanted to show off the team in all their glory, for God's glory!

Sorry to blow our trumpet, but I think we made a really big effort and we really enjoyed ourselves!
I will be very sad to leave Cardiff.

Holiday Club

Getting the gospel to kids can be a lot of fun. Today and yesterday I heard Jan speak the good news twice and both times I was totally captivated like I'd never heard it before and didn't know what was coming next.

Holiday Club - aka Lovely Jubbly - has been a huge learning experience again for all of us. I can't believe that it is over and there is only tidying up and admin things left to do.

We actually had a great time, I've realised that it's not a bad thing to be a bit rubbish at small group work, there will always be someone who is better than me at that. But I have found a new type of patience with myself and microsoft excel. I also now know that I could definitely hack a data entry job (which is what I would be doing this year if it wasn't for God).

Well, only one more huge event to go before the year is over.

Another weekend away. And this time I'll enjoy it abit more, I get to teach and lead and I don't have to do stupid games if I don't want to. I plan to have a great weekend away.

First though I might enjoy some time off and the Orson album.

Addicted

Sadly I will have to admit that I'm am currently addicted to a few things:

1. Work - I know. It's great at the moment, when I get things right. It's tough some times, but yet I go back everyday! Weird, eh?

2. Searching for a house/flat/room - basically I need a place to live when I move back to Luton in 2, yes just 2, months time. Any ideas? You know where I live, answers on a postcard please.

3. Big Brother - Doh! Every blummin' year... It's rubbish, we all know it. But as you sit there in your skin I bet you know at least 1 housemate's name. Even if you listen to Radio 1 in the morning there is no escaping it. Although I'm sitting here writing so forcing myself to miss the first eviction.

4. Yahoo Music - very much a form of escapism... apart from the rubbish and painful ads!

Had a few bits of good news this week. I might have a car for September, gonna see what it might cost me.

Realising also that there isn't much time left at all for this Gap Year thing. In a week they start interviewing for new trainees. I've got an end date. Scary.

It's been a while since I wrote and I think God's been teaching me about prayer for the last few days. It's been really hard for me to pray recently, but I've had a breakthrough today, feel refreshed.

Late trains... unhappy

As much as being at home is a really good thing, it also means I have to travel on the train.

2 weeks ago I was delayed by 90 minutes, this week was only 60. Something very very wrong with First Great Western at the moment. They can't seem to get anything right.

Anyway, you join me on a weekend away to make up for not having any time off last week.

The Brian McLaren conference really wiped me out, but it's all ok. I've had about 40 orders for the CD's of the conference, long may that continue.

So now I'm at home. Writing emails to excited people and having to see my family tonight cos Dad turns 50 tomorrow!!

Lost and found

My plan to do more exercise was a bit scuppered last night by an elusive young persons railcard.

So my planned running session for Tuesday didn't happen. Instead I'm going tonight... with a partner. Argh, that means actual running.

The only reason I decided to run/walk into town last week was because some lovely person had stolen my bike pump. I have a new one now, locked up in the house somewhere. Which means I have every intention of using my bike.

Now... to go and get the team car fixed so that we can drive around with both brake lights and reversing lights!

Conference and meals

Hey there!

I sit and write to you lovely people whilst I'm supposed to be listening to Brian McLaren, but I'm too tired to concentrate.

So far we've only had one big hitch... no key for the float box this morning. But 300+ people have appeared from this corner of the country to listen to Brian speak for about 5 hours. Wohoo!

God is good and all the fiascos have been solved. Prayers are a great thing!

I've been fed by Glenwood Church twice already this week... may it long continue! Well, off I go to serve more tea and coffee (to the caffine addicts and the people who refuse to self-serve) Note to self: don't stand in a kitchen looking pretty and welcoming - people will expect something from you. Ha ha!

To be honest

People keep asking... are you ok?

Thing is, it doesn't work as quickly when you live in a Christian bubble.

I've made a couple of minor mistakes in the last few days. Realising that I shouldn't assume things arrive just because I've sent them and that people take the words out of my mouth and use them how they like. It doesn't matter what I actually was trying to say.

Hmm, really really going to have to say what I've thought about, not what I think right now.

Conference is in a few days, but before that the church building is hosting Rob Lacey's funeral. Things won't be back to normal for a long time. To be honest I'm tired, emotional and scared.

Answered prayers are the things keeping me going.

Why?

Well, I think I spoke too soon. The rain came back in abundance today, so back in the jeans and jumpers for a hectic week at work.

My entire weekend was pretty much hassle free. The funeral was as lovely as it could be. It was really good to see every one and share good memories.

Got back to Cardiff and had hot chocolate by the Bay. Then was subjected to the delights of 'Sahara', very slow and boring film. Not gripping enough to keep us out of conversation about other movies we want to see together, like X-Men 3 and Pirates of the Caribbean 2.

I refuse to watch Confetti - on the grounds that I have enough wedding drama/reality TV in my life already. I will stick by this and even avoid my friends to avoid the film.

I've got to finish and pull off the conference this week. So if you are in Cardiff and fancy hearing Brian McLaren on Saturday, let me know. Other events this week include setting up a prayer room, stuffing for Jeff Lucas and another funeral.

Pondering the question 'why?' on many different levels. And although I try to have an answer for everything, I think I'm quite happy to ponder for a long while.

My Family

I have to admit that as it stands, coming back to my family home is getting weirder and weirder. Not only are both my brothers growing up, they are also both still very much at home.

This makes for a very jovial atmosphere, well when they are playing decent music at a decent level. They still managed to duet on most things - a redition of Bon Jovi this morning made me laugh, and would make proper Bon Jovi fans cringe!

Bless them lots. They both work pretty hard, we'll see what happens for them.

Being at home means the conversation has turned to marriage. Argh! That would be my cue to run away screaming, especially since Mike (the youngest) has decided he's getting married before me (the eldest). Ha ha!

Anyway, less of that. More of the fact that summer seems to be arriving here! Wohoo, break out the skirts...

Articles & Prayer Letters

Hey, hey!

My Dad is a superstar. He's put up the prayer letter for this term AND the article I wrote not so long ago.

Have fun reading.

Favourite things

I had a random conversation with Christine today about Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and for some reason the Sound Of Music (which I haven't seen all the way through either!) got thrown in for extra Bank Holiday joy.

The last few days has been about a 'few of my favourite things' just to keep me going and pretty much amused before I have to finish essays off tomorrow and go back home at the end of the week. Most of my favourite things are chocolate based. Hmmmm.

The text messages and praying have really helped.

I'm having to summon strength from all the places I can find. God's there still holding me up and my entire family.

Almost back to normal now. Had younger youth small group tonight. It was really great to get back to see them all for a while without have to really discipline them. Although I chose an invisibility power (we were designing superheroes), I would go for a wander until they stop talking! Although I wouldn't probably come back.

They can chat for Wales, but I do think they are great.

Another Day off?

Yeh, I know, Gap Year Trainees, like most students, get a stupidly large amount of days off where they are supposed to be working, but find many things to do which actually means they are procrasinating big time!

How do we ever get any work done? Well some would put it down to the grace of God, others work through entire nights just to get projects done (not pointing at any one at all - but you know who you are), others just get on with the work.

How do I intend to get through two mini theologically sound essays? God's grace sounds like the best option.

So here I sit, a mere 6 hours after being woken up by the seagulls fighting on the roofs of the terraced houses opposite, and I haven't done a drop of work. Pants, Neighbours is on soon!

Back to work proper

The rest of Soccer School was great. Amazing kids and even more amazing coaches, made the week fly by.

God really loves all of those people who helped out and all the parents that came along on Friday to watch all 6 matches (all going on at once) be hijacked by a black bulldog.

The littlest guys just wanted to pat the over excited dog... the older they get the more scared they seemed to be. I then realised that the kids who were scared don't have pets at home.

We are afraid of the unknown, unless the the majority is unknown, then we seem to be more willing to learn.

So after distracting the dog and finishing the matches we all went inside for awards. Then it was left to the coaching team to tidy up the bulding and have a final pray. Soccer School done for another year, with an invitation to return next year.

I have realised the value of one-on-one dedicated volunteers. God had a big hand on this last week, He's been really helpful.

Deposit is down for the country house and small church for next year... wedding fever is about to errupt, but I have a funeral to attend first. Such a busy time of year.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragements. My latest newsletter is available... drop me a line if I've missed you.

Soccer School Day 1

It was fun, don't get me wrong. I love standing in the rain having a small child who has ADHD hitting me and trying his hardest to beat me and score a goal.

But there is something very strange about God's sense of humor. The ADHD guy is a real test of paitence, grace and love. Bless him lots. He's great and really intelligent, just has real trouble communicating at the 'right' time.

Its gonna be a month where I have to praise God no matter what happens, because that is all that can pull me through.

My Grandad died last night, after a year and a half fighting lung cancer. I'll be going back to Essex soon.

So there won't be a report on Soccer School day 2 because I'm sitting in my room... keep praying.

Yea... argh!!

Just got back from Luton. I have a job as a Youth Worker, and I'm gonna be by myself for the first year.

Big shock this morning. Diego won't be joining me when I start in September. His leaders in Sheffield think he needs to stay and finish the course he is doing. Which I think is fair enough. God's obviously got something planned for him for next year.

The girls, being teenage, hormonal and well, girls, got a bit distraught. Seemingly with good reason, the boys don't have a role model who interacts with them often. So the tears for Diego aren't unfounded, and the church youth are desperate for a man to fill the gap.

Felt a bit of a spare part, but only briefly. My line manager reassured me that they want me to come too.

I start in August, probably the day before Soul Survivor Week B, then I get to go to Soul Survivor. I take a breath and we are back into school... gonna be a long summer.

Thank you for your prayers. You are all stars.

I'm off to bed, I got ill yesterday and am going to get drugs from the doctor tomorrow, in anticipation that I will be rushed off my feet during Soccer School - 6 days to go!

At Home

So I got home safely on Friday, after sitting for a good half an hour in Liverpool Street station waiting for Dad. But I have lots of reading to do, so I made myself comfortable.

I'm gonna be working most of tomorrow. Trying to figure out where I want to go with my essays and the like.

We have begun the Easter story with the procession of Jesus into Jerusalem riding on a colt. Very interesting scenario. I've been thinking how morbid this situation would have been for Jesus, but at the same time the Jews were celebrating the arrival of a King who they thought would crush the Romans.

That created abit of discussion over the table at lunch time.

Tomorrow I will find myself having a big discussion with Jesus. It's 24-7 Prayer in Billericay this week. I need this prayer time more than ever. God's really gotta be in the next few days.

It's abit of a shame that Billericay Churches haven't caught the vision of prayer, and the guilt trip thing didn't really work this morning. But I trust that God is great and will completely work through this week.

Nearly home time

I will be back in Billericay this time tomorrow. Very excited to be going back... doing things like getting a haircut, seeing the doctor after promising I would over a year ago, seeing my Grandparents, my brother taking me out for lunch and possibly helping me buy a car.

I have 2 really important trips next week too, one to Luton and the other is back to Cardiff. Very short break this time round, lots to fit in.

I've also got to spend some time plugging my gap year for next year. Going Public have given me loads of fliers, which I will be spreading around. If you are interested, let me know.

We did time and self management today in Connect. Very interesting subject... for me! My concerns about budgetting and money stuff were eased today. The youth worker at Glenwood seems to have it a bit easier than most, the full time administrator for the church is there to help.

I guess I'll find out next week how budget might work next year.

Although I love God and the gifts he has given me, having come out of the woodwork as quite an efficient organiser type person does have it's down side. Comes in the form of other administrators who are older and 'wiser' telling you how things should be done.

I nearly got scared out of my job as Holiday club admin assisstant on Tuesday night. It wasn't very helpful. But I should be having a meeting soon to set me right.

God's been good and a challenger this term, bring on the summer term. I can't wait to see what He's got for our team as we all start to look to where we are going next year!

For those of you who are missing it, here's some random seasonal words in English/Welsh

Easter - Pasg

Egg - ŵy

Chicken - ffowls (fowls)

Cross - Cryws (cruise)

Jesus - Iesu

Schools out

Just got back from our last lesson as part of the Oasis Esteem series. Bless all the young people who have had to hear us say 'sex is great' numerous times during the lessons. They were very giggly today, especially after their very blank faces. Realised it must be very demoralising being a teacher.

So school has finished and the next time I go into a school should be as part of the Seduction presentations. That's not till the summer term.

Easter is just around the corner, and here Schools finish on Thursday or Friday. All the clubs are gearing towards easter and telling the story of Easter.

I'll be home by Saturday, wohoo!! Can't wait to see every one again.

Gonna go, got a staff review this afternoon and I should be starting reading for the two essays I've gotta do. Christian theology in written word with no space to ramble, this should be interesting.

Long week

Well, it's been a good week, but a long week.

Everything seems to be slowly winding up towards easter now. Done a couple of sessions on friendship in the last week. Very good, starting to look at the way Jesus calls us friend. It's a challenge.

Well, there is only 1 week left of school and only 2and a half weeks before soccer school. Great!

I'm going to be in Luton in the next 2 weeks as well. So keep an eye out for me! Before I come back to lovely Cadiff I'm sure I'll have made lots of decisions about next year. Very excited.

Day off

I love not getting up. Its a very rare that I get to stay in bed to read and check out what's going on in my head.

Its been an interesting week. Ended with another chatty class, who were without Rachel, and their teacher was really disappointed by their behaviour.

So thats lessons over with, pretty much. Just one left.

I hope that the classes have learnt something.

Chatty

Well, its been another long weekend. Liz was down for a time. We had a laugh and I discovered I really have no idea what shape and style of dress makes me look good.

Seriously. This wedding thing is great! I really don't mind what I get dressed in for the day. I just wanna look passable!

So we had that and the wedding fayre. Was very fun to be walking around, and weird to say that Liz was getting married, albeit in July 2007.

At the moment lots of stuff is happening with Schools work and the youth work is starting to get intense and a little bit risky. Esther and I talked about Sex and relationships this morning and actually putting our opinion out got a great response. Definitely makes it all worth while when some one stops to ask a question about morals.

The class was really chatty today, so discipline was called upon, but its so much harder to discipline when you have no idea of names or school discipline structure. We try not to end up shouting, but its a focus thing too... Oh well, I don't have to teach that class again.

So here goes with another week, more schools work and youth work. Wohoo!

Reports

I'm gonna try and keep this one short. I didn't achieve my aim, I wasn't as good as I could have been. I know if I'm gonna do God any justice I need to work a lot harder.

My team are used to seeing me very passionate about things, and I lacked big time.

My power point on the other hand was great, with a little help from The Brick Testament. Great resource.

So nothing overly amazing. But I'm hoping I'll really let go when I talk to the 11-18's on Sunday about the importance of Jesus in relation to heaven and hell. Exciting!

Passover

I'm currently spending half of Thursday dedicated to learning the Christ parallells in the Old Testament. It's great fun... I know absolutely nothing and am slowly learning the essentials of the Old Testament map.

I was amazed at how little I really know. Its my turn to present this week. As part of the course I've so far done 1 presentation and am about to present the Passover story as if I was talking to 8-11's.

Something that is going to be incredibly hard when the people who are looking a me are actually 19-23 yrs old!

I will be patronising, and I will make an idiot of myself. I intend to have some auidence participation and use of imaginations. I would take the Prince of Egypt clip and use them... but I don't have it at my disposal. Very sad.

Maybe I'll go into work tomorrow and try to put together a power point. Anything to take the attention off of me.

Sorry there are no revelations about the Passover story. I can see the connections with the New Testament, but I don't think it would be very fair to bombard 8-11's with them!!

Billericay people... look out for me in the next Pilgrim.

Covered in Rain

Well snow to be exact. Its snowed alot here, and its hard to believe we're well into March. We woke up to snow this morning and outfits had to be changed before heading to church.

Got another busy week ahead, delievering talks and meetings for conferences and weekends away.

Gutted that I can't really book my ticket home for Easter and a trip to Luton until I've heard back from a number of people on different things. Cardiff school children seem to be the busiest people on the planet and planning a social is proving near impossible. We only found that out tonight.

I had forgotten how self-centred young people can be, but a few incidents this week have proved that we all go through stages of being extremely self-centred. Its very tough to break through.

I'd like to thank you all for your continuing prayers. I'll let you know what is going on, and I'll even try and add some more things.

Just a quick prayer request

Yes Michael, I will probably move back to Luton. Its up to God now whether doors get shut and opened. The people who have known me a while will understand something about my passion for youth work.

Its one of those things where you have to go where the need is.

So, prayer requests for the next few weeks.

* Jules, my housemate, is starting to rennovate a house in her spare time. She's gotta keep going at it and hopefully it'll be ready to rent soon. Then she just needs a family to rent to.

* For the team as we start to see paths for our next steps. Matt got into college and will start to do a degree in youth work in September. Ruth Mc is going to uni in Reading. Rach is still hoping to go to teacher training. Nick and Ruth D, well God knows and we are praying for guidance.

* I have been offered the job of Pastoral Youth Worker at St Hughs Lewsey in Luton. Praying for funding for the job and that I'll really see if God is leading me back to Luton. I'm searching after God's heart and still keeping my options open.

Just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who prayed over the last weekend, prayer definitely works!

Lovely Luton

As much as you can be scared of anything you go into, I have never been so scared when I was being interviewed by 7 members of St Hughs youth yesterday afternoon!

It was really good to go back to Luton and let God get me passionate about the place again. Some people might disagree with me going back so soon, but I think I'm ready to step into the 'real' world and get a 'proper' job.

There are also possibilities of doing my masters whilst working. But probably not whilst doing my first ever full time paid job.

Thanks again Chris for looking after me! It was really great to catch up with those poeple I saw and those I didn't I'll be around at Easter.

Photographic

I know you guys value honesty and integrity... and a little photographic evidence is always helpful in maintaining that.

So may I introduce to you Steve the pig...


Yes, it was great to meet him, he did smell abit and we didn't stay long cos it was really really cold the entire weekend.

And to prove that I'm really enjoying myself...

We cooked pancakes on Monday evening in anticipation of Shrove Tuesday. The young people are good at telling me how I should do things, whether I actually take it on is another entire ball game!

Well, there you go, I finally posted some pitures from Wales, it's taken a while. Hard to believe that I could be working somewhere else next year in a proper job, in the real world.

No more year outs for me, sadly it is time to start paying off the student loan and gaining a pension.

Caerdydd calling

Yeah... i was going to write 'calling' in welsh, but its a very long word. And 'to call' is even harder to get!

So there you go, I'm back in Caerdydd and happy to be back. Train journey was uneventful. Train station was full of rugby supporters trying to get home, nightmare.

Small group was great. 11-14's club is back on tonight, we're talking about discipline with the little dahlings. Hmmm, cue lots of 'that's not fair' and 'we should ban them forever', nice.

Apologies for lack of photos - I'm not the one holding the digital camera.

Not much God stuff going around in my head at the mo. But have been thinking about worship and what it all means.

Oh and on Friday I finally get to do my 'How do I resist evil?' talk in Porth - I've been waiting for an entire month.

Comfortable

So now I'm sitting at home. Doing the work I need to do for the small group on Sunday. I'm quite excited about the possiblity of getting these young people to think along the lines of God.

Identity has always been a tricky subject for me.

Not so much about finding my identity in God, but using that identity to gain the most out of life. It works really well some days and other days I forget who created me. Which can only cause trouble surely?

Well, I don't know all the answers. Which is the approach I'm taking to Youth Work at the moment and it seems to be working well!

Every cloud has a silver lining

Negative - moving to the smallest room in the house
Positive - internet 24/7 but I'm sure the novelty will wear off soon

Negative - loads of work
Positive - Train rides home and back this weekend. Yeay for parents who will still feed me!

Negative - going from train ride to small group
Positive - going to church and having a small group focussed on God rather than food

Ok, more positive things to balance it out I think. I have recovered from the weekend and as a consequence I'm having almost 4 days off of work. I got an interview for a job. Lots of people already know too much! Ask me... don't be afraid!

Everything is going great at the moment, possibly half term is to blame. Next week is full to the rafters with schools work and clubs back in force. Hard to believe that its nearly March but the good thing is we finish Feb wih Pancake day!!

Don't forget guys! I say we eat as many pancakes in as many styles this year. I already have 3 pancake nights booked in for next week.

And for lent as well as giving up something I'm gonna stop making excuses to not go to kick boxing. "I'm too tired" should never be an excuse!

Weekend a-wahey!

I met a pig called Steve this weekend!

The farm was very fun, after all my groaning and complaining. We had a packed weekend and many laughs to go along with it.

I was tired and challenged. I am glad that we spent a lot of time inside and listening to God and who ever was teaching.

I don't intend on doing it again any time soon. I think 11 months is a small enough gap between exhausting weekends away.

Pictures to follow - promise.

Day off and away

School in Porth had a day off today, so I automatically get a day off to!

Fantastic! An afternoon off to practice sleeping I think.

I'm so not looking forward to this weekend still. Being away and being ill is never fun. But I'm sure that God has a lot to say to me this weekend and I'll probably end up with an entirely different view to where I started.

I started applying for jobs, so pray for me. I don't know where I'm gonna go or what I really want to do, but God's there guiding me every single step of the way.

So to further my development on the management front I'm now conference manger for a Brian McLaren event my church is holding. Scared and very happy to have even more responsibility! Feeling very grown up.

'That' time of year!

All my single ladies and lads - miss you guys loads right now.

We're just under 12 hours into Valentine's day and the chocolate cake is definitely calling me!

No such fun however this year.

I did get a lovely card in the post this morning which was really encouraging and set me up for what could be a very long and tedious day.

Previous experience has taught me to gear myself up for half term week as being a busy week, without clubs we all drift into 9 til 5 and have meetings constantly.

It will be fine... the calmness of this week gives me a great opportunity to think about Lent and what I'll be fasting from this year. I'm looking for a challenge!

Lots to be doing

I'm hearing cries of 'Yeah, right!'

This week, like every week, always seems pretty empty to start off with, then I'll put things into my diary and suddenly the time just goes, before you know it next weekend will be here.

Ha ha, thats something I'm definitely not looking forward to!

Some of you may remember the weekend away that I did with the Luton guys last year, well exactly a year on I'll be away again with my peers doing team building on a farm.

I would love to look forward to it, but i'm finding it really hard at the moment. i just can't imagine myself having fun in the cold.

Hopefully the weather will treat us good and the team will be stronger.

But to be honest I'd much rather go to a big old house in the country and relax with God for a few days.

If we did not praise

Kind of going on from the SoulNet thing...

I was thinking lots about praise and sung worship. 3 lines from a song really struck me:

'If we did not praise the rocks would cry out'
'Life itself your perfect plan'
'Creation joins as one to sing "Glorious God" '

I just took some time out to think about that. I'm yet to come up with anything really profound, but I'm definitely amazed by the idea that I fit into a perfect plan (however many times I mess up) and that even when I'm singing to God walking down the street I can be assured that creation is singing with me!

Also, the first line comes from Luke 19v40. I don't really want a stone having my job!!

Any thoughts?

Centre Parcs in all it's glory

Having spent 6 hours trying to get to Elveden Forest nr Thetford, I arrived at Centre Parcs late.

Went straight to hear Mike P talk about how we should keep an eye on out first love and remain focussed on God. Great! I can really understand that.

I won't say any more about the weekend, that's between me and God mostly. I did have a really good time. I have come away with some great tips and I'm a big step closer to God.

Spent the 6 hours on the train back doing work and thinking about how important it is to remain focussed on God even if you have a huge organisation under your belt. It's a lot different from being a humble youth worker and having designated time off (I'm sitting at home dressed warmly).

To all those who have asked, I won't be on any summer festivals this year, as member or team. God has bigger plans for me.

Its all over

That's not as drastic as it sounds.

The drama module I'm on enjoyed a rarity last night... we had an audience that listened to us and interacted the way we expected them to.

They laughed at the jokes, were stunned by the action and their comments at the end were helpful... mostly.

One girl said 'Thanks... for nothing!' So helpful.

Oh well, life can go back to normal now, for the most part. Although I am away this weekend at SoulNet, so another busy weekend for me. I'm very excited to be learning and receiving. I really want to start networking properly too.

Also looking forward to having visitors... yes have been here 5 months and no one has come to see me. Get you bums over here guys!!!

Full of Surprises

It's been a long and tiring week, with a fantastic end.

I went to Derby on Saturday to see Chris for her 21st. A long trip for a fantastic day. It was so great to see her and Selina!! Very excited to know what's going on and how things are progressing. Lots of prayer points and chatting going on.

We strolled 8 ish miles around Carsington Water Reservoir, it was really good to be outside for the entire day.

Got back into Cardiff having seen the sun rise and set on Saturday, lovely.

Sunday was a Holy Spirit filled day. Lots of chatting and praying again. Loved the whole day. Ended up being a tad confused about what God is doing right now, but I'm sure it'll all be clear soon.

It's starting to see like there aren't enough hours in the day...

Chocolate fon-don't

Many exciting things have happened this weekend.

Porth, as always, was amazing. The guys in the Valleys live as part of a small community and are really going for God. The group is growing and I'm learning a lot about the advantages of detached youth work.

Saturday was a shopping day with the girls... it's some one's birthday soon and I had a lot of things to buy with no money, but it all got done and I'm quite excited now!

The team are starting to get comfortable again, and living in each other's pockets is always helpful. God's grace is getting us through, there are a few 'I'm sorry's flying around, but it's all part of growing up.

Suday was crazy, I was leading the 10-14's in the morning and the 11-14's in the evening. I had two amazing co-leaders and got through both of them realitively unscathed.

The 11-14's small group in the evening is a new thing, so we are building relationships by eating together as often as we can. Which is where the chocolate (siocled) comes in...

8 youth + 2 leaders, 3 bowls of chocolate, lots of fruit and hula hoops (yes crisps) lasts about 15 minutes.

It was great fun, and we even played a few games. So it begins, having ownership of something so fundamental to church life is an interesting position to be in. Pray that we get some male leaders soon.

Sorry (edifaru) - have been a bit slack on the random welsh word front...

God - Duw

Pub - tafarn

(remembering that a single f is pronounced v - you get tavarn, sound familiar?)

until - nes

News - newydd

To do

Been discovering a lot about time management recently. Starting to write to do lists before I do anything to stop me from forgetting things.

It'd been a tough couple of weeks, suddenly being back in Cardiff and having to adjust. I do such a good job of painting a very rosy picture, I forget to mention that life is hard.

The money has almost rolled in for this term, I love that I can rely on the creator of the universe to provide for me. I still have a way to go, but thank you to everyone who is putting money and prayers in to me this year. My appreciation for you goes up everyday.

Honesty hasn't really been something I struggle with til recently.

Now I'm finding myself in many positions where honesty means that I have to face raw emotion, things I'm yet to address being so young.

One of these is facing the fact that I'm miles away from close family and still finding my church family unbearable on days.

Many of you know my grandad is really unwell and hearing how he is getting on always makes me cry. I love him so much and I'm in Wales. Nothing I can do but wait for news, which is hard to get if the lines of communication are tied up in other things.

I miss people the most. Just having people who really understand me.

I some times wish I could say loads more... but it feels like the person who needs to read it never will.

Good Morning

From a very rainy Wales.

Writing before a really busy week, which includes meetings (again - do they ever stop) and running various youth events. This includes starting an 11-14's small group next Sunday evening.

I'm so excited by the prospect of having ownership of something. This means organising every 2 weeks and being on hand to answer questions from parent and young people alike.

God's moving all over this country and I hope that evryone is ready to take part in that!

Bless you lots this week, I hope you have a good time what ever you are up to.

More News

Just to let you know, my latest newsletter can be found here

And also an end of week up date really.

Its been busy this week, not much time spent just chillin'. And yesterday we started a course within a course at my church.

The Ignite Leadership Academy is something completely different from anything I've done before. I think this is because one of the definite course requirements is to find 5 people to sign the Ignite commitment. Kind of strange just because we don't know much about it, and we now have to find 5 people and get them to sign up.

We'll be doing this til the end of the year (which is 6 months away), so by the weekend away (mid-feb) we should really know what we are talking about.

So far I've learnt to teach Sex education, what my purpose in life is (living for God), critiqued the book (don't get me started), leart CPR and got loads of new friends.

This year is going pretty well and a relatively good week is about to end.

Next week looks more fun, I've got rehearsals all saturday and Sunday afternoon for a performance on Monday. Once that is out of the way we shall be well inducted into Cardiff life and starting to call it home.

Slowly looking at getting a job btw, and realising how important it is for me to be single and relying on God.

Some things just sound better

So having been back at work for 4 days, on Friday Ruth drove her and I to Porth for our first of many weekly visits.

I started Friday with lots of anticipation for what might go on that night. Emma and John had asked the youth to raise money for a church trip to Romania by staying up for 11 hours in the church building.

Sounded like fun, so I agreed.

We had loads of things planned, but just ended up having a laugh with the 10 members that turned up. A good night, but because I haven't done it for a while and am still recovering from being ill, it did me in.

I just finished sleeping for 7 hours on saturday, got up and went out, then had a relaxing day Sunday. Trouble is I couldn't get up this morning and have spent the day at home in prep for a week of meetings.

It's been good to have a day off... watch this space for the productiveness that comes out of it.

Was thinking about a few things in the dark hours of Saturday morning and put them all to order this afternoon. Some things do just sound better... no doubt about it!

New Year

Well, back to work with a resounding crash.

Arrived this morning without Rachel which was a bit weird, but we coped well.

It's no longer christmas in the office but we still have the certificate up from winning the decorating competition before we left. So that will be a constant reminder that we all had a great christmas.

This is as good a time as any to send out some prayer points as we all get back to routine:

1. For me and the team as we settle back into working life. Group dynamics have changed a little bit so we've all got to see how it works.
2. Alot of things are happening in Essex and Luton at the moment, planning and moving around of people, they all need just as much prayer as me.
3. We all seem a bit ill at the moment (maybe it's just the welsh rain) We all need to be better.
4. My housemate is still really unsure about what's going on with a new house and the money things surrounding it, pray that she can do what she needs to do.

I think thats it for now. I don't have all the money I need yet either. But I'm sure that'll come in time.

Happy new year to every one, I hope this is a time that you can start anything you need to start and stop things that need to be stopped.

One final fling

New years eve was great. Had such a laugh with Christine, Liz and Mandy. My most favourite of all people!

We had a dance too... haven't danced that hard in a long long time, it was great to come home with no blisters and a full compliment of memory. Loving it.

The previous few days I'd spent in Luton with other people. Lunching with the ladies (you know who you are), dinner and pub trips with the lads mostly. Funny how the face of church could be going through a slight change.

I'm gonna miss everyone again, life is moving on incredibly swiftly without me and its starting to be an effort to catch up!

So that's your cue to keep writing, ringing, emailing and blogging... over to you!